Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 327
Release Date: 7th June 2012  (24th April 2012)
Read In: June 2012

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Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…
It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.
Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret — one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.

I love it when a book surprises me. It is a great feeling. I have heard a great deal of mixed opinions about this book but I just wanted to have my own. Well here is mine being thrown into the mix; I love this book. I was up until the early hours reading. 

´“Tell me the truth.” His mouth settled into a firm line.
“Yes. That happens. I know of families where people give up their share for their children or siblings. I know of a boy who was whipped in the town square for stealing food. Sometimes you do crazy things when you are desperate.”´

I have read so many “intense” books, but sometimes I just want to kick back with a tale including a large palace, pretty dresses and a prince. It reminded me a bit of a fairy-tale. This is a light fun read; one that put a smile on my face. Upon seeing the comparison with The Hunger Games, I thought it would be dark and intense. This isn’t the case. Don’t expect it to be. In fact, it is a bit like a reality TV show, but with more depth and feelings to the characters. However, when I say fairy-tale, it wasn’t all flowers and pretty shoes. There were dark moments and a few slightly more tense scenes. There is threat. But this isn’t the main focus.

 The story was all about the characters. As the antagonistic threat isn’t a prominent part, it was all about America and the relationship she has with the two guys in her life; Prince Maxon and Aspen. 

I have respect for Aspen. While I prefer Maxon, I can see something in Aspen that America likes. He made a pretty big mistake but I, somewhat, understand his reasons. Aspen grew up like America, in a poor environment. Aspen cares so much about his family and is so selfless that he neglects his relationship with America. At least he is not being a jerk for bad reasons.

I do prefer Maxon and, while Aspen is crucial to the story, I want to see more of Maxon and America together in the next book. I am glad that America did not fell head over heels in love with Maxon initially. She would have lost my respect if she did. But you cannot dislike Maxon. He is so adorable and caring. He may have lived a life of luxury but he is not stuck up. In a way, he is a bit naïve; not only with girls but a bit with the country too. His relationship with America changes him. She teaches him and he improves. I can’t wait to see the man he will become.

I loved America as a character too. She is caring and selfless; considering her background, I am not surprised. She spends so much time thinking about others; no wonder she cannot see Maxon’s feelings straight away. She doesn’t believe she can be a princess but I think she has all the correct qualities. America you are too modest. That is why we love you. 

If you want to read something deep and intense, you should look elsewhere. If you want to read about a blossoming romance, with a group of selfless caring characters, a fairy-tale with a slight dystopic twist, I highly recommend you give The Selection a go. 

 Becky