Matched

Book 1

By: Ally Condie

Narrated by: Kate Simses

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted the Society’s choices. And when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, she is certain he’s the one - until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now she is faced with impossible choices: Between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s ever known and a path no has dared to follow...between perfection and the truth.

Look for the sequel, Crossed, and the epic series finale, Reached!

©2010 Ally Condie (P)2010 Penguin

Critic reviews

“[A] superb dystopian romance.” (The Wall Street Journal)

“Strong feminist ideals and impressive writing that’s bound to captivate.” (The Los Angeles Times)

I loved it, despite the mixed reviews

Any books that are about dystopian societies are a must listen in my opinion. I love this genre even if it's a bit formulaic at times. Throw in a good romance or love triangle and I am instantly hooked.

Although this wasn’t as great or as dark as some of the other’s in this category it was still a solid and enjoyable listen. If you like your dystopian novels more on the romantic side (Delirium, The Selection) then you will enjoy this one too. However, if you prefer them a little more on the action/adventure side (Divergent, The Hunger Games) then perhaps you should skip this one.

Overall I really liked this book and will continue with the trilogy. The narration was excellent and really made the story come alive.

4 Stars!

Decently good YA read

Any additional comments?

This series was definitely written from a more juvenile point of view. It held my interest but there were times when I was bored and wanted to just get to the point. Also, most of the things that happen are incredibly unrealistic. Having said all that, I did still enjoy listening to the books. There was enough that was entertaining and creative that it kept me wanting to know more.

All the narrators were annoying except for Xander in the 3rd book. Cassia and Ky's narrators were reading the book like it was whimsical poetry and was really annoying.

Very average narration and book

Look the book is enjoyable enough, but it is not going to win any awards.

Matched Book 1

Only buy this book if you like dramatic teens and poetry. I didn't know what I was getting into when I bought this series. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was a fan of poems but I'm not so it all came off a little angsty...

matched

Matched is an amazing book that is filled with adventure and is above all the best book series that I have Read

Interesting story

Would you try another book from Ally Condie and/or Kate Simses?

Yes

Would you recommend Matched to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book to friends that liked the Hinger Games.

What about Kate Simses’s performance did you like?

The reader's voice was youthful and helped build the nature of the main character in my mind. The reader has a lovely, sweet voice.

Could you see Matched being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

TV series

brilliant

loved it. It is read beautifully and the story is interesting and fun. Definitely worth a listen

Freedom or Faked Perfection

What made the experience of listening to Matched the most enjoyable?

The narrator had a sing song quality to her voice and did a great job distinguishing the characters. I have just started the 2nd book and am happy that she is also the narrator for book 2.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved all of them for different reasons. Casia for her courage to want something different. Xander for his willingness to stand by her. Ky for his wisdom. Each character in the book, from the main characters to Casias family members even to the officials seemed to have well developed personalities. They each stood out for their own uniqueness in a society where uniqueness wasn't supposed to exist. The author did a good job making them seem like real people.

Have you listened to any of Kate Simses’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I will again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book as a story but it was also intriqing to me and made me ponder how a society can end up like this one. It made me question where we draw the line of keeping our freedoms and allowing our own government to monitor our lives.

If you liked the Hunger Games you'll like Matched

I enjoyed Matches very much. I chose this title based only on the description; I was not familiar with the author or the narrator. I was not disappointed. I will download the next book.

lovely story

I cannot wait to download the next book. the book has great details. love it