Book Review: THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Published Date: April 24th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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 Thoughts:

I've never been a fan of The Bachelor or any other dating game on TV, but The Selection appealed to me so much due to its gorgeous cover and positive reviews. Honestly speaking, I've expected a lot from this book and though it didn't perfectly lived up to my expectations, I could say that it was worth my time. I liked the idea of the story--reality show slash dating game slash "aka The Bachelor" slash Cinderella slash dystopia. Even though I didn't quite taste the dystopian flavor, I still enjoyed the other aromas this book has to offer. 

Living as a Five, America Singer never imagined that her life would suddenly make a drastic change when she was chosen as one of the thirty-five girls who will compete for the heart (or the crown) of Prince Maxon of Illea. All she wanted was to marry his secret boyfriend--beautiful and hardworking boy--Aspen, a Six. Being in the palace with other gorgeous women, and having spent time with the handsome prince, she realized that there's something more at being a prince or a royal. Seems like Prince Maxon isn't someone she thought he was. Feeling suddenly confused of her own feelings, she must decide what she really wants while trying to figure out his feelings for Aspen and the prince. 

I'd say that after reading this book, I didn't expect that it would linger on my mind for so long... I don't know what it is that makes me think about the book so much and care for the characters that I've grown to adore. It isn't one of my favorites but I really enjoyed the story. It was charming and beautiful and sweet in its own way. It is a love story mixed with action and just enough suspense. It was entertaining! 

What I didn't like? Hmm... I can't think of any. Except maybe the ending. It wasn't bad though. I just wanted more--more of America and Maxon. For me, it felt like I was given a book that was half-finished. Something that made me want to know the real ending. I need it and I want it now. I want to know what will happen to America. Who is the one she really cares about? Who will she choose between the two guys? Will Maxon pick her as his princess? Or will America end up with Aspen? I so want to know! Really, does it have to end that way? It's going to be a long wait. 

If you enjoyed The Bachelor or any other dating game like this one, then you might like this book. It isn't just the beautiful cover that makes it good, it's the story, the characters, the world of The Selection as a whole. Grab a copy and enjoy!

"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them." America, p.95

My Rating: