3 May 2015

The Selection - Review

The Selection
by Kiera Cass





Add to Goodreads


What they say: Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…

It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love. Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret – one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.
Don’t miss out on the chance to read the first in The Selection series, ahead of The Heir coming soon in May (pre-order here)! 

Praise:

“Reality TV meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass’s delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!” Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of Paranormalcy
ISBN: 9780007466726

Buy Links:

Amazon US * Amazon UK


I received a copy from Harper Collins Children's UK (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: I didn't read The Selection when it was first released because I wanted to wait for the hype to die down so I could form my own, unbiased opinion of this vastly popular book series.

The Selection is set in a dystopian world where society is divided into different castes, ruled by King Clarkson. the caste determine citizens position in society and their job (it reminded me bit of the districts in The Hunger Games). America Singer is 'encouraged' to enter the Selection, which is competition to find a bride for Prince Maxon and become his Princess (and a caste One). The Selection itself is very much like The Bachelor television series but with the added addition of rebel attacks and war.

I liked America because whilst many of the other girls are either desperate for a crown or for the Prince, she wants nothing to do with it and only entered to help her family. America is the main focus of the story but we do get to know Maxon, Aspen and the other girls. America is not prepared for the luxury and demands of palace life, and struggles with the new restrictions forced upon her. What I most admired about America was her strength and determination. I also liked how she starts to re-evaluate the situation and learns not to pre-judge people.

Prince Maxon is very different to what America expects (he actually reminded me of Kiran from the Star-Crossed series) and rather than the pompous bore she was expecting, he's kind, clever and thoughtful. I appreciated how awkward he was with the girls and that he wasn't the overconfident player I was expecting. Whilst America sees the contest as a front and a joke, Maxon is honestly looking for a wife and companion. 

I enjoyed the many secondary characters. Marlee and the maids made me smile, but I couldn't stand some of the other girls (Celeste, Ashley and Kriss I mean you). I'm still undecided about Aspen because for most of the book I was torn between understanding his actions and being really annoyed at him. 



I would have liked to get a bit more info about Illea, the castes and the war. I'm also not convinced by America's inability to make decisions at times. Also I would have preferred Maxon to have limited his other dates and er 'activities' with the girls. But I did understand his actions, and subsequently America's doubts and confusion. Bring on The Elite!


4 - 4.5 Stars in my Sky!



SHARE:

No comments

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Blogger Template Created by pipdig