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moo_nyy's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
addieh1013's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
carriedoodledoo's review against another edition
2.0
I imagine I liked it because of the same immature competitive impulse that drives the popularity of fashion voting apps and "The Bachelor". As YA literature this is so trope-filled as to be laughable. We got the hipster names for the characters, the squashed-together pan-cultural names for the countries, an arbitrary class system, a plucky girl from near the bottom of the heap, a post-apocalyptic political landscape, the bad bad girls, the sweet good girls, the paperdoll background contestants, and of COURSE--the two VERY hot, VERY nice boys to fight over afore-mentioned plucky girl.
A quick read with lots of drama. I groaned when the complication came because of COURSE it did, this is a trilogy! Stupid teenagers making stupid teenage decisions (I am NOT a big fan of original boyfriend), which makes me wonder why this government thought a very long, very expensive "selection" was the best method to marry off the Prince. But the answer is this simple : it's young adult fiction, of the best possible kind, that allows teenage girls to self-insert. End of story. So. I liked because of the stupid plot but it's just sooooooo not...good...that I can't give it more than two stars. Call it a guilty pleasure.
A quick read with lots of drama. I groaned when the complication came because of COURSE it did, this is a trilogy! Stupid teenagers making stupid teenage decisions (I am NOT a big fan of original boyfriend), which makes me wonder why this government thought a very long, very expensive "selection" was the best method to marry off the Prince. But the answer is this simple : it's young adult fiction, of the best possible kind, that allows teenage girls to self-insert. End of story. So. I liked because of the stupid plot but it's just sooooooo not...good...that I can't give it more than two stars. Call it a guilty pleasure.
crafty_reader's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mdyang97's review against another edition
5.0
You know, the regal cover only says so much about the heartwarming story that goes on behind it. Yes, the palace is magnificent, with elegant balls, dashing young men (Maxon and the soldiers), proper manners, delicious meals, and beautiful dresses. But the girls are also down-to-earth people like we all are; they have perfect qualities and not-so-perfect qualities.
For example, Celeste Newsome is pretty on the outside but may not be pretty on the inside, owing to her cunning behavior towards her competitors in the Selection. I felt animosity toward her especially because I have been hurt by girls like her, and I pitied people like Anna, Kriss, and America herself who became Celeste's victims.
On the other hand, America Singer stays true to herself throughout the competition - so far - yet mildly irritated me with the way she acted around Maxon and Aspen. Since she was in a difficult situation, I can understand her ambivalence toward both men, however, her "swinging around" was a little overboard. Nothing too much that the wonderful story couldn't make up for, at least! Kudos to Kiera Cass for not making this book one of those cliché YA romances :)
I related to both America's relationship with Aspen and to that of Maxon. Personally, Aspen represented the more wild side of me, while Maxon symbolized innocence and seriousness. Seeing her struggle, I struggled along with her, and truly hope that she'll find some way out in the next book or beyond. Can't wait to read The Elite!
For example, Celeste Newsome is pretty on the outside but may not be pretty on the inside, owing to her cunning behavior towards her competitors in the Selection. I felt animosity toward her especially because I have been hurt by girls like her, and I pitied people like Anna, Kriss, and America herself who became Celeste's victims.
On the other hand, America Singer stays true to herself throughout the competition - so far - yet mildly irritated me with the way she acted around Maxon and Aspen. Since she was in a difficult situation, I can understand her ambivalence toward both men, however, her "swinging around" was a little overboard. Nothing too much that the wonderful story couldn't make up for, at least! Kudos to Kiera Cass for not making this book one of those cliché YA romances :)
I related to both America's relationship with Aspen and to that of Maxon. Personally, Aspen represented the more wild side of me, while Maxon symbolized innocence and seriousness. Seeing her struggle, I struggled along with her, and truly hope that she'll find some way out in the next book or beyond. Can't wait to read The Elite!
breesteiger's review against another edition
5.0
You should all know that this is my favorite book of all time. Takes me about 2 hours to read each time. I eat this UP. This series is my most favorite love story ever. Honestly, this book makes me believe in soul mates. BEST EVER.
ewck's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
roeckitcody's review against another edition
4.0
Going in to the Selection, I expected it to be The Bachelor, and super annoying. I decided to read this solely because my teacher bought me the third book and I wanted to read it, and tell her what I thought.
Now, when I began, I was still under this impression, and was waiting for it to get super super annoying, and that I probably wouldn't enjoy it too much. BUT
I really really enjoyed this book! This book is so much more than what it seems. I actually enjoyed the majority of the characters, which is surprising, and loved America because she was actually real.
Cons: The names. I mean seriously? America Singer who is a singer... that is just cheesy. It's forgivable though. Honderagua, seriously? The combinations of all these different places on Earth today is a little creative, but also cringe worthy.
More thoughts:
Celeste was super duper annoying, and almost too mean. I'd love to actually see what her backstory is because I feel like that would add depth to her character. I am hoping for a future breakdown from her to see her actually show emotions and seem human.
I like Prince Maxon, actually, because he is just trying to figure this all out.
Aspen, at first, I liked. Later in the story, I just don't feel anything for him. I want America to tell him off, for being horrible. even though he isn't that bad, I just don't like him.
This book is the epitome of a guilty pleasure read. Onto The Elite!
Now, when I began, I was still under this impression, and was waiting for it to get super super annoying, and that I probably wouldn't enjoy it too much. BUT
I really really enjoyed this book! This book is so much more than what it seems. I actually enjoyed the majority of the characters, which is surprising, and loved America because she was actually real.
Cons: The names. I mean seriously? America Singer who is a singer... that is just cheesy. It's forgivable though. Honderagua, seriously? The combinations of all these different places on Earth today is a little creative, but also cringe worthy.
More thoughts:
Celeste was super duper annoying, and almost too mean. I'd love to actually see what her backstory is because I feel like that would add depth to her character. I am hoping for a future breakdown from her to see her actually show emotions and seem human.
I like Prince Maxon, actually, because he is just trying to figure this all out.
Aspen, at first, I liked. Later in the story, I just don't feel anything for him. I want America to tell him off, for being horrible. even though he isn't that bad, I just don't like him.
This book is the epitome of a guilty pleasure read. Onto The Elite!