The Selection (1)
by Kiera Cass
Genre(s):Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance, Chick Lit
Published:April 2012
Pages:327
Published:April 2012
Pages:327
Official Summary: "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."
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 start off, I will say
that I liked this book more that I thought I would. I was originally
looking for a book for a reading challenge (needed blue covers) and just happened to see this
at the library and figured it didn't look too bad and that I would just
read it since nothing else was working.
I will admit, the concepts are not very original. The ideas that is is in between The Bachelor and Hunger Games (in the dystopia sense)is fairly accurate, with heavily leanings on The Bachelor. The love triangle setting adds a bit extra to character complexity.
I will not say much on what the books is about. The summary already does that in itself on this book. The book is written from America's perspective and what I will say otherwise is what I thought. First, I must admit, I dislike the character names. Yes I know the last names refer to what the person does, but the first names are horrid in my opinion. Yet the main thing is the writing style and pace. I literally laid down last night thinking I would read a few chapters. Next thing I knew, the sun would be rising soon and the book sat finished in my hands. I don't get that with many books anymore. This book made me giggle at times, and twitch in anticipation at others. It left me desperately craving the sequel. Wondering who she picks, or who Maxon picks,what is up with the other girls, etc.
So, while the concept is not original, the characters are interesting, and the story is written in a way that is easy to get wrapped up in it. I actually just put it back on hold at the library so I could skim through it once again before them next book comes out. I read it so fast I fear I might have missed things. I honestly had a hard time rating this. In the way in captured my attention once I started reading, and my desire to read it again I would normally say a , but since it does lean SO heavily on the concept of The Bachelor. I might go back and increase it a higher rating than current after I have read the second book. Mainly due to I am curious to see how Kiera is going to link certain things together. So here is to The Selection, and the rest of the series to come.
I will admit, the concepts are not very original. The ideas that is is in between The Bachelor and Hunger Games (in the dystopia sense)is fairly accurate, with heavily leanings on The Bachelor. The love triangle setting adds a bit extra to character complexity.
I will not say much on what the books is about. The summary already does that in itself on this book. The book is written from America's perspective and what I will say otherwise is what I thought. First, I must admit, I dislike the character names. Yes I know the last names refer to what the person does, but the first names are horrid in my opinion. Yet the main thing is the writing style and pace. I literally laid down last night thinking I would read a few chapters. Next thing I knew, the sun would be rising soon and the book sat finished in my hands. I don't get that with many books anymore. This book made me giggle at times, and twitch in anticipation at others. It left me desperately craving the sequel. Wondering who she picks, or who Maxon picks,what is up with the other girls, etc.
So, while the concept is not original, the characters are interesting, and the story is written in a way that is easy to get wrapped up in it. I actually just put it back on hold at the library so I could skim through it once again before them next book comes out. I read it so fast I fear I might have missed things. I honestly had a hard time rating this. In the way in captured my attention once I started reading, and my desire to read it again I would normally say a , but since it does lean SO heavily on the concept of The Bachelor. I might go back and increase it a higher rating than current after I have read the second book. Mainly due to I am curious to see how Kiera is going to link certain things together. So here is to The Selection, and the rest of the series to come.
Also of note, as I previously mentioned in another post, THE PRINCE is a prequel written from Prince Maxon's point of view. It's a short novella and is only $1.99 on Amazon (see the link above) right now. I bought my copy and look forward to curling up on the couch and reading it later this week most likely.
This one got a few giggles from me as well! Overall, a really fun and light read compared to the darker genres out there. Love the review. :D
ReplyDeleteDaphne @ Reading Until Dawn
It was a fun one. Thanks!
DeleteI'm a huge dystopian fan but this is one book that I haven't read or even considered reading. I still cant make up my mind if it's worth my time... Oh my indecisiveness!! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is really good, but keep in mind that while the world is dystopian, the situation is almost all fluff.
DeleteThanks for the review. I would NEVER have guessed it was a dystopian book from the cover. I need to stop judging a book by...well, you know;)
ReplyDeleteIt is dystopian for the world setting but a very fluffy story still.
DeleteNice review! I rather enjoyed this book, but I did not like the second one. I read them both a while ago so I don't remember all of the details. I will still read the third book though, because I'm curious to see who America and Maxon end up with.
ReplyDeleteThe second one was okay for me. Deeper is some ways but all the characters became too wishy-washy in the decisions and actions for me to love it. This one I loved reading.
DeleteThanks for posting the review on this book! I've heard varying opinions of whether it is worth reading or not. The cover is very pretty which is why I was even pondering about it in the first place and it seems like it didn't suck and that you enjoyed it, so with your review in mind, I think I will add that to my to-read list with serious intentions of actually reading it. Who knows when I will get to it though!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know that feeling. My to-read list is extremely long so even books I want to read a lot can take awhile to get to.
DeleteI completely agree with your review! I loved the idea of the caste system in The Selection, though. This book really did pull me in!
ReplyDelete-Jayne
The caste system was cool. :)
Deletei read this book but america is not my type of heroine..she is annoying,,,
ReplyDeletebut i hope she will ended with prince maxon...
She can be. I have read worse though. At first I thought Maxon would be a good choice but after reading The Elite, I am less sure she can handle certain things their relationship with include. Still more a Maxon fan than Aspen though!
DeleteI totally agree with you! I read this book with low expectations and was actually surprised that I liked it! I found the writing somehow similar to that of The Hunger Games and it's a good thing I guess because I read this in only one sitting.
