Title: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: 1.3.12
Pages: 293
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Yes (Trylle #1)
Source: ARC from publisher
Rating: A-
Summary (from Goodreads):
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.
Review:
If you haven’t heard of Amanda Hocking, you have clearly been living under a rock the last year. She is the ultimate self-publisher. Her books have been blowing up the suggestion page of my Nook since I first got it, and it’s no wonder she was granted a publishing deal. My only question is: What the heck took so long? How did people pass by this amazing writer’s talent for so long?! Her world building skills alone are top notch, but add to it great characters and original ideas, and you have the perfect storm for success.
Switched is the first book in the Trylle trilogy, and I love that Hocking breaks from the “normal” paranormal genre and introduced us to trolls. I can’t commend her enough for taking on such an original idea. It always makes me giddy when a writer taps into an unexplored idea, especially in the paranormal sphere. I mean, you can only read/write so many vampire, faery, or werewolf novels before they start to overlap.
The story follows Wendy, who is nearly killed by her mother at age six. For some reason, it took me a little time to connect with Wendy. She’s a very sympathetic character and enjoyable, but sometimes I found her a bit on the plain side. I thought she got a lot more interesting when Finn showed up, though, and watching their relationship bloom and flourish was wonderful.
I still cannot figure out why this book wasn’t given an immediate deal. Hocking is a terrific writer with a ton of raw talent. I can’t wait to see how the series ends, and what she has coming out in the future for me to enjoy.
Buy: Amazon
This book sounds amazing! I've heard so much about Amanda Hocking and I'm super psyched to read Switched. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteNice review! I've heard an awful lot about Amanda, but this is the first review I've actually read. Couldn't agree more about the originality of introducing us to trolls. What a great idea!
ReplyDeletetrolls? Wth?! That definitely caught my interest. love your review. makes me want to pick up this book now! thank goodness it's current;y sitting in my nook, waiting to be devoured :)haha!
ReplyDeleteDiana
I totally feel like I've been living under a rock. I think I was the last person to hear of Amanda Hocking! Switched is definitely on my to-read list now, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about reading this one since I keep hearing how good it is. I've read her other series and while they weren't the best they definitely kept my interest... so I have a feeling these will be even better, especially since they've been professionally edited now.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so great. All the reviews I've read have said so. Can't wait to read it for myself & judge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing! I am looking forward to reading Switched.
ReplyDeleteI think this may be the next book I read! Sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love this cover...it's beautiful. I think I want this first just so I can have the cover on my bookshelf and second to read the book. I think I may have this backwards for this book, but that cover is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGreat review I am not really into YA, but this book is calling my name.
ReplyDeleteI was almost hooked by the bit about her mother, but when I got to the trolls I knew I had to add this to my wishlist. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot about A. Hocking, but haven't read anything from her.
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds really good and the covers are awesome, definitely must read it!
Great review. Sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteGood review. This book is on my to read list. Can't wait to read. love the cover too.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an amazing book! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, trolls were fun to read about. Great review.
ReplyDeleteOoo, trolls. Definitively a new idea. But "The Sea of Trolls" also had some people that could pass for trolls :D
ReplyDeleteI picked up this book over the summer and really enjoyed it! I want to read the others in the series as well. Thanks for the great review :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen a lot of books from Amanda Hocking but have not read any yet. Switched sounds really good and I could definitely enjoy reading this. Thanks so much for the great review.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read this book, It has been on my wish list from the moment I first heard about it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize this was about trolls and I agree that it is definitely a new approach to paranormal writing and should be interesting. It's been on my trb list for a while - can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI read an article about her a few weeks ago! Sounds a bit like a Cinderella-esque publishing story! But I really need to check her books out; everyone's been raving about them!
ReplyDeleteI like your review, sound very interesting, is in my wish list now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really admire Amanda Hocking - her story is really inspiring! :)
ReplyDeleteI totaly agree! Her book shouldnt have taken so long to sell! Excellent review! I cant wait for the next book to come out to!
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