3.52 AVERAGE


Almost exactly the same plot as The Selection series, but not as good.

ninalock's review

3.5
dark medium-paced
alliskarathe's profile picture

alliskarathe's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 50%

dont recall how far i got but it was substantial ; the story didnt interest me, it was much like the selection and red queen except i disliked the setting. at first the first scene and synopsis and cover led me to expect more i suppose but i disliked the main character, plot, and everything was going about happening slowly
adventurous tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
challenging reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No

It was very hard for me to get into at first. But after the first few chapters, it was good
challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

a fewer dream

3.5 stars

Ever wanted Hunger Games x The Selection? Well, this is it! Following Zea from the Harvesting region, she participates in the Princess Trials for a hand in marriage to the crown prince. The twist, she is actually part of the rebellion trying to overthrow the monarchy.

All in all, it was a good book. But, there were plot holes that made it hard to understand, and the emotions the characters felt wonky. For being free on KU, you definitely cannot pass this up though.

Now, here's some stuff that I can't say without spoilers.
Spoiler WHY does Zea love Rhyce? I mean, they barely spent time together, and he's sending messages that he loves her??? He never showed any emotion towards her in the beginning. And, literally the day she joins the rebellion, they want her to go on this mission? Don't you think she should've had more training? WHY would Zea trust Berta? Berta from the start was rude and mean, so of course she wouldn't mind killing you at the end. Finally, at the end where they were showing Prunella's trial, did Zea finally realize she can't say the full truth about anything, because the monarchy wants a certain girl to win. There are a lot of things I don't understand.
holsarmstrong's profile picture

holsarmstrong's review

4.0

ANYONE who knows me will know I cannot resist any book to do with royalty - I mean I have even written my own and this did not let me down. I consumed it all in one read and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
Although this did have some very distinct similarities to Kiera Cass' The Selection, I will go as far as saying that this book definitely stands up on its own. The concept of a princess trial to win the prince's heart is something I love and I liked how Castel put a spin on it.

- I adored Zea. She was strong and witty and had so much substance to her. I think Kavon was a great Prince too. He had enough loyalty to his family without it seeming like he was just agreeing with what Zea was saying every five mins.
- Pacing and plot were fab. The attention to detail should not go unnoticed and I loved Castel's writing.
- The ending left on such a cliffhanger that I am clawing for the next book.

I would 100000% recommend.

the selection but more bloody