Name: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile // Speak
Release Date: November 30, 2010 (US)
Pages: 369, Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 2.5 Teacups
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.
Jen's Review
When I bought this
book nearly 2 years ago, it sounded to me to like it was going to be an awesome
dystopian story that I would enjoy a lot. That was back when paranormal
romances were "the thing", and I wasn't even an avid reader yet.
Today, though, I know Matched as a mixed-review dystopian. Sadly, I have to
agree with the mixed-review part. Matched was a dystopian heavily set around
romance, and didn't stand out to me among all of the other dystopians I've read
so far.
Matched started off
with a bang: the main character Cassia is being Matched with the person she is
meant to be with for the rest of her life. I was instantly captivated and I
wanted to know more, more, more. But pretty much after that, Matched lost my interest.
The rest of the plot was a steady road and didn't have any more exciting
moments or fast-paced scenes. It was boring, and stale. It became a bit tedious
to get through the entire book.
The world-building
was one of the weakest points in Matched. There were no reasons behind their
world of the Society at all. Condie threw in concepts that weren't thoroughly
explained, leaving me confused and frustrated. Sadly though, I kind of just
brushed it off because I couldn't really care less, and I just went along with
it. If I were to read the rest of the trilogy (which I probably won't be
doing..), I would love to see more concepts explained clearly.
Next are the
characters and the romance. Cassia was a strong-willed and rebellious girl in
the Society, yes, but there was nothing that made her stand out. I'm sure I'm
going to forget her quickly after a month or so. Her relationship with Ky
seemed special in the book, but in hindsight, their romance didn't make much
sense at all, either. I never really knew their reasoning behind their love, it
seemed like she only started to like him because the Society organized it that
way. Xander, Cassia's best friend, seemed like a much better choice, and I
don't know why Cassia strayed away from him.
The only thing that
pretty much kept me going was Condie's writing. It was quite delightful,
actually. Condie has beautiful prose and is a master at describing things.
Also, the way she incorporated the poetry that Cassia uses to get through her
time in the Society was great.
All things
considered, Matched was a mainstream dystopian that will get lost in the batch
of new ones that are much more unique and memorable. The romance didn't make
sense and the world was not very well explained. The only thing that was worth
reading was Condie's prose. If you're a fan of dystopians and will read any and
every dystopian, check this one out. But if not, I'd say it's okay to pass this
one up.
2.5 Teacups for Matched!
Posts
I really liked the whole concept of showing the censorship a society can impose if they will it. I also thought the whole romance started with Ky's face on the monitor, but Cassia had been thinking about him before, because he was so different, and an outcast in the society. I think it started out more as curiosity. I loved how the writing started out simple, and got more complex the more Cassia learned. The ending gave me chills!
ReplyDeleteThis was an enjoyable book. I loved the concept of it but I wasn't never a fan of Ky. Team Xander all the way! Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI knew there was a reason I was avoiding this book... I feel like there's been SO much hype surrounding this one, especially since the conclusion released, but I doubt I'll pick it up. A love triangle and weak world-building are two of my biggest pet peeves, so thanks for the helpful review, Jen! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting at first, but I eventually found it hard to continue. I gave this 2 stars and probably won't pick up the rest of the series. Hey Erin! I'm Team Xander, too! So.. high five! :)
ReplyDeleteFor some reason this story has never appealed to me, but after reading your review, I'm glad I didn't pick it up even more. Sorry this didn't work out for you Jen. Great honest review. :)
ReplyDeleteMatched was actually my favourite in the trilogy. I read it when it was first released and was captivated, yet looking back, I can absolutely understand why it didn't work for you. Especially since I feel similarly to you with the following books. Crossed and Reached, while both beautifully written, had the 'tedious feel' quite often. So I definitely wouldn't recommend you continue if you didn't like this all that much. A shame it didn't wow you more, but fantastic review, Jen!
ReplyDeleteHmm...I've been reading not-so-positive reviews for Matched ever since it was released, and after your review, I think I'm convinced I won't be giving this a go. Not only is a love triangle just seriously NOT my thing, but books with characters that don't really stand out amongst other dystopians isn't high on my "want-to-read" list either. But I'm glad you liked the author's writing :) Sometimes that can win over a book for me...sometimes hahaa Thank you for the honest review Jen!!<3
ReplyDeleteOh, bummer! I really like the blurb from this book and the cover is quite pretty. It's such a shame when the world-building is lacking. That is the most important thing in Dystopian books in my eyes. Why create such a different world when it doesn't make sense - and when it lacks a good describtion? Cassia sounds like a MC with great potential, so it's a shame that she isn't memorable. After seeing all these mixed reviews, I'm not sure if I want to give it a shot.. Perhaps I will get a copy from the library :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
Uh oh, Matched doesn't sound like my kind of book. I detected a case of insta-love when I read your review. :P I don't know why most heroines in Dystopian books seem very eager to pick guys they shouldn't have when they've already got the perfect boys for them. (And then my friend told me that it's because it's a book, not real life :P) Anyway, I think I would pass this book for now. Amazing review, Jen! <3
ReplyDeleteI still really love the cover for this book but was SO disappointed by the sequel, which was super boring IMO. There are definitely better dystopians out there.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand why this didn't stand out to you now. It was actually one of the very first books in this genre I tried, so I had little else to compare it too and ended up enjoying it. My interest in the series has dropped now significantly and I don't think I'll ever continue. Brilliant review, Jen!
ReplyDeleteI've got this one on order at the library, and I have to say I've mostly read positive reviews, so it's interesting to read your neutral one. I'm even more interested to see what I'll think of it now! =)
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this book the first time I gave up half way through but when I tried it again I really enjoyed it! It is a pity it didn't work out for you though :( I agree with you about Condie's writing though, it is so beautiful <3
ReplyDelete