The Selection by Kiera Cass

I'll admit, I was really excited to read this series when I first bought it. A lot of my friends recommended them.

So, I was curious. And okay, okay--maybe no more than a hopeless romantic. (Yes, I'm aware, thank you.)

But I'm going to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in these. I'll tell you why in a minute. For now, a spoiler-free review, telling you a little about the series:

This story is about America Singer, a citizen of Illea, that used to be the United States of America.

America, a Five in the caste system (the poorer side of the citizens) has a happy but small life at home. And more importantly, Aspen.

Aspen, her boyfriend (and a Six) was the love of her life. Or so she thought.

The prince of Illea, Maxon Schreave, had to pick from 35 girls in the Illea Selection lottery--A bachelor of sorts, but with princesses.

America never cared for the prince or anyone but Aspen. She was so convinced Aspen would propose to her soon, that when she was encouraged to enter the Selection, she was confident her name wouldn't be called.

However, America's name does get called, and she ends up in a role she never expected:

As the best friend of Prince Maxon Schreave.

Content:

I'm just encompassing the whole series instead of doing a three-part, so bear with me.

I'd recommend 13 and up, only because some things are said or... implied in this book series. There is of course some kissing, (and in the sequels, they sleep in the same room/bed but don't do anything, if you get me) but the part I like the least is the drama that comes from dating all 35 of these girls.

There are a few uses of language, usually pretty mild ("He--", "Da--" and possibly "A--") but there are a few uses of a little more vulgar language.

(If you don't want spoilers, I suggest you stop here, but these are a few more content-related things first.)

One of the characters has endured a physical abuse. There are also characters that get caned (beaten). Some of them have endured other forms of trauma, and some of them get shot. There are also frequent rebel attacks on the castle.

(SPOILERS AHEAD)

My review:

Okay, honestly? I adored the first book. I was a bit confused coming in, admittedly, because she was so in love with Aspen. And I liked Aspen, so it confused me again. I wasn't surprised when she was reaped--(oops, wrong franchise, right, sorry)--when she was called for the Selection, because, obviously, it's called the Selection.

I did, however, miss the innocent relationship of America and Maxon that we got in the first books. They start out at odds, then build a sweet and shy friendship that I miss.

I guess my main problem is that I HATE love triangles? They're so unnecessary, and not realistic either. So the fact that she used Aspen as a safety net really ticked me off.

My other thing was the whole Bachelor-style theme. It's hard enough for the prince to fall in love already, but yeah, sure, just throw 35 girls in the mix for him to choose from. I'm pretty sure the whole idea is really unhealthy.

Maxon and Aspen also fight a bit with America. I know that's the point of her name, but her and Maxon are constantly in a fight. He doesn't know where she stands, she thinks he doesn't love her, she falls for Aspen again, 'round in the circle it goes.

I just think the morals are corrupted a little.

And that is all that's driving the plot forward, the love triangle--besides the rebel attacks and some various minor plots. It makes the books seem really slow and stretched thin.

That allllll being said, I still like them, against my will.

There are some super-cute moments I'll always love from the books, and for what it's worth, even though I find America's character doing really, really, stupid things 24/7, she lives up to her name. She fights. And she sings. America Singer. I like how the writer implies that our country fought for independence and America does the same.

I also really, really love how much of a dork Maxon can be. He once said he didn't know what to do when women cry and looked so bewildered by it. He's also a photographer, which I love....

He also just seems like he has a good heart and forgives this stupid main character for all the things she's done. And as much as she annoys me, she IS super caring and fights for what she believes in.

Now that you've scrolled alllllllll the way down...

I am really really excited to announce that the Selection will be getting a movie! We're not sure when yet, and I'm not sure if the casting call is open, but it'll be on Netflix.

Originally, the CW tried making a show version of it, but everyone absolutely hated the pilot--and from what I've seen of it? Same. I have absolutely no idea who wrote the script or casted the characters but that was not how I imagined it. I know, I know, I can be picky--but all book readers are, so no judging!

Anyways, looking forward to that!

Until then, happy reading,

~TheBookGobbler