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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
If I'm being honest I was kind of terrified to read this book :) What if I liked it? What if I didn't like it? Turns out it's just a book. And one that I really liked at that.
At first I did see some similarities to The Hunger Games in that the people are labeled by numbers that represent their class in this dystopian world. That's really where the similarities end though. There is a survival element to the novel, but it's fleshed out in a totally different way. Plus, add in the Bachelor-esque (Oh, shut it! You know you watch it too!) element and I had a hard time putting the darn thing down.
America is the main character and I didn't connect with her at the beginning of the story, but by the time she's chosen to participate in The Selection I think her personality and character rise to the surface. She becomes a lot more likeable at that point. The awesome part of the story is that unlike all the other girls in The Selection, she is a reluctant participant. It puts her in a unique position when it comes to vying for the Prince's affection.
That brings me to my next point. I loved how Prince Maxon and America meet for the first time and the way he has such an intense focus on her from that point on. Their relationship centers on friendship and makes for a believable turn towards romance later on. The problem at that point is that America still has feelings for her cheating (supposedly) Ex, Aspen. The end of the book sets up a great scenario for these three to be in a bonafide love triangle. It's my favorite kind too. Nobody is really at fault for it happening . . . circumstances beyond their control and all that :)
Anyway, I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure. I'm glad I finally cracked the pages of this one. And don't forget the killer cover!
At first I did see some similarities to The Hunger Games in that the people are labeled by numbers that represent their class in this dystopian world. That's really where the similarities end though. There is a survival element to the novel, but it's fleshed out in a totally different way. Plus, add in the Bachelor-esque (Oh, shut it! You know you watch it too!) element and I had a hard time putting the darn thing down.
America is the main character and I didn't connect with her at the beginning of the story, but by the time she's chosen to participate in The Selection I think her personality and character rise to the surface. She becomes a lot more likeable at that point. The awesome part of the story is that unlike all the other girls in The Selection, she is a reluctant participant. It puts her in a unique position when it comes to vying for the Prince's affection.
That brings me to my next point. I loved how Prince Maxon and America meet for the first time and the way he has such an intense focus on her from that point on. Their relationship centers on friendship and makes for a believable turn towards romance later on. The problem at that point is that America still has feelings for her cheating (supposedly) Ex, Aspen. The end of the book sets up a great scenario for these three to be in a bonafide love triangle. It's my favorite kind too. Nobody is really at fault for it happening . . . circumstances beyond their control and all that :)
Anyway, I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure. I'm glad I finally cracked the pages of this one. And don't forget the killer cover!
the writing was awful. the names were obnoxious. the prince was dull. hate the MC. ASPEN WAS THE WORST. imagine being so triggered by the fact that your gf cooked for you.
names were obnoxious. like AMERICA SINGER??? ASPEN??? please.
also the dystopian setting made no sense, there was no premise or explanation to why there was such a grade system. imagine comparing this to The Hunger Games.
names were obnoxious. like AMERICA SINGER??? ASPEN??? please.
also the dystopian setting made no sense, there was no premise or explanation to why there was such a grade system. imagine comparing this to The Hunger Games.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A classic from the 2010 dystopian era and still a fun book 10 years later
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
fast-paced
(A-) 90% | AGES 14+ | FIRST IMPRESSION REVIEW | As an American, can I just say how patriotic I felt every time someone said “I love you, America” or something like “I chose you, America” or “I’ll never stop fighting for you, America.” Like...yessir. I love my country. Okay, anyway, I just wanted to say that before I started the review.
First impression? A rogue, different-kind-of-sketchy spin off episode of The Bachelor. I mean, honestly. The only difference is, is that this was much more entertaining to watch. (No offense.) But there was more danger, more at stake, and therefore more excitement. Not just danger of the feelings, but actual physical danger. I know that makes me sound like a psychopath, but that’s what makes this book so interesting. It was the only thing holding me together... Though there wasn’t a ton of danger, not like how I make it sound, there was something different about our main “contestant.” She already had a boyfriend so to speak before this, and it held her back the whole competition. I found this really made it intense. I couldn’t possibly think she could fall for the prince when there was her boyfriend, but a lot of things happened in such a short book. I won’t say I’m on either side of her little love triangle, but I am on America’s side. (See that right there? Patriotic.) The author also found a way for this to show girl power even as they were trying to prove themselves to a man. She made America realize that she must not forget to be on her own side. And that she had nothing to prove to anyone but herself. And it wasn’t too much, you know? It wasn’t screaming “feminism, women power, yas!” It was so subtle that it was powerfully deadly. And I think that’s what I really liked about it. America was just a strong person.
So for characters?: Solid A.
Plot?: It didn’t end at all how I thought it would, mainly because I really didn’t know how it would end. Would she choose Maxon or Aspen? It’s too early to tell. Though I’m sure America and Maxon are endgame, but I’ve learned to appreciate Aspen and his commitment to everyone close to him. But then again, so does Maxon. As my first really YA romance novel, I was praying this wouldn’t be cheesy, and really, I was pleasantly surprised. Okay, maybe it was a little cheesy. But I still enjoyed it.
Overall: Overall? This was a short, easy-to-read book, and I think I’ll read the next to find out what happens. Do I recommend it? Sure. It was a nice break from my constant fantasy genre reading. In the end, I still have one lingering question until the next book.......*announcer voice* Who will Maxon give the rose to?
Signing off for now,
luna
First impression? A rogue, different-kind-of-sketchy spin off episode of The Bachelor. I mean, honestly. The only difference is, is that this was much more entertaining to watch. (No offense.) But there was more danger, more at stake, and therefore more excitement. Not just danger of the feelings, but actual physical danger. I know that makes me sound like a psychopath, but that’s what makes this book so interesting. It was the only thing holding me together... Though there wasn’t a ton of danger, not like how I make it sound, there was something different about our main “contestant.” She already had a boyfriend so to speak before this, and it held her back the whole competition. I found this really made it intense. I couldn’t possibly think she could fall for the prince when there was her boyfriend, but a lot of things happened in such a short book. I won’t say I’m on either side of her little love triangle, but I am on America’s side. (See that right there? Patriotic.) The author also found a way for this to show girl power even as they were trying to prove themselves to a man. She made America realize that she must not forget to be on her own side. And that she had nothing to prove to anyone but herself. And it wasn’t too much, you know? It wasn’t screaming “feminism, women power, yas!” It was so subtle that it was powerfully deadly. And I think that’s what I really liked about it. America was just a strong person.
So for characters?: Solid A.
Plot?: It didn’t end at all how I thought it would, mainly because I really didn’t know how it would end. Would she choose Maxon or Aspen? It’s too early to tell. Though I’m sure America and Maxon are endgame, but I’ve learned to appreciate Aspen and his commitment to everyone close to him. But then again, so does Maxon. As my first really YA romance novel, I was praying this wouldn’t be cheesy, and really, I was pleasantly surprised. Okay, maybe it was a little cheesy. But I still enjoyed it.
Overall: Overall? This was a short, easy-to-read book, and I think I’ll read the next to find out what happens. Do I recommend it? Sure. It was a nice break from my constant fantasy genre reading. In the end, I still have one lingering question until the next book.......*announcer voice* Who will Maxon give the rose to?
Signing off for now,
luna