Crossed by Ally Condie
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Dutton, 384 Pages
Sub-genre: Dystopian
Source: Publisher
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Series: Matched #2
Other Books in This Series: Matched
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In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky – taken by the Society to his certain death – only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander – who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart – change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

I just want to make a three things perfectly clear before I give you my thoughts on this book:

1. If you’re team Ky, you will love this book
2. If you are team Xander, you will love this book
3. This is an absolutely amazing story about love, friendship, and fighting for what you believe in.

With that said, I will say that I was really worried that I wouldn’t love this installment as much as Matched, but I am incredibly pleased to say that this Crossed has exceeded my expectations. Ally Condie’s stories are inspirational. Her words are poetic and graceful. The characters are deep, endearing, and as colorful as any reader could hope for.

The first three quarters of the book will have you on the edge of your seating wanting to keep reading and wanting Ky and Cassia to find each other. It’s so hard to describe what I loved about this book without giving away too much, but I can definitely say that this book is a powerful read that had me in tears at the end. There is redemption, heartbreak, and loss…but the suspense and secrets are what kept me so engaged. The thrills and butterflies of their journey and the fabulously created love triangle are perfection that most authors can only dream of being able to bring to life with their words. But one thing I can attest to – Ally Condie does it and flawlessly.

If you loved Matched then you are bound to love Crossed as well. I have fallen in love with the story and the writing in general. The use of classic poems to fuel and inspire the character leaves nothing to be desired in a dystopian society of oppression and conspiracy. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

Happy Reading!