Review Detail

I'd heard lots about Amanda Hocking and was curious to see what everyone was talking about. Everyone knows I love a good paranormal so I was excited I was able to get a copy of her book SWITCHED. I was intrigued with the premise of a girl that finds out that she really is in fact different. In this case, she's a changeling. Her so-called mother sensed this and tried to kill her when she was six years old. Flash forward eleven years later. Finn, a mysterious boy shows up and tells her he needs to take her back to her real home. Wendy is at first relieved to realize she's not crazy and then wonders if she really wants to go with Finn. Some others also want her and try to kidnap her.

I liked how Hocking puts a twist on the whole world of trolls. Forget Shrek. Here they're beautiful, wealthy individuals living admidst humans. There's a scene where they watch Lord of the Rings and laugh over Tolkien's protrayal of them. In a way it's like Wendy tells Finn, these trolls are kind of like paranormal grifters, placing their babies with wealthy humans in order to swindle them for their money. At times her beautiful mother Elora is shown to be cold and aloof with her own secrets she's keeping.

The chemistry between Wendy and Finn is intense and adds to the story. It was refreshing not to have the whole love triangle in this story which is almost too common now in YA novels. Instead we watch as Wendy grows to realize she cares deeply for her guard Finn.

At times the plot is predictable but there's some interesting revelations that make this story one worth following. The way Hocking is able to put her own unique twist on a familar tale will resonate with readers. Let's just say I can't wait for the next book TORN that is coming out the end of February.