Review Wednesday: Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION TRILOGY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: Happily Ever After (The Selection #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 3.1, 3.5, 5.1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: October 13, 2015

ISBN:  9780062414083
# of Pages: 387

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Meet Prince Maxon before he fell in love with America, and a girl named Amberly before she became queen. See the Selection through the eyes of a guard who watched his first love drift away and a girl who fell for a boy who wasn't the prince.

This series companion is a must-have for any Selection fan, and includes:
The Prince
The Guard
The Queen
The Favorite

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.17

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This must be America still because she has red hair, but she's beautiful.
View on Title: After the trilogy has ended, it makes sense that the novellas that could follow would show how happy the start of America and Maxon's lives are together.

Pros:

• There isn't too much to say about this because these are separate novellas from the original series.
• All I have to say is that I love how you can get a view of several characters that we all love dearly. If you're Team Aspen or Team Maxon, this may sway you to be in the middle because I know I was Team Maxon when I read the original trilogy but now I am in the middle because Aspen's motivations are very valid and you can see his change a little more clearly. 

Cons:

• I felt both satisfied and unsatisfied because I definitely wanted to read more about each of these characters.

Critics' Reviews:

“Reality TV meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass's delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!" —Kiersten White, Author of Paranormalcy

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Eve by Anna Carey
Matched by Alley Condie

New Release Review: The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Title: The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 5, 2020

ISBN: 9780062291639
# of Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Setting: Kingdom of Coroa (Fictional)
Point of View: 1st person- Lady Hollis Brite

Goodreads Rating: 3.06

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The young woman is breathtakingly beautiful and seems pretty ladylike.
View on Title: I wonder who is betrothed to the king and what that looks like.

Pros:

• This book hasn't been getting the greatest reviews because people are either not reading the story and saying it's basically The Selection or they are comparing it to The Selection. The Betrothed is an entirely different book in its own right and needs to be judged as such. It is meant to be a tale of what it is like to grow up as a noble in a kingdom rather than a rags-to-riches tale like The Selection.
• The Betrothed is to be a little more suited for an audience slightly younger than The Selection. Personally, I think there is less teenage girl drama than The Selection because Hollis keeps a close circle and she really isn't competing with anyone.
• I like how this is a story about a young lady who is careful and just happens to accidentally catch the attention of the newly crowned King Jameson who has been trying to find a wife to become the new queen.
• I think a lot of young teenagers can relate to Hollis as she just wants to have a good time. She's witty and a great conversationalist, which she uses to her advantage.
• There was a twist in the story I wasn't expecting, but it added some depth to the story.
• I found it interesting how this novel touched on how politics happen between two different countries, especially ones that are somewhat at odds with each other.
• This story is great if you're looking for a short and fun read. I felt like I breezed through this tale.
• I am someone who doesn't like love triangles. This technically contains a love triangle but it didn't feel like it was really one. I think there was a clear indication and not much confusion for Hollis to choose between the two men.

Cons:

• There is not very much character development in most of the supporting characters, except for Delia Grace and Valentina, and you can't really relate or truly like the male characters, such as Jameson and Silas. I think this intentional for Hollis' journey because this is about Hollis learning about who she is and who she wants to be.
• Hollis' character seems fairly flat until you get to the last third to quarter of the book. It really started getting more interesting then and you can really see Hollis grow and have real conviction.

Critics' Reviews:

“Fans of The Selection series will anxiously await the second installment of this duology to learn Hollis’s fate." —School Library Journal
"A headstrong heroine whom Cass’s loyal following will champion." —Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass
Eve by Anna Carey
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Review Wednesday: The Siren by Kiera Cass

Title: The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass

1st Date of Publication: January 26, 2016

ISBN: 9780062391995
# of Pages: 327

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Love is a risk worth taking.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude…until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can’t talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny…and Kahlen doesn’t want to.

Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean’s rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen’s feelings, she’ll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart.

