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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
I actually like these more than I thought, the stories and struggles are simpler which means they make a bit more sense than other YA dystopia things. The characters are not incomprehensibly powerful, but kind of normal citizens dealing with extraordinary circumstances. I like it
Reviews also on our site:Readers In Wonderland
First let me mention the difference between Crossed and its predecessor, Matched. They are like night and day, if you did not know any better you would think two different authors wrote them. It is not a difference that makes you say "What was she thinking," because both novels are excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them but Crossed made me think of all the other novels I've read that have passed my "It was just okay" mark. Crossed is one of those books that you will read again and again because it is truly written so wonderful and so much happens! It automatically raises your expectations for all books because you know expect everything you read to be this good.
If you didn't think a lot happened in the last book and it was all focused on the romance you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. All the scheming and secrets and plot twists take your full focus and you'll love it.
My own little sorting:
I believe your thoughts on this book will match (see what I did there, wink wink) either liking it or disliking it based on the following scenarios.
If you liked Matched only for the romance = Dislike
If you liked Matched but wish it had more action/plot = Like
If you didn't like Matched because nothing happened = Like
If you didn't like Matched except for Xander - Dislike
I give Crossed a well deserved five stars.
First let me mention the difference between Crossed and its predecessor, Matched. They are like night and day, if you did not know any better you would think two different authors wrote them. It is not a difference that makes you say "What was she thinking," because both novels are excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them but Crossed made me think of all the other novels I've read that have passed my "It was just okay" mark. Crossed is one of those books that you will read again and again because it is truly written so wonderful and so much happens! It automatically raises your expectations for all books because you know expect everything you read to be this good.
If you didn't think a lot happened in the last book and it was all focused on the romance you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. All the scheming and secrets and plot twists take your full focus and you'll love it.
My own little sorting:
I believe your thoughts on this book will match (see what I did there, wink wink) either liking it or disliking it based on the following scenarios.
If you liked Matched only for the romance = Dislike
If you liked Matched but wish it had more action/plot = Like
If you didn't like Matched because nothing happened = Like
If you didn't like Matched except for Xander - Dislike
I give Crossed a well deserved five stars.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am going to give this book a 3.5 stars. It was a slow going start and middle for me. Once I completed them parts I was ok. The last 150 pages give or take were great and I read them in one sitting!
adventurous
dark
reflective
slow-paced
slow-paced
Crossed certainly delivers in the quest to move along the story of Cassia and Ky at an almost alarming rate. To accomplish this the narrative sometimes gives the protagonists things too easily - they suffer greatly, for sure, but there are few if any missteps and almost each action leads to the desired outcome of reaching the next step in their quest. The buildup to the final installment is ferocious and promises juicy teenage angst, confused first loves and the promise of a Hunger Games-esque societal triumph.
I found this book more enjoyable than the first. Whilst I felt the first book didn't really get going until the very end, this one kept me intrigued from the get go. I liked getting Ky's perspective in this book as well and despite in the first book feeling like Cassia and Ky seemed a lot younger and their love a bit more difficult to buy into, this one turned that on it's head. After a disappointing start to the series this book has regained my attention and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
⭐ 4/5
The second book in the Matched trilogy takes us beyond the Society’s carefully controlled world and into the vast, dangerous Outer Provinces. While Matched was a quiet dystopia full of poetic reflection, Crossed shifts into a survival story, following Cassia and Ky as they escape into the wild in search of each other—and something bigger than just love. This book is slower than expected, full of introspection, but it also deepens the series' themes of choice, freedom, and sacrifice. If you were hoping for nonstop action, this might not be the book for you, but if you’re drawn to lyrical writing, subtle rebellion, and complex relationships, it’s a compelling read.
📖 What to Expect:
✔️ Dual POV—we finally get inside Ky’s head!
✔️ A journey through the canyons & an escape from Society
✔️ New characters (some great, some forgettable)
✔️ Lots of internal monologues and poetic reflection
✔️ Cassia torn between Xander & Ky (but also herself & her future)
✔️ Hints of the rebellion but no big uprising—yet
💡 What I Loved:
✨ The Writing is Still Gorgeous
Ally Condie’s writing is poetic, dreamy, and immersive. Even though the plot drags at times, the prose makes you want to keep reading.- There’s a strong symbolic thread running through the book—water, dust, poetry, echoes of the past—and I loved how the themes tied into the setting.
- The use of Dylan Thomas’ poetry remains a highlight. The way Cassia and Ky cling to words that aren’t censored or controlled is such a beautiful act of defiance.
💙 Ky’s Perspective Adds So Much Depth
Ky’s chapters finally give us insight into his past, his fears, and why he pushes Cassia away, even when he loves her.- He’s not the typical dystopian hero—he’s wary, scarred, and deeply lonely, and it makes him such an interesting contrast to Cassia’s more idealistic perspective.
- His survival instincts & resourcefulness were fun to read about—I wish we had more of that!
🏜️ The Canyon Setting is Breathtaking
The shift from the sterile, controlled Society to the vast, untamed canyons was a great contrast.- The descriptions of painted caves, poisoned rivers, and hidden messages made the world feel richer and more mysterious.
- It gave Crossed a Western, almost post-apocalyptic vibe—definitely different from the first book!
😬 What I Didn’t Love:
⏳ The Pacing is Very Slow
Nothing happens for long stretches of time. A lot of wandering through canyons, reminiscing, and vague conversations about “The Rising” without much actual plot progression.- It takes half the book for Cassia and Ky to reunite, and when they do, the romance feels…off (more on that below).
💔 The Love Triangle is Messy (But Not in a Fun Way)
Cassia is determined to find Ky, yet she keeps thinking about Xander—which wouldn’t be a bad thing if it felt natural. Instead, it felt forced.- Ky clearly loves Cassia, but he doesn’t trust her completely. He pushes her away, and it creates a weird distance between them.
- Instead of feeling like soulmates reunited, their relationship feels strained. I didn’t feel the love between them as much as I wanted to.
😕 The “Enemy” & The Rising Are Vague Concepts
Who is the enemy attacking the Outer Provinces? We don’t know.- What does The Rising actually stand for? We don’t really know.
- The Society is still controlling things, but we don’t see their presence much in this book. Instead, we hear whispers about rebels and war, but without a clear antagonist, the stakes feel low.
🔄 Repetitive Storytelling
The book falls into a predictable cycle:- Cassia & Ky search for each other.
- They reflect on poetry & memories.
- They almost find each other.
- They finally reunite… and immediately start keeping secrets. 😤
- The pattern gets frustrating, especially since I wanted more external conflict and less internal musing.
📌 Favorite Quotes:
📖 “We have all been carved out by our sorrow. Cut deep like canyon walls.”
(A beautifully poetic way to describe how pain shapes us.)
📖 “There is a difference between hearing people and listening to them.”
(Cassia’s realization about how much she still has to learn.)
📖 “Two little dark figures, looking up. Are they looking at me? Is it him? This far away there's only one way to know. I point to the sky.”
(The moment Cassia & Ky finally reunite—simple but powerful.)
🤔 Final Thoughts: A Beautifully Written but Slow Sequel
Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you’re invested in the series.
Would I reread it? Maybe, but I’d skim the slower parts.
Was it better than Matched? Not really—it felt like a filler book.
Crossed is more reflective than rebellious, which works in some ways but drags in others. The beautiful writing, quiet tension, and emotional depth make it compelling, but the lack of action and vague worldbuilding keep it from being as strong as it could be. If you’re expecting a thrilling dystopian adventure, you might be disappointed. But if you’re willing to sit with the slow burn, the uncertainty, and the poetic musings, you might just love it.
Now, onto Reached—let’s see if this rebellion actually goes somewhere. 🔥
Definitely not as good as the first one. It was almost too much for me as far as how many twists and turns were in the book as well as switching POV between Cassia and Ky every other chapter. However, I am looking forward to seeing where it leads.