The premise of _The Trylle Trilogy_ is promising, if far from original: changelings are real, only the cuckoo species is more like the fairies of folk tradition than the fairies/elves/fae of modern fantasy the author refers to, and seems to be inspired by, Troll dolls. However, YA fantasy, particularly that which targets tween and teen girls, has its own set of hazards: flat and unbelievable characterization, uninspired and contrived plots, awkward dialogue-and, worst of all, indoctrination into a belief system in which females are helpless, stupid, incapable of sensible actions, and utterly lost without their boyfriends. Sometimes I just don't want to deal with moral ambiguities, gratuitous sex, excessive violence, vicious politics, interpersonal cruelty, or real-world ugliness. I have added Torn, the second book in the trilogy, to my “To Be Bought” list.I have a confession to make: I'm about 35 years older than the target audience, but I have an inordinate fondness for children's and YA fantasy. The bonus short story at the back of the book was a great read too! There is action, romance, loss, secrets and revelations all nicely woven into the plot. The other characters are likeable, and the story moves along at a good pace. Also, the mythology around the Trylle is very different from what we know of trolls from myths and legends and that made the story fresh and exciting.

Switched was a very easy book to read, thanks to the author’s writing style.

It took me a few pages to connect with the character of Wendy, but after reading further, if felt like that was intentional and the reason behind it unfolds as the story does. I have only read one other Amanda Hocking novel before this one, Hollowland, which I thoroughly enjoyed, so when I came across Switched at the bookshop I knew I had to read it. Does he know her secret? Or does he know more about her secret than she does? One thing’s for sure…Wendy’s life will never be the same again… When Finn, the new boy at school, starts staring at her intensely whenever they are in the same space, Wendy begins to worry. But she has a secret…a secret power that means she can influence peoples thoughts and decisions to her own advantage. They move around a lot because Wendy, who can’t settle, keeps getting thrown out of school.

A decade later, Wendy is living with her brother and her aunt. Wendy Everly knew she wasn’t like everyone else when her mother tried to kill her when she was six years old, convinced that she was a monster. Switched is the first book in the Trylle trilogy by Amanda Hocking.

Switched by amanda hocking