Review: 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 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.

Sometimes you just need a comfort read. For me, that means a romance book that doesn’t require me to think too much. The Selection by Kiera Cass was that book for me. I bought the whole set from a friend so I binged the first three books, The Selection, The Elite, and The One.

There’s hardly any surprise in how this series ends. You know. But the journey of the couple ends up together is why I read. I thought the concept of The Bachelor with the flair of The Princess Diaries was interesting. The world Kiera Cass created was both beautiful and harsh at the same time. I don’t like class-based societies much.

American Singer and Prince Maxon aren’t that interesting as characters. There’s nothing that stands out. But I like their dynamic and their relationships with the other characters. The writing style is also easy to read and fast-paced. For what it is, that’s fine. I know I’ll reread it again when I’m sick and I need something familiar.

I give The Selection 4 stars. It’s an entertaining book that sells a fantasy. If you want to be swept away by a prince, this is the book you want. If you want a cute fairytale romance with beautiful gowns, this is your book. If you want something complex and full of surprises, this isn’t it.