The Selection (#1)
The Elite (#2)
The One (#3)
by Kiera Cass
Published by: HarperTeen
Form: Audiobook
Big Themes: Falling in Love, Poverty, Royalty, Competition, Rebellion, Reality TV

Summary from Goodreads (Book One): 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.

Review:
If you are a fan of The Bachelor, this is essentially that competition set in a future dystopian world. It was a fun series to listen to on audiobook as I drove or painted bookshelves. Go in expecting some drama between contestants, love triangles, lots of clothing and food descriptions, and some decent dystopian world building.

America (all the names are pretty ridiculous in this series) is a heroine you can root for with her rebellious spirit and musical talent. I was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on female friendship in this series. And Prince Maxon was an interesting character with some feminist moments as the male lead.

I would be totally fine allowing teen girls to read this if they were looking for some romance because they also get a strong heroine, positive female friendships, and healthy messages about being your authentic self.

Overall:
I was pleasantly surprised by this series. A fun read with some positive messages and role models. Four stars!

Next Post: Part Two of the Selection series where the protagonist is America’s daughter, Princess Eadlyn.