So, here's the thing: I don't like when books start out with a promising love story, then just let it fizzle out to be taken over by everything else. I realize this series is a dystopian and that the altered anti-utopia needs to be addressed. But I felt that in this series (and many of the other dystopian series out there) that the mechanics of the society and the surroundings usurp the story of the people in it. I'm sure this is purely a personal preference, but I don't care for plot/atmospherically heavy books. I prefer character driven stories (by this I mean: stories that are about a character and how they respond and grow through the trials presented to them.) 
 When I first started reading Matched, I was intrigued by the characters: Cassia, Xander, and Ky. I adored the forbidden love concept and rooted for Cassia and Ky to be together. Then the author did what pretty much every YA author does--she ripped them apart. 
 Am I the only one getting tired of this plot device? I mean, there are other ways to create drama and suspense besides separating the love interests. How about them working together to conquer the troubles surrounding them? No, I know, that's *completely* unrealistic and unheard of. *sarcasm* 
 The thing is, I enjoyed Matched because the society created was interesting and genuinely liked the characters. But I loved the love story. 
 In Reached, there was so much technical speak on how the viruses worked and everything, that it felt like all the character stuff just got buried beneath. When *certain spoilery things* happened, there were no tears, no grief, no joy, no relief. There was no emotional ups or downs. It was very flat and at times very boring. 
 Where was the love and hate and joy and anger? When there were deaths, I didn't care. When there were separations and reunions, I didn't care. And guess what? Neither did the characters! They were like: oh, so and so is alive? Cool. 
 >.> 
 I'm sorry, but no. Make me FEEL it. Make them feel it. 
 Sigh. 
 I was just disappointed with this conclusion. I really think this could have been a wonderful, emotional read for me, but it just missed the mark.