Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy
After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.
In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.
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Young Adult Fiction
Reached (Matched Trilogy #3)
Reached (Matched Trilogy #3) http://www.yabookscentral.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/200x285s/38/0c/81/_13125947-1345472890.jpg Featured
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
November 13, 2012
ISBN
978l0525423669
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Editor reviews
Average editor rating from: 2 user(s)
What a read! I have been waiting a long time for this third book.As with the previous novels, Ally Condie's writing is fluid and poetic. We learn more about Xander as a narrator while continuing with the multiple narrations from Cassia and Ky. All three narrations are strong and plot never misses a beat. It is a rare book that can take multiple points of view and make it work, without it getting cumbersome or confusing. With Reached- the multiple narrations are put together seamlessly adding to the story without slowing down the pace of the plot.
In this last book, the citizen in the Society are changing and changing fast. But with a plague becoming an epidemic and concerns about the cure, things are getting very difficult for everyone, including Cassia, Ky and Xander.
I love how Reached brings something different to the genre. Just like Matched and Crossed, the plots are not violent like in some dystopian novels, and on the surface the Society doesn't seem so terrible- The citizens are taken care of and seem happy. What makes the Matched trilogy so different is the fact that are so many things going horribly wrong beneath the surface, things the citizens have even forgotten.
I felt that this installment was more focused on the characters themselves and their development and growth than in all the events in the story. Although this can be a disappointment to some, in the end it worked out perfectly. Reached is an outstanding conclusion that will captivate readers until the very last page. Ally Condie's writing is evocative and engaging. Definitely a series I would recommend to dystopian fans.
In this last book, the citizen in the Society are changing and changing fast. But with a plague becoming an epidemic and concerns about the cure, things are getting very difficult for everyone, including Cassia, Ky and Xander.
I love how Reached brings something different to the genre. Just like Matched and Crossed, the plots are not violent like in some dystopian novels, and on the surface the Society doesn't seem so terrible- The citizens are taken care of and seem happy. What makes the Matched trilogy so different is the fact that are so many things going horribly wrong beneath the surface, things the citizens have even forgotten.
I felt that this installment was more focused on the characters themselves and their development and growth than in all the events in the story. Although this can be a disappointment to some, in the end it worked out perfectly. Reached is an outstanding conclusion that will captivate readers until the very last page. Ally Condie's writing is evocative and engaging. Definitely a series I would recommend to dystopian fans.
| Overall rating | 4.7 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 5.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
Gripping and Full of Surprises
What a read! I have been waiting a long time for this third book.As with the previous novels, Ally Condie's writing is fluid and poetic. We learn more about Xander as a narrator while continuing with the multiple narrations from Cassia and Ky. All three narrations are strong and plot never misses a beat. It is a rare book that can take multiple points of view and make it work, without it getting cumbersome or confusing. With Reached- the multiple narrations are put together seamlessly adding to the story without slowing down the pace of the plot.
In this last book, the citizen in the Society are changing and changing fast. But with a plague becoming an epidemic and concerns about the cure, things are getting very difficult for everyone, including Cassia, Ky and Xander.
I love how Reached brings something different to the genre. Just like Matched and Crossed, the plots are not violent like in some dystopian novels, and on the surface the Society doesn't seem so terrible- The citizens are taken care of and seem happy. What makes the Matched trilogy so different is the fact that are so many things going horribly wrong beneath the surface, things the citizens have even forgotten.
I felt that this installment was more focused on the characters themselves and their development and growth than in all the events in the story. Although this can be a disappointment to some, in the end it worked out perfectly. Reached is an outstanding conclusion that will captivate readers until the very last page. Ally Condie's writing is evocative and engaging. Definitely a series I would recommend to dystopian fans.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
I was so excited when I found out I was going to have a chance to read this early! Thank you Penguin and YABC!
