Well, well I am back with another review of a fantasy series called “the selection” by Kiera Cass. So, this year I went to a book exhibition which happened in my city and while I was looking through the stalls this book caught my eye and I became very excited as I have seen lots of booktokers on every social media praising this book and it was on my to be read. Of course, I bought just the first book because there were a lot of mixed comments on this book.
But was it good? Hell yeah, now let me start from the background. We have a dystopian world and the society is divided into 8 groups. The Eights are the homeless people, the Sevens and Sixes are the servants, the Fives and Fours have more respect but still not enough and the Threes and Twos are soldiers, celebrities, or wealthy and educated people. And last, but not least, we have the Ones. The royal breed. The monarchs. The most powerful people in the whole country of Ilea. The selection is a program meant to find a wife for the next King, Prince Maxon Schreave, and thirty-five girls were chosen “randomly” to participate in the race for the prince’s heart, the crown, and, of course, the reins to the entire kingdom. Chosen to become a One.
Our female lead is one among the thirty-five girls. America singer she is a five, she is an artist this girl right here is brave, intelligent, stubborn, and talented. Only America wants no part of it nor does she want to be Queen, for she has a secret boyfriend she loves dearly (Aspen) who happens to be a six.
Aspen and her family push her to enter. Aspen told her he couldn’t bear it if she didn’t at least try, he wanted the absolute best for her. Her family is desperate for the money that the Selected girls get compensated for their time, so America reluctantly agrees to enter because she truly thought she wouldn’t get picked but obviously she does.
From the start, America is liked by the people and her red hair gets her a few extra points. she sets things clear with the prince right from the beginning: she’s not here for any romantic involvement — she just wants time to mend her broken heart. But they easily become friends and you can see something stronger brewing between them on the horizon. Their friendship is so honest and awe-inspiring, I kept making a goofy smile whenever they were together.
Now let’s talk about the prince, shall we? Prince Maxon is very sweet and kind and all he wants is to find a girl among the 35 girls that are at his palace that he could love. That girl may end up being America though. But the question becomes is America even interested? Is she over Aspen yet? There seems to be a lot going on between Maxon and America without anything happening and it becomes clear in my opinion at least that America does like Maxon, but there are things she must figure out first.
There are so many cute and adorable moments between Maxon and America like their ear-tugging.
“You get confused by crying women, I get confused by walks with princes.”
The conversation between them was easygoing and fun. I really liked America, I might have not agreed with some of her decisions still she would make a great queen as she is devoted, strong, and admirable.
In addition to Maxon, we have the one who broke America’s heart. Aspen Leger. A six smitten by our heroine, but afraid he’ll never give her the world she deserves. America and he hit a bumpy road at the start however it clears up when a twist takes place. He is also one of the well-written characters who sometimes end up making bad decisions and regrets it in the end.
Both guys have an equal shot at winning America at the moment. This book has a pleasant love triangle which I really like.
The side characters are developed nice. There are some I want to find out more about, like Marlee (I can’t trust her completely for some reason), the maids (I loved them), and Maxon’s parents. And there are some that need to be taken out of the picture ASAP, like Celeste.
In the selection, we have fancy dresses, parties, and shallow girls. This book is compared to ‘The hunger games due to its similarities. Since I have not read the hunger games nor watched the movie. I find this book a quite new read.
This book made me happy and content but managed to keep me on the edge of my seat at the same time. Kiera Cass is definitely one of my favorite authors now and this book is among my favorites. Plus, the ending makes me eager for more development in the love triangle.
“No, I’m not choosing him or you. I’m choosing me.”
Overall, the selection is a light, funny, and romantic read which made my cheek hurt from smiling not stop, and stole my heart completely. It is full of intrigue, and mysteries not yet explained and it explores the feelings behind true love and friendships. It has the perfect blend of fantasy, dystopia, and romance to make itself addictive. I loved it and can’t wait to start the sequel.
I give 4.5 stars out of 5 for this one cause IT DESERVES IT.
My favorite quotes from this masterpiece.
“It’s always the fear of looking stupid that stops you from being awesome.”
“I can’t help it.” I sighed. “One can never help being born into perfection.”
“True love is usually the most inconvenient kind.”
“P.S. May, don’t these strawberry tarts just make you want to cry?”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection
Awesome work🔥💯
Keep going 💙