The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection

Kiera Cass

Grades 7+

(borrowed from my library)

Imagine be chosen to date a Prince to find out if you could be the bride for him. Would you give up everything you have known and leave your family to do so? This is the challenge that faces America Singer, a member of the 5 caste system. Not only that, she leaves her home in Carolina after her heart has been broken by her boyfriend.

America is thrust into the spotlight, into the palace and reluctantly into the Prince Maxon’s arms. There at the palace she quickly learns that some of the girls are wonderful but others, such as Celeste, are beyond spoilt and will do anything to win Maxon’s regards. Lady America does not want to be a part of the games—she is there to help her family since she earns money to send home to her parents and siblings and they desperately need the money. Much to her surprise, America forms a friendship with Maxon and they grow closer as the Selection process happens.

When rebel tensions continue to build and the shocking surprise of her ex-boyfriend at the Palace as a new guard, what will Lady America decide to do. She knows that her feelings for her ex-boyfriend are still within her but Maxon is stirring feelings in her that she cannot name.  When he chooses her to remain in the competition, making clear his intentions, America will need to make a choice herself—does she stay and fight for Maxon or does she retreat to her former life?

This is a great novel! There are some great discussion points within this story such as the castes being numerically rated and how they refer to themselves as their number; how being from that caste defines what type of career you can have; where the rebels are coming from and what they could be looking for—and how little we know about the upcoming problems and America as a role model for young women.

I am beyond thrilled with this book and I CANNOT wait to read the next in the serious—The Elite! I will be anxious to read it but it does not come out until end of April alas.

My Rating: 5 stars