The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection
Published by HarperTeen on April 24, 2012
Genres: Love, Romance, Contemporary, Royalty
Pages: 327 : Paperback edition
Source: Purchased on Amazon
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For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Please note: This is a reissued review and some of these thoughts are from the first time I read/reviewed the book from a year ago.

Okay, I finished this book in two days because I loved it so darn much! It was so sweet and girly and I just loved the descriptions of all the dresses and the palace itself (I’m a huge sucker for prince/princess type stories).

I will have to say, though, that I was surprised about a few things. First of all, I thought there would be more emphasis on the whole TV show part of the Selection itself. Which, also surprisingly, I sort of liked! It wasn’t as superficial that way. It focused more on America and what she was going through and her feelings surrounding not only the Selection, but the current state of Illea and much more.

I loved America’s character! And Maxon as well, though I can’t stand Aspen (I’ll get to that in a second). America started out a little generic but you can really see her grow throughout the story and become more mature and serious about the entire situation. She’s not prejudiced and knows right from wrong and wants what’s best for all the castes.

I also expected Maxon to be more stuck up and shallow (just like America thought) but in actuality he’s just a confused boy who’s trying to choose a wife in this sick twisted game. He’s never been in love and never ventured outside his palace so he’s confused and intrigued by everything happening in his country.

Moving on to Aspen. I just cannot stand that guy. He’s sexist, chauvinistic, and rude. There’s one line in particular that had my inner feminist recoiling in anger where he says to America, “I’m not some charity case, America. I’m a man. I’m supposed to be the provider.” (Pg. 50) Oh piss off Aspen, you jerk.

Anyways, I can’t wait to read The Elite! Hopefully it will be just as exciting as this one was!