Book Review: The Selection - Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)

Author: Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 24th 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

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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.

I'm not so sure anymore because I bought this last June, but I think I picked up The Selection because of that gorgeous cover. Perfect model for the main character, perfect shades of blue, and perfect dress. *drools* Seriously, though, kudos to the Harper team for that. 

But to those who heed the words "Don't judge a book by its cover", no need to worry because what's under that cover was equally mesmerizing. I read this in two sittings, and it became two only because I didn't want it to end yet. America's voice hooked me in from page one, and I didn't realize I'd already gone through almost the entire book until fifty pages from the last.

Now, for the girl with the cliched last name. Like a lot of fictional redheads, America was kind, brave, determined, honest, and bold, but at the same time, her fears and uncertainties made her a very real teenager, and I just loved her. Up until the last page, she remained true to herself while becoming fiercer and wiser. I can't wait to see how she progresses in the next books.

And, of course, I also can't wait to see what'll happen with the two equally charming boys vying for America's heart. At first, I totally rooted for her and Aspen, but I'd heard enough about this book to know that I would also love Maxon. Even though strong, courageous Aspen provided his fair share of feels and swoon, Maxon had the upperhand with his status as prince of Illea—not to mention how he was in, like, 70% of the book and Aspen was in 20%. And honestly, Maxon was written as a deeper character than Aspen. I also have to mention how this prince almost brought me to tears a number of times because of how adorable he was. 

The idea behind the Selection was very interesting—like The Bachelor but better—and it was fun to see how thirty-five girls from all walks of life, as in the different castes, faced each other in this competition. But being a post-apocalyptic dystopian book, I have to mention the world-building. Although that part was mixed seamlessly with the plot, I found it lacking. Illea's history was explained thoroughly with, well, a history lesson for the Selected girls—not the most unique method I can think of, yes—but the rest of the world's wasn't. Also, the writing wasn't exceptional, what with the tons of "telling" done, but it didn't bother me much because I was too engaged in the story to care.

I was planning to give this book a solid five out of five, but the ending was a letdown. The only resolution it gave was for America's confusion with the two boys, which she just admitted to them and to herself. I couldn't help but admire her, though, because in other books with love triangles, the girl usually made it even more painful for the three of them by refusing to recognize her feelings.

No, I'm not choosing him or you. I'm choosing me.

Atta girl.

MY FAVORITE PART was America and Maxon's lol-tastic first date XD

RATING:

(cover and blurb from Goodreads.com)