Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection # 1

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

Publisher: Harper Collins USA

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Pages: 327

Goodreads Link: HERE

Buy this book: Amazon

 

From Goodreads:

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:

The Selection is one of those books that I have been wanting to read since it came out last year, but I have been putting it off because I had heard such amazing things about it and I was afraid that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations.  I know that sounds kind of crazy but I’ve come to find that a lot of the books that I’m really excited about disappoint me and I really didn’t want that to happen with this book.  After finally breaking down and reading The Selection I’m very happy to say that I was wrong; this book surpassed my every expectation.

The Selection is a competition in which thirty five girls compete against each other to not only win the heart of Prince Maxon but also to become the Princess of Illea.  For most girls being chosen as one of the Selected is a dream come true, America Singer is not one of those girls.  America is already in love with Aspen, only they have to keep their relationship a secret because Aspen is a caste below her.  The only reason America entered the Selection is because she never dreamed that she would get chosen.  Once America’s name is drawn everything changes.

Before America meets Prince Maxon she expects him to be self absorbed and shallow but she quickly learns that he is not like that at all, he’s actually smart, kind and extremely caring.  I must admit that usually when I read books that have love triangles I typically know which team I’m on rather quickly, but I’m still undecided in this case, hopefully after reading The Elite I will be able to choose.

The Selection is a very fast paced and entertaining read.  The writing was flawless and the story flowed easily.  This is definitely one of my top ten books that I’ve read this year and I’m sure after I read The Elite I will be adding it to that list as well.

Rating: