Crossed

By: Ally Condie

Narrated by: Kate Simses, Jack Riccobono

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy....

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.

©2011 Ally Condie (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Cassia and Ky grapple with secrets, wilderness and the tumultuous meanings of love in the second installment of this addictive, layered dystopic trilogy... Although two-boys-one-girl triangles run rife in this genre, Condie’s is complicated and particularly human, involving real emotional scars... Both rich and easy to digest, this will leave fans hungry for the third book.” (Kirkus, starred review)

“Told in alternating chapters from their points of view, the book gives readers full access to the hearts and minds of two memorable characters. Their needs, love, and internal conflicts are palpable. Their voices are distinct and authentic, and the writing is often poetic.” (School Library Journal)

"...vivid, poetic writing... Condie immerses readers in her characters’ yearnings and hopes.” (Publishers Weekly)

For young teens.

A great story of self discovery, and also awareness. This book explores creativity, as well as love and just action against evil.

Just ok

I was anxiously awaiting the follow-on book to Matched, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Crossed was just ok. It was difficult at times connecting the current story line to the previous book - and if you didn't read/listen to Matched (the first book in the series) I am afraid it would be difficult to follow some of the story line.

I really liked the second book

Even thouh the first was better, I still loved the second book a lot! Some have said they didn't like the female voice. For me, she was perfect for this part. I could have listened to her all day. LOVE her voice. But both did a fantastic job. Loved them all. This series is great. I enjoyed it very much. In fact, I loved it. So much interesting stuff packed into these books. What I didn't like at all was the music. I see people complain all the time about music in the books, yet they still keep adding it. The third book wasn't as bad, but still annoying. But this one was pretty bad. But it only comes up here and there, so don't let that stop you. These are fantastic!

Intriguing story

This dystopian story continues to engross the reader as Kasha and Ky separately leave “society” and end up in the outer lands until they finally find The Rebellion Group that could change the world.

A beautiful story

This is the most wonderful story for long fr rides, u can’t wait to start the next one. Thank you so much it was such a beautiful story!

I love this Series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this audiobook to a friend and actually have. I really like the first book in the series and this is the second. I can hardly wait for the third book in the trilogy to come out!

What did you like best about this story?

Partly, I liked the "big brother is watching" type of thing. And how the main character and her friend found ways to get around it.

What does Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She read the part about the main girl and he read the parts about the boy and the mix was great. You saw the differing points of view more with the two voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was very hard to put down. But at the same time I didn't want to finish it. I wanted it to last a long time.

Any additional comments?

Someone else said that they couldn't get into this book. I didn't have that problem at all. But if you do feel that way, keep reading. It seems to get better and better and more exciting all the way.

Slow.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Just fair series

Would you be willing to try another book from Ally Condie? Why or why not?

Not sure

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono ?

They spoke a little slow. Found myself listening to the book on 2x speed

Did Crossed inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

No

! The Story of humans.

Adventure, friendship, mystery, love & strength!
I am excited to read #3 next, and again!!!

Entertaining

Any additional comments?

Good read/listen. Readers are good to listen to. That means alot to me.

Every bit as good as its prequel

This book is a great follow up to Matched and every bit as good as the first book. It just leaves you waiting for Reached to come out too! I like that you start to get a look into Ky's mind as well and that he gets to narrate part of the book as well. Some of the things that happen are a little more predictable than I might have hoped for, but that doesn't really take away from the story. Since this book really just follows the previous book and the two blend together a bit for me I'll repeat what I had to say about the first book -

The writing is beautiful, I loved so much of the imagery and description in the book. Ally uses some really great literary techniques but makes them feel weightless. It really helped make you feel like you were there. The book makes you think about the prices we pay for the choices we make, and sometimes the prices others have to pay for our choices. It makes you think about the value of even having choices. It is a love triangle book, so if you're getting sick of all the love triangles you might find that aspect of the book a little annoying but if you can get past that aspect of the book the book itself is quite enjoyable.

The narration is also quite excellent. Kate and Jack do a great job of differentiating characters without seeming too over-the-top or over-dramatic.

Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story that will make you think a little!