The Selection by Kiera Cass (Book Review)

Book: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Pages: 327

Published: April 24, 2012

Obtained: Purchased from Wal-Mart

Started: May 20, 2013

Finished: May 26, 2013



Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10507293-the-selection

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.

Cover: I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but I love the color light blue. LOVE it. It's so beautiful. Not to mention, their dresses are gorgeous and the background is beautiful. The cover is so very eye catching.

Plot: This plot is very unique in itself to me, and pulled me in quickly. I'll say it once, and I'll say it time and time again: I Love Me Some Dystopian. I love the system that Cass created in this society. The idea of the caste system was fantastic, but some of it didn't add up for me. The fact that her family has a hard time earning enough money for food, but they have a house big enough for 5 children and the parents. Seems suspicious. Hmmmmmmm.  

I also wish we knew more about how this society came to be. Sure, we know a little because the girls were asked history questions, but that's not exactly the zing I'm looking for, if you catch my drift. I feel like this has SO MUCH potential, but it didn't exactly fall through.

This is definitely dystopian meets The Bachelor. Whoever says the Hunger Games is similar is wrong on so many levels. Not. In. One. Single. Way. Are these two similar except that they are dystopian books. 

I also wanted to see more drama between the girls. Girls cat fight. In real life, this book would have been a DEATH MATCH. Now that would have been some great reading entertainment.

Overall though, this book was light-hearted, fun, and easy to read. It was a fairly quick read for me. Usually, I hate love triangles, but I feel this one is better played off and for that I applaud Cass. I ended up liking it more than what I thought I would have.

I feel like the ending was rushed. I don't mean slightly sped up; I mean 60 mph in under 2 seconds speed up. I felt so disappointed by this. 

Characters: 

America Singer - I see her name and all I think is American Idol. Straight truth. She's a strong character who tells even the Prince how it is. She's not judgemental of people from a lower caste, and she's respectful to those above her in society as well. I get her name. I do. But I still don't like it. I don't know why but I can't let this go. Don't judge me.

Prince Maxon - He's an alright guy, and I liked his character a lot--sometimes more than America. He's very kind and tries to do what he can for his people. I'm definitely #teammaxon -- I think. I haven't quite come to terms with everything yet. 

Aspen - He's a sweet, considerate guy. I understand his actions, but I don't always agree with him.  I can't really explain this without giving anything away. He makes a certain decision, and then gets upset that America went through with it. Like whut? WHY DID YOU ASK HER THEN, YOU NINCOMPOOP? 

May - America's younger sister. I LOVE her. Read the book, and you'll know why. She's so happy, bubbly, and full of life. 

Series: This book is the first book in a trilogy.
The second book is The Elite which was published on April 23, 2013.
The third book is The One which is to be published on May 6, 2014.

Rating: I would give this book 3.6 out of 5. I was entertaining, but it just NEEDS something. 

Next Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo