Title: The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard
Series: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Format: Paperback
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Two novellas set in the world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series are now available in print for the first time. The Prince and The Guard both offer captivating views into the hearts and minds of the two men fighting to win America Singer's love. This collection also features exclusive bonus content, including a sneak peek at The One, the eagerly anticipated third novel in the Selection series.
Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life. The Prince opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.
Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard. In The Guard, readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls—and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.
My Review
Okay... so we all know by now that these novellas are really just a way for authors to make more money and entertain anxious readers while other books in their series are in the pre-publication stage. I don't think this trend is going to stop any time soon, so of course, most of us try to read them to figure out some new things that are happening in the worlds of our favorite books.
This bind up of novellas from Kiera Cass' Selection world includes two short stories, The Prince and The Guard. It also includes an excerpt from The One, the third book in her Selection series. I've already read that book, and you can check out my series review for the first three novels here.
I really enjoyed The Prince, which takes place during the events of Cass' novel, The Selection. I really enjoyed getting to see Maxon's thoughts leading up until the Selection and a few days after it began. It gives the book a fresh new experience. Kiera also reveals some little details about King Clarkson and Queen Amberly that one would not know by only having read The Selection. Oh... and if you haven't read this novella, it's worth reading just to see the garden date scene from Maxon's point of view!
The Guard didn't really appeal to me, but I will admit that I did not like Aspen at all in The Selection, and those feelings of him rubbing me the wrong way have stayed with me throughout my Selection reading experience. I wouldn't call Aspen completely selfish in this story, but I did get the vibe that he was selfish, especially in the beginning of the novella. Aspen did mature a little bit in the novella, and that was nice to see, but there were parts that revealed his immaturity and rash decisions.
There's also some bonus content. I didn't bother to re-read the first three chapters from The One because I already read it, but the other stuff is nice, and gives readers a little more insight about Cass' world-building. The family tree graphics are nice, and I loved reading about each family's history, but some of the other materials, like the playlists, can be found on Cass' website.
So... my final decision... If you have an e-reader and you really want to read the stories, get them on your device and check out the other stuff online.
I have yet to read The One, but I'm really anxious to find out who America finally chooses (or if her other love interests get too tired of waiting around for her to make a decision, I don't know). I'm personally rooting for Maxon as well. To me, he just seems more devoted and natural with America. Aspen, on the other hand, seemed like a gold digger. He kind of abandons America pre-Selection, and when she is chosen comes crawling back in the palace. I actually refer to Aspen frequently as a "rotten banana". I initially wasn't planning to read this novella, but your review is convincing- I just might have to give it a try! Thorough review, Erin:)
ReplyDeleteClaire @ Cover to Cover
ROTTEN BANANA! OMG. I love that! :) I hated how Aspen treated her in the first book, and then he just thought he could win her back. The third book is definitely my favorite of the three.
DeleteThank you so much! If anything, it's really worth it to read just for The Prince! :)
I still haven't read The One (I got spoiled big time) bUT I completely agree with you. Aspen is such a selfish character in the book and I never really liked him. Team Maxon!
ReplyDeleteLovely review :-)
OMG. I hate that you were spoiled, but I think anyone who hasn't read it probably has by now with the announcement of two new novels. It still sucks, though.
DeleteThank you! :)
I haven't read The One and probably won't read, because The Selection just didn't make it into my good list. So these novellas are pretty much out of question anyway. But I do agree that Aspen seems like he would turn into an even bigger douchepants. (If that's even possible..)
ReplyDeleteI think I gave The Selection two and a half stars when I first read it, but I was glad that I liked the other two better. I think Aspen is what really made me dislike a lot of the first book.
DeleteI got these on my kindle and found the extras online just as you suggested when I first read the series! I definitely agree with your opinion on Aspen, he's quite a hard character to read about but Maxon is awesome ahah #Team Maxon
ReplyDeleteThe extras were a nice surprise, but it would have been nice for there to be something that wasn't online, you know? lol
DeleteI haven't read The Selection, but I've read the the series - It's one of my favorites :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteBenish | Feminist Reflections
Thanks, Benish! :)
DeleteOh I really want this bindup!!! I know that The Selection series has very mixed opinions, but I personally loved it so much, and I can't WAIT for The Heir...I know I could get these online or as ebooks...but I REALLY just want the physical copy for my collection. You have just reminded me that I needed it, thanks Erin haha
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty! I was looking forward to the paperback bind up of The Queen and The Favorite, but they cancelled it. It would have been so cute next to this little paperback. lol
DeleteI wasn't a huge fan of The Selection, but I liked it enough to keep reading, and I'm glad that the series bounced back. But I do understand why there are so many mixed reviews.