The Selection

by Kiera Cass

Summary:

All across Illea, girls between 16 and 20 have entered their names for a chance to become the next princess. Prince Maxon is looking for a wife, and one girl from each province wil be chosen for a chance to win his heart (and the crown). For once the rigid caste system that defines the country won’t matter. For America, born a 5, it’s a chance to better her family’s fate, even if the chances are small that she’ll be chosen to even compete. When her name is chosen, she finds herself in the palace, competing with 34 other girls to win the heart of a prince. A prince is is a lot more than she ever thought he could be. It’s a game of deceit and love, but will anyone really be a winner?

Review:

I really enjoyed The Selection. America is a really likeable character, and the story is kind of a Cinderella story set in a dystopian future. America stands up to Maxon, the only person to do so, and in return gains a friend and confidante. She's still recovering from breaking up with the man she loved back in her province, and the bonds forged between her and Maxon are fragile but important. The love triangle (between her, her former love, and Maxon) is well drawn. The misinformation spread by the palace to the people is an interesting twist, and the way America discovers her country's real history is a great twist. I read it in less than a day, since I couldn't put it down! Great read for teens that like like dystopians.

Genre: Dystopian

Age Level: 9th Grade

Series information: The Elite (Book 2)