Set in a dystopian-ish future where society is divided into castes, representing distinct social status based on occupation, a once in a lifetime competition has begun.  

From the cover, you would immediately think this is just another princess story where a nowhere girl gets the glam and the innocent love. Well, you would be only half right.

The cast of characters may be stereotyped, however, it seems to reflect present day society. In addition, the story puts a lot of stress on the castes and its restrictions on rights, choice of occupation, and love.

We start off with the headstrong and gusty America and her life in her caste of artists. Poor, but happy and in love, a quiet life, that is until she was forced to enter her name in the pile. And out of all the eligible girls in her state, her name was picked, even when she was probably the only one who didn’t want the mandatory prize. It was a place in one of the thirty-five girls fighting for the prince’s love and the seat of the next queen.

The story brings in political aspects as well as the hidden ways in which royalty works behind the camera (yes, the competition is a broadcasted series). Social inequality is also expressed within the remaining girls, and discrimination of the socially inferior. With these elements, combined with a rising rebellion and a love that is not preferred, the story intensifies behind the cameras.

As the story progresses, the prince, Maxon, is forced to narrow down the selection of girls. Secrets are slowly revealed as America finds that she is closer to a revolution than she thought. How far is each person going to go to get what they want? Whether it’s power, fame, wealth, peace, justice, equality, or love.

Keep in mind that there are two more very important characters that shape her decisions, Maxon and Aspen, the prince and a mere guard, but a past love. Yes, it is a love triangle. To be honest, the triangle is sometimes a bit annoying, especially with a feisty character like America at the center of it.

Although Cass tells the story from America’s perspective, we can imagine the other character’s feelings very clearly, thanks to the well set up context in the palace.

The story is a bit fast paced, but with quite an easy vocabulary and even though most quotes are a bit cliche, you’d find yourself loving them anyways. BECAUSE THEY’RE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE

Novel: The Selection from The Selection Series

Author: Kiera Cass

Images from:

https://www.tumblr.com/search/the%20maxon%20gang

https://rosesreids.com/2015/01/20/the-selection-by-kiera-cass/

http://www.kieracass.com/journal/2011/11/4/building-the-cover-art.html