Monday, March 05, 2012

Review: Switched

Book: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy #1
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 293
Source: KPL
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
Stars: 4/5
When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…


(summary taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS:  

When I first read the synopsis for this book, I thought it was going to be just another story about faery changelings but it surprised me in the best possible way! Switched was still mystically beautiful in a way that was reminiscent of faeries, but it was about spellbinding trolls instead.  

These are not the wild, erratic, and live-under-a-bridge trolls you're used to instead, they're called Trylle and they're beautiful, magical, and so incredibly fascinating!  I was captivated by the Trylle lore immediately, from their abilities to their monarchy and way of life.  

I adore Wendy. She's the perfect strong yet vulnerable, hard-willed yet completely sweet heroine that makes it so easy to connect with a book. She's far from perfect, but her imperfections are what make her real. The rest of the cast (like Rhys, and Willa, and even Queen Elora) each have their own distinct personalities that make it interesting too!  

And Finn? There's just something about those "strong and silent" types that draws girls in I loved him so much! ♥ Tentative and sweet, their romance was one that I fell in love with the more I read. Between the fast-paced plot, unique lore, and beautiful setting, you will fly through this book in one sitting and find yourself spellbound in Amanda Hocking's world! 

Fascinating and beautiful, Switched is one refreshing story that's definitely worth the read! I can't believe it took me so long to pick it up but I'm SO glad I did. Now I'm desperately craving to find out what happens in the second book of the trilogy, Torn! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: With its gorgeous cover and original lore, why wouldn't you want this book on your shelf? I can already tell I'll be in love with this series! ;)

-Mimi

42 comments:

  1. Oh Mimi, how I LOVE Switched's cover! It is absolutely gorgeous! One of my alltime favourites actually! I didn't quite like the UK covers although those are the covers that are available to buy in my local bookshops, sadly. I'm also really interested in reading Amanda Hocking's first novel which is My Blood Approves but anyway, if Mimi tells you to buy a book, then you better buy it! ;)

    Awesome review as always, Mimi! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. YAY. I'm so happy that you ended up liking this one, because... I'M GOING TO BE READING AND REVIEWING THIS TODAY. Great minds think alike, I suppose. And you do have a fabulous mind, Mimi, to have concocted such a brilliant review. My excitement has been thoroughly ramped up and now I'm all eager to get started. Boy, my teachers are going to be so mad at me, but, hey, I'm willing to take that risk so long as it brings me to 'strong and silent' Finn. Hehe :DD

    Asher

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wooho Mimi!! You totally got me. Again :P hihi I'll need to pick this book up! I'm, just like you, taking my time to get into this book :P I guess I should hurry up and start it! Great review Mimi <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
  4. The cover is gorgeous and the blurb sounds great. I've got this series in my to-read list and since you like this first novel, I think I'll buy it in hardcopy and not an e-copy. I'm really curious to discover Switched!
    Great review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been reading a bunch of great reviews for this one. I wasn't quite sure if it would be my thing (maybe a little too much fantasy for my liking) but I might just have to check it out and see. Also, the new covers are gorgeous! We have different covers over here, which are equally stunning! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've had this one since the DAY it was released!! And STILL or sits on my shelf!!! I really need to read it ASAP!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm a new follower ^^

    Such a great cover and nice review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes! I so agree with everything you said, I really enjoyed this! I'm very eager to jump into Torn as soon as I can find a spot to squeeze it in. Besides Harry Potter and that one episode of Once Upon A Time, I think this is the only time I've read about trolls and yeah, TOTALLY not what we're used to! I'm so intrigued by the Trylle and can't wait to dig deeper into the mythology. And I want to learn more about Rhys and Tove. And more more Wendy and Finn, please!

    Yet another fantastic review from you! You have stellar taste in books :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just bought this book last week with $25 Amazon card I won. I can't wait to read it. Great review :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful trolls?! That sounds very out there as I've only ever seen descriptions of ugly ones. That alone makes this book sound very unique in addition to the great characters.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Did you say "strong and silent type"? *runs to bookstore for Switched* I LOVE those types of characters, I can't get enough of them even though at times they frustrate me to no end. Wendy sounds amazing, I like a girl that's flawed, she's probably all the more interesting because of it. Wonderful review as always Mimi, I'm really excited to give this series a try!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I agree whole-heartedly with this review! Switched was so fun and magical! I'll be picking up Torn next week; I'm excited to know what happens to Wendy next!

    Angie @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been so curious about this book, and you've just convinced me that I need to check it out. I'm definitely a fan of any book with a strong heroines and unique lore.

    Wonderful review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I grabbed this book a million years ago and I still haven't read it! *slaps self* I suck, I know. But really, trolls?! How did I not know this? That's so cool and it sounds really unique. And did you say strong silent type. Yup, Finn would totally make me swoon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh boy trolls and changleings and strong female lead. Sign me up. I recently won a copy of this book and now I just need to find time to dig in. I am more excited now thanks to your review. Hope you have a great week Mimi!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I really enjoyed this one as well! I think my favorite thing was the world it took place in. It was so unique and utterly fascinating and it completely sucked me in. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about Finn yet but I definitely liked him. Great review :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. OH. MY. GOSH. I'm going to the used bookstore ASAP to get this. I saw it there for about $4 and was going back and forth, but Mimi, your review sold me!! (They always do!) I'm soooo excited to read about TROLLS that are not UGLY and are really MEAN. UGH. I mean, where is the magic in that? (Unless it's "Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow"... But then again, Jessica Day George can do just about anything...) Wendy sounds AWESOME and I loooove "tentative and sweet" romances. What am I waiting for?! ;) Thanks soooo much for this brilliant review! Have a greeeaaattt week!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the depiction of trolls in this book!. I can't say I have read many troll books (or any!) but I adored the way Amanda Hocking made them so appealing. :D I'm so glad you liked this! Awesome review, Mimi. I said on Goodreads, but I can't wait to talk about the rest of this trilogy. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awesome review Mimi! I;m so glad you liked this one too! I said on Goodreads. but I can't wait to talk to you about the other books. :D i loved the way trolls were depicted in this book. I haven't read very many troll books (or any!) but I adored the way amanda hocking made them appealing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful trolls? That's certainly different from many of the other books out here. And now I want to know more especially since traditionally trolls have been nasty creatures hellbent on destruction. And how did she get switched? Okay, you have me wanting to pick this up soon. Looks like you found another winner here.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm like you, I didn't think much of it because I didn't find the summary to be that interesting. But I really like mythology! And trolls that are beautiful? I SO have to read this :)

    Gosh, how can you make me love a character when I haven't even read the book? LOL The way you described Wendy made me thing it'd be one of those main characters whom you connect since the first page. I'm really intrigued! And yeah, I'm totally up for a "strong and silent" romantic interest! ♥

    Now that you've left me without a single point to object buying this, I think I should do it soon. That was a wonderful review, Mimi! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm excited to read this one, especially since when I usually think of trolls (not that I think of them all that frequently), I definitely think of ugly smelly things covered with warts (think a smaller version of the one that appeared in the first Harry Potter book). I find it interesting that the author completely turned that idea around in Switched!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've fallen in love with every single review on you've written since I started following your blog and this is no exception! MIMI!!! <333333 I'm practically cheering at the heavens that you finally read this book because I LOVED IT! I read this series before Amanda Hocking decided to re-publish with St. Martin's Press, and it's definitely one of my favourites. That you love it too? EPIC WIN. (:

    Fantabulous review, Mimi-Doll! <333333 After reading your review, I think I might just have to go out and buy the gorgeous paperbacks of this series!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I bought a copy of Switched to use as motivation for my own writing but I haven't actually had a chance to pick it up and give it a read. I've heard mixed reviews but you can't argue with the sales :) Will bump this one up the TBR!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Mimi, I feel like I'm the only person left on th PLANET who's not read Switched! I ADORED your review! It sounds MAGIC!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wonderful review! I've been really wanting to check this series out, and you have completely tempted me even more, in a good way! I like how you described Wendy! It's always a strong point to have a protagonist that readers can easily relate and make friends with. Sounds like a good one! Adding to my TBR <3

    Vivian @ Vivaciously, Vivian

    ReplyDelete
  27. Formidable review! i also enjoy flawed characters that are still strong. it is also taking me forever to pick up this book. sounds like a wonderful book though. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. To be honest, I didn't really particularly care about this one when I heard about it. Giselle's review made me put it on my wishlist though and your enthusiastic review to this one, Mimi, made me glad I did. I haven't read anything about trolls yet so that's a bonus. Now I just need to get my hands on a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I really need to get into this series soon. Sounds great judging by your praising review.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awesome Mimi I'm glad you enjoyed this one too! It's no doubt original and that'S what I liked the most about it. I hope you read Torn soon! We meet a very awesome new sexy character! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  31. *sighs* Who doesn't have a soft spot for quiet, gorgeous guys? I don't think I've read a troll book before. Like you, I always imagine trolls like they were in Harry Potter books: huge, green and disgusting. I wouldn't mind getting rid of that mental picture, to be honest.
    I also totally trust your opinion about Wendy. I'm sure you wouldn't like her if she was in the habit of making stupid choices. :)
    Lovely review as always, Mimi. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Aww, such awesome review like always, Mimi! I really need to read this book! The cover is awesome and I love the idea of fairy-changeling! <3 I love imperfect heroines, that makes them seem very real! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Now I HAVE to buy this series. Great review, Mimi! :D Oh and those covers....I'm in love!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I don't own a finished copy of SWITCHED but boy, do I want one. I can't even begin to tell you how ridiculously happy I am that you liked this one. Finn is so swoon-worthy and I LOVE Wendy. She's a strong person already and I think she'll come into her own in the next two books. I agree with you, I was really captivated by the Trylle lore! Great review, Mimi!

    Molli | Once Upon a Prologue

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm so happy to hear that the characters in this book are great. I'm a HUGE character person--they make a book for me. I love strong heroines, so Wendy sounds like she'll be right up my alley. Wonderful review, as usual, Mimi! You make me want to pick this book up now. I'm actually not that big a fan of fae and trolls, but for this book, it sounds like I'll definitely be making an exception! <3

    ReplyDelete
  36. Yay!! I'm so glad you liked this, Mimi! It sounds so awesome and different and I can't wait to pick it upppp. Can't wait for some time over to devour it! Awesome review as always!:)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh Finn is the strong and silent type? Count me in!
    I actually have been planning on buying this series JUST for the covers. I'm seriously SO in love with them! I'm dying to have them on my shelf. But I've heard enough good things about them that I'm now excited to actually read them as well ;)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Darling, because of this review, I have purchased the book like I said I would, and I mentioned you here: http://yearningtoread.blogspot.com/2012/03/friday-buys-32-912-some-news.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh my goodness, I CANNOT wait to read this!! I received the second book, Torn for review, so I'll be reading Switched very soon!! hahaaaa I absolutely ADORE the strong and silent type of guys <3 Looks like FINN will soon be on my 'BOYS TO DIE FOR' list! Awesome review, Mimi! I'm so excited for this now :DD

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts! I love hearing what you have to say, and I always try to comment on one of your blog posts in return! :)

It's really nice to meet you!