Switched

Switched
by Amanda Hocking

From the publisher:
"Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon. Prepare to be enchanted…


When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she's always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.
Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he's come to take her home.

Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become…"

After being talked into reading this by my 8th graders (who explained that being a troll wasn't disgusting at all!), I thought that it had a lot of possibilities.  Unfortunately for me, they didn't get realized.  The main character of Wendy was so annoying and unlikable that I'm not sure why she had so many people falling all over themselves loving her.  Quite frankly, I didn't care what happened to her.  There were numerous grammatical errors which really annoyed me.  The ending felt like a huge let-down...suddenly it was just over.  I feel no need to continue the series.  However, my 8th graders really love it.

Areas of concern:  It always makes me nervous when there is a swear word on the first page of a book!  4 uses of the *d* word, 2 uses of the *b* word, 1 use each of the *a* word, *s* word, *h* word and the big, bad *f* word.  There are a couple of very passionate kisses.  I understand through reading some spoilers, that the final book in the series has a sex scene.

Suggested ages:
Amazon page - Ages 12+
*Mrs. Duke says this series is probably for older teens.*