The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection Book 1

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

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I have always loved dystopian novels. First I read Hunger Games, then Matched, and now this! I love Kiera Cass’s series because while it is futuristic, it also has hints of the past. There is a strict and binding caste system and the poor are starving. Also, there is the feeling of having princesses that slightly reminded me of my childhood but more of the Middle Ages. I loved the incorporation of different time periods.

Also, I loved the name choice. I wish that I could adopt some of these names for my own, such as Aspen and Tuesday. I have to praise Cass for being so clever! I really connected with America as well. She was so strong, opinionated, stubborn, and kind, and though I’m not all of those things, I like to think that I am.

However, one of my reservations about reading this book was that it was similar to the TV show, The Bachelor. And I can’t stand that show and that idea. It’s appalling that someone has to pick who they will from a pool of girls, and the girls are willing to do it. I hated how all of the girls in the pool were falling over each other just for Maxon’s attention. As if girls need a famous and powerful man to make them complete. Even America fell for his charm, although if I were in her shoes I would have too. But what bothered me about America is she has this love triangle. And I will have you know: I HATE love triangles. They can be entertaining for a little while, but they just get frustrating. And love triangles are a bit overdone now, just like the Romeo and Juliet idea.

Although, this love triangle was less exhausting because it wasn’t a love triangle until the end when Aspen came back into America’s life after breaking her heart. Before that, America was just being charmed by Maxon and slowly falling for him while completely forgetting about Aspen. But then he appears on her guard and he claims he never stopped loving her. I thought that whole part was completely cheesy, especially because America fell for it and became uncertain again. From that point on everything irritated me. It was so frustrating having him back and I thought that the plot would have flowed more smoothly if Cass hadn’t reintroduced Aspen into the story.

Overall, though, I loved this book. The characters were great, although Aspen was a bit overbearing and annoying. The love story was good, and the dystopian combination of past and future was very well done. I loved this book, and can’t wait to read the next one!

Three stars.