Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Pages: 479
Publisher: Corgi Publishing
Released: 2000

Plot: Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

Be Warned-- There may be a slight spoiler.

Good Points: The idea behind the world Malorie Blackman has created is really interesting with the whole twist of dark skinned crosses ruling over the light skinned noughts and the struggles between them. Adding the whole relationship between Sephy, a rich Cross and Callum a poor nought and the drama has arrived!
I liked how the author chose to go from one point of view to the other but its still didn't help me get a feel for either of the characters.
There's a lot of tension within the book and the situation really does send you on a roller-coaster of emotions as you read it.

Bad Points: I didn't connect with either of the main characters and I think that was the main reason why I didn't like the book so much. Everything just seemed really rushed in my opinion. I know they've been friends for years but the idea that they can go from that to being so in love and then having a child, which, might I add that they conceive when she's kidnapped just seems a little -_-

To Sum Up... I had really high expectations for this book and although yes the plot is fairly original and that  ending! I just couldn't seem to really get into this book. I don't know why but nothing in the book really screamed out at me whilst I was reading it except the ending which reminded me too much of A Tale of Two Cities, one life for another and all that.
Anyway, I know loads of people hold this book dear and swear that its brilliant but I just didn't feel it. Sure it was dramatic at times but others I just wanted to scream at the pair and how foolish they could be. I wasn't sold.