Review: Switched

Switched
Release Date: 5th January 2012 (first published 2010)
Pages: 335
Publisher: Tor
Author: Amanda Hocking
Source: Purchased at Kmart
Purchase Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Goodreads:
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…

Review:
Switched is the first in the series of the Trylle trilogy. I actually picked this book with my grandpa. He was trying to help me find a new book to read when he spotted the cover. I do as I always do, read the blurb on the back and give it a quick google. Didn't sound too shabby.

It tells the story of Wendy Everly, a bored girl that feels unloved and no sense of belonging, which is only made more real when her mother tries to kill her when she was six, claiming that she was a monster and didn't belong in her family. It makes you think, what could a little girl do so wrong to make her mother claim she isn't hers... She is raised by her loving brother Matt and aunt Maggie. That is until a mysterious boy named Finn shows up in her life and convinces her to run away with him to her real home and place where she belongs.... in Forening, home to the Trylle (trolls). In Trylle, Wendy discovers a new magical place, where she is important for a change, however darker forces are looking to tear everything apart before it begins.

When I first realised this was a book about trolls, I thought if an author can put an interesting spin on it, then I could at least give it a go. This book was pretty good - interesting, engaging and told in the first person. A refreshing break from what I usually read. Not a thriller or a romance, just a cool YA fantasy novel.

Wendy is not your average teen, which I was pleasantly surprised with. She is a handful but it is her attitude and desperation to find where she belongs that eventually wins you over. Plus she doesn't let anyone push her around. She is also a big deal, destined for greatness!
In terms of supporting characters, we get an interesting group of guys and gals, some potential love interests and others what I envision could be best friends. I have yet to read the second book, so I can't predict anything yet. Finn of course wins hands down for the hotty of the book. He does frustrate me at times - one of those guys that wants something, but doesn't really chase after it. One of my favourites is actually Matt, Wendy's brother. He is a very supportive, intelligent, gentle guy who gives everything he can for his sister, a real rarity.

Wendy does get her go at a bit of romance, however it felt like more of a build up to something that could become bigger in the second book. Plus, when she has everyone against who she wants, you know this will drag on for a while

Cover:
I love the Australian cover for this book (the one above), it is what got my attention. Doesn't give much of an insight into the story but it feels a bit whimsical and mysterious.
The US cover (to the right) is equally superb. I love the colours and mystery in the cover, from the castle down to the flowers. 

Final Comments:
This book was great, however my only annoyance is the ending. It concludes abruptly, but not even with a cliffhanger that makes you wanting to read on. It is almost as though someone tore out the last few pages of the book and left you confused. The only solution to this is to buy Torn (book 2) and continue on. 

Rating: