Monday, April 23, 2012

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Tor

Pages: 335pgs

The Story

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she's not the monster her mother claims she iis - she does feel that she doesn't quite fit in . . .

She's bored and frustrated by her small town life - and then there's the secret that she can't tell anyone. Her mysterious ability - she can influence people's decisions, without knowing how, or why . . .

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night - her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Forening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But with dark forces are conspiring - not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Forening rests in Wendy's hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever . . .

The Review

SWITCHED was a delightful cutesy read for me and it was a great departure from your average YA fantasy novel that we read nowadays, and since everyone had been praising this author up like crazy, I knew I had to pick up this book no matter what book I was currently reading. And boy, I'm really glad that I did read this book. Not only has this author, Amanda Hocking, come a very long way from self-publishing and now onto the big bucks, while also becoming a great inspiration to me, but she's also done something quite remarkable and unheard of . . . to write about trolls no less and not focus on your vampires . . . werewolves . . . fairies . . . and whatever else there is out there to do with YA fantasy. I mean, I honestly HONESTLY overlooked reviews when it came to this book because when I read it was about 'trolls' or rather Trylle as the characters prefer to call themselves as, it was a big-but-nice surprise when I opened up this book. That's for sure!

While I will admit the events in this book happen far too quickly, but the storyline was always engaging and addictive because one after the other (almost like uncontrollable firecrackers), shocking twists and jaw-dropping secrets were soon revealed and they alone made you wonder and second-question whom to trust in this new mythological world the main character is about to embark on. Regarding the characters themselves, while they had their own personal issues to sort out and plenty of drama to add to the storyline itself, but they too were super addictive. For the most part, I really enjoyed entering Wendy's world and experiencing everything she's experiencing. Toward the beginning of the novel, Wendy was a bit of spoiled brat with a quick tongue but as the novel slowly progresses she matures, so it was nice to see that change in her. As for Finn, the "love interest" I suppose, I was already on his team when I met him. He had that ooh la la factor about him. In some ways you don't know whether to trust him or not, but once his heart is out on his sleeve and his fiercely protective side over Wendy escalates into something much more . . . every fibre of his being has that sizzle that you're dying to feel and trust me here . . . you'll totally be rooting for Finn and Wendy, even when it seems impossible to get them together in the same room without arguing.

Overall, it's easy for me to see why so many fans - new and old - adored this series and why it has become a MUST book to read for this year of 2012. With a consistent easy-to-read storyline, a variety of strong and handsome characters with their own set of personal stories, and a mythology and a new love to fascinate all, SWITCHED is one of those reads where you just HAVE to read it for the sake of it because when you look past its cliches, its cheese (but the kind of cheese that's tasty) and its frustrating romances . . . you can see the amazing side of what's to come from this author, Amanda Hocking, which I'm sure will be many great things in the future with her writing career.

The Rating 4/5 stars

30 comments:

  1. I really love the cover for these and I keep seeing them in stores but I'd read such mixed reviews I didn't know if I should get them... I think you've convinced me!

    Also, I forgot to say yesterday that I like your blog's new look!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are many mixed reviews and at one stage I wasn't going to read this book. But I surprised myself . . . I end up loving it. So hope you get to read this too! Definitely worth it.

      And thanks for liking the new blog look. My blog was in a desperate need for a change.

      Delete
  2. I'm glad you enjoyed this! I completely understand the (yummy) cheese in books LOL. Might have to check this series out one day! ;) Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cutesy is the perfect word for this book! Haha I have to admit that I kind of looked over this book when I heard it was about trolls too (because TROLLS! Nasty little things that bite? No thank you!), but I ended up LOVING the idea because they were actually so cool! :D

    Awesome review, Erin! :) And you say that you're Team Finn right now, but just wait until you meet Loki... *whistles innocently* x)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no IDEA it was about trolls. I too thought they were nasty little things but Hocking did a great job in her own mythology. I've met Loki . . . and oh yes . . . I can see his appeal. Why must they be so handsome and charming?

