The Selection - Kiera Cass

Synopsis
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.

Opinion
I put of reading The Selection for quite a while, because I had read some very mixed reviews about it. But after the first couple of chapters the book it totally got me hooked. I loved the idea of the selection itself, one common girl that could become the next queen, to give the people some hope. Of course the system of the selection was corrupt, but it was still good for most people moral.
The characters were easy to like. America is a strong, independent girl with her two feet on the ground. And I liked how her friendship with prince Maxon developed. Prince Maxon was a nice guy with his hart in the right place and if he really wants something then he’s very determined to get it. Maxon also tries to get rid of the flaws of his country in a subtle way. And then there’s Aspen. I know many readers are team Maxon, but I don’t get why. Sure Maxon is sweet, kind, beautiful… and rich, but Aspen is those things too, except for the rich part. Yes he’s maybe a bit old-fashioned in some ways, that the boy needs to make money for the girl. But still everything he said and did was because he loved America and he wanted for her to have a better future. So I can’t determine on which team I’m yet, I hope to get more clarity in the next book. The last character I love is Marlee. She’s America’s only real friend in the palace. They can confide in each other, but they also give each other space. Marlee was easygoing and it’s impossible not to like her.
Lastly I’m intrigued by the rebels. If there are two groups than why don’t they combine their powers to reach their goal. And what exactly is there goal.

I’m definitely going to read the next book and I hope to get to know Maxon, America and the others better. And I hope to see more of the rebels.

 

Extra
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: April 24th 2012
Pages: 327 (Hardcover)
Other books:

• The Prince (The Selection #0.5)
• The Elite (The Selection #2)
• The Guard (The Selection #2.5) (Publications date: February 4th 2014)
• The One (The Selection #3) (Publication date: May 6th 2014)

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