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The Selection #1-3

The Selection Series 1-3 Box Set

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De drie delen van Kiera Cass’ internationale bestsellertrilogie Selection in één e-book!
De selectie
Voor 35 meisjes is de selectie dé kans op een beter leven. Deelname biedt de mogelijkheid om in het paleis te wonen en te wedijveren om het hart van prins Maxon, met alle bijbehorende glamour, avondjurken en juwelen. Maar voor America Singer is de selectie een nachtmerrie. Ze moet haar geheime liefde opgeven en haar thuis verlaten om een felle strijd aan te gaan voor een kroon die ze niet wil. Maar dan ontmoet ze prins Maxon en twijfelt ze aan alles.
De elite
De groep van 35 meisjes is geslonken tot de elite van zes. De strijd om Maxons hart wordt steeds meedogenlozer. Hoe dichter America bij de kroon komt, hoe meer ze worstelt om erachter te komen naar wie haar hart echt Aspen of Maxon. Terwijl zij verscheurd wordt tussen haar twee toekomsten, weet de rest van de elite precies wat ze wil. America’s kans om te kiezen dreigt door haar vingers te glippen.
De one
De selectie heeft het leven van 35 meisjes voorgoed veranderd. En nu is de tijd aangebroken dat er een winnaar wordt gekozen. America had nooit durven hopen dat ze kans maakte op de kroon of om het hart van prins Maxon te kunnen veroveren. Maar nu de competitie haar einde nadert en de bedreigingen buiten de paleismuren steeds gewelddadiger worden, realiseert America zich hoeveel ze te verliezen heeft en hoe hard ze moet vechten voor de toekomst die ze wil.

1056 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

40 people are currently reading
1655 people want to read

About the author

Kiera Cass

40 books65.8k followers
100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

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5 stars
1,361 (58%)
4 stars
616 (26%)
3 stars
258 (11%)
2 stars
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32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
156 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2015
Sorry/Not Sorry for this review. I loved these books.

Wanted to like the Hunger Games but just couldn't get past the violence? Do Monday nights mean nothing to you without rose ceremonies? Then friends, this series is for you.

Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. In a dystopian world (yea!) where citizens are split into 8 distinct social and economic classes in society based on their occupations/talents/birth, the teenage prince is looking for a mate. How will that happen? In a modern twist of Cinderella's ball 30(?) young women from across the country are brought to the estate to compete Bachelor style for the Prince's hand in marriage. And of course it's televised live once a week to the country at large. Meet America, a "5" (artist class-how awesome is it that artists are not at the bottom the barrel at "8"!), a gifted musician. She loves the boy next door (a "6"-lower caste than her) in secret. She is selected for the competition and must learn how to navigate her new status as a "2" at the castle, as well as navigating her feelings for the boy back home vs. the prince at present.

Look, parts of this are silly. There are petty girl fights, overly dramatic moments, a teenage love story etc. If this is not your cup of tea, then don't read the series. This is not getting my 5 stars because it was the *most amazing book I ever read*, no. It gets full 5 stars because were very entertaining and the perfect winter reads.

Read if:
You like YA dystopian books
You like series
You like fairy tales
You are part of #BachelorNation

P.S. After I finished the series I read up on the author. She started college as a musical theatre major. Automatic points win in my book. On her website she lists the following: Things I love-Office supplies, boy bands, desserts. Umm hello?! Can we be friends?!
Profile Image for Jenny Jo Weir.
1,552 reviews81 followers
December 20, 2018
This series started off with so much promise. The first book is solid. Great plot and interesting in all aspects. The following books aren’t as strong. I’m not into fickle female characters and much less when it’s the protagonist. I would have enjoyed it more had she made this character stronger and given her a little more decisiveness.
Profile Image for Rameela (Star).
662 reviews255 followers
July 23, 2018
The Selection, The Elite, The One by Kiera Cass
Rating: 4-5/5

I’ve read this book three times now and haven’t left a proper review so I’m going to share my full feelings about this book as best as I possibly can. For those that haven’t read the series, what’re you doing? Go read it! It’s adorable and amazing and it makes you feel like you’re watching a rom-com but also a drama, it’s FANTASTIC!

The series is about the country of Illea (previously known as the United States of America) and the tradition of the current Prince to choose a bride by a process known as The Selection. Prince Maxon, heartthrob and wonderfully misunderstood, has to choose between 35 young ladies. Naturally, drama ensues. The story follows America Singer, fiery young woman that’s only there to help her family get some extra money (and maybe to get away from someone who broke up with her).
America is sassy, bold, and practically fearless. Her character is so fun to follow and learn about. Her interactions with Maxon are absolutely GOLD, and it was just fun to watch their relationship grow. The friendship between America and the maids was so wonderful! And Marlee and Kriss were also really great characters! Marlee’s story in particular is even better the next time you read the books!

