Breathtaking. Captivating. Exquisite.

There are so many words to describe how absolutely gripping the conclusion to the Matched trilogy was in Reached. It took me well over a week to finish this book. Why? Because part of me did not want it to end - thanks to Anna, I figured that out. With that said, I read the last few chapters with tears in my eyes because everything was finally coming together. After all the trials and tribulations that Cassia, Ky, and Xander had to go through from the very beginning of their journey, they all find closure (peace?) in some form or another. It was bittersweet.

In the last installment it finally comes down to one final adventure that leaves you speechless and shell-shocked. Ally Condie does not waste any time to put us into the heart of the action. The first few chapters we are struck with a plague sweeping the Society and only the Rising - a rebel group - has the cure. Xander works beside the epidemic as a Physic in Central's medical building. Ky is a pilot, delivering cures all throughout the cities of the Society. And finally, Cassia is a sorter, masking herself within the Society as a rebel, ready for their next mission.

One of my favorite things about the final book was that Ally Condie wrote the novel in three different p.o.v's. Xander becomes a new narrator besides Cassia and Ky's point-of-view, giving the reader a chance to know more about Xander. All the voices are strong and true to each character, allowing us to differentiate between them at any given point within the novel. It's something that can't be easily accomplished, but Ally Condie does a beautiful job in achieving that.

Within the society, life has changed - and continues to change, drastically. Cassia, Ky, and Xander become pivotal characters within the story as they each are important in their own way for the cause. For half of the book, we follow Cassia, Ky, and Xander on their own journey. As the reader, we discover unknown fun facts - as I like to call them - about Ky from Xander and so forth. We find out how the two men feel about one another. You'd think that they would hate each other because they are competing to win Cassia's heart. But it's not like that whatsoever. Ky and Xander respect one another. That reason alone made me love them even more. For Cassia it was never a struggle of who she would pick because she truly loves them both. I would have had a difficult time choosing one of them. They are each honorable and strong in their own way, but one has always had Cassia's heart.

(Not going to say who she choose in the end! I'll spare that spoiler ;))

Apart from the romance, this book is more than just a girl trying to choose between two guys. It's about freedom, fighting for what you believe in, and so so much more. There are surprising revelations that tie together all three books perfectly, giving me a nostalgic feeling of the past 3 years of reading this trilogy. I absolutely love Ally Condie's beautiful prose and how her writing is weaved with symbolism. Her writing is evocative and engaging for each p.o.v. that you will not want to put it down unless you absolutely have to - like say doing mundane things like cleaning or eating.

It was a beautiful conclusion to an incredible series. I highly recommend it if you have not read the final installment. I recommend it to anyone who loves dystopian novels. It's different - as dystopian novles often are - and definitely will not disappointment. If you haven't read this series whatsoever, I prithee, go forth and buy yourself a copy! You won't regret it :)