Dystopian Hits!

Okay, so today's post is all about the love for Ally Condie's CROSSED and Tahereh Mafi's SHATTER ME. These are both dystopian novels, and while they're very different, they're both awesome.

Now, CROSSED is a sequel to MATCHED, which if you haven't read it, you should, and I normally don't talk about sequels all that much. Why?

Because I'm sort of what you'd call spoiled. I read a lot of books, and I usually don't have the time or patience to spend with the same characters. I mean, there's SO MANY new friends to meet, you know?

But I spent some more time with Cassia and Ky, because well, they're people I wanted to know more about.

First, a little about CROSSED if you haven't heard of it.

About CROSSED: 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.

What I liked about it:
1. The writing. It's emotional and moving, and forces you to turn the page to not only see what will happen next, but to feel it too. Gorgeously done.

2. Ky narrates. I hope that's not too much of a spoiler, but I loved that he was a narrator. He's so mysterious in MATCHED, and we finally get to see and learn more about him. He's a little explosive, a lot sensitive, and all around headstrong. I really liked him, and learning more about the Society through him.

3. The romance. Ky and Cassia don't spend a lot of time together in the book, but that's okay with me. Sometimes I think relationships are better when the person is alone, and has time to think about the other person in fond ways.

And when they do get together, it's magical, and the reader rejoices along with them.

4. The dystopian elements. So I write dystopian societies, and let me tell you, they're not the easiest thing on the planet. You basically have to tell the reader about the entire world without overloading them or seeming like the MC doesn't know what kind of world they live in.

The Society in CROSSED is further explored, and it's not overtly evil, yet utterly terrifying. And I like that.

So, put CROSSED on your list! And since she lives near me, and I can go to one of her signings, I will be giving away a signed, finished hardcover copy! All you need to do is comment to enter.

About SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi: No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans of her own.

What I liked about it:
1. The page-turning aspect. This is a really fast read, and you feel caught in the middle of the action, even if there is no action. I realize that probably doesn't make sense, but it's true. Sometimes there is emotional action, and when it's paired with plot action? Brilliant.

2. The world. I liked imagining the world Tahereh created in SHATTER ME. It feels real and scary and that's exactly what I want to feel in a dystopian novel.

3. The romance. There's really only one word for it: sizzling. And you know me, I like kissing in books. If you do too, you'll like SHATTER ME.

This novel comes out November 15, so be sure to get your copy then!

Which dystopian novels have you enjoyed?

Check out what the other Bookanistas are up to this week at the Reading Room.

Or on their blogs:

• LiLa Roecker swoons for Sirenz
• Christine Fonseca interviews Kids Inventing! author Susan Casey
• Shelli Johannes-Wells dishes on Become (Desolation Book #1)
• Beth Revis celebrates books for which she’s grateful – with gigantic signed book giveaway
• Megan Miranda marvels at How to Save a Life
• Rosemary Clement Moore is wild for The Iron Witch
• Veronica Rossi is amazed by Shatter Me