Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Matched #1)

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Speak 2010

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 369

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Dystopia; New Author; TBR Pile; Seriously Series; Blogger Recommendation

How I Got It: I own it

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 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.

I was a bit reluctant to start this series.  I wanted to, but heard from so many that it was just a Hunger Games clone.  Well, not really.  I think of this as a mix of The Hunger Games, Brave New World, and Logan's Run.  I really loved the idea of this "perfect" where everything is chosen for you.  You are safe, but are you really living?  Cassia learns the difference after 17 years of being a perfect citizen.  By the end of the book I was rooting for Cassia and her struggle to find happiness in her society.  Usually I don't like love triangles, but I must say that this one felt genuine.  I liked Xander and he did nothing to diminish his standing.  But Ky is easily the best choice for Cassia.  I can't wait to dive into the next book to see where Cassia's journey takes her.

Matched:

1. Matched
2. Crossed
3. Reached