The Selection by Kiera Cass Review

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 327
Source: Publisher
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.
America’s interest in the Selection only went as far as wanting to help her family, which it would certainly do. She knew she’d never be selected to live in the mansion and fight for the affections of the prince, so she didn’t try in her audition video. It was a sad, last-ditch effort, if you will, to help her family elevate themselves. Little did America know, however, that she would be selected for the great honour, and she would have to go, regardless of the fact that she already had her boyfriend, Aspen. The Selection is about to become the biggest whirlwind of her life, and America has to decide, once and for all, what she really wants.

I’m not going to lie, kiddos, I’ve seen some pretty hideous reviews for this one and, having read the book, I’m going to guess it’s because of what it was touted as. The Selection by Kiera Cass has been consistently hailed as “The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.” In my entirely humble opinion, I think that’s been a bit crippling. If you’re expecting an epic death match dystopian, you will be sorely disappointed. If, on the other hand, you’re expecting a sweeter take on dystopian with a touch of fairy-tale romance, you might just get what you’re looking for. With a finer hand, a lot of tulle and a saccharine-sweet storyline (with all the backstabbing that comes with the girls), The Selection is the perfect futuristic fairy tale.

I’ll be perfectly honest. Because of the gorgeous cover, the hype and some very lackluster reviews, I wasn’t really expecting much from The Selection. I got a lot more than I bargained for though. America was the epitome of a lovable heroine. She wasn’t vain; she didn’t fight tooth and nail for prestige and power. Rather, she was a humbler, selfless girl who only wanted the best future for her whole family. She was both the beneficiary and victim of a situation that many would covet, but she was unsure of how to bear. Most of all…she was pretty clueless as to the envy that other girls felt for her status in the mansion vying for the affections of Prince Maxom who, by the way, lives up to his name. Holy hunk. Yum. Lingering in the background, however, tethering her to reality, is Aspen. He’s genuine, he’s true and America isn’t sure that the Prince is the one for her. Her confusion, her self-sabotage and her utter realism was totally endearing. Were there a lot of frilly dresses and fluff in The Selection? Sure, but there’s also meat below the layers of fine fabrics and catty girls. America has a chance to make a difference, and the Selection is merely her first step towards it. I thought the writing was fun, eager and enticing and, heck, the book had well-rounded characters. While The Selection is the first book in the series, it comes somewhat full-circle, so it can stand alone, which is a testament to the writing style.

If you can put aside your reservations and pre-conceived notions, I think that readers will really enjoy The Selection. It’s fun, funny and sweet, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighter dystopian and fairy tales.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

27 comments:

  1. Melissa- awesome awesome review! Now that Ive read yours and my others bloggie trusted reviews Im so reading this one. Thanks for sharing...:)

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  2. Yeah, this is definitely not the book for lovers of gritty dystopias. It was a really enjoyable read for me though and I hope other people can put aside the preconceived notions and enjoy this guilty pleasure.

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  3. I would NEVER in my wildest dreams compare this to Hunger Games. I don't see that at all. It's Cinderella....

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  4. I felt the same as you, I actually read it because of the nasty reviews I'd read! But I loved every minute of it. To me, it wasn't so much a dystopian book at all (aside from a few mentions that they used to be in the U.S.) because yes - Caste Systems suck. But, really? It wasn't that far off from life now, just a bit more extreme. (If that makes sense at all? LOL!) 

    Anyway - great review! I posted my review of this one yesterday, and felt much the same way about it... 

    -Jac @ For Love and Books

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  5. I would have pass up this book but upon reading your review, I think I'd really try this out now. I've read so many not-so good reviews about The Selection so I'm really thankful you liked it! :)

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  6. Sounds like a fun read! I'll definitely have to try this one.

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  7. I'm so glad to know that you felt much like I did! I thought it was fun and sweet...a great diversion! 

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  8. I think if you go in with the wrong impression, you could be disappointed, but take it for what it's worth...fun and enjoyment!

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  9. Exactly, right?! I think that it's a new spin on "dystopia," and I thought it was lovely :)

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  10. GOOD! I'm so glad to hear you're giving it a go! Enjoy :)

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  11. There was that whole debacle on GoodReads over this one, wasn't there? I remember reading that horrible review...

    But I agree with you--put aside the pre-conceived notions and you'll enjoy this one. Though it's definitely not at the level of "Hunger Games" (I wish they'd stop putting that label on books. It's not fair to the books or authors!).

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  12. I have been wanting to read this one. And I too was a little weary of the reviews and such, but I trust your reviews and I am definitely going to be reading this. 

    Great review!

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  13. So, I read this one with the idea that it was going to be a Hunger Games meets the Bachelor, and was totally disappointed. But, I think it was mostly chalked up to the fact that it just had some plot elements that don't work for me: the initial meeting with Aspen and America made me feel like a third wheel, her reason for entering the "draft" was kind of dumb, Aspen was a real whiner, and Maxon, though nice, was pretty blah. I wanted to like this one so much, and was very excited. I'm glad it's connecting with other readers though.

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  14. Haha this review cracks me up mostly because of the thought of people expecting a death match to win the princes hand. I definitely never expected that even when people did say Hunger Games meets The Bachelor! XD I'll definitely be reading this. I'm not expecting much either (mostly I'm expecting a good laugh!) so hopefully I'll enjoy it. :)

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  15. Yes, there was. I really liked this one - for a lighter take on dystopia. I just wish people would stop touting books as the next something!

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  16. I think you'll enjoy it. Sometimes we just have to put those negative reviews to the side :)

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  17. I definitely see where you're coming from with this. To be honest, if I hadn't gone in with such low expectations, it might not have worked so well for me. To me, it was fun and sweet...a new take on dystopia :)

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  18. If you go in with that mindset, I think you might just love it! Can't wait to see your review!

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  19. Glad you enjoyed this one! I've read some pretty horrendous reviews for it too, but I have to say I'm intrigued and I hope I'm pleasantly surprised like you were! :)

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  20. I'm so glad to see that you enjoyed this one! The cover is stunning, and the premise sounds intriguing. I'll definitely have to check it out! Thanks for your input.

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  21. In all honesty, I was NOT expecting this to get such a high rating from you, Melissa. Like you, I've read a lot of horrendous reviews for this one as well. I do think the point you made about the marketing tactics for The Selection make sense though. If it's drawing in an audience who's expecting something completely different than what they end up getting, then sure...chances are they're going to be disappointed. Still, I trust your opinion, so if you liked it enough to give it a 4.5, I might have to reconsider reading it. 

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  22. This is the first I've heard of it and I love how balanced your reviews always are. I tossed it up on my to-read -- I think the cover's fantastic and it sounds extremely interesting to me :)

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  23. I've seen a few negative reviews as well basically saying that they didn't get what they were expecting. Loved your review. Definitely gave me a new view of The Selection. :)

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