The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 327
Rating: 5 Stars!
Team: Aspen ♥

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.~Goodreads

There are so many wonderful things about this book that I want to touch on but, first, a preface:

I felt that this book was nothing like The Hunger Games. At all. The Selection and The Hunger Games are two TOTALLY different competitions and even the worlds in which they take place are very unalike. The Hunger Games was intense and fast paced in a way that made every situation seem dyer. With The Selection, to me, the story was told more at a leisurely pace and the world felt more...magical/fairy tale-esque and less dystopian. Each of these books are completely unique in their own incredible ways and I think it’s unfair to compare the two.

Moving on!

I liked America a lot. She was just your average girl. She liked to sing and she had a boyfriend, which made her relatable. I also liked the fact that she stayed true to herself throughout the entire book, she didn’t change her core beliefs; which is always refreshing in a character! As for her boyfriend, Aspen, *sighs*. Aspen, Aspen, Aspen...you extremely attractive and honorable boy, I’m completely in love with you. He was...words cannot describe the things this boy is. He’s compassionate and hardworking and amazing and kind and sometimes an idiot but holy hell does he know how to kiss a girl, like WHOA! Hmm...yes, I liked him very much...

But then, as luck would have it, America is chosen to take part in The Selection thus separating her and Aspen. *sadface* She’s given a bajillion rules she has to abide by and then she’s whisked away to the Palace with 35 other girls. Dudes. I would never be able to take part in something like this. First: catty bitches everywhere and Second: catty bitches all up on your man. Like, how hard would it be to watch the boy you kinda sorta like flirt and kiss other girls!? Death. I would die a slow death. But hey! Not all the girls in the Palace are bad! I really liked Marlee, who became one of American’s really good friends. I think I’d be able to handle one close confidant. (Jena, i'm looking at you.)

And that’s sort of what America becomes for Maxon. A friend. When they first meet, she straight up tells him that she’s not interested in a relationship and that she’s basically there for the food. (HA! This girl...she’s great.) So they strike a deal, Maxon keeps her as close to the end as possible so that her family can continue to be compensated and America helps him out with the girls. Fair deal, right? And the more I got to know Maxon the more I genuinely liked the guy. He really steps up and proves himself as the future leader of Illea when he makes a certain announcement. And I think that’s when American and I kind of fell for him. Annnd I’ll leave that right there...

I don’t want to spoil anything else for you except this: New Guard. At the Palace. Stands outside America’s room. Opens the door. Goes inside. And blankets get whipped around. ‘Nuff said. :P

This book was seriously addicting, like a reality television show I did not want to end. But alas it did, and at a rather abrupt spot if I may add. Damn you Kiera Cass, damn YOU! Overall, The Selection was entertaining and magical and I’d definitely recommend it!