The Selected

by Kiera Cass

Barnes and Noble Overview

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
Wow. I loved this book.   It is one of those books that will leave you wondering and thinking about the characters long after you put it down. As soon as the release date for the sequel is out, I will be counting down the days.


This book is the Bachelor meets a fairytale prince meets Hunger Games - but some how it has a serious undertone and it just works!  I have never read a book where I am so torn on the love triangle that was presented.  I can't predict where the author is going to go with the romance or who she will eventually end up with - can it some how be both?  So often I read books with love triangles and it is clear who she will end up with (I never doubted it would be Peeta and Edward in the other two well known book series) but with this book I really don't know who I want America to end up with!


I also have to mention that I love the cover - it caught my attention immediately and made me want to explore the book in the first place.  With the trend of dystopian books hitting the shelves, I liked that in this story it  those rebelling against those in power are not necessarily the "good guys" (maybe that will change during the rest of the trilogy - not sure where the author is going with the rebellion yet).   However, you do know that the system the government has set up is not fair and needs to be changed - I am predicting that America will have a part in that change as she already has some influence on a decision the made in this book.  For the most part, the rebellion is a small part of this book and it focuses more on the romantic and friends relationships between America, the prince, her past love and the other women in the selection.  I am guessing the rebellion and change with the country will be a larger part in the plot of the next two books.


If you like to read books with a strong female character (and like romance) you will enjoy this book.


5/5 Stars


Erin