Book Review: Crossed (Matched, #2) by Ally Condie
When I picked up Crossed, the second installment in Ally Condie’s Matched trilogy, I was eager to dive back into a world where love, choice, and rebellion hang in the balance. The first book left me with a curious heart and a hint of nostalgia for Cassia and Ky’s budding romance. But alas, my enthusiasm dampened a bit as I ventured into this sequel, landing at a rather generous 2.5 stars.
Let’s start with the good, shall we? The romance between Cassia and Ky continues to blossom in a refreshingly sweet manner—definitely not over-the-top or annoyingly angsty, which I appreciated. There’s a certain tenderness to their relationship that makes you root for them, even as Cassia grapples with her feelings for Xander, the guy she was originally matched with. The love triangle trope, though well-trodden, remains compelling here, especially with the added mystery between Ky and Indie. Were they attracted to each other? Their dynamic had me intrigued, and I’m curious to see where it leads in the next book.
New characters like Indie, Eli, Vick, and Hunter add fresh layers to the narrative, even if they felt a bit underdeveloped. Indie, in particular, struck a chord with me—her strength was exactly what Cassia needed in their wilderness survival saga. The descriptive language Condie employs to paint the rugged landscape of The Carving is striking, creating a dramatic contrast to the sterile world of The Society. I could almost hear the echoes of the canyon—or could I?
Now onto the not-so-great aspects. If the pacing of Crossed were any slower, I might’ve mistaken it for molasses in January. Seriously, “Second Book Syndrome” is not just a cliché; it’s alive and well here. The narrative drags on with so much reflective musing that it often forgets to engage the reader in the present moment. I mean, Cassia stops mid-crisis to ponder the beauty of a leaf—great, but what’s happening in the story? As unnecessary memories pile up, I found myself eyeing the final pages with a sigh of desperation.
Moreover, the lack of context and clarity really hindered my reading experience. Questions about the Society’s motivations and the enigmatic "Enemy" abound, but they remain frustratingly unanswered. When even the characters seem as bewildered as I am, it leaves me groping in the dark. I closed the book feeling more confused than clarified, which is never a great feeling after a long read.
To sum it up, while Crossed effectively establishes some charming romantic moments and attempts to broaden the world-building, it ultimately falls short with a sluggish plot and insufficient exploration of its core conflicts. It’s a book that meets the basic standards of being “good,” yet lacks the pizzazz to truly shine.
If you enjoyed Matched for its lyrical prose and character dynamics, you might find something to appreciate in Crossed. However, be prepared for a longer-than-anticipated journey through introspective musings and unresolved enigmas. Sometimes, sameness can lead to a blah experience, and for me, this book concluded with a “meh.”
Until then, happy reading!
Lea @ LC’s Adventures in Libraryland