Each of the main females had a different characteristic and had full personalities. Even Celeste goes through character development by the end of the series! It was refreshing to see a female lead that wasn’t perfect and had more to her story than just finding love. It was especially nice seeing a woman who loved her family so unconditionally. I feel like a lot of YA teenagers play with the trope of having “overbearing” parents or just the fact that the teenager just doesn’t agree with their parents. Though, America and her mother have their differences, it was nice seeing that America still appreciated her mother even if she was sort of like Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.
Maxon was absolutely perfect! He’s adorable and funny and entirely relatable even if he is technically a Prince/Soon-to-be-King. I loved seeing his journey throughout the series, especially navigating his multiple relationships while also trying to please his father and be a good Prince. Itw as nice seeing all of his different sides, especially seeing him vulnerable.

I have a love-hate relationship with Aspen Leger. On one hand, I see his side, and I get that he’s prideful and wants to take care of his family. On the other, I see that as his weakness. He’s too prideful and I don’t really like his character, even at the end. However, there is definitely more to his story than whatever is in the trilogy, since this story is told from America’s POV and not his. So I can’t completely hate him even if I want to.

Even the minor characters like Lucy, Anne, Mary, Silvia, and the rest of the Singer family are developed into different personalities each with strengths and weaknesses. I loved how much thought went into each character and how each character’s story was wrapped up at the end of the trilogy!

Of course, the story isn’t absolutely perfect. There are some parts in The One that felt way too sped up and could have been told better. And there were definitely scenes where I got so frustrated with America that I had to put the book down for a few moments. But that’s all part of the experience and that’s why this series is something I keep coming back to read!

If you like romantic-comedies, dystopia, drama, or really fleshed out characters, this story is for you!
Profile Image for Dr. Andy.
2,537 reviews253 followers
June 14, 2016
I reread the whole series, and I wanted to add it so I'm doing it like this :P
85 reviews11 followers
April 28, 2021
Dit was een wedstrijd waarbij je iedere keer wilt verder lezen omdat het zo spannend is. Zeker als de eerste 3 boeken bij zitten. Ik twijfelde heel het verhaal door wie Maxon zou kiezen en uiteindelijk bleek het dan toch America na alles wat er gebeurde.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patrí.
376 reviews42 followers
December 13, 2018
Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking re-reading this when I didn't like it haha I find the first book less annoying and the last book more annoying. The whole trilogy could've been really compressed to one book and we wouldn't miss any important details.
12 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
I just re read these 3 books for the billionth time and it is hands down one of my favorites. if you’ve never read these books you must. i honestly think i re read every few years so it’s long enough to forget some things and be surprised all over again!
Profile Image for Lois.
10 reviews
July 23, 2017
I like YA books, but I don't like romance. Then why did I read 3 books of this series??? Well, I started reading these books, because someone told me that they are really chiché but good. She was right. This series is really cliché. Nothing in the story really surprised me. If you read a lot of YA books and dystopian books than you'll know how this series ends. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so! For me, this series falls into the category: So bad that it is good.

The first book, The Selection, was so bad that it was good. I loved all the side characters, except Mer. Every character felt like a person, so why not Mer, the main character of the story? Mer felt like a 2D cardboard. They told a lot about her, but it was never shown. I loved Maxon, May, Aspen and her dad. I loved the first book and I finished it in a few days. The ending felt short. I didn't even realise that that was the ending.

The Elite was my least favourite book. This book continued where The Selection ended.
Again, my problem was Mer. I thought she was quite annoying and the book was filled with fighting between her and Maxon/Aspen('cause you know: If you love someone you should show it by being a pain in the ass all the time and complain about little things) It was a quick read, but that was because I had the feeling nothing really happened in this book.

This One was a whole different story! My favourite book in the whole series. I don't know what the writer did, but this book was much better than the first 2! Mer felt more like a person in this one and more of her character was shown, rather than told. She even felt like a completely different character.
My biggest problem with the series, besides Mer, are the guards (not that the rebels where any bit better). They are literally the worst guards ever. My tip for the palace: You may want to train your guards better!
I like all the side characters and how they fit into the story(except the guards, they were useless). This book didn't feel empty and the story really came more to its place, although this book is still filled with way too many plotholes. I love everything that happened in this story and even enjoyed the little bits of action.