Setting: 21st Century, All over the world near the oceans
Point of View: 1st person- Kahlen 

Goodreads Rating: 3.81

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress on the cover is beautiful and so is the girl in it even though you can't see the girl's face. I made me wonder why. Maybe it's because she is supposed to be unseen or is too beautiful and mesmerizing to look at.
View on Title:  Sirens are awesome mythical feminine creatures who have very beautiful voices that seduce people, specifically men, into the ocean where they drown. My assumption is that the protagonist is a siren.

Pros:

• This book is basically a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," which is good but not the best fairy tale retelling I've read.
• I love Greek mythology and this involves beautiful sea creatures who carry beautiful voices. The interesting part is that the sirens in this book not only have the ability to seduce men but also women to their deaths.
• I enjoy Kahlen's character. She is very defiant but for good reason and has to learn how to fight for what she wants in life.
• I really enjoyed that the setting was not in one specific place, which added a lot of diversity to the book and kept the reader on their toes.
• There is a character with my name in the book, which I never see so I got really excited that I discovered it.
• I loved how Aisling was the hidden rebel in all of this. She was able to try the Ocean that she left everything behind but actually managed to keep everything throughout the novel.
• There was a huge sisterhood sort of idea where the sirens helped each other get assimilated to each siren's new life. It's an aspect of young adult literature that is not seen very much.

Cons:

• I wasn't fond of the siren sentence since it is basically imprisonment for simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It does not seem so bad 
• The romance in the book seemed really cliche as Kahlen cannot live to be a siren since she has fallen for a human that she will not be able to see when her siren sentence is over.

Critics' Reviews:

“A twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ that romance fans will enjoy.” -School Library Journal
“An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy and Ally Condie’s Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America’s alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them.” -School Library Journal

“A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass’ boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love.” -ALA Booklist
“Deliciously entertaining.” -Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

New Release Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 3, 2016

ISBN: 9780062392176
# of Pages: 279

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Eadlyn Schreave

Goodreads Rating: 4.12

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Eadlyn looks absolutely stunning again. It makes me jealous that I'm not her even though that dress seems like it would be hot and heavy. She looks even more determined and knows what she wants
View on Title: It's pretty obvious. She's going to become queen and she's going to have her future husband be the prince consort.

Pros:

• I absolutely love Eadlyn in this book. She has taken such a turn around from The Heir. The cliffhanger of The Heir made the year wait for this book excruciating, but well worth it. You can really see Eadlyn's growth as she goes from a spoiled princess with a "woe is me" attitude to a responsible royal who finds empathy and sympathy for her people through her mother's health scare. She quickly realizes it's time to put up the tiara and start wearing the crown like a true royal. Eadlyn learns what it takes to be a true royal while also staying true to herself and not giving into temptation. I feel like the story had some unexpected twists and turns that really elevated the storyline.
• Her epiphany of what true love looks like was inspiring as she watched her parents together as she truly sees her parents' love and realizes that their love is selfless. She sacrificially takes her father's role leading the country as regent just so her mother can heal and her father can sleep.
• The suitors all develop nicely and so does their relationships with Eadlyn. I personally like Kile. He's the childhood friend that had a falling out but became Eadlyn's best friend. I was rooting for him. Hale is sweet but I always felt off with his character. My suspicions about him are almost spot on. Henri is also very sweet but I have a hard time seeing him with Eadlyn. Then there's Erik who is Henri's translator and not a suitor. His character development is seen more as he helps Henri, and we learn that he comes from humble beginnings.
• The twists in the book were absolutely unexpected but perfect. It kept me reading as the novel continued. It made me love all the characters and fear the same uncertainty Eadlyn feels.
• All in all, this is an excellent conclusion to the entire series.

Cons:

• The only gripe I had with Eadlyn was she made me love one character and then changes her mind.
• I was never really a fan of Marid in The Heir, and my suspicions of him were right in The Crown. Even though he seemed to be a reliable character at the beginning of the novel, I couldn't stand him in this installment.
• The issue with Ahren bothered me. It's a cruel thing to up and leaves your family home without a single word, which causes his mother to have a heart attack. This forces Eadlyn to take control and lead her country early, but I feel this was also very necessary to happen. It also seemed somewhat out of character.

Critics' Reviews:

“An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy and Ally Condie’s Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America’s alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them.” --School Library Journal

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Eve by Anna Carey
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Entwined by Heather Dixon

Review Wednesday: The Heir by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Heir (The Selection #4)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 5, 2015

ISBN: 9780062349859
# of Pages: 346

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Eadlyn Schreave

Goodreads Rating: 3.90

My Rating: 4.05

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress again takes my breath away. Plus, America's daughter is absolutely gorgeous and looks like someone you don't want to mess with.
View on Title: I would have thought the heir to the Illéa would be given to the oldest male heir so this really intrigued me, especially after finding out that Eadlyn is having a selection of her own. 

Pros:

• You get a glimpse of what royalty is like. You also see The Selection when the narrator is the bachelorette and has many suitors.
• Before I talk about the main storyline and Eadlyn, we need to talk about the characters who are around from the trilogy. I really loved how you got to see all the main and supporting characters as well as some homages to others from the original trilogy. You got to see where all of the characters ended up with their roles from America and Maxon to Marlee and Aspen to May and Lucy. All the interactions that Eadlyn has with the characters from the original trilogy seemed very authentic but in a more mature manner. America and Maxon are still adorable and wonderful parents. Marlee is always sweet and lovable. Aspen is redeemable in this book, but I think that's thanks to Lucy. America and Maxon have managed to make peace in their country! Or did they?
• The suitors are a diverse group of mostly nice young men.
• You can definitely tell that Eadlyn is her parents' child. She is stubborn and strong like her mother America, but she is also very devoted and driven like her father Maxon.
• Her brothers (Ahren, Kaden, and Osten) are adorable and it makes me wish I had more brothers that I was close to if I had that many.
• This book gives you a glimpse of what it's like to be on the opposite side of The Selection than you did in the trilogy with a female lead. You get to see how men can be like when they are put in a situation where they are fighting for the hand of the future queen. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Kile and Eadlyn as they realize that the things they are most upset about are pretty much the same thing. You get to see the other suitors and how they are whether that's good or bad.
• The ending was such a heart-wrenching twist, which makes me feel uneasy because I don't know what to do with myself about it. It truly becomes a turning point for me emotionally.

Cons:

• There is very little world-building done in this novel so it is pretty much confined to the palace, unlike the original trilogy.
• The Heir definitely caught me off guard. We all knew America as this stubborn mostly-selfless protagonist who has gone through so much in her childhood. And sure, America had her heart broken prior to The Selection and had a ton of missteps because her heart wasn't completely in it, but she naturally progressed into the beloved character you see in The Heir. Her daughter is a mixed bag. Eadlyn is sometimes hard to handle because she is whiny and can be just as stubborn as her mother as she starts to feel the heavyweight of running Illea as queen soon. She wants to help her parents and her country the best she can, but her fears of getting married are very valid and seem to be a normal response to her privileged upbringing. I feel like her growth is very slow in this novel so I have a feeling her growth will be much quicker in the next/last installment. The real issue I had was that Eadlyn seemed so self-centered, but that partly has to do with the fact that she is somewhat sheltered and has a ton of comfort, which she does not want to give up. Eadlyn's attitude about doing what she doesn't like really bothers me, which shows her entitlement and that angers me.

Critics' Reviews:

“Reality T.V. meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass’s delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!” --Kiersten White, Author of Paranormalcy
“Deliciously entertaining.” --Publishers Weekly
"Cass’s immensely readable debut novel is a less drastic Hunger Games, with elaborate fashion and trappings. The fast-paced action will have readers gasping for the upcoming sequel.” --ALA Booklist

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Review Wednesday: The One by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The One (The Selection #3)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 6, 2014

ISBN:  9780062059994
# of Pages: 323

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.21

My Rating: 4.30

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Obviously, it's a wedding dress.
View on Title: I love that it's a pun. The One as in the highest caste in the social system. The second The One is in the man that America will marry and/or the woman Maxon will marry.

Pros:

• The One is my favorite book in The Selection trilogy despite knowing the main part of the ending. It was the journey that made it beautiful. It is a perfect blend of how The Selection and The Elite's structures are written. You get to see America equally with Maxon as she is without him. Her growth in the trilogy felt like it slowly sneaked upon you and into something extremely beautiful and mature.
• The ending was very satisfying but not too satisfying. It has a typical dystopian ending of a happy ending with a sense of loss and sadness. This installment truly shows the impact of love and loss. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt love, grief, excitement, and fear. America's emotions are so raw and real, but she handles them in a much more refined and regal manner unlike how she acted in the previous two books.
• I love America's character so much more in this book than in The Elite. She knows what she wants and isn't playing around when it comes to love and even diplomacy.
• I continue to fall in love with Maxon's character as he develops more thoroughly. He truly stays to be the character he always was.
• I thought it was neat how the rebels became incorporated more into the novel and how essential they were in order for America and Maxon to really work together as a possible royal couple.
• You'll realize that the characters you thought you didn't like are not really as bad as they seem. They are struggling as well and are reacting to the only way they are used to reacting. I thought that the way Celeste's character is developed more and you come to really realize her character.

Cons:

• I absolutely abhor King Clarkson. I think he is very scummy. He treats America so poorly even though she could very well be his daughter-in-law.
• Aspen's character frustrated me so much. He should not be pushing America to do something she does not want to do.
• The ending seemed a little excessive (you'll understand once you read it), but I feel like it was a necessary part of the novel.

Critics' Reviews:

“A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass’ boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love.” —ALA Booklist

"Who will become the future queen of Illea and Prince Maxon's wife? The final book in Cass's "Selection" series begins in the midst of a rebel attack on the palace. The heroine, America, is one of four remaining ladies competing in the selection process in this dystopian saga. Through bravery and a strong character, America has won the people's hearts. However, the king continues doing everything in his power to undermine her opportunities to succeed. While the contestants are competing for Maxon's heart, many other events from the outside world transpire: America's father dies and leaves her a letter, she is shot visiting rebels outside the city, the relationship between Aspen and America shifts, and the Southern rebels begin attacking people in the castles. All the while, the protagonist continues to fall deeply in love with Maxon even though he is involved with her competition. Fans of this series will not be disappointed by the ending. Major plotlines are tied up, and questions left unanswered in the previous installment are resolved here. The star-crossed duo's relationship has its many ups and downs, but their love for each other remains. For general purchase in libraries where the earlier books remain popular and for devotees of beauty pageants, dystopians, and drama-filled romances." —Seattle Public Library, WA

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Author Spotlight: Kiera Cass

Birthday: May 1981 (35)
From: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Currently Living: Christiansburg, Virginia
Family: Husband (Callaway Cass), Son, and Daughter
Education: BS in History from Radford University

Books:
The Selection (Buy it on Amazon)
The Elite (Buy it on Amazon)
The One (Buy it on Amazon)
The Heir (Buy it on Amazon)
The Crown (Buy it on Amazon)
The Siren (Buy it on Amazon)

Other Interests:
Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.
Where to Find Her Social Media:
Personal Website- http://www.kieracass.com/

Review Wednesday: The Elite by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: April 23, 2013

ISBN: 9780062059963
# of Pages: 336

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future

Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.02

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Another gorgeous picture. I love the color of the dress, but the style of the weird folds in the dress turns me off a bit. I like how tough and menacing America looks as if she is ready to kill to get what she wants.
View on Title: The title again is intriguing. We find out at the end the Elite are the top 10 remaining bachelorettes in the palace, but there are only 6. The title makes you feel like these girls have power. Or don't they?

