Title: Switched
Author: Sienna Mercer
First published July 24, 2007
199 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060871130 (ISBN10: 006087113X)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
Welcome to the town of Franklin Grove, where Olivia Abbott is ready to start a new life. She’s thrilled about making new friends and joining the cheerleading team.
However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets her identical twin, Ivy Vega. Despite their different styles, Olivia and Ivy become fast friends and decide to play a few twin tricks.
But Olivia soon realizes that Ivy isn’t like any other twin. She’s a vampire, and she’s not the only one in town.
Join Olivia and Ivy on their magical journey through sisterhood, friendship, and the supernatural in Switched by Sienna Mercer.
About the Author
Sienna Mercer grew up as an only child in Toronto, Canada. She always longed for a sibling, especially a twin.
As she never got one, she did the next best thing and created a character in her books that reminded her of herself, with a twin that was amazing!
Sienna started writing stories as a teenager, on a rainy day in Toronto when her cheerleading practice was canceled. Since then, she has been writing constantly.
She used to write in red leather notebooks while sitting on her bed, but now prefers her attic, which has a spooky atmosphere, perfect for thinking about vampires. Though she no longer uses red notebooks, she keeps them in a chest by her desk in the attic.
Sienna got the idea for her book series, My Sister the Vampire, from a daydream she had about having a super-cool twin sister who was a vampire. She loved the characters and their peculiar friends and family so much that she continued writing about them.
When Sienna isn’t daydreaming about vampires or cheerleading, she enjoys traveling and visiting new cities. She keeps a scrapbook of all the places she’s been to.
She shares her home in Toronto with her two lovely cats, Calypso and Angel. Sienna is currently working on new books, and we are eagerly waiting for them!
Editoral Review
Sienna Mercer’s Switched takes readers on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure in the world of magic and vampires. Published on July 24, 2007, this book brings a unique twist to the genre of young adult fantasy and paranormal romance.
The story follows identical twins Olivia and Ivy Clarke who lead vastly different lives despite sharing a face. When the girls move to a new town, they quickly discover that they are not who they believe themselves to be; Ivy is actually a vampire, and Olivia is a witch.
As the twins navigate their new identities and powers, they face challenges and adventures that teach them the true meanings of friendship and family. Mercer creates an engaging and relatable world full of humor, adventure, and heart.
The dynamic between the twin sisters is especially enjoyable, as they both have distinct personalities that complement each other well. Mercer’s writing style is fast-paced and easy to follow, making the book an enjoyable read for both young and adult readers.
While Switched may not offer any groundbreaking themes or new ideas, it presents a refreshing take on the typical vampire and witch tropes. The book is perfect for readers who are looking for a fun and whimsical read without the heavy and dark tones of other young adult fantasy novels.
One of the strengths of Switched is Mercer’s excellent character development. The growth that the main characters experience throughout the novel is genuine and realistic, which makes their triumphs feel well-earned.
The pacing of the novel is also well done, with the conflicts and rising action perfectly timed to keep the reader invested in the story. The only flaw present in Switched is that it can sometimes feel predictable, especially in the latter half of the novel.
However, the book’s overall strengths far outweigh this minor issue. Switched is a wonderful read for anyone who loves light and fun young adult fantasy.
Its themes of self-discovery, sisterhood, and adaptation will resonate with readers of all ages. The book is a delight to read and one that should not be missed.
I give it four out of five stars for its engaging story, relatable characters, and well-paced plot.
