#69 Book Review: Switched

Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1)
Release Date: January 5th 2012
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Amazon & The Book Depository
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever...

My review:

Cover:
I love the butterflies in the picture and how the girl looks like she's running away from something. The cover also gives this mysterious feeling. Although I love the US covers of the series more, I think it's still lovely!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for the cover!

Story:
 
What if your entire world was built on a lie?

When Wendy was 6 years old, her mother tried to kill her on her birthday. Her mother claimed that Wendy was not her child and therefore tried to kill her. Now she is locked up in an mental health asylum. Wendy always knew that she was different than the others and Finn, the school's newcomer convinced her that she is more than just who she is. Can Wendy believe him?

I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, especially after seeing the gorgeous US cover of the book. At first, I didn't know that this book was originally self-published but because it was such a bestseller, finally a publisher picked up the book and published it. I haven't heard of Amanda Hocking before but after reading her book, I know why this was such a bestseller. Written from Wendy's POV, Switched brings you a tale of  Trylle (which means Trolls) and the world of Förening. I enjoyed reading this book. I've certainly never read a book about trolls but the trolls in Switched are very interesting because they are like humans, only with powers. There weren't many actions happening in the book because Switched is mostly about Wendy's adaptation to her new life but it was still enjoyable. The ending was very interesting and makes me want to read Torn as soon as possible! 

Characters:
Wendy's life completely changed after knowing the truth about her life. She deals with the truth well although sometimes she can be persistent and stubborn. Sometimes I find Wendy quite annoying and blunt, which makes it quite hard for me to connect with her but she's still enjoyable to read. Her relationship with Finn, Tove, Rhys is really interesting to read about. Finn is quite an awesome character who helps Wendy adapt with her new life. I am particularly really intersted in Elora, Wendy's 'real' mother because she has secrets that I want to find out more about.  

Overall:
Amanda Hocking weaves an interesting story of the Trylle kingdom through Switched. Switched is a unique paranormal-themed book and you'll find trolls are not as ugly as you think they are in nursery rhymes! This book is recommended to those who love reading a new paranormal concept in books!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for Switched!

Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy!

 Check out the US book trailer!

And the UK book trailer: