Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)

I had heard a little bit about this book and was genuinely curious, especially when I read it was about trolls. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.

Not only are the characters well written, but they are tantalizing characters, especially Finn. Oh my goodness. I wanted more Finn. The story between Wendy and Finn is not only mysterious, but just keeps growing with each page. I hadn't heard much about Amanda Hocking before I picked this book up, but I will definitely be reading the sequel to this book. I just can't get enough Finn!

Switched by Amanda Hocking was quite an interesting read. When I read the description, I was thinking fairies, given the whole changeling thing. I could have have been more wrong: trolls. How cool is that? Switched was a fast paced read that dived into a completely unique storyline.

The beginning of Switched was a bit disjointed. I didn't quite get what was going on, and I wasn't completely feeling the story. As time progressed, Wendy began to get more answers to her questions, and things began to make more sense. I really loved the uniqueness of the plot. Everything was so new and it was a lot of fun to read about.

The characters were an interesting mix. The relationship between Finn and Wendy seemed a bit odd at first, there was not a lot of build up. As the story moved on, it did build more and it was really cute. I really liked Matt - he was a character you don't see a lot of, but the parts of the book he was in were some of my favorites. A lot of the other characters fell flat for me. They just didn't seem real, and I had a hard time connecting with them.

Switched was a promising start to the trilogy, and I cannot wait to pick up the other books now. The unique premise is captivating, and really gives it a unique edge to really stand out.

I'd heard lots about Amanda Hocking and was curious to see what everyone was talking about. Everyone knows I love a good paranormal so I was excited I was able to get a copy of her book SWITCHED. I was intrigued with the premise of a girl that finds out that she really is in fact different. In this case, she's a changeling. Her so-called mother sensed this and tried to kill her when she was six years old. Flash forward eleven years later. Finn, a mysterious boy shows up and tells her he needs to take her back to her real home. Wendy is at first relieved to realize she's not crazy and then wonders if she really wants to go with Finn. Some others also want her and try to kidnap her.

I liked how Hocking puts a twist on the whole world of trolls. Forget Shrek. Here they're beautiful, wealthy individuals living admidst humans. There's a scene where they watch Lord of the Rings and laugh over Tolkien's protrayal of them. In a way it's like Wendy tells Finn, these trolls are kind of like paranormal grifters, placing their babies with wealthy humans in order to swindle them for their money. At times her beautiful mother Elora is shown to be cold and aloof with her own secrets she's keeping.

The chemistry between Wendy and Finn is intense and adds to the story. It was refreshing not to have the whole love triangle in this story which is almost too common now in YA novels. Instead we watch as Wendy grows to realize she cares deeply for her guard Finn.

At times the plot is predictable but there's some interesting revelations that make this story one worth following. The way Hocking is able to put her own unique twist on a familar tale will resonate with readers. Let's just say I can't wait for the next book TORN that is coming out the end of February.