Crossed

October 3, 2011
Separated by the dictatorial Society that rules them, Cassia has been searching for Ky while suffering the harsh conditions of labor camps far from home. About to be sent to the Society’s biggest city for her permanent work assignment, Cassia instead grabs an opportunity to reach the war-torn Outer Provinces, where she finally gets a lead in tracking Ky. Ky has survived being used as a pawn in the Society’s war against a nameless and faceless enemy; he and two companions have escaped into a no man’s land, and Cassia follows. As Cassia and Ky hike through dangerous territory in search of a rumored rebellion and the freedom to be together, the specter of Cassia’s betrothed, Xander, hangs over them. Narrated from Cassia and Ky’s viewpoints, Condie’s sequel to her acclaimed Matched is very much a middle book, centering on a transformative journey and setting up the finale to come. Newcomers will need to read the first book for background, but vivid, poetic writing will pull fans through as Condie immerses readers in her characters’ yearnings and hopes. Ages 14–up.

Following Ky's banishment to the deadly outer provinces in MATCHED, Cassia sets out to reunite with him, risking her both her life and status. Told in alternating chapters, the story reveals much more about Ky's early life. As Ky, narrator Jack Riccobono solidly portrays a young man who is forced to face too much death. Upon reconvening, the teens sadly realize they want different things for the future. Ky wants nothing more than to live quietly away from the Society while Cassia is determined to join the Rising's rebellion. Kate Simses's breathless portrayal of Cassia often sounds younger and less confident than the character is written. Unimpressed listeners may find themselves reaching for the printed book rather than the audio to discover how Condie finishes this dystopian trilogy. J.M. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine