Thursday, November 3, 2011

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:

55 comments:

Steph@TheYAReader said...

Dystopian stories are some of my favorite to read because they always provide the best escapism! These are two great titles I hope to have on my bookshelf soon!

April said...

I haven't read crossed yet, I read matched though and it was fabulous. looking foward to reading crossed soon..:)

Shatter me was amazing. I was fortunate enough to be on an arc tour for that one. Loved it so much. :)

Unknown said...

I die for Shatter Me & Crossed. I think that sentence says it all... so I say nothing else (except what I just said of course)

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I love Ally and loved Matched and I just can't wait to get my hands on Crossed.

Shatter Me sounds intriguing. Also adding that to the never ending list of books to be read.

Matthew MacNish said...

Shipbreaker is sort of more post-apocalyptic than dystopian, but I loved it.

Heather Moore said...

Will definitely be reading these, and you're right, you did start your blog with "Okay" :-)

Angela Brown said...

My NaNo story is a YA dystopian. These recommendations are great. Once I plow through the whirlwind first draft of crap for NaNo, I can read this as points-of-reference on how to improve my crap to fertilizer and then, just maybe, readable by friends and family.

Jamie Manning said...

I've read Shatter Me and loved it! Haven't read Matched yet, but it's on the list!

And of course, my dystopian geekdom wouldn't be complete without Possession--which was awesome!

Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Kimberley Griffiths Little said...

I really loved MATCHED and would love a signed copy of CROSSED - thank you!!!! Have also been wanting to read SHATTER ME as well. And I agree with Jamie - POSSESSION is awesome and right up there with the best Dystopians!!! xoxo

Rocky Rudd said...

I haven't read too much from the dystopian genre, but both Crossed and Shatter Me sound like fantastic reads!

Jenilyn Collings said...

I loved MATCHED and can't wait to read CROSSED! Thanks for the recommendations!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

Both of these sound AMAZING. And the covers? LOVE! I loved Matched. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Crossed! :D

Mart Ramirez said...

Ooh these sound great!

TirzahLaughs said...

If your looking for a new book in the Dysopian POV---read The Apocalypse Gene.

Beautifully written, emotionally engaging and full of action.

And no, it is not my book and I did not write.

I wish.

Tirz

Paul Greci said...

I think I'll read Matched and Crossed one right after the other.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I LOVED Divergent and Ashes this year, and a little novel called Possession! :-)

Emily said...

Just picked up Crossed last night at Ally's El Cerrito signing. So HAPPY when authors come to the Bay Area. *hint*

Can't wait to read it. Gotta get in my nano word count first.

Sara B. Larson said...

Can't wait to read both of these! I already know I love Ally's writing and it sounds like Tahera's is great too. Huzzah! :D

Kristin Lenz said...

I haven't read either of these yet, but I just finished an arc of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons. Wow! It comes out on Valentine's Day.

Liesl Shurtliff said...

I can't wait to read CROSSED! I love Ally's writing!

Donna K. Weaver said...

You didn't spoil "Crossed" because Ally spoke about the fact that both Ky and Cassia narrate in a presentation early in the summer. Can't wait to read the new book.

Krispy said...

Aaaah, I can't wait to read BOTH of these books! I've been looking forward to CROSSED since I read Matched, and Shatter Me has had me hooked for a while now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts & for the giveaway! :)

Heather said...

I'm putting both of these on my list of books to read. Thanks for the recommendations.

Meradeth Houston said...

Crossed was so much fun--I'm really looking forward to matched. And Shatter Me is going on my bookshelf soon!!

kah said...

Sounds awesome!

You did see my tweet last night, right? I mean, Simon Cowell wants to make POSSESSION into a movie. How excited are you? ;)
http://youtu.be/Ni0TRHZPvSs

Peggy Eddleman said...

I'm so excited for both those books! I heart dystopians.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I so agree with your review of Crossed. I loved it. Let someone else win because I just gave away my ARC.

And I just ordered Shatter Me. Can't wait to read it.

Melody said...

I remember when I didn't even know what dystopian was. I just knew I liked to write it. :)

Now it's 'the thing,' and boy, I'm stoked. :) :) :)

Melissa West said...

I really liked MATCHED and so have been unsure of what to expect in CROSSED. You've convinced me! Now, SHATTER ME is definitely on my TBR list. I am dying to read that book. I just need to finish these pesky edits and then I can treat myself to a new read. :)

Anonymous said...

