Series Review: The Selection

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

Source: Purchased

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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 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. 

My Review

I must admit that I was very hesitant to read this book. I saw it on Goodreads, and while I immediately thought it was going to be terrible, I wanted to read it. Weird, right?

After reading this one, I didn't know if I liked it or not. I simply tolerated it. I teetered with my rating for a while, too. When I first finished it, I thought it was a two star book for me, but after a few hours, the book grew on me. It became a three star book for me.

For thirty-five girls fighting for the heart of the prince, one would expect more catty behavior, even from the main character, America, but she's not catty at all. She enters because her boyfriend almost forces her to enter, and it's just weird. I understand that it will help her financially, but it is just a strange thing to do. I thought it was sweet of her boyfriend to let her go, but he is basically dumping her and forcing her into the arms of another man. Weird.

And the boyfriend, Aspen... I thought letting America go was sweet, but when he said comments about how a woman should never provide for a man... what year is this? I was highly offended by those remarks.  Yeah... I don't like Aspen at all. He is an idiot, and I don't think he deserves America. I'd so much rather her end up with Prince Maxon, even though I feel like America could do greater things with her life.

All in all, it's not bad, but it's not greatest novel ever written. I wouldn't call it dystopia at all, but it has been labeled as that. If you're looking for something that reminds you of a fairytale with a lot of romance, I'd read this book.

 

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: April 23, 2013

Source: Purchased

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Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Review

After my not so great feelings on the first book, in this series, I knew the second book in this trilogy definitely was a make it or break it book for me, meaning that if I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't read the final book. Luckily I enjoyed The Elite by Kiera Cass so much more than The Selection.

This one was so much better than the first book in the trilogy. Of course, it ends in another cliff-hanger, but I guess that's Cass' thing, plus it's a great way to keep readers interested in your books.

The book starts off with the last of the remaining girls still in the game that is called The Selection. Things are getting harder for them. They will be tested more and more to see how they will handle the job of being the princess and eventually the queen.

Oh, and you know the red-head stereotype? Yeah... it's in this book. America is one fiery redhead. She has a bad temper, and she almost loses Maxon for good, but anyone could have guessed that the plot would go like that.

All in all, I am glad that I decided to keep reading this trilogy. Now I guess I just have to wait another year to see if things work out between Maxon and America. 

Title: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Source: Purchased

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The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.
America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.
From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

My Review 

I waited and waited for this book. I did so much waiting that it seemed so much longer than a year elapsed when I finally got a copy of The One in my hands. I even pre-ordered a signed copy of this book because I really started to fall in love with this trilogy in the second book. Needless to say, I needed it and its gorgeous cover in my life.

While I enjoyed The One, I thought much of this book was predictable. I could see a lot of it coming before I read it, and I knew a lot of the twists and turns before they even happened. That's really not a bad thing, though. But there are other parts in this book that really deliver. Cass throws in some plot twists, and it makes for an entertaining read.

I couldn't have asked for a better ending to this series. It is the one that I've wanted since I read The Selection so long ago. It was perfect. I didn't cry. I did get a few tears in my eyes, though.

That being said, I am glad that The Elite ends on a high note, and I am glad that I gave this series a second chance after my turbulent experience reading The Selection.  

Reviewer's notes:

• I feel that Cass' writing improved with each book, and I think that is why I enjoyed each sequel more than the preceding book in the series. 
• I know I'll be re-reading these one day just to see what I think about them again.
• I adore the covers on these books. They are gorgeous. Also, the spines are really pretty, and look great on my bookshelves.
• I have not read the companion stories, but I do own the paperback collection of them. I will be reading them soon.