Switched (A Trylle Novel)

Even though the writing was terrible, there was enough plot to keep my attention to the end. And I would consider it a good value for my money $.99 on kindle. But the 2nd book was not good and I didn't even waste time or money on the 3rd after reading the spoilers. Now I wish I hadn't read this and got my hopes up for Finn and Wendy. :(
I think this author has enough imagination to continue writing and someday I may try her other series but I'm just left so disappointed...this series had so much potential!

I was browsing around for a Kindle book and happened upon this series. I downloaded the first one and read it pretty quickly. I understand that it's a young adult novel, but the writing is really poor. I think the author is in her mid-twenties, but it reads like a 14 year old wrote it. It doesn't flow well, and a lot of the dialogue is stilted and cheesy. Writing FOR teens doesn't mean you have to write LIKE a teen. It turned me off of a story I probably otherwise would have enjoyed if better written.

I effen loved this series. Hocking brings you in to an extraordinary world that most writers don't write about. Myself personally, I'm a little vampired out. To read this series, it was a refreshing twist on the paranormal, and the love triangles that go along with it are one of the best I've read. I only wish there where more books to go on with this series. It was so much fun to be a part of Wendy's world. Great writing, great detail, one of my favorite reads in a long long time.

This book pulled me in and kept my attention, however, I saw at least one typo and several problems with grammar. This can easily be fixed with a good editor though. Now, as for the story, it isn't as smooth as it should be. For 1, Elora pisses me the hell off and not in a good way. Not too mention Wendy already had one psycho mom, but two!? And both dads dead?! Cmon, cut the kid a break! Plus, you can't jump someone's ass if they haven't, in anyway, been taught the lesson first, it's just wrong! #2, Wendy left her family and that was it, how sad. I am glad I didn't actually buy this book; $.99 cents for Switched is a fair price.

I LOVED this book. It was very interesting and kept me entertained, but I would not consider it a romance. It seemed more like a small crush that finally turned into a VERY short lived romance right at the end and BOOM it was over. I haven't read the next book in the series to see what pans out, but I will certainly be reading it!
The book was very good though, and I enjoyed the storyline and how it was laid out. I was hoping for a romance, but instead got a very well told supernatural story.

This book was simply incredible! I was sucked in from the very first sentence and unable to put it down until the last page. I think this might be one of those rare books that I read a second time, just so I can enjoy it all over again and appreciate the finer details. Finn, Wendy, Matt, Rhys--they all feel like wonderful friends who I've come to know and love. Would recommend this story to anyone seeking an unforgettable, romantic, entertaining escape from the everyday.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing the series. It was nice to see a shift from the average paranormal creatures young adult books seem to focus on as of late, vampires, to something as creative as a troll.

The only complaint I had was that the falling action of the story was so fast paced. There is so much detail and intrigue leading up to the climax of the story and then it hits and the author seems to rush through the falling action into the cliff hanger ending. I would have liked to have seen more development of the falling action.

Wendy Everly, a seventeen year old girl, knows she is different. She's always been an outcast and hasn't felt that she fits into the world we know. Aside from the fact that her mother tried to kill her when she was six years old, she wonders if she truly is a monster.

As she transfers into a new school, she knows someone is watching her. Finn Holmes, another new student, won't stop staring at her. Is he the one giving her that chill down her spine? Or is his presence welcome?

After being attacked, Wendy starts to wonder if Finn is telling her the truth about her life. And she follows him to a new world finding out about who she really is. A member of the Trylle tribe, a tribe of trolls. Not the mythical type of trolls that live under a bridge but actual beautiful trolls that look like humans but have special abilities.

As Wendy starts to learn her new powers and meet new friends, she starts to wonder if her new life is where she wants to be. Does she fit in? And is she falling for Finn?

I originally found this book as a recommendation from the store based on what I like to read. I was pretty intrigued with the story line that Amanda Hocking created. I was slightly frustrated with Wendy at times because she's still learning her powers and doesn't really know how to use them but you end up really liking some of the other characters such as Finn, Rhys and Tove.

I was pleasantly surprised that I was hooked on the story, mainly because there is suspense and you wonder what will happen to Wendy in this strange new world. Plus, there are so many of her questions that are unanswered that you want to know what is going on.

