Book Review | The Selection

 

From the back of the book: 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 take away: What a refreshing read. I have been stuck in the world of contemporary romance with tons of angst and I'm so glad that our book club chose this book.
I do love a good dystopian world read. In this world, WW4 has happened and from what I understand, the United States/North America has been changed to Illea.
When the country has an available prince, his wife will be an available girl that has been chosen via a lottery system. Each of the 35 girls live at the palace, for an undetermined amount of time while the prince narrows the girls down to that final girl. It is very Bachelor style.
America loves Aspen, but he know that he is below her caste and doesn't want to give her that life. While she is at the palace, she is honest with prince Maxon and tells him that she is already in love with someone else and will be his friend. From there their friendship blossoms......should I say?
The farther I get into the book, the more I find myself rooting for prince Maxon. He is a polite, caring, gentle human that seems to really care for the girls.
America finds herself trying not to fall for the prince and keeps reassuring herself that she loves Aspen. Will she be able to keep her heart only for Aspen or will feelings of love develop for the Prince?

The next installment of the book, The Elite, will be available April 23rd. It is available for pre-order now. There is also a novella that is 55 pages long titled, The Prince, A Selection Novella is available now.