Crossed (Matched #2) By Ally Condie

Title: Crossed ( Matched #2)
Author: Ally Condie
Publish Date: Published November 1st 2011 by Dutton Juvenile Pages: Hardcover, 367 pages
Read & Reviewed By: Keri




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


Where Matched was a quiet discovery, Crossed is a reckless journey across a merciless land to find love and freedom. The danger that was missing in the first book is found here, along with a refreshing break from the female perspective as Crossed is told in alternating chapters by both Cassia and Ky.

Picking up a few months after Matched ends, Crossed follows the intersecting journeys of Cassia and Ky as they enter the Outer Provinces and then beyond in a search for each other and the secret Rising--the rebellion that could change everything. New characters to love and suspect as introduced with Eli, Vick, and Indie. Xander makes a brief appearance at the beginning, and though he is present in spirit, we will not see him again until book 3.

What I loved most about Crossed was Ky's perspective. His bleak outlook combined with his grim determination and his ever-growing love for Cassia makes for a fascinating and complex character. It was refreshing to learn about his past and his motivations from his own voice, instead of filtered through Cassia. By learning what he has still kept secret Ally Condie creates that ever-so-crucial dramatic tension for the reader. It makes the moments between Cassia and Ky even more fraught with tension (good and bad), and makes you turn the pages more quickly the closer you get to the end.

This book got 5 out of 5 hearts from me.