The Selection is a captivating novel by Keira Cass that has captured the hearts of readers around the world. With its compelling storyline, relatable characters, and well-crafted world-building, The Selection is a book that has earned its place as a must-read for lovers of romance, dystopian fiction, and YA novels.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the United States has been reimagined as the Kingdom of Illea, The Selection tells the story of America Singer, a young woman who is thrust into a competition to win the heart of Prince Maxon and become the next queen of Illea. Despite her reluctance to participate, America soon finds herself drawn into the competition, even as she continues to harbour feelings for her childhood sweetheart, Aspen.
One of the key strengths of The Selection is its world-building. Cass has created a vivid and intricate world that feels both familiar and entirely unique. Readers will be fascinated by the social and political structures of Illea, which are based on a caste system that assigns each citizen a number based on their family's occupation and wealth. This system creates a clear hierarchy in which the wealthy and powerful occupy the upper castes while those in the lower castes struggle to make ends meet.
The Selection itself is a fascinating concept, one that Cass executes flawlessly. The competition is open to any eligible woman in the kingdom, regardless of caste, and those who are chosen to participate are whisked away to the palace to live in luxury and compete for the prince's affection. Over the course of the book, readers will witness the drama, romance, and intrigue that ensues as the girls navigate the challenges of the competition.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of The Selection, however, is its characters. America is a relatable and engaging protagonist, one who is easy to root for as she navigates the challenges of the Selection. Her inner conflict between her feelings for Aspen and her growing attraction to Maxon will resonate with readers, particularly those who have experienced the pain of a difficult romantic choice.
Similarly, Prince Maxon is a complex and well-rounded character, one who defies the expectations of his position and caste. He is kind, compassionate, and genuinely interested in getting to know the girls in the Selection rather than simply using them as pawns in his quest for a queen. His growing relationship with America is one of the highlights of the book, as readers will be cheering for the two of them to overcome the many obstacles in their way.
The supporting cast of characters in The Selection is also noteworthy. From the conniving Celeste to the earnest Marlee, each of the girls in the competition is given a distinct personality and backstory that makes them feel like real people rather than caricatures. Even the palace staff, such as the no-nonsense Anne and the sweet Lucy, are given their moments to shine and become memorable in their own right.
Overall, The Selection is a novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Its combination of romance, dystopian elements, and YA themes make it a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Cass's skilful writing and well-crafted world-building create a world that readers will want to return to again and again. The Selection is a true must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and engaging novel that will leave them wanting more.
About the Author:
Kiera Cass is a well-known American author of young adult fiction, best known for her popular series, The Selection. Born on May 19, 1981, in South Carolina, Kiera grew up in a family of seven children. She began writing at a young age and continued to pursue her passion for storytelling throughout her life. After graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in history, Kiera started working in various fields, including education and publishing. However, she always felt drawn to writing and continued to work on her craft in her spare time.
In 2012, Kiera's first novel, The Selection, was published by HarperTeen. The novel quickly became a bestseller and was followed by several sequels, including The Elite, The One, and The Heir. The Selection series is set in a dystopian world where a group of girls compete for the chance to marry a prince and become queen. The books have been praised for their strong female characters and romantic themes and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to The Selection series, Kiera has also written several standalone novels, including The Siren, a retelling of the classic Greek myth about mermaids. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have won numerous awards, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction in 2012.
Kiera currently lives in Virginia with her family and continues to write books that inspire and captivate readers. Her love of storytelling and dedication to her craft has made her one of the most beloved authors in the young adult genre.
Titles in Set:
- The Selection
- The Elite
- The One
- The Heir
- The Crown
Description from the publisher:
The Selection
It’s the chance of a lifetime, and a 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxons love.
Elite
The Selection gets fierce as rivals stake their claim on the prince. Six girls, one life-changing prize. . .America Singer will leave her pre-destined life for a world of glamour and luxury if she wins. . .But surviving The Selection is tough.
The One
The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon's heart. Its swoon meets the Hunger Games in the third instalment of The Selection series!
The Heir
In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illa's royal family into a whole new Selection - and find out what happens after happily ever after.
The Crown
Kiera Cass #1 New York Times bestselling The Selection series has captured the hearts of readers from its very first page. From no.1 New York Times bestselling author Kiera Cass, The Selection series five book collection. In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels, The Selection is the chance of a lifetime. But for America Singer, it means turning her back on her secret love for a prize she doesn't want. The Selection series is full of love, romance and life-changing choices; this set is perfect for young adults interested in romance series.