ReplyDeleteTeam Maxon all the way! :)
So did II read it in one sitting to. Drove my man crazy reading all night, getting giddy over a book. Hehe.
DeleteI agree! I thought the book would be cheesy but I was so in love with the cover I decided to give it a go. I liked it a lot--more than I thought I would for sure!
ReplyDeleteI actually read it as part of a challenge to read blue covered books so I am with you on the cover being the reason to try it.
DeleteI'm waiting to read this until the last one comes out, but glad to know you enjoyed it. The name thing seems weird, but original at least. Thanks or the review.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy these books. I did!
DeleteGreat review! I've been wanting to read this book for awhile as it has been very hyped, but just never got round to it. Though I definitely will be finally reading it very soon.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, whenever you get the chance. They are fun reads!
DeleteI've heard great things about this book and I'm a huge Hunger Games fan so I'm looking forward to reading this! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy. Although this is more romance, less action than Hunger Games.
DeleteI really want to read this. I can't believe I haven't yet...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review :)
I hope you enjoy it. One of the characters shares the same first name (although she is not well liked in the first book) as you.
DeleteI've heard good things about this book series. Haven't read it yet though, although I am intrigued with the dystopian + reality tv type of story. Will definitely give this a try. :)
ReplyDeleteThe dystopian aspect is mild but it does build throughout the series a bit.
DeleteI really like your review! But for me it wasn't a agreat book =/ it was okay, do you think i should continue the series?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed them. They are worth reading, but if it was just okay perhaps get them through the library. The second and third book are a bit more serious and darker as the series progresses. But the love triangle aspect is stronger in the Elite. So it depends on what you liked or didn't like.
DeleteI love this book! Nice review! I just finished The One and the trilogy kept getting better and better!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun series. I was a bit sad when I finished it.
DeleteThe series is on my list and I'm glad I read your review because now I feel like I should definitely start reading it! I heard a lot of good reviews and saw a lot of readers fangirl over the series especially when the last book came out. Great review :D (hi, I'm Jennina!)
ReplyDeleteIts assuredly a fangirling type of book. A fun guilty pleasure read. Enjoy!
DeleteWhen I read the summary the first thing I thought that this would be cheesy, but I keep hearing great reviews about it. I will definitly have to check it out. Thanks for your review
ReplyDeleteIt has it's moments but it pulls itself off.
DeleteI'm really curious about this book, it sounds like it's very chick lit like, but I'm guess I'm going to read it.
ReplyDeleteChick-lit romance yes :)
DeleteI've been thinking if I should read this book...and I think after reading your review, I should give this series a chance!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it if you haven't had the chance to start yet.
DeleteI want to read this series but I heard just mixed things so I don't know. Pity that the covers and so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, the cover did nothing for me. Love the shade but the dress itself is just 'meh' to me. I know many will disagree though :)
Deletegood review...i read the selection but i didn't fond of the lead heroine (america)
ReplyDeletesometimes she is annoying..but i do like the ending because i am a fan of the prince...
Over the series, my opinion of her was a roller coaster. But Yay for awesome male roles!
DeleteGreat review. I love this series. Can you believe it is continuing with The Heir?!
ReplyDeleteI hope to read it soon! I heard she is doing a total of 3 new books for it!
DeleteSome of my friends didn't like this series. It's included in my tbr pile but I still haven't picked it up.
ReplyDeleteIt is a love/hate book it seems. Very little in between.
Deletei want to read this book so bad i have heard amazing things about it, everybody likes this book, but i still didnt buy it because it already came out in my language so if i buy im going to buy im my language, but the shipping is so expensive :S im gald you liked the selection *.*
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to get a copy at an affordable price. Can you buy at The Book Depository? They are free shipping INT.
DeleteI am curious about it now that I've read your review!
ReplyDeleteCurious enough to read it?
DeleteI loved The Selection series so much. To me, it is the best serie I have ever read. I really loved The Selection and The One. I though The Elite was okay, but it in my opinion, it wasn't as fun as the first and last book of the trilogy. I can't wait for The Heir, but kind of sad that it will no longer be written in the perspective of America Singer.
ReplyDeleteI am curious to see how Kiera Cass plays with her new characters for The Heir.
DeleteI've been thinking about getting this for a while, but I'm just afraid that it's too light. It's probably going to be either one of my favorite books or a complete disaster. What happened to you, reading it so fast that you don't even notice how much you've read rarely happens to me. I'll see if I'll be getting it.
ReplyDeleteThe first one is light but book two does toake it to a different level, adding good depth.
DeleteI haven't read this series yet but it is very high on my TBR and I can't wait to read this series!! :D
ReplyDeleteThis series is so good! Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI keep going back and forth on this when! Its on my TBR list but I have not actually picked it up to start it!
ReplyDelete-Thats a bummer for me, that " the concept is not very orginal"
I enjoyed the hunger games, but have NEVER been into the Bachelor, and not a huge fab of love triangles.
Thank you for your honest review! It might turn into a "skip" for me!!
I have had this book on my TBR shelf for as long as I can remember. I've never really gotten around to it though but seeing how many good ratings it's getting and as you said, it got some giggles out of you, I might be picking it up soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that the concept's not original though.
Lie you, I picked up this book from the library after having a browse though I did know of the book beforehand and the hype surrounding it. That hype and praise for the series had my expectations set high and while the plot wasn't anything really new I still was excited to start reading. Overall I was a little underwhelmed tbh. The story kept me interested and had me wanting to know what happens next but the writing and the characters fell flat for me.
ReplyDelete