BOOK REVIEW | Torn by Amanda Hocking

Title: Torn
Series: Trylle Trilogy #2
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publication Date: November 15, 2010
Pages: 291
Source: I bought a bound up of the trilogy on BookOutlet!

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story… She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction. Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds. As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “One Day, Three Ways,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

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So I read Switched, the first book in Hocking's Trylle trilogy, earlier last year. And to be perfectly honest, I didn't like it. Though the series had promise, I did not like the characters, the execution, or the romance. In fact, I gave it 2 stars in my review. However, I decided to continue this trilogy because it held promise. That, and I was interested to see if Hocking's writing improved. Thankfully, both the writing improved and the execution of the plot! And I'm actually happy I made the decision to continue on with this series. 

First, let's talk about this romance. We have a bit of a love triangle going on, which isn't my favorite thing...at all. But, I do really like the new love interest, Loki. He is much more complex than Finn, Wendy's love interest in the first book. Loki is extremely loyal to Wendy, and I love that there is something simmering just beneath the surface. Also, their romance is forbidden. Though a Wendy/Finn romance is forbidden as well, it just wasn't...sexy? But the "will they won't they" of Loki and Wendy really kept me reading. Needless to say, the romance improved in the sequel. 

Another thing that was one of my big flaws with Torn's predecessor was how I couldn't empathize or connect to Wendy in the slightest. While this improved, it wasn't by a lot. Thankfully, Wendy became much more mature and started thinking of others before herself. I did appreciate that, but she still whines way to much for my taste. I think by the last book I'll actually like her, but I just tolerated her in  Torn. 

A big positive about Torn is that it is easy and quick to read. This book doesn't have much sustenance, and I might not remember the plot in the long run, but it is fun. I would say that this book was very much like a palette cleanser. It as a refreshing and fun read, and for that I cannot complain. 

Another aspect that I very much appreciated was the expansion of the secondary characters. The character development of characters like Tove, Willa, and Matt were so lacking in the first book that I actually forgot who they were. Thankfully, the book spends more time on them. While they are still a bit one dimensional at times, I can remember who they are. In my personal opinion, that is saying a lot considering I couldn't even remember Finn's name (who is a main character!) when writing my review for the first book.

All in all, Torn is a big improvement in comparison to the first book in this trilogy. Hocking did a lot more showing instead of telling and I started to like the characters more. The plot became more complex, as did Wendy's character. Torn was a fast and fun read; if you can get through the first book, I would recommend this if you are looking for something to get you out of a reading slump.

With that, I give this book

3.25 out of 5 Stars!