"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them."
"You know that you’ve found something amazing, and you want to hold on to it forever; and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it."
"Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway."
I’ve read
this series years back and this year, 2019, I decided to read it again because
why not, right? I like the series in general and thought book one is the
bestest of them all. I was not a fan of book series because I don’t wanna wait
for years to read what will happen next, and lucky me when I discovered this
series it already is on book five. I will only talk about books 1 – 3 though
because I’m not really a fan of the last 2 books of this series. But nice book
covers, yeah.
The
Selection (Book #1) is so, so great that I watched most of the fanmade videos
on YouTube and scan all dream cast that other readers have suggested. It is
amazing, I super loved it. The plot, the way Kiera Cass wrote this book is so
great. She coined every word simply but every conversation between characters has
hit me tremendously. I was so engrossed with the book that I kept backtracking Prince
Maxon’s and America’s scenes. The ear tugging is really, really cute. I
actually thought at first that I’m gonna get bored and confused reading this
because it’s like The Bachelor – well, it is The Bachelor, techinally – that I
will have a hard time remembering all the names of the characters (35 girls all
in all, come on). But I was wrong; the story is so good that it doesn’t matter,
to me, what happened to all the others as long as my main cast is all but happy.
Book one
ends with Prince Maxon narrowing the girls down to The Elite. I thought the
author was quite in a hurry by the end because they’re 35 girls, now there are
only 6 left. But I didn’t dwell on it much because I thought the story’s progression
felt realistic.
The Elite
(Book #2) is quite okay for me. I got bored in the part of Illéa’s history. Again, the scenes are so vivid and felt realistic that when
America is sneaking out with Aspen, I was so worried for their lives (even if I
know what’s gonna happen because I’ve read it countless times). At this point
also, I was kind of confused with Marlee’s attitude that I’m kinda questioning
her loyalty to America.
I love the
book, I love it, really. But what exasperates me is America’s indecision to
choose between Prince Maxon and Aspen, like come on girl make up your mind! That’s
the only thing I don’t like about America, she’s brave and all and I thought
she’s kinda smart (is she?) but in this book she’s so indecisive. I thought she’s
pushing her feelings to Maxon aside. I understand Maxon, he was just doing his
duties and America was not sure about him, she said so herself. What I don’t understand
about her attitude is that she’s pushing Maxon away and when he finds comfort
to others she’s suddenly become mad at him or what. But I still feel good by
the end of it because I know there’s something more.
The One
(Book #3) is not as great as book one but was still good nonetheless. At this
point, America finally decided to stay and fight for Maxon but she still doesn’t
know what to do with her feelings for Aspen, still indecisive, still don’t know
what to do. I can’t say anything much about this last book about the story of
Maxon and America aside from the fact that I was kinda disappointed by how The
Selection ended. I think the rebellion or whatever it is outshined the
coronation (?) of The One. I was disappointed ‘cause I think it deserves to end
more than how it ended. And the only reason why I started reading book 4 (The
Heir) is because I thought there’s something that’s gonna appease me with the
hollowness I felt during the end of book 3. But I found none.
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
The Selection
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.
The Elite
The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?
America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.
The One
The time has come for one winner to be crowned.
When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, 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.
About the Author
Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University with a B.S. in History. Grew up in South Carolina and currently live in Christiansburg, Virginia with her electrical engineer hubby, car-obsessed son, and princess-loving daughter. She's a #1 New York Times bestseller.
