The Selection [Review]

Stats:
#1 in The Selection series
339 Pages [Kindle]
Published 24 April 2012
ASIN: B006564VQC
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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.
 

My Thoughts:
It is 300 years in the future. China had invaded, there was a WWIII and WWIV, Russia attempted to invade, but failed, and America is now Illea - led by King Clarkson & Queen Amberly, and structured as a caste system.

America Singer is a 5. Her family doesn't always have work and they sometimes have to choose between electricity and food, but they aren't 6, 7, or 8. Her overbearing mother is trying to get her to sign up for the Selection lottery, a lottery that will draw 35 girls names to be sent to the palace to "compete" to be Prince Maxon's future wife. She wants America to marry up and the Prince is as high up as you can get. America, however, is in love with Aspen Leger, a 6, and they have been secretly dating for 2 years. Aspen works very hard to provide as much as he can for his mom and siblings, sometimes going without food so they can eat. Afraid that he won't be able to provide for America, Aspen begs her to sign up for The Selection. She gives in, thinking that she would have very little chance of being selected. America also strikes a deal with her mom for signing up and is able to keep half the money she makes singing and playing violin and piano. She spends her money on a private feast for her and Aspen. This sends Aspen off the deep end and he breaks up with her, knowing that he cannot provide for her. It's not fair for her.

Then America is selected...

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I wasn't sure how much I would like The Selection, as it is getting very good reviews and very bad reviews. A long time ago, I was obsessed with reality dating shows, so the premise didn't really scare me away.

I gave it 5 stars because I was completely hooked. I read a majority of it in one day, which has been a highly unusual feat for me to achieve lately.

Things I Loved: The "drama" - it was good. Catty backstabbing good. I liked how they portrayed both America and Maxon. I'm definitely Team Maxon. I love how the "competition/show" was set up.

Things I Didn't Love: I felt like the dystopian society wasn't really built as much as it could have been in the book. There are lots of holes in the background. The way it was unveiled was also odd. I was confused about some of the society until almost midway through the book. I feel like that information should have been revealed in the first few chapters. I was still left with questions about the world. It is an interesting take and definitely has a lot of potential though.


Previous Review:
The Rules by Stacey Kade [here]

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