Kiera Cass' The Selection

Photo Link

“Never judge a book by its cover”

This was the first thought that came out in my mind after reading the first two books of Kiera Cass’ The Selection Trilogy. To be honest, I am not the type of Bookworm who would buy a book covered with girl wearing superb gowns in purely red and blue colors. I don’t even know who Kiera Cass was until National Bookstore announced that she is coming and will be having a book signing in the Manila and Cebu. Curious, I researched her works and got kind of interested with the plot of The Selection. Of course, there were some negative reviews. I didn’t even understand why the character should be named America Singer in the first place. Weird.

Thinking that it would be cool to have a book signed by an author, I convinced my brother to line up there and have her signed the newly bought books. I wasn’t expecting him to do so but he did agree. He was more willing to line up there than go with me to an orphanage where we(a Catholic singles community) went to feed malnourished and sick kids. 

Anyways, enough with all the sidelines already because I’m going to review Kiera Cass’ The Selection and The Elite.

The Selection trilogy is a dystopian young adult story set 300 years in the future that evolves on America Singer, the main protagonist of the story. 

 Photo Link

SYNOPSIS:

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.

 An excerpt from The Selection Wikia

What I like about the story:

It’s not the usual love story you get to watch on TV or read on most romance books. It’s like “Hunger Games without the bloodshed” as what most of reviewers say. Indeed it is. I like how Cass was able to stitch the whole package together from the setting, the portrayal of characters up to the historical background of the story and of course the caught-between-two-lovers which really got me frustrated about America Singer. There are twist and hidden mysteries which is what I like since I really do love thinking a LOT.

What I don’t like about the story:

Yes, sad to say. I do have negative comments on the book. One thing is that love-triangle part. Why? Because it frustrates me and I know a lot of readers who felt the same way. It’s because America is totally being a flirt both on Aspen and Prince Maxon. It’s like she’s holding them and just taking them for granted. Yeah, that’s part of the plot and it sucks sometimes.

Also, there were instances that are quite not making sense like how the most powerful palace of the Ileah suddenly gets attacked by rebels. I mean, what’s the point of hi-tech alarms and all those stuff.

Anyways, in the end, I am still hooked with the series and can’t wait for the final book The One which will be released May 2014. I’m really excited what’s going to happen with the country and whose she’s going to choose. Will it be Aspen, the sweetheart who left her in the caste and became one of the knights and hoping to get her heart again or will it be Maxon, the prince who gave her endless time to think about everything?

As for me, I will just keep it for myself who I want her to choose. As for Cass, My 4 stars rating for this book is for you… :)

 Opppss.. before I forget... here is my signed copy...