Titles (in order): The Selection, The Elite, and The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Format: Paperback

In a nutshell
A young adult book series, the story is all about America Singer (the lead character) who lives in a dystopian society called Illea (or the “new” United States of America after another world war). In Illea, the people are divided in different castes depending on their skills. And then of course, there’s the royal family.

The current royal highness is Prince Maxon and it has been a tradition that whenever a prince is ready to marry, he has to pick a wife from the different groups in Illea. Hence, he has to hold a “dating” event that invites 35 pre-selected girls. This event is called none other than — you guessed it — The Selection.

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To be honest, I’ve already seen books of The Selection series a few months before I actually decided to buy my own copies. The first time I saw them (The Selection and The Elite), I didn’t even bother to pick one and even read its synopsis. So in short, the covers didn’t really catch my attention as they were supposed to. I’ve always been a fan of anything related to royalty so if I had known earlier that this was so, I would’ve picked it up the first time I saw it. The covers should’ve done that. Instead, each one looked like there’s a girl who’s about to attend her prom — not a royal event. Then again, that’s just me. I always judge a book by its cover — literally!

Thankfully, I read an article about Kiera Cass (the author) and her visit to my hometown in a local teen magazine I was affiliated with before (that’s why I’m still a loyal reader of the magazine even though I’m not a teen anymore! Hahaha!). I won’t talk about the article, but reading it was what changed my perspective on The Selection series. In fact, my perspective was “completely changed” that I immediately bought copies the next time I went to a bookstore after reading that article! 😛

Sure, the plot has already been dubbed as “The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games” and for those who aren’t really into the young adult (YA) genre, you might’ve just rolled your eyes just a couple of seconds ago. But if you’re flexible enough when it comes to your reading choices and you’re willing to give anything a “read,” then The Selection series might just open your eyes to a whole new world (no pun intended) of possibilities — say, what it could be like in a “future” post-war era (that’s a far cry from what we have today), etc.

On that note, here are my thoughts:

The Selection

Being the first book in the series, this didn’t disappoint. In fact, I finished reading it in just two days! That’s how engrossed I was upon finding out that The Selection has something to do with the classic fairy tale. Since this is the first book in the trilogy, this was where everything was introduced: America‘s group (she’s a Five), the reasons why she ended up joining The Selection, and of course, her first love Aspen — yes, there’s a love triangle in this story.

This was also where America and Prince Maxon met for the first time. To be honest, I didn’t really root for the prince during their first encounter. I thought his description lacked something in order to unlock the “love at first read” in me whenever I curl up with a novel.

But despite that, there’s something in Cass‘ writing that eventually made me fall in love with her characters and their story along the way. In fact, this first book is my favorite in the series. It beats The One only because of how unputdownable it was. Like I said, only. two. days! 😉

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Elite

From 35 girls, it was now down to just 6. If I loved the first book, this wasn’t the case with the sequel. Unfortunately, I found The Elite such a drag. Sure, this was where some of Illea’s secrets were revealed (shocking!), but this was also where the love triangle “flourished” — in an annoying way! How? I was annoyed with:

America – for not being able to choose between Aspen and Prince Maxon. Talk about being fickle!

Prince Maxon – for still hooking up with the other girls even though it was pretty clear that America‘s the one who owns his heart (as mushy as that may sound!). I know that the whole thing was a “dating” event, but please. At least he could’ve made the other dates with the other girls more “friendly” and tried to keep his hands all to himself — if you know what I mean! If I were America, I would… well, let’s just say I’m glad I ain’t part of The Elite! Wahahahaha!

Aspen – for still sticking around. Yeah, yeah. As much as I was annoyed with America and Maxon, I’ve always been Team Maxon. That’s a no-brainer for someone like me who’s always been rooting for the prince — even IRL! Haha!

Anyway, The Elite is my least favorite in the trilogy. I found myself reading it for “weeks” before finishing it. And to be honest, I only pushed myself to finish it because not reading it would make my reading of the series incomplete. ‘Nuff said.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The One

Ah, the finale. This was fifty-fifty for me. The first half was like an extension of The Elite. Thankfully, the other half (including the ending!) made up for it! Yay! I won’t sugar coat this for you. There were some lives lost here (just like in any epic story), but I’m very, very, happy that at least Cass really delivered on the love department! The love triangle was solved, and I got a satisfying ending (though bitin!). Three words: I want mooore! 😀

Rating: 4 out of 5

In spite of disliking The Elite, The Selection series as a whole was enjoyable for me. I recommend it for avid YA-genre readers. Besides, I agree with how the author ended it:

“This isn’t happily ever after.

It’s so much more than that.”

Having said that, I’d like to request the author to please consider making a spin-off series — say, what happens after America‘s love story? Maybe the lead character could be her child? Or something like that. Because if you don’t, I will — in the form of fanfic!

Of course, I kid! =))

Have you read The Selection series?
Share your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below!