Over the past week I read the entire Selection Series by Kiera Cass. Harper Collins was kind enough to send me The Elite, and since I never read book one, it was off to the library I went. I’ve heard these titles shelved in YA dystopian or fantasy, but I don’t think they really fit neatly into either category… you tell me what you think.
Here’s the brief low down on what I though of all three and the parental content warnings.
The Selection
Hardcover, 327 pages
Published April 24th 2012
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062059939
Source: Library
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.
Breview: If you are a fan of the TV series Bachelorette this has the same feeling to it. There are some light dystopian vibes as this is a futuristic society based on a tight caste system where the mates are selected for the prince. The main man, Prince Maxon and some stilted and formal lines. I think was meant to be that way, but at times I still had trouble connecting to his way of talking.
I really struggled with Aspen and America’s relationship. He’s a creep! And the ending felt totally out of character for him.
There some great scenes of “ear tugging” conversations and sweet dates between Maxon and America Singer, the voice and MC of the book.
Content: I was bothered by the content in book one wouldn’t let my daughters read it. Highlight below with your cursor to reveal content.
Content: Youth sneaking out, heavy making out, talk of being a virgin, some chauvinistic views of women and iea they could be taken advantage of. Too much sexual content for my taste. Drinking.
The Prince (The Selection #0.5)
by Kiera Cass
ebook, 64 pages
Published March 5th 2013
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062248162
Source: Bought on Amazon
Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection . . .
Before Aspen broke America’s heart . . .
There was another girl in Prince Maxon’s life. . . .
Don’t miss this thrilling 64-page digital original novella set in the world of the New York Times bestselling novel The Selection. Also features a teaser to The Elite, Kiera Cass’s hotly anticipated sequel to The Selection.
Breview: I really enjoyed hearing things from Maxon’s point of view, since both books one and two are written in America’s voice. And we learn more about the behind the scenes of why each girl was chosen as well as a glimpse of the King and Queen’s personalities.
I wish the novella were a bit longer, it seemed super short. But there are sneak peek pages in the back for The Elite.
Content: clean
The Elite (The Selection, #2)
Hardcover, 323 pages
Published April 23rd 2013
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062059963
Source: Publisher
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.
Click here for teasers from The Elite.
Breview: AAARRRRG. The back and forth in The Elite killed me. It got really annoying to have America flip flop over and over again. Make up your mind sister! And please be honest with the one being left in the dark. Book two has more violence and dystopian elements, so overall a darker tone. Chapter ten is where it really starts to turn violent for a heads up. Definite love triangle tangle going. Without spoiling, I was disappointed by Maxon’s explanation for his behavior, when he’s been such a gentleman with America.
Highlight the next sentence with cursor for content: heavy violence, child abuse, underage drinking, heavy petting in a bedroom, making out / cheating used as a way “to relieve stress” , mention of teenage pregnancy. one swear word.
In a Nutshell: This is a very popular series based on the waiting list at the library for book one. I have to admit, I enjoyed it enough to buy the novella and read book two, but I wouldn’t pass it on to my own tweens. I’m truly hoping the love triangle gets resolved ASAP because to me the choice is obvious…Maxon, would be my selection.
Learn More on Goodreads/ Author’s website
About the author: 100 things she loves… 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
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