Sunday

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

In a Palace full of rivals, only one can win His heart...
 
For thirty five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them in their Castes and be swept up into a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the Palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. To become the 'One'.
But, for America Singer, being part of the Selection is a nightmare. To her, it means turning her back on her secret lover Aspen, leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Being followed around by camera's and having her every step documented. Living in a palace tat is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

When America meets Maxon, all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she's always planned for herself, compare to a future she has never imagined? But this is a fierce competition, and the winner will become Queen.

Just look at the cover? It's beautiful! You really can judge a book by it's cover.

From the first page, you are introduced to the protagonist, America Singer and the future she lives in. Set in dystopia America, now called Illea, the society has been split into Castes based on what type of work you do. What I loved about America was how she was herself throughout the novel and how her character makes you want to read on. She may break her society's rules but she tries to do everything in her family's interest, or somebody's close to her. America is a 'Five', one of the lower castes in the system that goes to 'Eight'. Her caste means she is a performer and, just like her name, sings and is fluent in many different instruments. She grew throughout the competition and made friends, got a stronger personality and despite being confused about her feelings, she was trying. America was completely relatable: She's indecisive, yes, but kind, caring and strong. Who can't help but want to read about her? Maybe it was the way she never wanted to be a part of everything, but just had to accept it-that made me like her so much.


There was quite a wide cast of characters, from America's family to the other Selected girls and the monarchy. There are a few girls that the author really focuses on and I loved how you could also get to know a little about them. There are girls you instantly can't stand and you can clearly see how they manipulate people while others you are secretly rooting for. Prince Maxon, was always very open about his feelings, and you could just see he wanted a confidant. He was gentle, compassionate but wise. Although the Prince, he has his moments which made him real. His fear of crying-girls added humour to both the book and himself which I just loved.I was supporting his character the whole way through.
The scenes are beautifully described and breath-taking whilst the writing keeps you gripped. I couldn't stop turning the pages and never wanted it to end. Personalities grew and so did relationships. I was captivate from start-to-end in this complicated future. The Selection has been noted 'The Hunger Games' meets 'The Bachelor' and as I've read/watched both of these, I agree it has some aspects but can completely stand on it's own. It was perfectly-plotted with a fairytale style and settings I adored.. The realistic emotions and feelings, the twists in the plot, the way it is paced, everything.
 
There was also a love-triangle fitted into this plot as well as the competition itself. This novel was packed with a bit of everything. It's world you can only dream of as a child, but it has it's hidden secrets. It makes you ask questions you want the answers to and one thing you realise is that it's not just the girls that have their own secrets. As for the love-triangle, I'm not normally a huge fan, but this was well-written and unique, exciting and fiery. It's treason - what are they doing? It also left some exciting idea's for the sequel, which, with the rebels only getting closer, the build up will make this a series to watch. This is the type of book that will keep you up until 2am just to finish it, and will have you jaw-dropped and jumping with joy all in one. I felt this could be getting drawn out slightly too long, as I wanted a stand-alone that let you find out who would become the 'One'. For ages 12+ - ****

 

Who's excited for The Elite, out in 17 days?

6 comments:

  1. Wow Awesome Review Sophie!! So glad you enjoyed this one, it's one of my favourites.

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    1. Thank you! I loved it, I read most of it in a day then couldn't bear to finish it! Have you read the short story e-book The Prince? It's about half of the novel from Maxon's POV and has a sneak-peak of The Elite.
      -Sophie

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  2. I really like your blog and have also followed you! Like you I also love reading and writing.

    Check out my blog it is full of reviews on a whole range of topics!

    http://teenreviewsbeautifulmakings.blogpsot.com

    I would love it if you followed me too! <3

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    1. Thank you so much! Of course I'll check out your blog, thanks for following mine. <3

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  3. I really want to read this one! I remember talking to you on Twitter about this and it sounds like something I would like. I'm so glad you liked it - I'll definitely look out for this one :)

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    1. Definitely! I completely recommend it - hope you enjoy it too! :)

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See you soon!

Sophie Louise