Crossed by Ally Condie

Usually the second book in a trilogy can seem like a plateau in the overall story. I don't feel that way in this trilogy (or the Hunger Games trilogy!) It wasn't what I expected though. First of all, I thought Xander would be in it! Cassia does see him briefly, but for the most part, he is a very peripheral character. The main characters in this book are Cassia, Ky, Eli and Indie. Eli is 13 years old, but the rest treat him like he is much younger. (The rest are only 17, so I don't see them as much older!) Eli reminds Cassia & Ky of her brother, Bram, so they have a special affinity towards him.

Anyway, Cassia leaves Society to go to the Outer Provinces in search of Ky. Ky, who is in the Outer Provinces tries to get back to Society in search of Cassia. Indie wants to join the Rising. Eli initially just goes along for the ride (with Ky & Vick). Each character has their secrets; each character has difficulty trusting the others. Ky actually seems to know Xander better than Cassia herself does, which was interesting. Indie kept telling Cassia & Ky that Ky is the Pilot for the Rising. I really think that Xander may be the Pilot! I was happy that we started learning more about Ky's family background - and why he is so against Society and the Rising. I feel the same way. Like in the Hunger Games, the people who lead the "rebellion" are just as corrupt in their power as the Society (Capitol). Ky suspects this corruptness; the others do not.

Even though the cave/tunnel description is only a little more than one page, I was positively claustrophobic when Cassia was entering the cave through the very small tunnel. There is no way I could have ever done that! I thought that was really well written. I still want to know if Cassia is immune to the red pill - and why she was so deeply affected by the blue pill, but she didn't die. Is that because she kept moving? Is it because she was so focused on finding Ky? Was it because Indie gave her that apple to eat? Why are Xander, Ky and Indie immune to the red pill? 

As always, I was sad about the deaths. I was shocked about Vick's demise. I did not see that coming! It will be interesting to see what Cassia's role is back in the Society. I am assuming that Xander will be a key player in book 3 (Reached). I have a lot of questions and I am looking forward to them all being answered!

Wendy's Rating: *****