Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

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.



Title: The Selection
Series: The Selection #1
Published: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062059939 (ISBN13: 9780062059932)
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

Thirty-five girls are chosen to compete for Prince Maxon's affections to be the next Queen. For America, this is an opportunity to be able to provide for her family with enough food so they don't go to bed hungry. But what was once a way to simply hide from her past romance turns into a love triangle. In most novels, I have been getting tired of the concept of a love triangle, but in The Selection, it was suspenseful. America starts off telling Prince Maxon she isn't interested in him, and friend-zones him within their first conversation, but as they talk and confide in each other, they begin to trust each other and new feelings develop. 

America is such a strong character in this book, and very humble and compassionate. When there is a raid in the palace, she refuses to leave her maids and brings them to the hideout despite the fact they were part of a lower caste, which has never mattered to her. She also grows as a leader throughout this competition and finds her voice. She doesn't let people push her around, and tells them how she feels right away. That was one of my favorite aspects of the relationship between America and Maxon. When they first met, she went as far to call him stuck-up and that was a refreshing change for Maxon who has been used to the royal lifestyle of everybody practically kissing the floor he walks on. He isn't confident in himself and has never had a real friend because of his sheltered life. Their banter is always friendly and witty, and he always acts like a perfect gentleman. Except when they're mad at each other, of course. No relationship is perfect! 

Personally, I didn't like Aspen. He was much too proud for my liking and throws a fit when America tries to help his family and cooks him food. I understand he feels a man should provide for his family, but she just wanted to do something nice, especially when she heard he had been saving up to propose to her. I hate how just waltzes back into America's life as if nothing happened. He should respect her more than that, he just left her crying. Then again, if I were America I probably would have kept up more of a grudge too. 

Celeste is one of the minor characters who we all know in real life. She thinks she's better than everybody else and sabotages all the girls, but when Prince Maxon comes into the room she acts innocent. A lot like The Bachelor! However, Marlee, who is America's closest friend during The Selection, is quite the opposite. She is very loving and kind and tries not to let the other girls bother her.

Overall this was an amazing novel, the characters had their own unique personalities that are unforgettable. Since the second book, The Elite, has come out recently, I hope to read it at soon as possible!

"You cannot open a book without learning something." -Confucius 
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

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