Book Review. The Selection by Kiera Cass

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. (Description from amazon.com)

I must confess that I read a lot of bad reviews about this book before receiving it. I had heard that although the cover was beautiful the story was bad. So I was expecting the worst, but surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. Once I started to read it, I had a difficult time putting it down.

The book was marketed as The Hunger Games meets The Bachelorette. The Bachelorette, yes, The Hunger Games, not quite. The Hunger Games is a true dystopian, this book is not.  The dystopian aspect of the book is not well developed at all. There is no violence.  Yes, there are makeovers and everything is televised and people are eliminated kind of like The Hunger Games. but that is the only similarity I could find. There is however, 35 girls competing for a prince. Sounds a lot like the Bachelorette.

America Singer is a girl who is born into a caste system, where your life and occupation is already established for you. America has her own secret love, Aspen, and she is chosen to go and compete for the love of Prince Maxon.  Yes, there is a love triangle. No, she really doesn't want to do this, but she is wants to make a better life for her family.   It is a story about a girl who is trying to break out of her situation and help her family, but be true to herself and follow her heart.

I liked America as a character; she was strong and selfless, but also had a sense of humor about her situation.  And I adored Prince Maxon.  Everything you would expect Prince Charming to be.

This is the first book in a trilogy, with the second book The Elite to be published in 2013. I also read that the CW has been casting for the TV show. I will be tuning in.