Switched by Amanda Hocking

Synopsis

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

I would have liked to have brought this review to you sooner but my copy disappeared over Christmas only to appear in the exact place I'd left it - weird! As Liz has said, Amanda is in the UK now and signing at Forbidden Planet in London on Saturday so I was keen, once found, to get Switched read in time. The Wendy we meet is a survivor - her mum attacked her with a knife when Wendy was only six, convinced that she wasn't her child. Since then Wendy has bounced from school to school and endured constant new starts in different towns in an attempt to finish. Now living with her aunt and brother she rarely connects with anyone until she meets Finn. He gives her some devastating news that she at first resists but then has to accept. From this point onwards Wendy's life as she knows it dissolves and she's forced to face up to a new reality.

I admired Wendy from the off - she's plucky, stubborn and passionate. Although she's been deeply hurt by her past she still strives for happiness. She's also selfish but as the book progresses she starts to act more and more like a leader and I enjoyed watching her progression. Wendy's journey from everyday America to her new life is very fairytale (in the Grimm sense) and full of horror. At the start of the story I kept thinking of Tithe but as Switched progressed it was clear that Wendy's story was very different.

I particularly loved some of the people she met in her new life. The outright star of the book for me was Tove - the troubled son of the second most important family in Forening. He has insane powers, almost one of the most talented of his community but he also very troubled and alone. Much as I loved Finn I kept hoping that Wendy would see Tove differently - I was willing them together. There were moments when I could see the plot twists ahead of time which had me screaming at Wendy but despite this there's much to enjoy in Switched. Elora is wonderfully regal and distant as are many of the society that Amanda has created. I'm sure that future books will allow us to see more of the kick-ass enemies (the Vittra) and Tove (yes please).

Just as an aside - Amanda Hocking is a fellow self-confessed John Hughes mourner and when Wendy took to the dance floor with Finn to the tune of "If You Leave," by OMD I was punching the sky. Perfect.

Amanda Hocking visits the UK 2012

‘In managing to reach people via the internet first, and then breaking into the traditional book industry that way, she has become her generation’s first literary phenomenon… Her character-driven books have generated an excitement not felt in the industry since Stephenie Meyer or perhaps even J. K. Rowling’ New York Times

‘The most spectacular example of an author striking gold through ebooks’ Observer

‘A Tolkien for our times’ Wall Street Journal

Named as one of the Guardian’s Book Power 100 2011

Amanda Hocking is 26 years old, lives in Minnesota and had not sold a single book before 15th April 2010. She has now sold over one million ebooks. She is a self-publishing phenomenon.

Her bestselling Trylle Trilogy is now to be available in paperback and ebook formats with additional, unseen and exclusive content. Acquired through a fierce international auction, Pan Macmillan will publish Switched, the first in the trilogy in January 2012. Followed by Torn in March and Ascend in April. Amanda Hocking’s previously unpublished and highly anticipated new Watersong series, will also be published by Pan Macmillan from September 2012.

Amanda explained her decision to sign with Macmillan globally to her many fans on her blog, ‘I want to be a writer. I do not want to spend 40 hours a week handling e-mails, formatting covers, finding editors, etc. Right now, being me is a full-time corporation.’

Switched introduces the reader to Wendy Everly. She first knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her, accusing her of having been switched at birth. Although she’s certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is, there is a secret she keeps from everyone. Her mysterious ability to influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why.

When handsome newcomer Finn turns up at her window, her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist…

www.amandahocking.blogspot.com
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@amanda_hocking
www.youtube.com/user/aehocking

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On Saturday, 21st January, Amanda Hocking is doing a signing at Forbidden Planet at 1-2pm.  This is her first trip to the UK and I know the FP folks will treat her well. Tor UK have bought Switched, and copies will be able to buy to get them signed.

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I read this morning's article in The Guardian and I liked Amanda's gutsy attitude.  Yes, she had done the self-publishing and e-book thing, but I like that she wants to be known for her writing and her storytelling, rather than her breakthrough success and subsequent publishing deal that had everyone talking.  I approve of this mad bad attitude of hers and wish her the best of luck.  We're reviewing Switched soon and look forward to bringing you the review!