"The Selection" by Kiera Cass

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass

Hey everyone! I'm back!
I know a lot of you who have read this probably read it years ago, but as per usual, I am indeed late to yet another party.



Novel: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Published: 2012

Genre: dystopian, romance

The number of pages: 336

Series: The Selection #1


I've read plenty of dystopian teen novels in my time. I still have questions. But I'm excited that it's going to be a Netflix movie!



"I might be a Five, but I wasn't worthless." - America Singer


Blurb:
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.



So. Well. Where do I start?
I really liked the idea of the plot. I mean, it sounded very much like the Bachelor which I don't actually watch but I was intrigued by the idea. Before I began to read it I thought it sounded like Red Queen and I loved Red Queen. But, I don't know, I guess it had similarities but it just didn't quite reach my Red Queen standards.
My first issue is that I don't know if I'm sold on Prince Maxon. Look, he's nice and all but he's kinda annoying. He has this very innocent, sheltered look on the world which makes sense when you've been brought up in a castle, I suppose. But it still annoyed me how he was always so calm. The way he spoke was also really annoying. What dude under the age of 60 says my dear? Gag. If I'm going to compare him to Cal from Red Queen I know who would win every time. Also, America literally said he was mysterious but nothing about Maxon is mysterious. He's an open freaking book. You pretty much know everything about him straight away.
Ok, onto America. Now, I liked her a bit better. One storyline that I'm not a huge fan of is the love triangle, especially when you know they won't end up with the person you want them to. I mean it's easy when I read Twilight, Red Queen and The Hunger Games. I liked who everyone ended up within those novels. But so far, I am not Team Maxon.
Getting back to America. One thing that really annoyed me was how she always went on about oh, I'm not pretty. Everyone else is so much prettier than me. Ok, shut up. When you have guys pining over you, you're obviously not some ugly creature. I mean, I'm not saying I want her to be really obnoxious but there is a middle ground between totally insecure and then really obnoxious. I also hate when characters lead people on. Like, please just make up your mind. You must like someone more than the other.
Okay, moving on to Aspen. Sweet baby Aspen. My favourite boy. I am, so far, Team Aspen. I know that he won't end up with America because, duh. She's going to be the freaking queen obviously. Aspen almost seemed like a bad boy but with a totally loveable personality and they are always my favourite types of characters.
Overall, I didn't mind the story. I will, of course, be continuing with the series. 1 down, 4 to go!



PROS: Aspen.

CONS: Maxon? I'm not sure at this stage if he's a con. I haven't made my mind up.


So, I give this story a 7/10!


See you soon!

Mads xoxo