Pros:

• It feels like Maxon was not with America as much in this book as he was in The Selection, but I think that was intentional in order to show America's growing (and sometimes stunted) character development. You get a better look at America's character. As she grows to become more independent from her family, she acts on feelings of justice in very gray areas. I feel that this book is a great representation of America's continuous struggle of the reasons behind why she is still in The Selection and her feelings for the two men fighting for her. I feel that her feelings and actions are very normal and justified despite being a naive seventeen-year-old young woman who comes from a rough past.
• Maxon continues to surprise me. His flaws show even more and you realize more that he is a victim of all that's going on as much as the girls that willingly or unwillingly stayed in the castle. With Maxon's character, I actually fell deeper in love with his character because you understand his world and environment better despite how America is viewing and struggling with the Selection process. In some sense, he is also struggling in similar ways that America is, such as staying to himself and what he believes in. Plus, who doesn't like a man who knows what he wants and goes straight for it?
• You also get a better view of Maxon's other relationships, but from America's side so you're obviously not seeing the bigger picture of things, but the series is about her journey as one of the Selected. You can see how America deals with all the relationships that affect her and her relationship with Maxon.
• The side characters actually get more characterization and I have grown to appreciate certain characters more than others.
• Then you also have the rebels to consider. You get a little more of a glimpse of what the rebels want and how far they'll go when terrorizing the people in the palace. Based on the events in The Elite, I know that'll they play a huge role in The One.

Cons:

• Again, the love triangle is what I like the least. America cannot decide who she wants: Maxon or Aspen. But, she always tends to lean toward the Maxon side.
• We can't forget about him even if we try. At the beginning of The Selection, I actually liked him until he was a complete manipulative jerk to her. I personally am perturbed every time he comes into the novel. I just want to grab onto America's shoulders and shake her while telling her, "Girl, he dumped you and he is totally manipulating you. Tell him to leave!" What Aspen does throughout this book is very wrong and could easily get her killed, especially with how deep Maxon's feelings are for America. His presence and actions come off as manipulative to me since he was the one who was selfish before she became one of the Selected and continues to be selfish while living and "protecting" her in the palace. Unfortunately, America doesn't see it.
• I felt that the Marlee situation was cruel and unnecessary, but I feel like this was the way Cass was trying to kill off one of your favorite characters without the actual killing.
• I'm also not a fan of King Clarkson, Maxon's father. He is very manipulative in a different extreme from Aspen. As you find out how he deals with everything from country to rebels to even his own son, you hate him even more.

Critics' Reviews:

"The Elite seems like a mix between The Bachelor, The Hunger Games, and Downton Abbey, but it is set in the future after the United States falls to China. Part of the plot involves learning how the United States became Illéa, a monarchy. Some parts of the story lack background information, but possibly the next book will answer these questions. There is a lot going on here, but readers can pick up with this book and, for the most part, make sense of it." --School Library Journal

"The plot moves more quickly in book two as rebel attacks intensify and the girls become more competitive, ratcheting up the tension. Some secrets of Illea's past are revealed—a history hidden behind castle walls that contradicts the oral history embraced by Illea's people. It is a welcome addition to the series, as details about the dystopian kingdom come to light that were only previously sketched out. America's character is more fully developed; in simple prose readers see the complicated feelings that can evolve when one feels love for two individuals—albeit a very different kind of love for each. Aspen is America's "one constant." He represents America's link to the past, and her inability to move forward. Prince Maxon, however, clearly has a hold on her heart, but that hold brings with it America's encroaching adulthood—adulthood she is not ready to embrace. The dystopian elements take a backseat to the romance, and because of this, public and school librarians may find this work appeals more to readers of romance writers like Sarah MacLean and Anna Godberson rather than to fans of The Hunger Games." --VOYA

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

Other Recommendations:

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Entwined by Heather Dixon

Review Wednesday: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: April 24, 2012

ISBN: 9780062059949
# of Pages: 327

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

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Book Description:
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.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.16

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover is what truly caught my eye. My favorite color is blue and I just want to be in that dress. Plus, the girl (America) is absolutely gorgeous in front of all the mirrors.
View on Title: The title was intriguing. Who is being selected? Why are they being selected?

Pros:

• First off, this is a response to pop culture, which I think is an excellent way to gain the attention of teenagers. The concept behind the book series is The Bachelor meets royalty. This shows a response to the popularity of the show The Bachelor along with the growing popularity of the marriage between Prince William and Duchess Kate in 2012.
• I love the main female character/protagonist, America. America is a very strong female protagonist with a strong sense of duty and morals while staying true to herself and love for her family. It's clear she isn't perfect, but she doesn't necessarily try to hide it. America's combination of natural beauty, confidence, and sassiness makes this book a fun adventure and a great getaway from everyday life.
• In my eyes, the only main male character is Maxon. He is your dreamy prince that you want to love and want to get to know better.
• This isn't your typical love story. America from the start isn't very nice and is only in the Selection to help her family get money for food. Maxon, though, is compassionate and continues to forgive her for all her mistakes. But, he also has flaws that add to their friendship/relationship with each other. It feels very normal.
• I feel like this book shows the true colors of competition when it comes to females, especially when it comes to a supposedly hot and rich bachelor.
• Many teenage girls and young women can relate to America. If you're an older sister and care for your family, you'll identify with America. If you're unsure about your feelings about the male species, you'll relate to America. If you felt the strains of financial struggle as a kid and a teenager, you will relate to America and her decision to doing something that isn't your cup of tea to ensure her family is taken care of at home.

Cons:

• This has a love triangle and I absolutely hate love triangles. I feel that they are unnecessary and only for plot purposes and to spice things up. I felt that the competition was enough drama to make the book interesting since America went to the palace already heartbroken. In the end, I felt that the love triangle was a little overwhelming if not annoying.
• As I continue to reread this series, I dislike Aspen more and more. I see him as this manipulative character who toys with America and makes her decisions and life so much more difficult.
• Some of the side characters seemed to be underdeveloped, but I feel like this is a specific technique to make you feel like you were in America's place of barely knowing her rivals and how quickly they leave.

Critics' Reviews:

“Cass’s immensely readable debut novel is a less drastic Hunger Games, with elaborate fashion and trappings. The fast-paced action will have readers gasping for the upcoming sequel.”--Booklist
"A cross between The Hunger Games (minus the bloodsport) and The Bachelor (minus the bloodsport), this trilogy launch employs multiple conventions of the dystopian romance genre—strong-willed heroine, heart-wrenching love triangle, far-future setting divided by class. That said, it’s a lot of fun. In a post WWIII U.S. divided by caste, teenage America Singer and her family are Fives, struggling musicians and artists. In love with a Six, America is headed for a life of servitude and hunger, until she is chosen for the Selection—a contest through which Prince Maxon will pick his princess. The Selection brings America instant notoriety and prestige, but also thrusts her into a ring of jealous, desperate girls all trying to win the prince’s heart. Cass (author of the self-published The Siren) deftly builds the chemistry between America and Maxon, while stoking the embers of America’s first, forbidden love. Headstrong and outspoken, America is an easy heroine to root for, and the scenes where she tries to fit in to her new royal life are charming. A TV drama based on the books is in production." --Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
Eve by Anna Carey
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Anticipation Friday: The Crown by Kiera Cass

Goodreads Description
Twenty years have passed since the events of The One, and America and Maxon’s daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own. Princess Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you... and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

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Other info
Expected Date of Publication: May 3, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series/Companion: Series- The Selection #5
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Why Am I Anticipating This Book?

First off, the cover (like all the other covers) are beautiful and so aesthetically pleasing. Doesn't this cover make you want to be Eadlyn.

I also have loved the original trilogy about her mother and the first book to Eadlyn's duology so I am excited to see where Eadlyn's love will go. Based on the previous book, this has less of a love triangle than the first set of books.

I also love Eadlyn's character. She is strong, spunky, and stubborn like her mother but she knows the importance of running a country and finding the right man to become king to help her rule like her father.