Matched

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched #1

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.

Cassia like most others, never questioned the Society and felt that it was a good thing they were making all her life choices for her. This idea is confirmed when her best friend Xander turns up to be her match, and she couldn't be happier. However that all changes when another boy's face appears on the screen, Ky. She's told it was a mistake and that she shouldn't worry about it, but to stay away from Ky all the same. Of course, she finds herself drawn to him and realizes she will have to make an impossible choice. Not only will she have to choose between her two loves, but also between the life she's always known and a far less traveled path that could lead to certain heartache.

This book is set up with a love triangle, and surprisingly enough I'm having a hard time deciding who would be better for Cassia. Xander has been her life long best friend and she cares for him deeply. He demonstrated throughout the book that he would always put her first, even if that meant sacrifice or potential danger to himself. Ky on the other hand is the complete opposite of safe. He isn't an accepted member of society and is forbidden to her. While she may love Xander, Ky ignites a fiery passion in her that she can't ignore. I'm torn between the two as she would have a happy life with Xander, but possibly without passion. However, she may have all the passion in the world with Ky but more than likely have a life full of heartache if she tries to choose him. Typically I am all for rebellion, but I just don't think her life would be any less if she chooses Xander in the end. 

This book didn't quite live up to my expectations. I guess I just didn't feel the character oppression was really strong enough to consider it a full fledged dystopian novel. I realize the lack of choices given to the people is pretty stifling, but for the most part they are kept safe and happy. Of course that little bit of information is all hush hush. In fact, Cassia is completely happy with her life and the match choice she is given. She only starts to question things because Ky's face showed on her screen for a brief moment. I'm hoping the next book has more of the oppressive and rebellion themes you would expect from this type of book. I did find the age cap to be rather disturbing, especially since some may not even make it to that age depending on their "usefulness."

In the end I did enjoy the book, but as I said before I just wish the dystopian aspects would have been a little more fully realized. On a side note I absolutely love the cover. It is very unique and really sets it apart. Based on the ending events, I do think things will pick up in the next book. I am very eager to see the repercussions for some of Cassia's actions. I believe this is the first installment in a planned trilogy, so there is definite potential for this story and I can't wait to see where things end up.

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