The Selection by Kiera Cass

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.

THOUGHTS:

If you're looking for a book that will haunt your mind days after you read it, put The Selection down - this book isn't for you. However, if you're looking for a light, simple read, prepare to finish this book in one sitting.

Upon reading the book blurb of The Selection, the first thing that came to my mind was the reality show The Bachelor. The premise is pretty similar, except for the fact that this book is set in a world where the USA is no more and a modernized caste system is back in action instead of a big mansion in the middle of some city. (Yes, Prince Maxon's search for the love of his life is also televised!) The heroine, America Singer, is a relatively poor girl who doesn't even want to compete for Prince Maxon's heart to begin with, because her heart belongs to a servant named Aspen. Things don't really go America's way for lo and behold, America is Selected!

America came into the competition thinking that Prince Maxon is a self-obsessed jerk, but she gradually realizes that he's the exact opposite. The relationship - the build-up to a relationship, rather - between America and Maxon is what I liked most about this book. I've seemingly read dozens upon dozens of YA books where the hero and heroine realize that they can't live without each other after only a few chapters, but in The Selection, America and Maxon's relationship is fleshed out. I particularly enjoyed their private conversations and their banter, and the readers can truly see how the two's friendship progressed to something more.

The readers are left hanging upon the book's ending, so don't expect to read a concluded story. Sigh. I hope that Cass reveals more about the world she built, and continues all those storylines that she's been hinting at during the course of The Selection, in the sequel which is due out sometime next year.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Selection. It's a fun, light read, and I recommend it to those who want to shut everything out even just for a little while. This book is the perfect escape from the real world and all the problems it has to offer, so why not read it?

Rating: 4 stars