I just devoured Matched on vacation and got my mom hooked on it too. We've been eagerly awaiting (Read: drooling) for Crossed to come out ever since. :)

Katy Upperman said...

Ooh, fabulous reviews, Elana! I've got CROSSED coming in the mail and now I'm even MORE excited to read it! I love that Ky is the narrator, what a cool surprise. And I've heard awesome things about SHATTER ME, so I'm glad to hear you liked it.

Marsha Sigman said...

I cannot wait to read these books! I'm in total overload right now...I've read about 10 books in the last 2 weeks trying to catch up on my TBR stack!

Needless to say...we've been eating a lot of pizza. Delivered.

Gabi said...

I read Matched, but I read it when I was reading a lot of fantastic dystopian novels and it didn't impress me as much as it could have. My problem was that the basic love story felt recycled: *maybe a minor spoiler* girl has best friend, best friend loves her, girl falls for other boy instead. But I would love to give Crossed a try and see if it changes my mind. :] I pre-ordered Shatter Me a couple weeks ago! I absolutely cannot wait for it to come.

Gabi: teddycavygal at yahoo dot com

Nicole Zoltack said...

I so can't wait to read both books!

mshatch said...

I really liked Matched A LOT! And cool that Ky narrates Crossed! It's on my tbr list along with Shatter Me, which I've also heard good things about.

June G said...

I haven't finished Matched yet, and I read Shatter Me. Yes, they're both great! I like Ky a lot, so I'm really looking forward to what he has to say in Crossed. Thanks for the chance to win it :-)

Ghenet Myrthil said...

I know it's becoming an overly saturated genre, but I still love dystopian books! I really enjoyed MATCHED so I definitely want to check out CROSSED. I was lucky to get my hands on an ARC for SHATTER ME and was amazed by it. Now I cannot wait for that sequel. :)

Meredith said...

Oooh, I can't wait for these two! Love that we're going to get Ky's POV--can't wait! :)

Claire Dawn said...

Read MATCHED and that society is one of my fave dystopian ones.

I've been looking forward to SHATTER ME forever. FOREVER.

amberargyle said...

Love Allie's voice. Beautiful.

Haven't read Shatter Me. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Diana Julianna said...

I'm reading Crossed right now, and I absolutely ADORED Shatter Me! :D Great, great recommendations.

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm really looking forward to reading both of these! i love dystopians too - ever since I read Fahrenheit 451 in high school :)

Maidenveil said...

I've been looking forward to Shatter Me! And I'm so excited for Crossed. I loved Matched! Team Ky! :D But so far the dystopian book I've enjoyed is Delirium. :)

Abby Fowers said...

Here is my comment! These are both on my TBR list!

Emily V. said...

Eeeek! Crossed!! :D I cannot WAIT to read it!
Shatter Me looks interesting too. I'll have to check it out.
Thanks Elana! :)

Christina Lee said...

OMG--Ty narrates? YEEHAW!!!! Can't wait to read both of these!!!

Steph Sessa said...

I loved Matched (and so looking forward Crossed) and Shatter Me has been on my too read list for awhile. Can't wait for it to come out!

Amy said...

Crossed is next on my to read list. I loved Matched and loved Cassia and Ky. Another fave dystopian novel? Possession of course!

Jennie Englund said...

Sheesh, can you believe: I have YET to get my eyes on an Ally Condie read!

Coming, coming....!

Jenny S. Morris said...

Loved Matched, can't wait to read Crossed. I've heard good things about the other book too.

Taffy said...

SO far I've enjoyed MATCHED and POSSESSION (and I'm not just saying that because I know and love you!).

THANKS for the giveaway! I'm so ready to get into another great dystopian book.

Jessy said...

That is one signing I wish I could go to!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read both. I have Shatter Me on pre-order and I'd like to also get Crossed.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Leslie S. Rose said...

Oh, oh, oh. My class just gave me an Amazon gift card. Guess what I'm buying? Kindle...prepare to receive.

Kayeleen Hamblin said...

I love dystopians. I read a lot of them. So far this year, Divergent, Possession, and a few others. I'm expecting an ARC of Shatter Me in my mailbox and looking forward to Crossed as well. So much fun!

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