Publishing Date: April 24th, 2012
Page Count: 327
Source: Borrowed from Local Library
Format: Hardcover
Description from Goodreads.com:
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.
Review:
To be honest, I was very wary to try The Selection. The majority of the blogs I follow that read book either did not like it at all or just gave it a low rating, but I absolutely loved this book. I am so happy that I ending up reading it, because it is now one of my favorite books. Another one of my favorite books is The Hunger Games and this is definitely one that goes with it. Like, if you liked The Hunger Games you should also try The Selection. I loved that it was dystopian, but that it didn't go too far where I couldn't understand what was going on or lost interest. I loved learning the history of Illea, the country the book takes place in. I thought it really made the world they live in come together more for the reader and to make it feel like it really existed and that the way Illea came to be really happened. Kiera Cass did some really great world building.
I also really liked the whole idea of prince's holding this bachelor-esq type show to pick their future bride. It was very interesting and a very neat idea. This was the main reason I wanted to read The Selection. I wanted to read about how everything was going to play out and how a girl got selected and everything. The whole process just really intrigued me and really made me just ignore the reviews and read it for myself.
I really loved America's character. I felt for her the whole time and felt she was genuine and easy to relate to. I love how honest and true she stayed to herself and just never changed for anyone. Oh, and her snarkyness and smart ass attitude was the best. She was not afraid to put it all out there and that was what I most loved about her. The only thing I didn't like was her love for Aspen. In the beginning of the book I completely got it, but then once she goes to the palace I wasn't on board anymore. He is a jerk and I am 100% on Team Maxon... at least so far =D.
I loved the ending and cannot wait to read book two. I already have it on hold at the library and am eagerly waiting to get the email saying it's in and to come get it. I must know what happens!!
Overall:
I absolutely loved The Selection. It is now one of my favorite books. The world building was great and I completely believe the history of the country Illea. America was a great character and I loved her snarkyness. I have read some really negative reviews for this book, but the idea of this whole bachelor-esq type idea to pick a bride really had me intrigued and I knew I had to read it. Moral of the story: Don't believe the hype and read the books you want to.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5/5
**The books cover, description, and info was all found and borrowed from Goodreads.com. A link back to it's Goodreads site has been provided. All other work and ideas are of my own creation. This book was borrowed from my local library.**
