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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are honest and my own.
The Selection Series: The Selection, #1, #1 by Kiera Cass
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
ISBN: 0062059939For 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.
Published by HarperTeen on March 26, 2013
Pages: 327
Format: Paperback
Source: Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
Also in this series: The Elite, The One, The Heir
Also by this author: The Elite, The One, The Heir
I initially read this book back in 2016. I remember getting the paperback version, along with books two and three, from Barnes & Noble. I’m not one for romance and I don’t read too many sci-fi or dystopian novels. So, what made me pick up this book? The cover.
Yes, as someone who doesn’t care for frilly covers, I thought the cover was beautiful and I snatched it up. I read the books quickly too, as I really enjoyed them.
Now, in 2022, I’m rereading the series again. My cousin borrowed the book from me. She’s not a big reader but she binged the first three books so quickly. She wanted someone to talk to about the books so I decided to read them again.
In 2016, I never reviewed the books but I gave it a five-star rating. This time around, I’m dropping it to four stars. Let me explain.
The story follows America Singer, a Five in her world, as their country is split into Castes. One being the rich and Eight being homeless. Each Caste has a certain job to perform and for Fives, it’s music and art. America Singer is, well, a singer. And she can play many instruments. But money is always hard to come by.
So, when The Selection occurs, 35 eligible maidens are chosen, no matter their Caste, to live in the palace as a shot to marry the prince and become queen. America doesn’t want this, but she does it for her family since families of the Selection get paid weekly.
Needless to say, I love the world-building. I think the Caste system is unique and interesting. Ironically enough, it’s relatable and hits close to home sometimes. I think the world is what originally sucked me in and it was a pleasure to go back to it.
I still love all the characters. Prince Maxon is amazing and Aspen, the other love interest, is well done too. America’s family and the prince’s family are well-done. Everyone is likable for the most part.
My one complaint, and what made me drop a star, was America. I understand she’s a teenager and she doesn’t know what she wants, but she is so hot and cold. She strings the prince along in one chapter and then in the next, she seems to hate him. There are reasons behind this, but the back and forth of her emotions felt like whiplash.
Finally, not too much action happens. Sure, rebels break into the castle twice but because we’re seeing everything through America’s point of view, all we see is her with the rest of the girls and the prince, king, and queen, in a safe room of the palace. Most of the action is romance-related and inner conflict.
Overall, I did enjoy rereading this book and I started book two right away. It’s been great going back to this world and revisiting the characters.
Rating: 4/5 Coffee Cups
Have You Read This Book?If so, what are your thoughts? If not, does it sound interesting to you? Let’s chat about it in the comments below.
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Rachel Poli is an indie author, podcaster, and content writer working on her debut cozy mystery novel.
Although she favors mystery, Rachel is a multi-genre author with too many ideas and characters in her head, often experimenting with short stories and flash fiction.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, organizing something, or playing video games. She currently resides in New England with her zoo.