There's always a lot riding on the final book in a series, from unanswered questions to a love triangle that needs to be sorted out, and Reached is no different. Topping off at a whopping 500+ pages, readers will learn the true identity of The Pilot, The Rising makes it's intentions known and the mystery of Ky's inclusion in the Matching pool is solved. If readers thought Cassia, Ky and Xander were through the worst of things, they may want to pop a green tablet because before all is said and done, love will be pushed to it's limits, people will die and new beginnings forged.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Crossed (Book 2) was the dual POV. It's always nice to be able to "hear" what's going on in another character's head and the fact that it was Ky made it all the better. *flails* Reached ups the *flails* factor by including Xander's POV, giving readers a chance to see the story unfold from...count em', one, two, THREE different angles. BTW, if that seems spoilery then I apologize, (not really) but feel free to open your tablet containers and pop a red one - then you'll forget I even said anything. Maybe. *winks*
What I liked:
~ Reached picks up where Crossed leaves off and we find Cassia, Ky, and Indie all working for The Rising in some capacity, while Xander seems to have taken a different route. He's still holding onto the hope that Cassia will see that they are in fact, a perfect match but if she doesn't agree, I'd be more than happy to volunteer for the position.
~ All three of these characters have grown quite a bit since we originally met them in Matched. They all discover that not everything is black and white and each of them have a purpose to fulfill, even if it means sacrificing what they want.
~ While the high page count seemed a bit daunting at first, it was necessary in order to tie up all of the loose ends.
~ This was one of the more interesting love triangles I've encountered and I felt all three handled it maturely. No one came to their final decisions lightly and it seemed to work out for everyone in one way or another in the end. (Regardless of who Cassia chose, I'll forever be, Team Kyander!)
What I wasn't crazy about:
First let me say that, "not liking" certain aspects of a book is not necessarily a negative.
~ The Matched Trilogy has always felt like a love story to me. Yes, there's questions about The Society and the role that the Rising plays but I expected this final book to focus more on the love aspect and it fell short for me. (There was not nearly enough kissing in Reached for my liking. There, I said it.)
~ I wasn't a fan of Indie in Crossed and I really didn't like her in Reached. Her behavior, which was borderline obsessive in book 2, is amplified in this one. She made a few choices that were selfless but for the most part, her actions made me uncomfortable.
~ I understand that any good love story needs to go through a time of "testing" but I felt as if these characters had been through enough already.
~ The focus seemed to be more on the future of their world and their government but I would've liked to have seen a glimpse into the future, a "Where are they now" kind of thing. What line of work did they choose? What about their relationships, etc.
This was a good ending to this series and fans won't be disappointed.
There's always a lot riding on the final book in a series, from unanswered questions to a love triangle that needs to be sorted out, and Reached is no different. Topping off at a whopping 500+ pages, readers will learn the true identity of The Pilot, The Rising makes it's intentions known and the mystery of Ky's inclusion in the Matching pool is solved. If readers thought Cassia, Ky and Xander were through the worst of things, they may want to pop a green tablet because before all is said and done, love will be pushed to it's limits, people will die and new beginnings forged.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Crossed (Book 2) was the dual POV. It's always nice to be able to "hear" what's going on in another character's head and the fact that it was Ky made it all the better. *flails* Reached ups the *flails* factor by including Xander's POV, giving readers a chance to see the story unfold from...count em', one, two, THREE different angles. BTW, if that seems spoilery then I apologize, (not really) but feel free to open your tablet containers and pop a red one - then you'll forget I even said anything. Maybe. *winks*
What I liked:
~ Reached picks up where Crossed leaves off and we find Cassia, Ky, and Indie all working for The Rising in some capacity, while Xander seems to have taken a different route. He's still holding onto the hope that Cassia will see that they are in fact, a perfect match but if she doesn't agree, I'd be more than happy to volunteer for the position.
~ All three of these characters have grown quite a bit since we originally met them in Matched. They all discover that not everything is black and white and each of them have a purpose to fulfill, even if it means sacrificing what they want.
~ While the high page count seemed a bit daunting at first, it was necessary in order to tie up all of the loose ends.
~ This was one of the more interesting love triangles I've encountered and I felt all three handled it maturely. No one came to their final decisions lightly and it seemed to work out for everyone in one way or another in the end. (Regardless of who Cassia chose, I'll forever be, Team Kyander!)
What I wasn't crazy about:
First let me say that, "not liking" certain aspects of a book is not necessarily a negative.
~ The Matched Trilogy has always felt like a love story to me. Yes, there's questions about The Society and the role that the Rising plays but I expected this final book to focus more on the love aspect and it fell short for me. (There was not nearly enough kissing in Reached for my liking. There, I said it.)
~ I wasn't a fan of Indie in Crossed and I really didn't like her in Reached. Her behavior, which was borderline obsessive in book 2, is amplified in this one. She made a few choices that were selfless but for the most part, her actions made me uncomfortable.
