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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Switched by Amanda Hocking
Pages: 228
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy the Book: Paperback | Kindle | Nook

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.
I've heard some mixed things about Switched from the bloggers that I follow regularly. Some loved it and some--not so much. And of course, there was plenty of buzz surrounding the book because it sold so many copies on Amazon. But that was before Amanda Hocking sold it to St. Martin's, so I decided to hold out and instead of reading the Amazon version, I'd wait for the newly edited one. I liked it, and I'll probably read the rest of the series.

I did have a problem with the beginning, though. I felt like the first few chapters moved way too quickly, and didn't allow me to get acclimated with the onslaught of new information and action. Wendy fell way too quickly for Finn and trusted him way too easily. I think if that beginning had been stretched out just a bit longer, it would've made it so much better. The beginning was crucial characterization time that could've been utilized to make us sympathize with Wendy later on once her whole life was basically uprooted.

There were some really interesting characters in Switched that I'm very eager to read more about, most notably, Tove, who I believe could be a possible love interest in the future. I don't know exactly how I can describe him... he was just an unconventional boy, and I really want to see his character grow. I went back and forth on my feelings towards Wendy. I felt as though she whined too much about her situation--I understand a few complaints, any person would do that, but she just kept going. I mean, she basically agreed to what she got herself into, so I just wanted her to suck it up and do it. But, there would be flashes of a Wendy that stands up for herself, and does what's necessary to defend what she wants, and that's the Wendy I really liked. She came out a few times during the story, and very much so in the last chapter. Seeing where Switched left off, I have high hopes for Wendy in Torn. I give Wendy a 5 on the Bad-Ass Meter.


The concept of the Trylles is quite interesting, but, as mentioned in The Book Vlogger's video review of Switched, there really aren't any defining characteristics about the Trylles that separate them from vampires or faeries. I would have liked to see something really different, since, as far as I know, this is the only YA book about trolls on the market at the moment.

Switched was an okay book. I wanted to like it more than I did, but I will read on because I think it holds potential to grow and improve in the next books. Plus, the ending left off in a really critical place, so I simply have to know what happens. I give Switched 3 out of 5 stars.

5 comments:

  1. I'm interested in reading this one and it's on my list of books to check out!

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  2. @Alexa, I say give it a go! It's good, just wish the beginning didn't go by so quickly. :)

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  3. The synopsis sounds very good, but I don't really like instalove and whiny protagonists. :p Great review though, I might pick it up sometime

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  4. I totally get where you're coming from on the beginning, it did surprise me a little with some of the things she accepted. But I did really enjoy this and it held such an addictive quality that held me throughout the entire novel. Really eager to see where the story is headed next. Fantastic review, Ashley!

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  5. I've been reading it too, and I'm only about 50 pages in. I'm with you on the beginning-going-by-too-quickly thing. I keep reading thinking, "You thought Finn was a total creep and now you're in love with him? When did THAT happen?"

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