Title: The Selection stories: The Prince & The Guard
Series: The Selection series
Number in series : 0 (Novellas)
Author: Kiera Cass
Plot:
These two novellas show Maxon and Aspen's perspective on The Selection and their relationship with America.
In The Prince , Maxon is extremely nervous about The Selection. Once it's starts , he is unsure of when and who he will choose to be his wife. When Maxon meets America , he is struck by how honest and real she is. Maxon wonders if America might be the one.
In The Guard Aspen is enjoying the life of a soldier in the Palace. After witnessing Maxon and America's closeness, Aspen begins to doubt he and America's future. Aspen will do whatever it takes to keep America by his side.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed these two Selection novellas. The main books in the series focus on America's experiences during The Selection.
So, it was interesting to see how Maxon and Aspen's lives were also affected by The Selection. After reading both novellas I think I understand Maxon and Aspen better.
These books are defiantly worth a read if you like The Selection series.
My rating: 3
Title : The One
Series : The Selection series
Number in series : 3
Author : Kiera Cass
Genre : Young Adult Fiction
Plot:
America and only three other girls are left the selection.
The country is in chaos due to the rebel force, putting everyone in danger. America must make a choice to for her future. Will she make the right one?
My thoughts:
If you read my review of 'The Elite' , you knew I had expectations for this book. I wanted America to be more decisive. She was, to a point, in this book. She (finally) made some important choices, although I personally think someone of them were unwise.
Like the other two books in the series, the story kept my attention.
A few thinsg I didn't see coming happened , including a few sad things.
Overall I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I'm not sure if I will read 'The Heir' , since The One wrapped up the story pretty nicely.
Content:
Two characters makeout passionately while only dressed in underclothes; they stop short of having sex, due to circumstances. They later fall asleep together. In the morning they are discovered in bed together and people assume they were having sex.
My rating : 2.5
Title: The Elite
Series: The Selection series
Number in series: 2
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Plot: America Singer is now a part of The Elite, the group of 6 girls left in The Selection. America struggles over whether she should return to her old life or if she is meant to start something knew. Just when America thinks she has it figured out something happens to change her mind again. Can She figure out who to trust amidst the chaos?
My thought:
I have a love / hate relationship with series. I can't decide if this series will become a new favorite of mine or something I don't like at all.
Kiera Cass is such a talented author. Her writing style is so engaging and fun to read. I find it really hard to put down her books. I've lost track of the times I've uttered ''Just one more chapter'' and then finally stop reading three chapters later.
Her characters seem so real and it feels like you actually know them. It makes you want to find out what will happen to them and the future of their country.
The thing that disappointed me was America and her relationships with Aspen and Prince Maxon in this book.
America would declare that she was loyal and cared deeply about Prince Maxon. Then the next moment America would seek out Aspen and tell him that they still had a chance ( and vice versa). This really annoyed me. It seemed like she was constantly leading both Prince Maxon and Aspen on without being really loyal to either of them. I hope in The One America will be more decisive on what she wants.
*content* Couples makeout and snuggle with each other ( They don't have sex). One character is beaten after being caught in an intimate situation with someone ( It isn't talked about in much detail). Intimacy in marriage is alluded. H**l and d**n are used a few times.
My rating: 3
Title: The Selection
Series: The Selection series
Number in series: 1
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Plot: America Singer lives in a society were lives are based on numbers. America is a five, meaning she's a musical enterntainer.
Her life is turned upside down when she becomes part of the Selection, a competition to see who will become the next Princess of Ille'a. At first America wants nothing to do with The Selection or Prince Maxon. As America starts to see the world differently she decides to use her new found power for good, but at what cost?
My thoughts:
As most of you probably know, The Selection books are a much loved series in the book community. Because of that, I had high expectations when I first started reading this book.
This book didn't disappoint me, but I wasn't enthralled by it either. There are a lot of dystopian books out there that are somewhat similar to The Selection. That being said, this book was published in 2012 (before dystopians were extremely popular), so I think it was probably original then.
From what I've said above it seems like I thought this cliche' and boring, but that's not the case. It was very fast paced and I had a hard time putting it down.
I thought the author did a wonderful job of making a story come to life. The characters, in particular America, had good character growth. I liked that when they made a mistake they learned and grew from it.
The main thing I didn't like may make fans of The Selection series cringe. I didn't really care for either Aspen or Prince Maxon. Neither of them stood out in a way that made me want to pick sides. I think I'm leaning more towards Prince Maxon , right now. Since I've only read the first book in the series, it's too early to tell, though.
There is also some questionable content. H**l and d**n are used fairly often throughout the book. Sexual morality of the members of The Selection are briefly discussed.Couples sneak away and share kisses, some of which turn into passionate makeout scenes. One couple wants to have pre-maritial sex, but stop short of doing it, because they know that big consequences could happen.
My rating: 3
Plot: America
