Matched by Ally Condie

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.

Review:

If I were being blunt, I would tell you, straight of the bat, that Ally Condie is an absolute genius. I would also tell you that her writing is fantastic, she is insanely creative, and her character development is stunning.

And since I am being blunt . . . well, I just told you.

This eerily possible futuristic world in which Cassia lives and that Condie has created is nightmare-worthy and, ultimately, reveals much about us, as people, and our views of the necessity of perfection and health and prosperity. But, the novel also shows the importance of freedom: freedom to do what we like, to have children, to get married, to write, to read, to share our beliefs, to sing, to be unique . . . and, most of all, to fall in love. The idea of this world where literally everything is predetermined and decided for you is honestly frightening to the point of needing to put the novel down at times.

The depth at which this message is weaved through this novel--the importance of freedom--is unbelievable, especially in a Young Adult fiction novel. It is, also, very creative, unique, and moving.

The character development is also very impressive, and I can truly tell you that I know Cassia and all of those close to her inside and out, which can be very difficult to find in YA novels.

Matched itself is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, due to the similar messages both convey, although I also have to admit that Suzanne Collins may finally have worthy competition; the fantastic Ally Condie.

Grade: A+

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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins can be summed up in one word: stunning.

It was so gripping, from start to finish, that I hardly put it down; I read it at the table last night at dinner, read it in every moment of "free" class time at school, and stayed up as late as I could handle and still function the next morning. And now that I've finished, what did I end up with?

. . . nothing. Because it's the last book in the series, and I'm completely heartbroken.

Mockingjay picks up a few weeks after Catching Fire left off, with that jaw-dropping ending to a jaw-dropping book, even better than the one preceding it. After being rescued by the rebels from District 13 during the Quarter Quell, Katniss has to come to terms with the terrible fact that she no longer has a home, that District 12 has been destroyed, and that she is the face of the war brooding all across Panem. And there's still her feelings for Gale, and Peeta's imprisoning by President Snow.

The book, through and through, is one of the most riveting nail-biters that I've ever read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time you read it, and even the slowest of readers could--I think--whiz through it in a week, it's that good. You get sucked into the vivid world of Panem so quickly, you'll have read chapters upon chapters without even realizing it.

If there was a list of YA books that everyone needs to read before they die, this book (and it's predecessors, the Hunger Games and Catching Fire) definitely would be in the top ten, right under Harry Potter.

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Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

What i thought:Okay, im just going to go out and say it: this novel is completely astounding. There. I said it. The Hunger Games completely outshines almost every single novel that i have claimed to love. Each and every page is filled with some sort of shock, some sort of revelation that will stun you to silence. Every word is powerful, and holds so much meaning that you will be crying at the simplest of sentances. This novel is truly as close to perfect as its going to get. It is so suspensfull--i guarentee your palms will be sweating by the time you reach page 10. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I made myself stop and shut it, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it for hours at a time.

Katniss herself is captivating, and her sturdy personality never disappoints. Peeta is absolutely amazing, and, if i say so myself, he would make a fabulous boyfriend to any lady out there in Fiction Land. The other tributes all have their own distinguishing characteristics and quirks that made each and every one of them stand out among the crowd.


Suzanne's writing itself was just mind-boggling to me. Her voice is constantly clear and unique, able to be discussing a first kiss in deadly circumstances to an attack by mutant dogs and still maintain an amazing way of displaying emotions and describing the scene at once.

This novel is an unforgettable whirlwind of action, adventure, family, and romance. like very few others, this novel willl stun you into silence too many times to count, and bring tears to your eyes at the fierce displays of emotion.


Completely shocking and thrilling, this novel will amaze you in ways you have not been amazed, touch your heart in places that have yet to be touched. The Hunger Games is one that will never be forgotten, even months after you have shut its cover.

I recommend this to just about every reader out there, from ages 11 to 100. This novel will most definately be one of your favorites.

For those of you who have already read--and loved--this novel, dont forget to keep an eye open for Catching Fire, the highly anticipated sequel. i'm hoping . . . things will happen in this novel, arent you?

Sadly, it wont be released until September 1st. I know, weep with me:(



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