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From Goodreads:
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 Thoughts:
4 stars- The bachelor with a distopia twist? Really it's so much more!
Lots of peeps have told me they are reluctant to read this one. Don't be. It's a good one. The idea of 35 young women all willing to be paraded around in hopes of winning Prince Maxon's heart is a little much but America Singer is this totally no nonsense girl that isn't playing that game.
We start this book with America in love with Aspen. I will admit that I wasn't a fan of that part. I really need to watch the falling part to love it. Aspen is this great guy that was unlucky enough to be born a six. His gorgeous looks are not enough to help him. I like him but I really would have had to see their beginning to be Team Aspen. But don't worry, that little problem is taken care of, sort of. Heehee. Yeah, gonna have to read it to understand that.
I am totally in love with Prince Maxon. Having never dated, he's forced to do it for the whole country and his parents to see. His first kiss, his ability to be romantic, his choices are all discussed before the country at the weekly broadcast. He wants a soulmate but may have to settle for a Princess to stand by his side as he runs the country. Speaking of which, he's trying to do that while he dates these women, his father letting him experience what is to come. Through all of this, he is kind, patient and forgiving. I love his reactions to things he learns from America. He does the right thing. He's a good guy and he deserves to be happy.
Aspen. Yeah, wanted to kick his cute little behind. I MAY have forgiven him but I'm still not on his team. One hundred percent Team Prince Maxon!
America. She's so strong but she doesn't know it. She sells herself short. Doesn't stop her from doing what she needs to do for her family and those she loves. I was so impressed with how she stood up for those who had less than her so many times. She's one cast above Aspen but her life isn't easy. Willing to help others she cares about no matter their cast, I was very impressed with her.
Listened to this one. I liked the narrator pretty good. She helped the story, which is high praise.
It was a pretty quick read. I will admit that I was surprised where it ended. As I look at the series, I'm really wondering about what's to come. No cliff hanger or anything but it felt quick.
So excited to see there's a prequel about Prince Maxon. Definitely want to read that one.
If you're worried about reading this one, I wouldn't be. It's a great YA read. Some interesting lessons in it.
Kiera Cass | Goodreads | Twitter | Amazon | B&N
Oh, I didn't know about the prequel. I'll be watching for that, Maxom totally stole my heart and this ended up being my favorite book read in 2012. Glad to hear you liked it. :) (And that you're team Maxom. *laughs* Sorry, Aspen, but no.) Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteI so agree with your review. I know this got mixed reviews but I really enjoyed it and was surprised that my daughter, who really isn't into gowns and things, really, really liked it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThe extremely mixed reviews for this did scare me off. I don't know, I really don't like The Bachelor or any sort of show like fhst, but I guess it makes sense for this scenario? Glad you liked this!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have just never had the desire to read this because I don't really like the bachelor and I don't like catty drama which I have heard this has. I'm glad that you really enjoyed this one, but I don't think it's really my thing. Awesome review Val!!
ReplyDeleteI think I may try this out at some point.
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