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)

The male narrator is much better

Where does Crossed rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my least favorites, but it was still worth listening to and I will probably listen to the third when it comes out. This book just can't compare to my other favorites like "Hunger Games," "Divergent," and "Before I Fall."

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The female still sounds very immature, like a 13 year old. The male narrator was great though. He has kind of a "throaty, whisper" type voice, but I thought it was relaxing and I found myself wanting to listen to him before bed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I didn't really have much of an emotional reaction to the book, it was pretty even toned. However, the part when Eli gives the vial to Ky definitely did make me tear up a bit, I loved that part! (That shouldn't have been a spoiler at all, don't worry!)

Any additional comments?

What is with the strange music they play at random times durring the narration?! It drives me crazy, you can't hear the talking over it... and sometimes it even sounds kind of creepy.

Lacking in depth

What did you like best about Crossed? What did you like least?

Kind of boring and difficult to finish.

Would you recommend Crossed to your friends? Why or why not?

No, I didn't find it interesting or in depth enough to receive a recommendation..

What about Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono ’s performance did you like?

These were fine

Did Crossed inspire you to do anything?

Find a new book

Any additional comments?

No

performance not as good as the first one

Kate Simses is great, as always, but I couldn't stand Jack Riccobono. Every time he speaks as the character Ky he comes off as a whiney overly-dramatic person who is difficult to listen to. The story is good, but not as good as the first book.

Love sick story.. disappointed but still good.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was ok. I am ready to see how the series ends.

Have you listened to any of Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I didn't enjoy Jacks performance it seemed like he was reading way to slow and exaggerated. I felt like it was someone speaking to another trying to read lips.

Any additional comments?

I was hoping for more action and less desperate love story. I felt like they were way to desperate for each other and it almost got annoying. GOOD thing they found each other because they were was less annoying. Need more action.. the thrid book has mixed reviews so im going in with an open mind.

Its just ok

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

Depending on the friend. Its kind of like all the other dystopian books out there. But in this one the male protagonist is just unbearably whiny.

Would you be willing to try another one of Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono ’s performances?

Yes!

Was Crossed worth the listening time?

I was driving back and forth from Wyoming and it helped pass the time.

Any additional comments?

Interesting story basis but without any of those "ah, ha!" moments.

Good Dystopian Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Crossed to be better than the print version?

I don't know as I only listened on Audio, but having the male and female voices to read the characters is really nice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ky, because he was the love interest.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she finally reaches Ky in the desert.

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

yes, definitely an enthralling book in the series. I would not recommend the third book.

Solid Story Mover

After I wrote a quick review at Good Reads, I read a few previously posted and I was shocked at how many people hated this book. HATED it.

I liked it and I think it did what it was supposed to do - move the story along.

Book one, Matched, is better overall, but this one is still a solid story mover.

I like that there are two narrators to voice Cassia and Ky and I think they're both pretty good. Not the best, but they have the proper youthful quality to their voices.

I liked Crossed and am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy when it comes out later this year.

Glad I found this series - Crossed is just as good as Matched

At first I was annoyed by how Cassia's voice was so childish and blend.
But I soon found out that Kate's Simses is actually a great talent who can and does represent the true feelings and emotions of her character.
An other great analysis of our society and how different but similar it could be.
I love Young Adults books.
So far I read 5 or 6 series in the genre, and was enthralled by how life could be, compared to how it actually is! What would be better in some ways and worst in some other ways.
But enough for now.
I am hopping onto the 3rd installment of Cassia's life history :-)
JP

I enjoyed this story

What about Kate Simses and Jack Riccobono ’s performance did you like?

Yes Kate voice sounds very young, but that was okay she handled the other voices well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was better than the other reviews stated, I just wish there was more Xander. Hopefully we get to see his POV as well. I look forward to the next book.

Any additional comments?

Don't let the other views scare you away.

What an Interesting Story

I am enjoying this series. I love the characters and their development. I like that not everything is given away at the beginning. I am loving how the main characters are learning about one another and that is how we are learning about them. This is a middle book with no ending, but I knew that going in and it doesn't surprise me. I am excited to listen to book 3.

I do really enjoy the Audible version and the switching of the characters voices. Good presentation.