The Selection

Title: The Selection

Series: The Selection Series - book 1

Author: Kiera Cass

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia

Number of Pages: 327

Publication Date: 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary (from the back of the book): In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels The Selection is a chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn't want.

The America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she's always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

This book is definitely one of a kind...it's like a dystopian meets the bachelor. Unfortunately it was this unique idea that was the only really interesting thing about this book.

As a character America Singer annoyed me. For one: she seemed to be happy living a life with no where to go, she was totally unambitious. She just wanted to keep living her life the way it was and not try and improve it. The second thing that I didn't like was that I found she came across as a very simple character, especially in the beginning of the story .However, as the book progresses America does slowly develop into a more substantial character.

The second thing that annoyed me was that the characters seem to do a lot of waiting around. There are a few occasions where America spends time with Maxon but mostly I kept getting caught up in the whole waiting for something to happen vibe.

Then when something does happen, this something being rebels its anti-climatic. Very little is said about the rebels except for there are two groups, one more dangerous than the other. Nobody knows what the rebels want, or why they come and despite the supposed frequency of the attacks no body really seems concerned with this. I'm starting to think that the characters in this book have a problem with doing anything or taking action. They all seem to be quite content to stand around and see the world go by.

But there is always that intriguing idea of selecting the future queen through a bachelor like process. I mean they even televise the event. Despite the few holes in the characters and the plot I actually really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, light read that was entertaining. 

This book is something that I would recommend you read before, not after, an intense or long book. It would probably also be good to get out a of reading slump.