Don't go into this novel thinking that The Hunger Games is a prime example of what the dystopia genre is and should be. This genre isn't all about action-packed scenes, but is more about the thought-provoking writing that conveys multiple messages without taking away from the true essence of the story. Matched by Ally Condie is less action-oriented and more introspective. I found myself juggling different emotions all the time, trying not to tear in one scene or burst a bubble in another. Some scenes were just incredibly touching. And Condie's writing just added that extra bit of awe. 
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 Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. 
 The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. 
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 Usually in dystopians there is so much to talk about considering we are dealing with a whole new developing world. So briefly, The Society has always provided for everyone's needs - food, clothing, shelter are merely a matter of course. They also provide Matches for everyone, genetically perfect pairs for breeding out the biggest imperfections a human being can develop. These Matches are given when children become 17. For Cassia, she is lucky enough to have been Matched with a friend of hers from her own province, which is a very low chance that it could happen. Then there is another boy involved and Cassia doesn't know why. 
 What I loved about Cassia was that she wasn't afraid to stand up for herself and make choices. Although there wasn't much rebelling in this first book of a series, I bet once Crossed, the sequel to Matched comes out, there will be a hell of a lot more conflict between right and wrong. However, Cassia learnt by the halfway point what she really wanted. Ky was my favourite love interest. I don't know why but I always seem to choose for the more reserved and quiet type to end up with heroine. Xander just seemed too blunt-ended and didn't really do much for me in terms of his character. He was mainly just there as a boy who was Matched with his friend then got dumped for an outcast. 
 Everything that occurred happened for a reason. There were a few touching scenes in this novel, and they do bring out some tears (if you dramatize it really good). I liked this world, but I do think there should have been more world building. I don't think there was enough. Only what Cassia knew, or had heard about. There could have been a few more action scenes, but it was a subtle read and story so that can be ignored. Although I didn't really get the point of the tablets. Maybe more of a controlling position over its people? 
 Matched was another great dystopian read and I want to find out if Cassia will find Ky, and really shove her brave heart where it is needed most. I give Matched as I believed I needed a bit more. I recommend for those who like romance-based books. 
 Title: Matched (Matched #1) 
 Author: Ally Condie 
 Publisher: Dutton Juvenile 
 Publication Date: 30/11/2010 
 Pages: Hardcover, 366 
 Source: Bought 
 Challenges: 350+ page, YA, 100+ read, Off the shelf, dystopia