Title: SwitchedAuthor: Amanda Hocking
Edition: paperbackSeries: Trylle Trilogy #1Released Date: January 3rd, 2012Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
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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…
Wendy Everly knew she always didn't fit in wherever she went - school, parties, even in her own family. Now Wendy bares a scar from when her mother tried to kill her with a knife when she was six. At her new school, Wendy is kind of creeped out by Finn who's constantly staring at her. The reasoning: Wendy is a changeling.
This was my first book about 'trolls' and 'changelings' and I must say that I was confused. I mean, I understand the whole concept with the children being changed - but I didn't find much of a point to it. I guess that it was the whole purpose of the story, but the whole idea was just bland. There was only one unique part of it: Wendy was a girl that was switched out for a boy baby. I mean, there was nothing spectacular about her discovery of her being a troll. I don't know...
I actually thought the most interesting part of the plot was the beginning - learning about Wendy's weird habits, her family's history, and her current family's situation. It made her seem easier to relate to when I found out these things. As the plot grew, I definitely got more curious but I thought that some portions were really slow. There wasn't much of a spark that kept me going, until the attack and Finn's decision at the end of the book. Otherwise, I thought the plot was a bit bland and somewhat predictable. Yet for some reason, I can't really fathom what's going to happen in the second or third book - so maybe it's just one of those first book symptoms.
The relationship between theses characters was indescribable. Each one was formed so perfectly - from Finn, the brooding watchdog that draws you in; Rhys, the outgoing human that's got an awesome personality; Elora, the mother of Wendy and the queen, who's not very nurturing; and Willa, the notorious gossiper, but good friend. Each of them had a different plot and I could sit and pick out how each of them grew throughout the novel.
There were some ups and downs in this novel, but I'd suggest this to anyone who loves great characters and their relationships - but wouldn't mind putting up with a bland plot. This was definitely a fun and quick read, and I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series! There's no wonder that this original self-published novel was picked up by a publishing company!