~ I understand that any good love story needs to go through a time of "testing" but I felt as if these characters had been through enough already.
~ The focus seemed to be more on the future of their world and their government but I would've liked to have seen a glimpse into the future, a "Where are they now" kind of thing. What line of work did they choose? What about their relationships, etc.
This was a good ending to this series and fans won't be disappointed.
| Overall rating | 4.7 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 5.0 | |
| Writing Style | 5.0 |
All has been sorted...and I'm still Team Kyander.
I was so excited when I found out I was going to have a chance to read this early! Thank you Penguin and YABC!
There's always a lot riding on the final book in a series, from unanswered questions to a love triangle that needs to be sorted out, and Reached is no different. Topping off at a whopping 500+ pages, readers will learn the true identity of The Pilot, The Rising makes it's intentions known and the mystery of Ky's inclusion in the Matching pool is solved. If readers thought Cassia, Ky and Xander were through the worst of things, they may want to pop a green tablet because before all is said and done, love will be pushed to it's limits, people will die and new beginnings forged.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Crossed (Book 2) was the dual POV. It's always nice to be able to "hear" what's going on in another character's head and the fact that it was Ky made it all the better. *flails* Reached ups the *flails* factor by including Xander's POV, giving readers a chance to see the story unfold from...count em', one, two, THREE different angles. BTW, if that seems spoilery then I apologize, (not really) but feel free to open your tablet containers and pop a red one - then you'll forget I even said anything. Maybe. *winks*
What I liked:
~ Reached picks up where Crossed leaves off and we find Cassia, Ky, and Indie all working for The Rising in some capacity, while Xander seems to have taken a different route. He's still holding onto the hope that Cassia will see that they are in fact, a perfect match but if she doesn't agree, I'd be more than happy to volunteer for the position.
~ All three of these characters have grown quite a bit since we originally met them in Matched. They all discover that not everything is black and white and each of them have a purpose to fulfill, even if it means sacrificing what they want.
~ While the high page count seemed a bit daunting at first, it was necessary in order to tie up all of the loose ends.
~ This was one of the more interesting love triangles I've encountered and I felt all three handled it maturely. No one came to their final decisions lightly and it seemed to work out for everyone in one way or another in the end. (Regardless of who Cassia chose, I'll forever be, Team Kyander!)
What I wasn't crazy about:
First let me say that, "not liking" certain aspects of a book is not necessarily a negative.
~ The Matched Trilogy has always felt like a love story to me. Yes, there's questions about The Society and the role that the Rising plays but I expected this final book to focus more on the love aspect and it fell short for me. (There was not nearly enough kissing in Reached for my liking. There, I said it.)
~ I wasn't a fan of Indie in Crossed and I really didn't like her in Reached. Her behavior, which was borderline obsessive in book 2, is amplified in this one. She made a few choices that were selfless but for the most part, her actions made me uncomfortable.
~ I understand that any good love story needs to go through a time of "testing" but I felt as if these characters had been through enough already.
~ The focus seemed to be more on the future of their world and their government but I would've liked to have seen a glimpse into the future, a "Where are they now" kind of thing. What line of work did they choose? What about their relationships, etc.
This was a good ending to this series and fans won't be disappointed.
Good Points
Beautiful cover!
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
User reviews
Average user rating from: 2 user(s)
***This review was originally posted at The Book Parade***
It seems to me that the Matched series by Ally Condie is somewhat of a ‘marmite’ series. I know lots of people who absolutely love it, but I have also met people who find it boring. As for me, I have always kind of hovered somewhere in between – not quite sure if this is a series I love, or just like. Still, I was very excited to read the Reached and see how the trilogy concluded.
I knew I was going to enjoy Reached as soon as I started it and I happily sat back and waited for the substantial amount of pages (Reached is a rather lengthy book) that lay invitingly ahead of me to unfold with surprises, mysteries and romance.
It had been a while since the last time I had visited the world of Matched i.e. since I had read Crossed and it was nice to return to Ally Condie’s fluid and poetic writing style, which is just so lovely to read. It is one thing that even those who criticise the Matched trilogy for insubstantial plot or whatever often praise – the way Condie writes so beautifully.
I like the way poetry is such a big part of the Matched trilogy, and I think it helps YA readers, who are mostly teens, appreciate and understand the unique beauty of poetry, and its value, a bit more. For example, at school we are currently having to study a lot of poetry in English for our GCSE exam and we generally find it tedious; however, the other day, we were studying ‘Do not go gentle into that good night,’ which, as you’ll know if you’ve read the books, is a poem that features prominently in this series and the several of my friends and I who had read Matched were all actually quite excited and engaged that lesson! (For once!)
No time is wasted in the opening of Reached and we are sucked straight into the exciting build-up of a revolution. What I really liked about Reached is how we get to know Xander more. Whereas the previous two books have focused mainly on Cassia and Ky, Xander was treated as a character of equal importance in Reached, and this time we also had chapters written from his perspective. Although I’ve never really had a ‘side’ in the Cassia-Ky-Xander love triangle, as I got to know Xander more, and as he was given a chance to prove himself as a character more, I began to really like him and I really felt sorry for him. In fact, by the end of Reached I think I would say that I definitely liked Xander more than Ky.
Beautifully written, as Condie’s novels always are, and a very enjoyable conclusion to the Matched trilogy. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next now that this series is over!
It seems to me that the Matched series by Ally Condie is somewhat of a ‘marmite’ series. I know lots of people who absolutely love it, but I have also met people who find it boring. As for me, I have always kind of hovered somewhere in between – not quite sure if this is a series I love, or just like. Still, I was very excited to read the Reached and see how the trilogy concluded.
I knew I was going to enjoy Reached as soon as I started it and I happily sat back and waited for the substantial amount of pages (Reached is a rather lengthy book) that lay invitingly ahead of me to unfold with surprises, mysteries and romance.
It had been a while since the last time I had visited the world of Matched i.e. since I had read Crossed and it was nice to return to Ally Condie’s fluid and poetic writing style, which is just so lovely to read. It is one thing that even those who criticise the Matched trilogy for insubstantial plot or whatever often praise – the way Condie writes so beautifully.
I like the way poetry is such a big part of the Matched trilogy, and I think it helps YA readers, who are mostly teens, appreciate and understand the unique beauty of poetry, and its value, a bit more. For example, at school we are currently having to study a lot of poetry in English for our GCSE exam and we generally find it tedious; however, the other day, we were studying ‘Do not go gentle into that good night,’ which, as you’ll know if you’ve read the books, is a poem that features prominently in this series and the several of my friends and I who had read Matched were all actually quite excited and engaged that lesson! (For once!)
No time is wasted in the opening of Reached and we are sucked straight into the exciting build-up of a revolution. What I really liked about Reached is how we get to know Xander more. Whereas the previous two books have focused mainly on Cassia and Ky, Xander was treated as a character of equal importance in Reached, and this time we also had chapters written from his perspective. Although I’ve never really had a ‘side’ in the Cassia-Ky-Xander love triangle, as I got to know Xander more, and as he was given a chance to prove himself as a character more, I began to really like him and I really felt sorry for him. In fact, by the end of Reached I think I would say that I definitely liked Xander more than Ky.
Beautifully written, as Condie’s novels always are, and a very enjoyable conclusion to the Matched trilogy. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next now that this series is over!
| Overall rating | 3.7 | |
| Plot | 3.0 | |
| Characters | 4.0 | |
| Writing Style | 4.0 |
A Satisfying Conclusion to the Series
***This review was originally posted at The Book Parade***
It seems to me that the Matched series by Ally Condie is somewhat of a ‘marmite’ series. I know lots of people who absolutely love it, but I have also met people who find it boring. As for me, I have always kind of hovered somewhere in between – not quite sure if this is a series I love, or just like. Still, I was very excited to read the Reached and see how the trilogy concluded.
I knew I was going to enjoy Reached as soon as I started it and I happily sat back and waited for the substantial amount of pages (Reached is a rather lengthy book) that lay invitingly ahead of me to unfold with surprises, mysteries and romance.
It had been a while since the last time I had visited the world of Matched i.e. since I had read Crossed and it was nice to return to Ally Condie’s fluid and poetic writing style, which is just so lovely to read. It is one thing that even those who criticise the Matched trilogy for insubstantial plot or whatever often praise – the way Condie writes so beautifully.
I like the way poetry is such a big part of the Matched trilogy, and I think it helps YA readers, who are mostly teens, appreciate and understand the unique beauty of poetry, and its value, a bit more. For example, at school we are currently having to study a lot of poetry in English for our GCSE exam and we generally find it tedious; however, the other day, we were studying ‘Do not go gentle into that good night,’ which, as you’ll know if you’ve read the books, is a poem that features prominently in this series and the several of my friends and I who had read Matched were all actually quite excited and engaged that lesson! (For once!)
No time is wasted in the opening of Reached and we are sucked straight into the exciting build-up of a revolution. What I really liked about Reached is how we get to know Xander more. Whereas the previous two books have focused mainly on Cassia and Ky, Xander was treated as a character of equal importance in Reached, and this time we also had chapters written from his perspective. Although I’ve never really had a ‘side’ in the Cassia-Ky-Xander love triangle, as I got to know Xander more, and as he was given a chance to prove himself as a character more, I began to really like him and I really felt sorry for him. In fact, by the end of Reached I think I would say that I definitely liked Xander more than Ky.
Beautifully written, as Condie’s novels always are, and a very enjoyable conclusion to the Matched trilogy. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next now that this series is over!
Was this review helpful to you?
I love a good pleasant surprise in any story and Ally Condie’s “Reached” provided just that. The third book in the Matched trilogy, “Reached” took a completely different direction than I thought!
Without giving too much away (for those who don’t want to know ANYTHING about the final installment, you should probably stop reading now), the overriding plotline was one I did not see coming. I was certain that this was going to turn out to be a “Mockingjay” part two: a rebellious faction of citizens in a brutal war with an even brutal-er government! But that soooooo was not the case. The easy part was getting rid of the totalitarian government. It was what came next that was hard!
I know this is ever so vague, but I really don’t want to spoil the book for people, even though it’s discovered what this whole surprise gist of the story is pretty quickly. Over 400 pages are devoted to the plotline I didn’t see coming. The best part is, we finally solve the mystery as to what all these pills are about Cassia and the rest of the Society members lug around everywhere with themselves, and my mind has been firmly made up as to which of Cassia’s potential loves I like the most. I’m so Team Xander.
Reviewed by
Jason Gallaher, Editor
December 12, 2012
Last updated: January 20, 2013
Top 50 Reviewer - View all my reviews (84)
Without giving too much away (for those who don’t want to know ANYTHING about the final installment, you should probably stop reading now), the overriding plotline was one I did not see coming. I was certain that this was going to turn out to be a “Mockingjay” part two: a rebellious faction of citizens in a brutal war with an even brutal-er government! But that soooooo was not the case. The easy part was getting rid of the totalitarian government. It was what came next that was hard!
I know this is ever so vague, but I really don’t want to spoil the book for people, even though it’s discovered what this whole surprise gist of the story is pretty quickly. Over 400 pages are devoted to the plotline I didn’t see coming. The best part is, we finally solve the mystery as to what all these pills are about Cassia and the rest of the Society members lug around everywhere with themselves, and my mind has been firmly made up as to which of Cassia’s potential loves I like the most. I’m so Team Xander.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot | 4.0 | |
| Characters | 4.0 | |
| Writing Style | 4.0 |
Reviewed by
Jason Gallaher, Editor
December 12, 2012
Last updated: January 20, 2013
Top 50 Reviewer - View all my reviews (84)
Pleasant Surprise Successfully 'Reached'
I love a good pleasant surprise in any story and Ally Condie’s “Reached” provided just that. The third book in the Matched trilogy, “Reached” took a completely different direction than I thought!
Without giving too much away (for those who don’t want to know ANYTHING about the final installment, you should probably stop reading now), the overriding plotline was one I did not see coming. I was certain that this was going to turn out to be a “Mockingjay” part two: a rebellious faction of citizens in a brutal war with an even brutal-er government! But that soooooo was not the case. The easy part was getting rid of the totalitarian government. It was what came next that was hard!
I know this is ever so vague, but I really don’t want to spoil the book for people, even though it’s discovered what this whole surprise gist of the story is pretty quickly. Over 400 pages are devoted to the plotline I didn’t see coming. The best part is, we finally solve the mystery as to what all these pills are about Cassia and the rest of the Society members lug around everywhere with themselves, and my mind has been firmly made up as to which of Cassia’s potential loves I like the most. I’m so Team Xander.
Good Points
A plotline I didn't see coming!
The mystery behind the pills is solved.
You'll hopefully walk away with a firm stance on either Team Ky or Team Xander.
The mystery behind the pills is solved.
You'll hopefully walk away with a firm stance on either Team Ky or Team Xander.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
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