This is one of the most intriguing young adult books I have read in a while. Cassia lives in a post-apocalyptic world where the Society tells its members what job they will have, where they will live, and when they will die. They believe their statistics give their members the best chance to live "full and healthy" lives. Cassia has turned 17 and goes to the Capitol to be matched with her statically preferred match. To her and everyone's surprise she is matched with someone she knows, Xander. He has been her best friend for a long time. The Society gives her a data card with all of her information about her match. When she puts it in she is surprised yet again. There is another match...someone else she knows. Cassia secretly tries to figure out what is going on in her "perfect" life. She comes to realize it may not be as Utopian world she thought she did. This book is an adventure as much as a reflection of what it means to live with or without choices. It left me pondering about the life we choose and what is best for us as a "society".
Book 2- Crossed,
Casia is preparing to go against the Society to find Ky. She is working in the outer Providences and is trying to figure out how to get to where Ky is stationed. In Crossed, every other chapter gives us Ky's perspective as well. Ky is stationed on the outer border pretending to be a villager and watching other Aberrations die in fire storms. He is smart and lucky and is managing to tempt fate by staying alive. He thinks of Casia all the time, but doesn't realize how far she will go to find him. Casia sees her chance to get to him when she pretends to be an Aberration being sent to the border. She is risking everything to be with Ky. Will they find each other? Will they stay safe from the Society? This is an exciting, bridge to a great trilogy.