      Delete
  4. Hey, I'm a new follower, thank you so much for stopping by my blog Erin :) !! I wasnt't planning to read this book but I'm really reconsidering because I've read some very great reviews on it .. Yours is awesome as well !! I love this cover :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for following, Elodie! I definitely recommend this book. I was close to not reading it at one stage . . . but I'm so glad I changed my mind.

      Delete
  5. I really enjoyed this one! And, I went into this without big expectation and I was so surprised to find Trolls! Such a great idea!! But yeah, I agree the romance was frustrating and I'm looking forward getting deeper into this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know the feeling . . . had no clue it was about trolls! Who would've thought, right? haha.

      Delete
  6. I really liked this one. It is one of those books that you shouldn't read it too carefully. If you think too much, you'll be disappointed. But the plot is fast paced and interesting and I enjoyed it for what it was.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This series sounds really good, I hope to get started reading this very soon. Great review Erin, <3

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Hope you get to read these books soon. They really surprised me.

      Delete
  8. EEEE ERIN! I am really glad you enjoyed Switched! I really liked Switched but I thought the sequel, Torn, was even better! I am Team Finn in Switched but in Torn, I am so Team Loki! ;)

    Anyway, awesome review, Erin! <3 I can't wait for your review of Torn!

    PS: Love your blog's new look! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read the sequel too (review to come)! I love Finn and Loki . . . but I'm more a Finn gal so far. Thanks for loving the new look! Thought my blog needed a change.

      Delete
  9. Hehe I was totally on board with Finn from the start too, even though he kinda emmitted CREEPY STALKER VIBE, there was something about him that sucked me in. I need to hurry up and read Torn soon so I can see how Loki compares :D

    Super glad you enjoyed this!! Awesome to see something DIFFERENT in the paranormal department and really? Trolls? ME LIKE :D Fantastic review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read Torn which I loved even more. Thanks Brodie.

      Delete
  10. Ooh I have this one on my Kindle! Glad you liked it. I'm not usually a fan of books where everything happens really quickly, but I do like the sound of this one! Really excited to read it, thanks for the great review :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Liz! Can't wait to hear your thoughts about this book.

      Delete
  11. Great timing! I'm about to read this soon. Great review!
    =D

    ReplyDelete
  12. You know, I was really unsure about this at first. I was like, "Trolls, pft!" but I've seen so many good reviews that I'm slowly starting to think I should read it. I'm glad you enjoyed it =]

    The Cait Files

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no idea it was about trolls until I read it in the book . . . at first I laughed. I was like, "Trolls, really?" But in the end it was an awesome read.

      Delete
  13. Oh, and I LOVE the new look for the blog

    The Cait Files

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! My blog was in need of a change.

      Delete
  14. UGH! I HATE YOU! I mean, I don't... at all... I'm kind of of the opinion that you're rather fabulous, but I'd determined not read this, and convinced myself I didn't care, and UGH! THEN YOU HAD TO GO AND LOVE IT. ADGJAGFAHF!

    I kind of want it to be awful so I can feel justified in reading 'trolls' in an amazon review, back when it was $1.99, laughing, and ignoring it. You kill me, Erin. Fab review.

    Uuuh, also? NEW BLOG = PRETTY!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you, Sarah! Haha. I'm glad to be responsible in you WANTING to read this book. That's just part of my reviewing charm. haha.

      Thank you for loving my new blog look. My blog was dying for a change so we'll see if this new design works out for me.

      Delete
  15. Really need to read this. Fab review!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. LOL "Ooh la la" factor? HAHAHHAA NOW I REALLY MUST MEET FINN! Whoaa MUST READ of 2012? SERIOUSLY? Okayy...you have me totally convinced- I shall scavenge around & find a copy...looks like it's time for me to start this book! Awesome review, Erin! Glad you enjoyed it so much :)

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...