REVIEW: Selection

The Selection

Kiera Cass

The Selection #1

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: I have to say that all of my expectations were way beyond exceeded!  The synopsis sounded good to me, but I knew it was something that would have to be done right, and that there would be no gray area.  So I was a little hesitant when I did pick it up, but I was HOOKED!  Is it too soon to ask when the next one is coming out? :)

America and Aspen are so sweet.  The whole first part of the book I was totally rooting for them.  Sure they are in different castes, and financially it would be terrible for the both of them.  I felt like they really loved each other though, so they could pull through anything.  I think Aspen wants what is best for America and he is always looking out for her best interests.  However, I also think he seems to be guarding his heart and is hurting her in the process.

My heart was just aching for America, especially when she saw Aspen with another girl.  She had loved him for so long, and although she didn't know any details, it appeared as though he had moved on.  I felt like when she saw that, a switch was flipped and America suddenly was ready to go to the palace.  And even though at the time I didn't know what was going on between that girl and Aspen, his behavior was still ridiculous.  So, at that point, I was no longer rooting for Aspen.  I was totally all for the America living the single life!

And THEN America meets Maxon, and OMG!  I was laughing out loud.  I love the way they act around each other.  America was totally herself, as she wasn't trying to impress him at all.  She was straight up with him and told him how it is and really didn't seem to have the respect one should for a prince.  I loved that about her!  I totally think that she could fall in love with him.

This book was absolutely amazing.  The love triangle is one thing, but there is so much more to this book!  I loved reading about the relationships America has with these other girls, and some of them are definitely trying to compete.  I am so excited for the next book, and I am still rooting for Maxon!  I did love Aspen at one point too, but I think he would be better as a friend.  Maxon and America are perfect together.  Aspen will really have to win me over in the next book, or Maxon will have to do something extremely terrible for me to change my mind.