The Selection | Book Review

This review contains no spoilers and no reference to events or character information that may ruin your reading pleasure.

The Selection
Kiera Cass

Book 1 - The Selection Series

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 realises that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.



Recommended for those who enjoy:
love, romance, humour, teen romance, blossoming love, diversity across classes, royalty, fashion, bitch-fights, love triangles, 'bettering yourself', challenging the law,

Cold Tea and Crumbs rating:  ★★★★★


My thoughts:
First off lets discuss what this book is in a nutshell.

1) A contest - Hunger Games-esque, however must less survival orientated and rather about 'winning' the heart of Prince Maxon. America the lead character however, does get drawn as a 'selected' from an extensive number of people and a television programme camera crew does follow all the 'goings on'. Also got to add that the character Gavril who is the presenter in The Selection reminds me very much of the presenter, Caesar Flickerman, in Hunger Games. #justsaying

2) Huge makeovers a la America's Next Top Model. Need I say anymore?

3) The Bachelor-esque scenerio - Every 'Selected' girl is trying to win the heart of Prince Maxon and of course some girls have their claws out ready to win the prize at any cost!

So with those three references detailed, I have to say that this book was a winner in my eyes! I thoroughly loved the idea and concept of this book and felt like it translated into such a fabulous read. I love all the characters and obviously loath Celeste - as everyone does I'm sure ^_^

The struggles within this book are described so clearly, in particularly America's relationship with Aspen - who is of a lower caste than her.  It really makes you champion for 'equal rights' for all, meaning that America should be able to choose who she wants to fall in love with and also how she decides to spend her time. Her profession is already chosen, the country is forbidden to learn the history of the region, a strict curfew is imposed for everyone by the law, teen 'love, romance or sex' is forbidden and the punishment is death. It's no wonder that rebels are uprising across the country.

With rebels attacking communities across the land, even the royal palace, this book makes you question everyone's motives and if they are hiding something or if they're involved with the rebels. Aspen? King Clarkson? Silvia? Marlee? Celeste? This first book really sets a fantastic scene for the ongoing story of who will Prince Maxon choose for his Princess and the country's Queen, the 'will they won't they' scenario with America and Aspen, and the ongoing dilemma posed by the rebels. But how will the story develop in The Elite (Book 2) and beyond, I guess there is only one way to find out. ^_^

Over to you:

Have you read The Selection, what did you think of it? Enjoyed reading it or disliked it?
Who is your favourite character and what was your favourite scene?
Do you distrust anyone? Who? Why?