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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So, this book was off to a very slow start. It took me quite a while, like a 150 page long while, to really get into it. But once it became good, it stayed that way.
First off, the character development was great. They took the time to actually let you get to know each character that mattered. You got a backstory and you knew about their present life.
My favorite character by far was probably Xander. I kept wanting him to come up more in the book, and was quite disappointed when he didn't :(
Cassia: Well of course you have to like her, but honestly I didn't. She led too much of a double life for me to get into her character. She had her good points, but her character reminded me too much of Katniss. Now, in Hunger Games, I was totally team Gale and she chose Peeta. I was team Xander and she chose Ky? No! She was intrigued by his face showing up, but doesn't mean you have to love him! Love your best friend, who's always been there and will continue to do so. GRRR!
Xander: Why do I love his character so much? He was dynamic. He played the loving friend/match but at the same time, understood why Cassia would choose Ky. Hell he even went his whole teen life keeping secrets for Ky! He really didn't get much of a chance to prove himself. It was kind of like, "oh hey you love Ky now, bye Xander!" Which secretly angered me because she didn't even fight for her love. She didn't give Xander a chance :(
Ky: So, Ky was the typical romantic heart throb you expect in a book. He was loving, gentle and willing to fight for what he wanted. Ya, ya, ya. It's been done. That character isn't anything new. Now I liked his backstory a lot and I feel as though a lot of questions were not answered. Let's hope they are in the later books? I just don't feel like his character was really "special".
Now, as far as a storyline goes, it was kinda choppy and hard to follow at times, I found myself rereading too many parts of the book because they jumped around so much. The story overall was great and I loved it, but they need to work on the jumping around aspect. I feel as it they tried to bring too many stories into the main picture and at some points, it didn't work. Not to mention, a lot of parts were very rushed, and some were taken way too slow and explained in TOO much detail(is that even possible? Ha!).
I really hope in the next books they find out what happened to the artifacts and that the subject isn't just ended completely. Rooting for a win here!
First off, the character development was great. They took the time to actually let you get to know each character that mattered. You got a backstory and you knew about their present life.
My favorite character by far was probably Xander. I kept wanting him to come up more in the book, and was quite disappointed when he didn't :(
Cassia: Well of course you have to like her, but honestly I didn't. She led too much of a double life for me to get into her character. She had her good points, but her character reminded me too much of Katniss. Now, in Hunger Games, I was totally team Gale and she chose Peeta. I was team Xander and she chose Ky? No! She was intrigued by his face showing up, but doesn't mean you have to love him! Love your best friend, who's always been there and will continue to do so. GRRR!
Xander: Why do I love his character so much? He was dynamic. He played the loving friend/match but at the same time, understood why Cassia would choose Ky. Hell he even went his whole teen life keeping secrets for Ky! He really didn't get much of a chance to prove himself. It was kind of like, "oh hey you love Ky now, bye Xander!" Which secretly angered me because she didn't even fight for her love. She didn't give Xander a chance :(
Ky: So, Ky was the typical romantic heart throb you expect in a book. He was loving, gentle and willing to fight for what he wanted. Ya, ya, ya. It's been done. That character isn't anything new. Now I liked his backstory a lot and I feel as though a lot of questions were not answered. Let's hope they are in the later books? I just don't feel like his character was really "special".
Now, as far as a storyline goes, it was kinda choppy and hard to follow at times, I found myself rereading too many parts of the book because they jumped around so much. The story overall was great and I loved it, but they need to work on the jumping around aspect. I feel as it they tried to bring too many stories into the main picture and at some points, it didn't work. Not to mention, a lot of parts were very rushed, and some were taken way too slow and explained in TOO much detail(is that even possible? Ha!).
I really hope in the next books they find out what happened to the artifacts and that the subject isn't just ended completely. Rooting for a win here!
3.5 stars. I liked it and will definitely read the next one in the trilogy!
I really liked the beginning. I’d say up until 50% in, I could keep up with the story. The city they created and the characters were entertaining enough that I found it enjoyable. But the second half? The long love triangle was annoying and so boring that I actually fell asleep trying to continue reading this book. Will not continue with this series. DNF at 80%. I was that close to the end and did not care to finish the story.
"Don't judge a book by its cover" - Unknown
I was not aware that this book would be a part of The YA Book Club's monthly read, but as I stumbled upon the group shelf today, I decided instead to write a review for it, since I've already read it.
My opinion of this book is somewhat influenced by the other comments/reviews on this book, but an opinion is only formed after gaining a foundation (aka reading). To be honest, I think this book is a cheap version of all Dystopian novels, not just [a:Lois Lowry|2493|Lois Lowry|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1348162077p2/2493.jpg]'s The Giver Quartet. It has all the elements, such as: a controlled world in which the main character lives in, some secret about the so-called 'future world' that is a big part of the story's plot, and one can never forget any hint of romance. Romance is what brings in teen readers these days, but when overdone, it can be frustrating.
The plot of the first book was basically an introduction the whole Matched Trilogy, and I think it has a good pace. Though it can be dull and boring at times, it was still a great book to read and I recommend it to anyone who is willing to read such a criticized novel.
Condie, A. (2010). Matched. New York, NY: Dutton Childrens Books.
In Cassia’s society Officials choose everything for the citizens, from what they eat to who they marry. When Cassia is matched with her best friend, life couldn’t get better. Until an error makes her rethink everything. It seems most YA books being publishes include love triangles. This one is no different. However, Cassia really does have a hard time choosing and it doesn’t seem added just to create drama. While the romance is front and center, imagine Twilight meets The Giver, the political intrigue set-up for the later books is far more interesting. On that same note, this book draws to a natural conclusion, the hero makes her choices, and there are consequences and delights in it, but then it wears out its welcome. The last few chapters are merely set-up for later books in the series, which will leave some readers unsatisfied.
Just a quick note: The audiobook is great, but the end really seems to drag here. I would have just picked up the book if it wasn’t checked out at my library.
Similar Titles (Read-A-Likes): The Line by Terri Hall, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien, Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Giver by Lois Lowry
In Cassia’s society Officials choose everything for the citizens, from what they eat to who they marry. When Cassia is matched with her best friend, life couldn’t get better. Until an error makes her rethink everything. It seems most YA books being publishes include love triangles. This one is no different. However, Cassia really does have a hard time choosing and it doesn’t seem added just to create drama. While the romance is front and center, imagine Twilight meets The Giver, the political intrigue set-up for the later books is far more interesting. On that same note, this book draws to a natural conclusion, the hero makes her choices, and there are consequences and delights in it, but then it wears out its welcome. The last few chapters are merely set-up for later books in the series, which will leave some readers unsatisfied.
Just a quick note: The audiobook is great, but the end really seems to drag here. I would have just picked up the book if it wasn’t checked out at my library.
Similar Titles (Read-A-Likes): The Line by Terri Hall, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien, Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Giver by Lois Lowry
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I really enjoyed this. For fans of books like The Giver by Louis Lowry.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated