Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: April 24th, 2012
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.
(Courtesy of Goodreads)
As you may or may not know, there has been some drama surrounding this book and a certain Goodreads reviewer, twitter, and the author. I know a lot of bloggers and reviewers decided not to read this book because of the whole thing, but as they say in media, "There's no such thing as bad publicity!". The drama made me want to read this even more. I HAD to know whether or not I agreed with the negative review that sparked it. Well, the verdict is in, and I have to say that I really liked this book. I felt like it kind of loosely borrowed ideas from other well-known YA books, but really, what author hasn't done that to some degree? I will admit that after reading the first four or five chapters, I was thinking I might not like this one. I thought the characters were a little one-dimensional, and I thought the caste system was a bit cliche, but as the story progressed, it grew on me. The story was pretty well paced, and I didn't feel it really dragged at any time. I found merit in nearly every character (except Celeste- she's Satan in stilettos) and I actually grew to really like America, Maxon, and America's maids. In the end, I thought this book to be a solid start to what will prove to be an action-packed series. I can't wait to find out what the rebels have in store for Illea and what they are really looking for. I also can't wait to see who America chooses (duh!). I predict that this book will be a huge hit and that very soon after its release we will begin to see lots of "Team Maxon" and "Team Aspen" action (for the record, I'm firmly "Team Maxon"). The only gripe I have about this book is where it left off. It was pretty anti-climactic, and while I get pissed off in the moment with huge cliffhangers, I much prefer them to how this one ended. If the ending had been better, I would have given this book 4.5 stars...
My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Grade Level Recommendation: This book is squeaky clean. No language, no violence, no sex. The romance is very innocent and consists on no more than hand holding and innocent kissing. This book is fine for 4th grade+ (ages 9 and up).
Great review!! I read this one last week and I really liked it :)
ReplyDeleteI admit, I was one of those people who refused to read this book based on the drama. I stopped following the author on Twitter and ignored anything about this book. However, I think she is young and we shouldn't be judged by our one bad moment. I'm sure she wishes she could take it back.
ReplyDeleteCass lives in my state and I'm thinking of going to the release party. I'm surprised this novel is squeaky clean, that's rare in YA.
I love this cover and that alone is the reason it is on my TBR. I didn't know anything else about it until now. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYours is only the second review I've read on this, and the first basically trashed the book {a little less than tackfully}. The cover is one of the biggest things that drew me to the book initially, but I would still just love to read it. Its nice to see a good review about The Selection! =)
ReplyDeleteI also was very disappointed in the ending. I think there's a cliffhanger and then there's an unfinished book and this was the latter.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard any of the drama until after I finished the book, but I did debate over whether to post the review or not... I don't know whether I would have read it if I had known about the brouhaha beforehand. I also ended up enjoying it so I'm glad I didn't have to make that decision.
Team Maxon ftw!
I also was very disappointed in the ending. I think there's a cliffhanger and then there's an unfinished book and this was the latter.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard any of the drama until after I finished the book, but I did debate over whether to post the review or not... I don't know whether I would have read it if I had known about the brouhaha beforehand. I also ended up enjoying it so I'm glad I didn't have to make that decision.
Team Maxon ftw!
this sounds so good, Ive heard mixed reviews about this book but still an interesting one. Great review Karis glad you enjoyed it. x
ReplyDeleteI heard the whole drama about this book and I read very negative reviews - jeeej for Goodreads - but I'm also a cover lover. I had mixed feelings, but reading your review makes me decide that I'm going to give it a try anyway :) Not very soon, but I won't take it of my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it! :)
I just finished this one and I couldn't agree with you more! The cover is amazing, and I really, really LIKED the book....BUT....
ReplyDeleteI agree with your about the characters; from Celeste to Team Maxim (count me in there!). But the ending leaves a LOT to be desired. I mean, really....that's it? There isn't a page torn out? Will I read the next one? Well...yeah! I want to know what happens. But I feel cheated that I didn't get told in this book.