The Selection by Kiera Cass

Via Goodreads Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Young adult romance/fantasy
How I got the book: I bought it

Summary (from Goodreads):

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.

My Review:

I’m not one for romance, but the cover certainly caught my eye as did the title. Upon reading the blurb on the back I had a feeling this book would be one those “fairy-tale” type love stories and I guess, in a way, it kind of is.

It’s set in an alternate universe where Cass rewrote history to fit the fantasy antics of the story. And I have to say, what a world she created. The way the world works, its rules, and the kingdom is so well put together. I would never want to live there, but it’s a brand new place to explore inside my mind.

America is chosen as one of the 35 selected, but unlike any other fairy-tale she doesn’t want this. She’s only doing it for the money to help out her family. Of course, despite her not wanting to marry the prince, they become close anyway.

Most of the book was American trying to get used to “princess” life living in the castle with the other girls and the royal family. It was all interesting as we learned what the new life would be like alongside America.

Speaking of America, I had issues with her name. A lot of the characters have interesting names (one is named Tiny), but I just thought America was weird. Later in the book, her name is explained and it makes sense. Cass really thought of everything.

The overall plot is interesting and as the book was closer to the end, I was on the edge of my seat. A twist came along that I was not expecting. While I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, this one is working and I don’t know who to root for.

I loved the characters. America has a great relationship with her maids, which is nice to see. The prince has his own unique personality that is both prince-like and boy-like. America is headstrong and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants or tell it like it is.

Overall, this book is well written in a wonderful fantasy world with amazing characters. I can’t wait to read the next book!

The Selection by Kiera Cass gets 5 out of 5 stars.

Favorite Quote:

“But he sat way too rigidly in his chair. He looked so uptight. His clean hair was too perfect, his tailored suit too crisp. He seemed more like a painting than a person.” –Kiera Cass, The Selection

Buy the Book:

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