Crossed by Ally Condie

Here's a quick little blurb from the product page: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy 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.

My Take

 I liked Matched a lot and was anxious to see what Crossed would bring.  It wasn't disappointing.  I liked the fact that Cassia was stronger and more independent in this book.  There are some surprises that I never saw coming.  I like the new characters added to the mix as well.  I really enjoyed the time they all spent in the canyon, and getting to know the farmers that came from that area.  Whenever I read these books it always brings me around to thinking about This Perfect Day by Ira Levin (re-released and I desperately need to re-read).  I think it's very dystopian nature reminds me of it.  However, I would swear there are little whisperings around the edges that smack of similarity (only in minor details).  It's left off in a place making me want more.  I can't wait to read the third installment.  So definitely pick this one up and do yourself a favor and pick up This Perfect Day as well.  I'm giving this one 4 1/2 kisses!!

The Candidates by Inara Scott

Here's a quick blurb about The Candidates (Delcroix Academy #1) from Ms. Scott's website (which is really gorgeous and you should check out):
Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that’s not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia’s mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just … happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to people, believing this way she can suppress her powers and keep them hidden.


When recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy offer her a full scholarship, Dancia fears her days of living under the radar may be over. But Delcroix is a school for diplomats’ kids and child geniuses — why are they treating Dancia like she’s special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make her feel welcome. And then there’s her mysterious new friend Jack, who can’t stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at Delcroix, and he wants Dancia to help him figure out what…But neither Jack or Dancia could have imagined what’s really going on behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.

*Note: I would also like to thank Adventure's in Children's Publishing who I won this book from.  Do drop by and visit their blog and maybe even become a subscriber if you aren't already.

My Take
 It didn't take me long to read this book.  It pulled me in and kept me reading to find out what was going to come next.  I like Dancia.  She's a nice girl, likeable in all respects really.  She gets recruited to go to Delcroix Academy, which is supposed to be this awesome school but becomes kind of creepy too.  Dancia winds up caught between two guys also.  She develops this huge crush on Cam, who would be a typical choice for a girl to be swooning over.  But the moment she met Jack, it complicated things.  I'm the girl who always seems to go for the less obvious choice.  I don't know, maybe Jack is obvious because he's more the 'bad boy' choice.  He's not really a bad guy though.  Okay, I'm rambling.  I won't tell you what all happens and I have to wait until book two to really see where things go anyway.  Needless to say, I'm hooked into the Delcroix Academy series now.  Go check it out.  The only thing I didn't really like, Cam was very distant and I agree with Dancia's grandma, it took him way too long to kiss her.  I'm giving it 3 1/2 supernatural smooches!