Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie

Release Date: November 30th 2010

Publisher: Penguin Group

Age Range/Genre: Young Adult

Number of Pages: 366

ISBN: 9780142419779

Rating: 

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate… until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

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RATING: 3.5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS

Matched is a book which I have had quite a while. I will admit this was not the first time that I attempted to read the book.  A couple of years ago I attempted the book, and out of dislike for the main character, and out of boredom I stopped reading early on in the story. However, I decided that I would have another go, as I know a couple of people who liked the book, and I did get through the book this time, and enjoyed it!

After reading through the whole of the book, I enjoyed the story and the romance between Cassia and Ky. The idea of a future society where everything is controlled is very similar to The Giver by Lois Lowry, however the romance between the main characters, Cassia, Ky and Xander features more prominently. Similarly, through the novel it shows how peoples love for each other mean that they bend the rules.

The criticisms that I had with the novel was that I found the story could slow at times. While Cassia is breaking rules of the society she lives in, there is not much action in the novel, and neither is the novel very fast paced. The book for me took a while to get into, however further into the story I found it became more interesting.

What I enjoyed about Matched was the romance between Cassia and Ky. It was not an ‘insta-love’ and throughout the book more is revealed about Ky so you feel as if you are beginning to understand him. Their relationship was sweet, and you can see Cassia slowly falling for Ky :). I also enjoyed the futuristic world, which was easy to imagine as the world building was good. Similarly, throughout the novel certain privileges and objects are taken away from Cassia and her family showing more clearly how every aspect of their lives is controlled by the government.

While the romance between Cassia, and Ky is the main story line, their relationship also opens up onto showing what is wrong with the society. I was left questioning at the end who put Ky into the matching ceremony, and why? Also I was left intrigued at who they were at war with.

Additionally Ally Condie’s writing style is enjoyable and beautiful to read. Towards the end of Matched I really got into the book; as more is revealed it left me questioning what was happening, and wanting to read the next book in the trilogy – Crossed!

Overall I rate Matched 3.5 stars. While I did enjoy the novel, I found the beginning slow. However if you enjoy a futuristic world and romance I would not let this put you off reading it, and I recommend the book!

If you enjoyed Matched and would like to read books which are similar, here are my recommendations:

• Awaken – By Kaite Kacvinsky 
• The Giver – By Lois Lowry
• Delirium – By Lauren Oliver
• Divergent – By Veronica Roth
• Slated – By Teri Terry

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, and highly recommend them!

Happy Reading xxx