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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I went into this book knowing it was extremely similar to the Selection Series. Everything from Zia being the second lowest caste, being connected to the Rebels, the attack on the palace, all of it was plot point for plot point in line with the selection series.
However, unlike the selection, this series was...OK. it wasn't terrible and I didn't hate reading it but I also saw every plot twist coming.
The only way I'll complete the series is on audible if I'm stuck on a long car ride with nothing else to do. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either.
However, unlike the selection, this series was...OK. it wasn't terrible and I didn't hate reading it but I also saw every plot twist coming.
The only way I'll complete the series is on audible if I'm stuck on a long car ride with nothing else to do. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either.
This book was phenomenal!! If you like Hunger Games and The Selection series, this is definitely the book for you. Zea is selected to participate in The Princess Trials. But then she discovers the “real” prince. I cannot wait for book 2!! This author is new to me and I cannot wait to see what else she writes. This story flowed so well, and I love the growth of the characters.
2.5 stars. The summary on the book literally says “for fans of the hunger games and the selection” which I am, but maybe because I’ve already read those I just couldn’t get into this book. I found the second half to be better because it started to develop its own storyline separate from the selection, but I did find the trials themselves super confusing and unorganized. Really it just felt like a not as well written version of the selection.
Rounding up to three stars though because I think I would like it better if I hadn’t read the selection yet.
Rounding up to three stars though because I think I would like it better if I hadn’t read the selection yet.
I needed a book to get me out of the previous poorly written book I read. This was everything I wanted and more. Hunger Games and The Selection mash up? Count me in! I found myself wanting to read more and more and before I knew it, the book ended. The writing is easy to read and follow. I was kept guessing. The twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this book.
Three Stars
Zea-Mays Calico is a young woman, born of a lower class descent in Phangloria, what was formerly known as the United States of America. This new land, is subdivided into different echelons, and is ruled by the Royal family. Growing up on food and water rations, Zea has always dreamed of a better life for her and her family. Zea's echelon, the Harvester Region, is a constant target for guards who oppress this group day in and day out. All of that could change with the Princess Trials. Prince Kevon had come of age to have a wife, and every girl in Phangloria is eligible to to compete to be future queen... That is, if you make the cut.
I had a hard time rating this one. The story was there, but the quality was not. This book seems to have been written very hastily with no regard for filling the deep, deep plot holes. This book felt to me, like it had little to no editing. I found myself re-reading sections of the book, because I thought I was missing something.
That being said, when I wasn't confused I really enjoyed what I read. I was nervous, because everyone was saying that it's a rip off the The Hunger Games and The Selection. I can see the similarities to THG, but I wouldn't call it a copycat. (I've never read The Selection, so I can't speak to that.) I wouldn't say I'd recommend this book to just anyone. The reader would have to have a deep interest in Dystopian novels. I will be reading at least one more book in the series, since this one ended on such a cliffhanger.
Zea-Mays Calico is a young woman, born of a lower class descent in Phangloria, what was formerly known as the United States of America. This new land, is subdivided into different echelons, and is ruled by the Royal family. Growing up on food and water rations, Zea has always dreamed of a better life for her and her family. Zea's echelon, the Harvester Region, is a constant target for guards who oppress this group day in and day out. All of that could change with the Princess Trials. Prince Kevon had come of age to have a wife, and every girl in Phangloria is eligible to to compete to be future queen... That is, if you make the cut.
I had a hard time rating this one. The story was there, but the quality was not. This book seems to have been written very hastily with no regard for filling the deep, deep plot holes. This book felt to me, like it had little to no editing. I found myself re-reading sections of the book, because I thought I was missing something.
That being said, when I wasn't confused I really enjoyed what I read. I was nervous, because everyone was saying that it's a rip off the The Hunger Games and The Selection. I can see the similarities to THG, but I wouldn't call it a copycat. (I've never read The Selection, so I can't speak to that.) I wouldn't say I'd recommend this book to just anyone. The reader would have to have a deep interest in Dystopian novels. I will be reading at least one more book in the series, since this one ended on such a cliffhanger.
I don't know how to rate this one because it was very silly but also totally addictive and exactly what I needed this week: The Hunger Games meets The Selection with a very naive, unreliable narrator and some seriously vicious princess-wannabes.
Ehh it was okay. True to the description of The Selection mixed with the Hunger Games. I felt that the relationship between the lead characters was lacking and didn’t make sense. Also felt like there was so much build up to a promising, adventurous ending only for the book to end. I wanted more. Great, creative development of the dystopian story line, just needed better execution.
It was interesting enough to make me want to keep reading, but that’s mostly because I’m hungry for a dystopian story.
The plot was kind of a mess. The characters were so surface level—I can’t think of a single character I genuinely wanted to root for. All of the mean girls were so childish that it didn’t really make sense. Even teenage noblewomen should have at least a little class, especially in front of royalty and cameras.
I considered continuing with the series but I really don’t care about the characters.
The plot was kind of a mess. The characters were so surface level—I can’t think of a single character I genuinely wanted to root for. All of the mean girls were so childish that it didn’t really make sense. Even teenage noblewomen should have at least a little class, especially in front of royalty and cameras.
I considered continuing with the series but I really don’t care about the characters.
If I could I’d give this book a 3.8/5 stars. I actually really enjoyed this book, I just struggled in a few of the slower spots. I’m on to book two now and I love it!