Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:

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.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Source: Thanks to Harper Teen for making this title available at ALA Midwinter! 

Review:
If I'm being honest I was kind of terrified to read this book :) What if I liked it? What if I didn't like it? Turns out it's just a book. And one that I really liked at that.

At first I did see some similarities to The Hunger Games in that the people are labeled by numbers that represent their class in this dystopian world. That's really where the similarities end though. There is a survival element to the novel, but it's fleshed out in a totally different way. Plus, add in the Bachelor-esque (Oh, shut it! You know you watch it too!) element and I had a hard time putting the darn thing down.

America is the main character and I didn't connect with her at the beginning of the story, but by the time she's chosen to participate in The Selection I think her personality and character rise to the surface. She becomes a lot more likeable at that point. The awesome part of the story is that unlike all the other girls in The Selection, she is a reluctant participant. It puts her in a unique position when it comes to vying for the Prince's affection.

That brings me to my next point. I loved how Prince Maxon and America meet for the first time and the way he has such an intense focus on her from that point on. Their relationship centers on friendship and makes for a believable turn towards romance later on. The problem at that point is that America still has feelings for her cheating (supposedly) Ex, Aspen. The end of the book sets up a great scenario for these three to be in a bonafide love triangle. It's my favorite kind too. Nobody is really at fault for it happening . . . circumstances beyond their control and all that :)

Anyway, I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure. I'm glad I finally cracked the pages of this one. And don't forget the killer cover!