I'm definitely continuing on with the series because from the reviews that I've read it seems as if the books get even better!

This book was pretty good. It was full of adventure and i really loved the magical world of trolls, but I didn't really like the back and forth whining between Wendy and Finn. But I am super ready to read the 2nd book! Can't wait to seewhere things go

I really enjoyed this book, this world and the story. It wasn't a story that I've read before (trolls) and the idea about being switched at birth is interesting. I had to read the whole thing in one sitting because I couldn't put it down and I'm happy the next one is already out. I would recommend it to any Hocking fans, and anyone wanting to get away from angels, werewolves and vampires, but stay in the supernatural area.

I started with the Switched novel and at first was not very impressed. There are many grammatical errors within the novel and at first it was hard for me to accept the plot; however I continued to read the novel because I had already downloaded it to my kindle and wanted to finish it. To make a long story short, I became so engrossed in the characters that I had to finish the novels even though the many editing problems were annoying. If you can overlook the many errors, the story is really good. I wish there was more character development and details in the setting. All three books in the Trylle Trilogy are definitely worth reading, just expect to feel like you are reading a rough draft.

This is not my typical read but someone mentioned the trilogy to me so I had to check it out. I could not put it down. I was so glad all three books were already available because I wanted to know how it all played out! The books are interesting, fun, and have some surprises along the way! If you are looking to delve into a new world and a quick read, this is the trilogy for you!

Melinda Todd author of How I Forgave My Molester

I just finished reading the Trylle Triology (Switched, Torn and Ascend). Would you believe it only took me a week to finish all three books?! It's a wonderful fairytale - well, troll/trylle tale.

I'm sorry to say, I would not have picked it up if it hadn't been 'cheap' to begin with, but this was definitely not a cheap read. It was strangely fulfilling and I zipped right through it, page after page after page. I knew before I finished the first book, I wanted the other two books; and I bought them, quickly so they'd be there when I finished the first book. Amanda Hocking definitely has a future in writing and I'm glad to hear she's signed a contract with a publishing house.

Switched is about a girl who was exchanged for a baby boy at their births. Her mother thought she was a changeling and new her baby boy was with whomever changed them out and it was driving her insane.

On Wendy's 6th birthday, her mother Kim, tried to kill her with a knife, Wendy ended up with over 60 stitches and Kim went to an insane asylum. Matt, Wendy's brother, and their father's sister, Maggie raised Wendy. At 16, Wendy starts noticing she has some strange power of persuasion. Then this guy, Finn enrolls in her school, and of course, Wendy gets this huge crush on him. Turns out, Finn is a 'tracker' and he's come to bring Princess Wendy home to the Trylles. But before he can convince Wendy to come back with him, they are attacked by the Vittra and the battle is on!

In Torn, Wendy is torn between love and duty. She is also the princess of the Trylles and Vittra.

In Ascend, Wendy has gone from a spoiled brat to beautiful intelligent young woman and a Queen. She doesn't take crap from anyone for any reason. She marries for duty, and then finds the love of her life.

Great series, easy reading, very sweet, romantic and has a happily ever after!

This is supposed to be for the YA (Young Adult) readers; I'm a MAA (Middle Aged Adult) and I positively loved it. You will too, if you give it half a chance! And for only 99cents to start the series, it's well worth your pennies...

I know this book has gotten some bad reviews bashing the main character, but it should be remembered that she is just a teenager. I was honestly hooked on this book, which really surprised me. I'm not really into sci-fi/fantasy, but I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book as well as the mix of human element and a totally different world set right inside our world.

As far as the main character is concerned, I wouldn't consider her a "heroine." I kept wondering when she was going to just lose it. For all the information that was thrown on her, she kept her composure and she didn't really fight anything until the end of the first book. She seems to be lacking the confidence she so desperately tires to exude, and she just lets people direct her life. I think this has a lot to do with her being a teenager. She is at an awkward point in life where we all want to feel like we are in control, but ultimately, she is still a child at the will of her guardians. I can't imagine walking a mile in her shoes. She truly doesn't realize how detrimental her past has been to her, and she seems to have a lot of emotional baggage that is going to creep up on her.

The supporting characters are all extremely fascinating. I think the author did a great job of weaving in all their stories. I am not entirely sure, but I think this author was pretty young. Her work was not as epic as the Twilight series, but I definitely think it is worth reading. I'm hoping the author gives even more solid character traits into the second and third books. I would love to see this girl blossom and really come into who she really is. I would also love to see her end up with her true love. :)

The Trylle Trilogy has so much potential. The plot is interesting, the characters are likable, but the writing is just...well...really bad. Instead of taking the time to write a complete story Hocking has chosen to speed through and have the character later 'explain' what was missing. It's as if she was bored and tired of writing that section so just glossed over to the next part she found interesting. This left some pretty awkward transitions in the telling of the tale. My 13 year old picked up on this right away so it's not an age thing. The plot/characters keep you reading, but the writing is somewhat painful. Honestly, I don't know who is more to blame- Hocking or her editor for not making her go back and work out the details. It's really unfortunate that the story isn't given it's due. I think it could have been a really good read.

I place myself amongst those who, after watching the book covers again and again, after reading the rave reviews, bought the book. Now, I am, generally, liberal when it comes to rating. A one star means, that despite several efforts to read this book, I simply could not. Not because of lack of time or any other issue - simply because the book failed to hook me. I guess there are some who like the writing style and love the book but I simply could not read a page of the book without fuming at the content. Felt too contrived, too fake I guess. Couldn't connect with the girl, even though her mother is trying to kill her! Didn't feel sorry when the girl is told by the mother to buzz off - and I'm pretty sure its not me but the manner of writing. Then again, maybe its meant for below 13 year olds, maybe I'm being too harsh or whatever. All in all too flat to stand on its own. Since, I bought the book, I have the right to my opinion and I think it deserves one star.

I have enjoyed her books - I'm almost finished with the "My Blood Approves" series, and finished Switch of the Trylle Trilogy - but one thing makes me crazy. It's Ms. Hocking's use of the world "alright" - "alright" is not a word - it should be "all right" - I understand she's a young author, but I'm confused as to why an editor wouldn't have caught a mistake like that. There are other problems that I chalk up, entirely, to her being a young woman, but what is the editor's excuse?

This author is obviously not for me. The story is rediculous. It's seems that she is trying to jump on the mythical creature bandwagon that is so popular today. But Trolls? And elitist trolls at that lol. Her story, progression and character development are akin to a bull crashing around in a china shop. Completely erratic and with no common sense. These characters have about as much depth as a puddle. I don't get all these high reviews at all but I am very thankful that the book sold for the what it's worth. 99 cents. I figured that with the advancements in e-readers that more authors would be published since it's less expensive, so I am not that shocked to see this thing in print. Actually, I can easily break the book down to it's components. 40% Wendy whinning about everything, 40% sighing over Finn, and 25% left for story, plot and character developement. Not to mention 100% horrid editing and grammar. I'm not some literary genius but I have read hundreds of books ranging from classics to Twilight but this is just tedious. I despise the house of night series by those two hacks p.c. & kristen cast, but this book is amazingly enough worse.

In the first chapter of Switched, there's an exchange between the main character, Wendy Everly, and her mother which goes approximately as follows:

Wendy: Chocolate?
Mother: Yes, Wendy, you like chocolate.
Wendy: No, I don't! I hate chocolate! I'm not going to eat it, and you can't make me!
Mother: Wendy!
Wendy: No, no, no! It's my birthday, and I don't want chocolate!
Mother: You don't want chocolate?

At which point, Wendy's mother tries to kill Wendy with a cake knife.

Okay, so the above conversation is from Wendy's sixth birthday party, and one probably doesn't expect much in the way of scintillating dialogue between a tantrum-throwing six-year-old and her mother.

However, although the majority of the book takes place when Wendy is seventeen, it all sounds about the same as it did when she was six. The dialogue is flat and usually goes nowhere, there's virtually no emotional depth to any of the characters, and on the occasions when something intriguing (like the attempted cake-knife murder) does happen, it tends to fly in out of left field, last just long enough for you to think "Ooh! THAT'S interesting," and then disappear under bland, cookie-cutter depictions of angst.

It's too bad, because I thought there were some really neat concepts in here -- the book's reasons for the tradition of changelings, for instance, and the motivations of Wendy's mother in trying to kill her own six-year-old daughter -- which could have made for a fascinating and unusual story. Unfortunately, they're largely skimmed over in favor of poorly-written cliches.

I'm very into the teenaged fantasy romance sort of thing, so this book is right up my ally. It is definitely a breath of fresh air from all of the vampire nonsense. I think the writer is more talented than Stephenie Meyer, but is still pretty elementary in her writing. For example, she uses the word "foxy" 5 or 6 times, and it is used by different characters from different worlds, and I think it was a definite character break. It's a common mistake I find in this genre, so it's not a major whoops. Also, the ending was very dull. It wasn't a cliff-hanger really like I believe it could have been.
On the flip side, I couldn't put the book down hardly. I read it in two sessions. It was a pleasure to read, and I found myself smirking and my eyes growing wide from the content. Worth the buy!!

Switched was a fast-paced, hard to put down read. The characters are true and believable and I love Amanda Hocking's story-telling, which always makes a great book. I enjoyed this story thoroughly, but one pet peeve of mine is typos! There are too many to count, but that can be fairly easily fixed, right? Without them, I'd give this story a solid "5" stars rather than the "4". I have to say, I've not let my pet peeve stop me from downloading several more of her books. I just finished Hollowland in no time at all, & same thing....awesome story, characters, face-paced, but many typos. I've also downloaded four of her "My Blood Approves" series, and I simply can't wait till "Torn" is released, the second of the Trylle Trilogy. That alone should be an indication of how much I enjoy her books. Can't wait to start the M.B.A Series while I wait for Torn. Oh, and by the way, I'm 51 yrs. old! I just love the young at heart yet whimsical, paranormal, fantasy type stories, mixed with a bit of "special abilities", secret lands, and a little mix of love, of course!! Keep them coming, Amanda, but a little more proof-reading, sweetheart! :-)

Engaging and fun. I read this book from beginning to end in a few hours. True, the book won't deliver deep, hidden treasures for intense literary critique, which means I won't give it the 5 stars but I believe this series has true potential, and will continue to collect steam as readers discover it and spread the word.

I found Wendy to be a refreshing character and totally liked her "who cares" attitude. Along comes Finn and the tale he weaves before her is unbelievable to her, though Wendy admits she has never been a normal girl. In search of her roots and to keep her family safe, she flees with Finn and is thrown into a fantasy world that she never imagined existed. I think she handles herself very well.

I commend Ms. Hocking for self-publishing her series but I will forewarn that it does show in some places. There were some typo's and a few instances where a word was used incorrectly. But if you can overlook these minor flaws, you will find a gem in this series.

I found this book to be full of twists and turns, romance and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you hooked. Most definitely check this series out as it will leave you wanting more.

After reading a lot of the reviews, on this book, I decided to just go ahead and read it. For $0.99, even if it was bad, I wasn't out that much.
Much to my surprise, I found myself tearing through the trilogy. While admittedly, not as intense as some others that I've read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. True, there were some typos, which bothered me to no end, but the story was engrossing enough, that I was easily able to overlook them.
I've suggested another friend of mine read them. And it's not too often that I'll refer books to my friends. Worth the read :)

Okay, I now am hooked on Amanda Hocking stories, but it started with this book. I think the best thing is the realistic character interactions. You will not find characters that meet, madly fall in love and the bodice ripping ensues. Instead, you find real characters that aren't always sure what is going on, but it definitely keeps things interesting. The main character in this story is young and often makes mistakes, and is sometimes self absorbed- what, really? Why would I like this book and this main character? Because she feels real and she keeps growing. She's interesting and earthy and I want to know more about her. I am eagerly awaiting the follow up book. This is Amanda's best book and well worth your time. You will find fantasy because there is magic and magical circumstances, but you find heart, family, a pinch of romance, the rich and powerful vs everyone else, a possible war between two sides you want to know more about and more......

I absolutely loved this series. The characters and storyline were entralling for me. After finishing this series I quickly purchased all of Amanda Hockings My Blood Approves series. I have to say when you hear that it is a story about trolls it seems a little silly to say that you love the books, but I did and I think that Amanda Hockings is a great storyteller who is only going to get better and better. I look forward to everything that she writes!!!

I have never seen this authors name before and always saw the books pop up in my Kindle. After reading the Hunger Games (highly recommend, another Trilogy), I was still wanting to read another great book. I saw the price for $.99 and was like what the heck. So i bought the book 1/21/11 I read this book in 8 hours! I was hooked from the first page. I read the second book in 1 day. And the third in 2 days. All the books left with cliff hangers so you have to keep reading!By Wednesday I was telling all my co-workers about it! They think im crazy because i read ANOTHER Trilogy in 4 days!. Its a fast read that keeps it entertaining. For me being 24 years old with a 4 year old. Its nice to read and get a way from it all. And you defiantly get involved with the characters! Now im off to read My Blood Approves in this Blizzard the East Coast is having!

I purchased and read Hollowland by Hocking first and enjoyed it. Then I decided to try the Trylle Trilogy. I can't recommend Switched. I agree with others that the main character is annoying and not compelling. The plot is uneven and predictable. There's promise here and as I read I wished that she had polished this a bit more and gotten more (some?) professional feedback before publishing. If you want to read a better offering by Hocking, try Hollowland.

I purchased this book after reading a news story about Ms. Hocking's self-made success. Good for you, girl. Really. I LOVE that a self-published author can actually get somewhere on their own now-a-days.

As most other reviewers have said, this is not your typical young adult fantasy. The lack of vampires and werewolves is quite refreshing. In fact, the story line was engaging enough for me to slog through all 3 books despite the fact that this girl DESPERATELY needs a professional editor. There were typos and lots of awkward/cringe-worthy moments, statements, etc. that could have been easily fixed.

I read that she has recently signed on with a traditional publisher and am eager to see what a little polishing can do for her. I have high hopes.

As for this series, I think it's best suited to a younger demographic who will not be distracted by juvenile writing.

I have never read fantasy books before I normally like murder/mystery or romance novels, something about this book caught my eye. I'm so glad I bought it, I'm on to the last book of the trilogy & have enjoyed them so much I bought another series of books by the same author. The book is really easy to read & I love the story line, the fantasy part is not so over done that it's stupid, I would recommend these books to anyone, they are wonderful.

I quickly was drawn into the story. An interesting and fast read. After completing "Switched" I had to download the second and third book in this series. Light reading and seriously fun. There are some stand out characters that emerge and pull at your heart strings, but certainly not the heroine. Don't draw any conclusions from book one as far as thinking you might know how it all ends. Overall, I give it a four, due to the fact that I didn't instantly throw it to the side and was drawn into a trance like state for three days while completing the series. I appreciate that the author is not afraid to throw in some more risque scenes for the reader. Unlike other authors in the same genre the characters are not so pure and pious. If you enjoy the supernatural and romance than prepare to be entranced.

My first read of Amanda Hocking and I enjoyed SWITCHED. First book of a trilogy and I will read the next one. I looked the story line and the premise, was new for me. Trolls or Trylle are pretty cool. Now Wendy and Finn, little hard to except this romance and Wendy is very very frustrating, the story at least offers something new. Waiting to see what powers Wendy really has.

Sometimes, it just messes with you when you read other reviews before you actually read the book and I think I had set myself up to hate the character after reading a review of how awful the protagonist is. And yes, she is at the beginning. Things change pretty quickly as the story progresses and then I got hooked! I had to know what happened next and immediately bought book 2.

I thought this book was fairly good, especially for the price, if you're into the whole paranormal romance thing. The only major drawback is the amazing amount of typos. There's even a major first-reference faux pas, when a guy is suddenly coming to the rescue (Patrick) after never being mentioned. You have no idea who the guy is until a little later, but even then the explanation is dicey. For me, that kind of stuff is a huge distraction. Despite those issues, I still enjoyed the read.

Probably my first fantasy read. Found it on the Kindle top list and decided to start the trilogy. Pretty interesting concepts and engaging characters. In desperate need of a good editor though. Sentence structuring and verb tense in the beginning is not typical or comfortable for a novel reader, but once Hocking gets into the swing of things she finds her groove and it begin to smooth out. Still a lot of typos though. Overall an intriguing, easy, and enjoyable read.

Probably my first fantasy read. Found it on the Kindle top list and decided to start the trilogy. Pretty interesting concepts and engaging characters. In desperate need of a good editor though. Sentence structuring and verb tense in the beginning is not typical or comfortable for a novel reader, but once Hocking gets into the swing of things she finds her groove and it begin to smooth out. Still a lot of typos though. Overall an intriguing, easy, and enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this story. I am not a teenager, I am a parent but I still loved this story and recommend it. The characters are well developed and believeable. The relationships develop naturally and the plot unfolds at a pace that is easy to keep up with. By the time things are happening quickly, I was so enveloped in the story that it was easy to keep up with what was going on. I finished the book and immediately went online to order the second and third volumes. There is enough plot and content to keep the reader engaged without losing them in the process. I am going to recommend this book to my daughter and would recommend it to anyone age 12 and above. I think the author did a marvelous job of creating these two distinct worlds that intertwine. Nicely done Ms. Hocking!

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be chessy. But the more I kept reading the better and better it got. I could not put the book down and I can't wait for the third book. I love Trilogy books. Read Twlight series and Hunger Games and this one is right there with them. The story is exciting and I never knew what is going to happen on the next page, each page is a thrill seeker. I am in my 40's so this is just not just a teenage book, it is a book for anyone that loves a love story, has issues with family, struggling between good and evil. A wonderful read!

Switched is a good read. Different from other fantasy romance as this is based on Trolls. Although some areas were a tad boring it always picked up. Finn is a really great romantic character and i look forward to getting to know him better in the authors following books. If you enjoy fantasy/paranormal romance give this a chance. you will not be sorry!

An engaging tale of a changeling who doesn't really belong in either the world of humans she was raised in or the otherworldly world she is forcibly returned to. At times I would start to think 'oh, been there, done that' but then Hocking would introduce a new element or twist that would reinvigorate the story. A YA novel, this is still pretty enjoyable for adults.

As a lover of all things magical, I bought Switched on a recommendation from the store after quickly skimming through the plot summary and thinking it could be an entertaining read. What I didn't expect was to fall completely head over heels in love with the story and its heroic characters! It is so easy to be transported into Wendy's world which perfectly combines her relatable personality and thoughts with the fantastical world of her new found home. The mysterious twists and turns keep you guessing, although I must admit what REALLY kept me turning the pages was the romantic storyline which is so sweetly intense it made me giggle like a schoolgirl while reading it! I would highly recommend this to anyone and everyone, it's a refreshing new take on the fantasy genre and a new found favourite of mine.

I wasn't expecting anything unique about this book. When I discovered what it was about,I felt like I had been tricked. This is not the type of book I would normally read. However, I LOVED IT. I couldn't put it down and thank God the next two were all ready out when I read this one. I would have died while waiting for the next one.

Wasn't looking for a life changing novel here, took it for what it's worth. I enjoyed this book.

I didn't quickly bond to the main character Wendy... I found her to be a bit bratty and naive. I think I actually only started caring for her after the other characters did. The supporting characters were more endearing to me.

Another criticism is my inability to envision the palace and town they lived in. i found there was a lack of description for their surroundings except the garden. The characters were described in full detail down to every bracelet. I found that annoying.

The friendships were written well, but the romance parts... meh. I think there needs to be a bit more practice in that department.

Otherwise the book was overall enjoyable. I finished all three in about 2 days.

Were there problems with this book? Yes, but I still enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed it enough that I read the whole trilogy in a few days. The premise seems ridiculous but the author makes it work in my opinion. It might not be quite as polished as Mortal Instruments but it really reminded of that series and if you're a fan, I'd recommend that you try this one.

While I enjoyed the story enough to pass some time, it became really annoying that there were so many proofreading errors throughout this series. I understand there will always be a few missed in every book, but seriously? There are so many errors throughout these books it seems as if proofreading was skipped completely. In some cases I was just guessing at what a word was supposed to be based on what could have made more sense than what was actually there, or because words were just randomly missing. I would recommend that the author at least do a read through before publishing her books, most of these errors would have definitely been caught.

Amanda Hocking is a talented writer with the ability to create worlds similar to our own but believably different. This series is about the Trylle, which is a type of troll, along with a changeling twist. The characters are likeable and the pages just seem to fly by as you read. Give it a try!