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)

Struggle of youth & government

If you could sum up Crossed in three words, what would they be?

What are the chances?

What did you like best about this story?

Courage to hope for something better and the willingness to try.

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

I normally don't like narrator changes in a book or even a series, however it was fairly well done in this book.

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

It made me have to read the final book in the trilogy.

The story continues..

A great second story that kept me wanting to know what’s next! I’d liked to have known a little more back story as to how Cassia and her family left the Society. Can’t wait to read the next one!

Not as good as Matched, but...

Story - I didn't feel that this book was a good as Matched, but it was ok and I feel that it sets up for a potentially thrilling conclusion to the trilogy with the next book. I loved Matched, so the bar was set pretty high in my expectations for Crossed. Don't get me wrong, this is still a great story, just not what I thought it could be.

Narration - I read Matched on my Kindle, so I hadn't heard the audio version. I used a credit for Crossed and wish I hadn't. I did not like the narrators, especially Kate Simses. Her voice sounded way too young for what I envisioned Cassia should have sounded like. I've heard Ms. Simses on other books and it didn't annoy me, but I found it almost unbearable to listen to her on this book. If you listened to and liked Matched, I'm sure Ms. Simses narration won't bother you, but if you didn't listen to Matched, I'd think twice before using a credit on this book.

I cant wait for more!

We are doing AR reading at my school, well this year the teachers and staff are competing to try and encourage the kids to read. I LOVE LOVE to read but was having a hard time finding any Teen/ YA books that I could stand to read/listen to. Well this one had it all. I cant wait for the next book in this series. Only bad things is it left me at a cliff hanger and the wait is going to kill me.

Not as good as first

But it was still a good story. There were places in the book where I wondered why they were there. Hopefully they have something to do with the third book, I'll find out soon. It was good enough to get the third book!

A little too sentimental.

This sequel picks up were Matched left off and the series flows natural. More background of the Society is appreciated.

Having two narrators gives us a nice perspective change keeping your interest.

This story, however, not one of my favorites in the dystopian sci-fi genera. (if that is a thing) It seemed a little slow and sentimental. Not boring, but you can set it aside for a few days without much angst. That being said, I will still listen to the next book just to satisfy my curiosity.

Surprised

While I enjoyed the first book I realized it was “light and airy” in the meaning of it was a futuristic forbidden love book. The second is just as amazing as the first, but a little more gruesome. I still loved it. The voice changes made it when the other characters talked, they talked in two different voices. This was the only part that was a little annoying.

Love this book

If you could sum up Crossed in three words, what would they be?

Couldn't stop listening.

What other book might you compare Crossed to and why?

It is the sequel to "Matched." I found them very comparable to the "Uglies" series.

Not the best

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

I am not sure. I think the print version probably would be better, since the narrator's voice was often annoyingly cheerful.

Great

The sequel to Matched is just as good if not better! A must read fir all those who loved Matched!