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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
reflective
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
Disclaimer: I read this series like 6 months ago, so the details are a little fuzzy. But the impression it leaves 6 months later is important, right? Cuz if it doesn't leave a mark, it isn't really worth your time.
The series was... Unextraordinary.
The characters were meh. The plot was meh. The character development could have used some help. It's not that any of them were bad or anything. Just not amazing. At this point, I barely even remember anything except for the fuzzy details of the love triangle, and how the last book reminded me so much of everything COVID-related.
The worldbuilding was cool though (love the concept of the 100 poems, songs, etc, and using ancient words, or the compass for trade). What I DO remember and absolutely loved about the story, was the use of poetry and writing. I remember being completely awestruck by the use of poems. As a plot point, character motivation, and overall worldbuilding epicness. I guess before reading this book, I didn't realize that we writers were allowed to write about things we love and appreciate (like poetry, writing, art) in such detail, with the same wonder we feel about them. It sounds so ridiculous, like duh, of course. But I'll always be grateful to this book for helping me realize I can take what I love and make it awe-inspiring to other people through my own stories.
I like to find one thing about every book to remember, and this book has definitely made it easy. I totally suggest you read it! But honestly, I can't guarantee a great read, or that you'll enjoy it. I just hope someone finds joy in it too :)
The series was... Unextraordinary.
The characters were meh. The plot was meh. The character development could have used some help. It's not that any of them were bad or anything. Just not amazing. At this point, I barely even remember anything except for the fuzzy details of the love triangle, and how the last book reminded me so much of everything COVID-related.
The worldbuilding was cool though (love the concept of the 100 poems, songs, etc, and using ancient words, or the compass for trade). What I DO remember and absolutely loved about the story, was the use of poetry and writing. I remember being completely awestruck by the use of poems. As a plot point, character motivation, and overall worldbuilding epicness. I guess before reading this book, I didn't realize that we writers were allowed to write about things we love and appreciate (like poetry, writing, art) in such detail, with the same wonder we feel about them. It sounds so ridiculous, like duh, of course. But I'll always be grateful to this book for helping me realize I can take what I love and make it awe-inspiring to other people through my own stories.
I like to find one thing about every book to remember, and this book has definitely made it easy. I totally suggest you read it! But honestly, I can't guarantee a great read, or that you'll enjoy it. I just hope someone finds joy in it too :)
Matched is a novel about a futuristic, dystopian society where your life is chosen for you. The Society decides everything: what job you will have, who you will marry, and even when you will die. All information about you is stored on a giant computer database, and this computer doesn't make mistakes. When Cassia Reyes attends her matching banquet, everything seems perfect. She has never questioned that The Society would choose her best match until, inexplicably, the wrong person flashes on her computer screen. One split second mistake begins to make her wonder. Does the Society truly know what's best for everyone, and do they really have HER best interests at heart?
Matched is the first book in this popular trilogy by Ally Condie. If you like dystopian novels like The Hunger Games or the Giver and are a fan of tangled love triangles, you will love this book. If you're still not convinced, check out the amazing booktrailer at www.matched-book.com
Matched is the first book in this popular trilogy by Ally Condie. If you like dystopian novels like The Hunger Games or the Giver and are a fan of tangled love triangles, you will love this book. If you're still not convinced, check out the amazing booktrailer at www.matched-book.com
Loved the disappointed aspect of the book but found it hard to keep focused on the book. I wanted to be interested but just found that I wasn’t.
I read this book again to refresh my memory before the sequel comes out next month. I am excited to see what happens with Cassia's story.
Original Review December 2010:
I really, really liked this latest must-read YA book. It did not quite blow me away like The Hunger Games did when I first read it, but I will definitely be reading (and waiting in anticipation for) the sequel when it comes out at the end of next year.
Now I'm just wishing that I wouldn't have heard about this one until the sequels were already published so that I wouldn't have so long to wait. . .
Original Review December 2010:
I really, really liked this latest must-read YA book. It did not quite blow me away like The Hunger Games did when I first read it, but I will definitely be reading (and waiting in anticipation for) the sequel when it comes out at the end of next year.
Now I'm just wishing that I wouldn't have heard about this one until the sequels were already published so that I wouldn't have so long to wait. . .
Another dystopian future, another girl choosing between two boys.
That being said, I was really engrossed in the book and it passed the test of, "If I picked up this book at midnight, will I just keep reading until I'm done?" On the surface, it's a much cleaner world compared to the world of the Hunger Games. But the people in the Districts knew how to think and create and make choices, whereas the people of this world of 100 official poems, songs, etc, just know how to sort information and consume food and marry the people that the Officials choose.
And speaking of creating, I think they picked the perfect shade of green for the cover.
That being said, I was really engrossed in the book and it passed the test of, "If I picked up this book at midnight, will I just keep reading until I'm done?" On the surface, it's a much cleaner world compared to the world of the Hunger Games. But the people in the Districts knew how to think and create and make choices, whereas the people of this world of 100 official poems, songs, etc, just know how to sort information and consume food and marry the people that the Officials choose.
And speaking of creating, I think they picked the perfect shade of green for the cover.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fast read --- people that enjoy YA like Hunger Games and Divergent will likely enjoy this series, too. My gripes: it is yet ANOTHER love triangle involving a teenager who is going to change the way an entire society exists, and also while it is a fast read it is sort of slow moving. There are some concepts lacking explanation and I'm hoping things pick up in the next two books.
Still enjoyable and worth reading the series though.
Still enjoyable and worth reading the series though.
The book itself isn’t necessarily bad, it just felt like a jumble of other well known dystopian books. It gave me very strong Giver vibes then 1984. But I overall did enjoy it and the trilogy was fun if not all reminiscent of its genre.