The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection 

by Kiera Cass

Released: April 15, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection, Book 1
Followed By: The Elite
Page Amount: 327, US Paperback
POV: 1st Person (America)
Buy it here: Barnes & Noble•Amazon

OVERALL:

Plot-19/20
Characters-18/20

Creativity-18/20

Writing-20/20

Pace-10/10

Ending-9/10

=94/100 A

★★★★★/5

SUMMARY:

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. -Goodreads.com

REViEW:
This book blew away my expectations, in a good way! I'll admit I was a little leery to read this book because of all of the mixed reviews and controversy involving such reviews. Let me begin this review by saying that my opinion on this book was not in any way swayed by the author or other reviewers. This is my honest opinion. I wasn't expecting much when I picked up this book. I thought it would be an average love triangle tale with some overused dystopian elements. As soon as I began reading this book, however,  I realized that that was not the case. This book is way more unique than it sounds. It shares the basic premise of The Bachelor, but this book goes so much more in depth as to the society of Illea as a whole and how it runs with castes, which are levels that classify a person's ranking. It's a very interesting dystopian view of the world, one that hasn't been told before. I also really loved that this book encompasses a competition between 35 girls to win over the handsome Prince Maxon's heart. Every girl has a distinct personality and motive for being there. This made drama unfold and interesting friendships to form. 

The characters were amazing! America as the narrator had a very honest and appealing voice. Every emotion that a girl would experience in her given situation was documented, giving this book a realist feel to it. Her relationship to Maxon was quite adorable. Maxon is definitely not what she or I thought he was going to be like. Maxon is an amazing guy with a good and pure heart, not egotistical at all. I'm really excited to see what's in store for these two, as long as America's old sweetheart, Aspen, doesn't get in the way. Aspen is a major jerk and heartbreaker. I'm still pretty angry and what he did to America. Sometimes good intentions just aren't enough. Not a fan of love triangles? Don't worry, there isn't much of one in this book because Maxon is the only hottie in the castle and Aspen screwed up big time. It's fairly obvious who has America's attention very early on. (Team Maxon all the way.)

The ending made me really happy and ready to dive into the next installment. It gave me enough information to be content with the conclusion of the first book yet withheld enough to keep me at the edge of my seat. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about Illea and the ending of the competition, which I'm sure will be answered in the next two books. All in all, give this book a try. It's truly enjoyable and unique. I can definitely say it's one of the best books I've read this year. I just wish I read it sooner. 

My Favorite Part: Maxon and America's characterization.


ALL iN ALL:
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it's a fun, romantic tale!
Will I be reading the next book? Absolutely! Already have haha! :D
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It's a Book Thing
Review by Macy ♥