This series is great if you're are 14 and love YA romance, but if you're older and have read so many YA books, you can read it for fun. The characters are pretty fled. The plot decides what happened to the characters and therefore some strange choices can be made. To keep the story rolling the 'attack' of rebels is used. This happens in all 3 books, so it's not a very creative choice. Besides, even the guard ability to guard the palace is bad(You guys had ONE JOB), because how else would the rebels get into the palace?
It's not a serious book or even a good book. However, it is a fun book, because of the clichés and the strange choices the characters make in the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joya.
807 reviews
Read
October 15, 2016
The Books:
The Selection
The Elite
The One

The Characters:

America Singer- So I get what everyone was saying about her being annoying. She kind of annoyed me in the beginning, but she kind of grew on me by the end, except she still had her annoying moments.

Prince Maxon- WHERE CAN I GET ONE?! Maxon, there are not enough words to describe him, I love him so much and he is one of my top book boyfriends. He is so romantic and just amazing.

Aspen Leger- To be honest, I didn't really like him. Of course, he was a cool guy, and handsome, but I was not wanting him to end up with America in the end.

Marlee- Marlee was awesome. And so nice.

Celeste- I hated her in the beginning, but she redeemed herself in my eyes by the end.

Kirss-I actually didn't really like her all that much...

Anne-She was okay, a bit rigid, but I like her enough. I want her to make me a dress.

Mary-I liked her enough, she was cool.

Lucy- I loved her a lot, she was so cool and she deserves what she got at the end.

Elise- She was kind of closed off a bit.

King Clarkson- I didn't like him, enough said.

Queen Amberly- She was lovely, I really liked her.

Other Characters Silvia was cool. I liked Carter. August and Georgia were awesome.

Synopsis:

The Plot- Was really cool and fun to read.

The Ending- Was awesome. I loved it, but it had me scared for a little bit.

What I Love- I loved everything honestly.

What I Didn't Love- Nothing that I can think of at the moment.

Final Thoughts- Each book was amazing. I can't wait to read books 4 and 5 and the novellas.

Final Rating- The average rating was 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Jordan.
44 reviews
October 17, 2020
Yes, I reread the entire Selection original trilogy.

Yes, I slightly regret my choices.

I will say the positives of the Selection trilogy is that it does manage to suck me in even though it’s so, so frustrating. That’s a talent.

I will say the negatives is that overall, it’s a very imbalanced series. The third book has some of my favorite things (The contestants finally become friends! Celeste redemption arc! The rebels are real characters! America seems to finally know what she wants! The king dies!!) but it all happens so quickly that none of it is able to have an impact. The king and queen die off page, Aspen and Lucy’s relationship is thrown in there, Celeste is killed in the same book that she got her redemption arc in, and the happy ending is rushed in right after. None of it felt earned.

I appreciate the era that this original trilogy was published in, but I’m happy that more YA novels are stepping away from The Hunger Games model.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
63 reviews
November 30, 2019
5/5 big coup de cœur de la mort.
alors WAOU, je pense que je ne peux même pas poser de mot pour expliquer comment j’ai aimé cette trilogie. je peux désormais dire qu’elle fait partie de mes sagas préférées. l’univers est fascinant, envoûtant, il nous transporte au palais. je n’avais d’ailleurs pas du tout envie de le quitter. les personnages sont vraiment tous incroyables et la romance est juste MA-GNI-FIQUE.
«brise-moi le cœur, brise-le cent fois si ça te chante. de toute façon il a toujours été à toi.»
Profile Image for Devanshi (ambivert_reader).
132 reviews
November 10, 2020
This book or should I say series was so so amazing! The way the stroy unfolded from America's family to the how she applied for selection and the problems she faces and all the other girls, her tasks and everything all were so good.
I was so much worried at a point of time and I was wondering who's going to be selected but oh I did wait for it and the ending was just want I wanted.
This book is an amazing series you wouldn't want to leave. It is a fast paced read but I took more time than I would usually take. For beginners it's a nice book and for those who like young adult genre.
108 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2021
Another reviewer said these books were like junk food, you knew you shouldn’t be eating it and you felt alittle sick but couldn’t stop. I was looking for a good love story (think Pride and Prejudice) and the first book was free on Amazon Prime. I read all 3 books in a long weekend. They are pretty terrible really but terrible in a train wreck kind of way, I guess I could have looked away but I wanted to know how it ended. Apparently there are more books but I’m done here. Now on to look for a real love story.
Profile Image for LizzieM.
249 reviews
March 12, 2021
I LOVE this series! There are some twists, but this is definitely a great series. I normally don't read a lot of books and/or series that seem to be all about the romance, but The Selection Series is different. It has action and a love triangle, so it was a little more interesting than some of the other romance novels/series. I could NOT put them down! Team Maxon!!
Profile Image for Angela Maria Hart.
199 reviews344 followers
Read
April 20, 2016
Do you like dystopian literature (a.ka. "The Hunger Games")? Do you enjoy watching "The Bachelor"? Then, you need to read these books; "The Selection" series combines "The Hunger Games" and "The Bachelor" into one.

I made a book review video, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmRnJ....
83 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2016
Wow! This was an adventure for sure! It took quite some time to get into the story, but at long last it's over (and then I discovered that there's a fourth book ( -_-')

I just finished the third book so I'm still starry-eyed about the ending, and horrified about what happened just before that. Celeste did NOT deserve that fate!

I've grown to like this series (especially towards the end of the third book), but also hate it in a way so it's very confusing to write a review.

I love way the author makes the characters grow and develop, but at the same time our MC hasn't reallly changed much.

Perhaps she is the biggest problem I have with the series as a whole (discounting the next book(s) as I haven't read them yet of course).

America Singer is IMHO spoiled, bratty and indecisive as all hell. And don't you DARE call her pretty!
Throughout the story:
- She IS/WAS in love with Aspen (and after he broke up with her, she didn't let go. Fast forward to her meeting him again in the palace... BAM! Instalove! *sweatdrop O_o' ),
- She FALLS in love with Maxon and...
- Strings them BOTH along for the ride right up until the end.

To be fair, she was actually planning to tell Aspen that she'd let him go (in the third book! And only after her own sister had to tell her it was wrong to keep him hanging), but them she assumes he's going to confess to her again (it's beyond me why she would think that though...), so she gets angry and throws a bitch fit. And of course, conveniently forgets to tell him that from now on, she's only in love with Maxon.

Of course it leads to a confrontation with Maxon (because last-minute romantic drama) and excalates into a misunderstanding that could cost her a marriage.

She doesn't deserve Aspen OR Maxon. The fact that everything turned out to be happy-skippy is that the trilogy HAD to have a happy end. And I keep stomping my feet in frustration over HOW it got there! It didn't nicely segway into the developments. No, it just gets dropped onto you like a ton of bricks.

I need a distraction before I bash the keyboard so hard it breaks...
So let's move on to the boys in question.

Aspen is sweet, protective and has a hero-complex in that he always takes care of other people, even if it hurts him.
He breaks up with our MC, later sees her back at the palace and tells her he won't give up on winning her heart back. Until the very end he acts like a very overprotective brother. And it's been like that since the beginning, so I just can't really see him and America as a couple. He's a hard worker, she complains about her work all the time. He wants to provide for her, she is happy to let him do it for her.

*Sigh, I think I'm biased against out lovely MC, but I'm angry at her for how she treated her (prospective) BF's


Speaking of prospective BF's, here's Maxon...
Poor, confused, abused Maxon.
I understand that he's not perfect. Indeed, he has a host of personal (and emotional) problems. But none of them justify America's treatment of him. At every turn, she's comparing him with Aspen trying to see which one can make HER the happiest. And every time he tries to open up to her (and inevitably makes a misstep, because her emotional state is like a friggin MINEFIELD) she pushes him away in the worst way possible.

When we came to the argument at the end of book 3, I was completely rooting for the Prince.
He may have grown as an individual thanks to America, but he didn't deserve what she did to him. She broke his heart in the worst of ways. And given his difficulty with personal relationships because of what his father did to him, I'm about ready to strangle her.
But the minute things actually start to get dangerous, he's back up in the I-love-her-we-were-made-for-each-other-saddle....
(I can chalk it up to his issues, but I'm going to leave him alone. He's been through enough already. If he thinks he can be happy with her as his wife, I'm happy to leave him with her)



Phew, this seems to have turned out to be an America Singer-bashfest...
I can't help it, a lot of things about her (including all the above and her way of jumping to (the wrong) conclusions immediately) just rub me the wrong way...
Use your head dammit! And try to think of other people's feelings before you hurt them.

I've got a few points that I actually liked in this trilogy (which will probably feel a bit... flat after my tirade above, but we can try :D)
- I really liked the way the girls interacted with each other (even though the focus was only on the few that would stay until the end, it was fun)

- I also really liked Sylvia (I've got a soft spot for strict mentor-types, even though our sweet Mer dropped her like a used tissue the moment she was done with her)

- Maxon's backstory (the little we found out about it anyway) was heartbreaking. I can't help wanting to hug him and tell him everything is going to be ok. I have a weird fascination with broken characters, and the way he's written drops just enough hints that there is indeed something very wrong with him.

- I loved sweet Queen Amberly. She has a host of problems of her own, but manages to stay strong all the way to the end. And she's such a strong woman! I really admire her.

- The maids were also great, each with their own backstory and circumstances and all so eager to help... They've turned out to be very good friends for America, but I wish they'd slap her for some of her more ridiculous assumptions and reactions.


I think I'm done, writing it all out has calmed me a great deal. All in all, the idea behind the story was great, and the way the Selection was organized was weird, but alright.
The only thing I was sorely missing was some world-building... Telling someone that life outside the Palace for the lower castes is horrible isn't the same as experiencing it through the writing. Also the two factions of rebels were there, but we were so lacking in information that the assault at the end came as a genuine (but not completely unexpected) surprise.
I'd have expected some more eerie writing on the wall (that sent chills up my spine, I loved it!)


Now I think I'm all done, so now I can start looking out for the fourth book.
Can't wait to read it :D

Over and Out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2021
So emotionally connecting. Never wanted to put it down.
Profile Image for Transgirlbooks.
73 reviews11 followers
March 11, 2019
"I wish I was as true an artist as you so that I could find a way to tell you what you’ve become to me. America, my love, you are sunlight falling through trees. You are laughter that breaks through sadness. You are the breeze on a too-warm day. You are clarity in the midst of confusion.

You are not the world, but you are everything that makes the world good. Without you, my life would still exist, but that’s all it would manage to do.

You said that to get things right one of us would have to take a leap of faith. I think I’ve discovered the canyon that must be leaped, and I hope to find you waiting for me on the other side.

I love you, America. "


I will review the whole trilogy in this post.
1) The Selection - ★★★
2) The Elite - ★★
3) The One - ★★★

I honestly love how the trilogy started. The concept of caste were so cool, the monarchy system and the dystopian feelings reeking out of it. And these books were a fast read, indeed. You can finish a book in a day.

America was such a strong character at first, fighting what she wants, optimistic and hopeful.But in book 2, believe me, she was worst than Bella (from Twilight). I really hate her so much. She was so reckless, indecisive, aggressive, irrational and stupid. All she ever did in book was whined about Maxon being with other girls, but that's the Selection what was all about and not her selection.

Everything should have been ended in book 2 if she was just agreed with Maxon and not being so picky. The of course, our America was so so stupid. "Oh I need time to think" , "Oh I need more time for this" but all you ever did was make out with your ex, Aspen. It's really so fucking horrible! FUCK YOU GIRL! CAN YOU JUST PUT ALL YOUR SHIT TOGETHER?

THEN AGAIN, IT WAS A RELIEF. It got better in the 3rd book. The America from book 1 slowly ascended from the grave. I really love the scene wherein she stood for the old man thief and offered all of her accessories to pay it's debt. That was so cool! Still, I'm annoyed to her sometimes especially she was playing so hard to get. I mean girl, isn't it obvious? Maxon really loves you! All you need to do is confess.

But our girl, has a high ego for herself, don't want to admit and wants the Prince said it first. LIKE MY GOD GIRL! STUPIDITY ON ITS FINEST. Ugh.

It was so sad when Celeste died (as I am finally liking her in the end) and the Queen as well. I feel like the ending was rushed and after the big catastrophe in the castle, they moved on to wedding. So there's a really fast transition with that. We didn't get to see the grieving and funeral.

I don't like the idea of Aspen walking America in her wedding. It should have been her Mother instead. I mean, if I were Maxon, its really weird to see my wife walking down the aisle with her ex. It's a big off for me.

Overall, the ending was just a bit rushed and I don't think I will continue with the next 2 books. I heard America's daughter is much worse than her. So its just a total waste of time. CONGRATULATIONS STILL TO KIERA CASS :)
Profile Image for Nolan.
3,569 reviews38 followers
May 25, 2017
This compilation is the first three books in what appears to be a five-book series.

America Singer has grown up in a country that, while it occupies the space that was once the United States, is vastly different from it. In this country, our beloved constitution has been replaced by a dictatorial monarchy, and the nation has been divided into classes. There are eight such classes, with the eighth one being the homeless and a generalized criminal element.

The prince of the kingdom is about to marry, and he will choose from 35 young women who submitted their names. America wanted nothing to do with the contest, but her mother particularly insisted that she sign up. Her family is part of the artists class as this book opens, which means that they aren’t the lowest of the low, but they are prone to going hungry and being cold much of the time.

Naturally, America is chosen. I hesitate to dismiss this as a Hunger Games knockoff, because I enjoyed the plots of all three books and flew through them rather rapidly. But it feels way similar—poor cold hungry girl from the provinces is brought to the despotic capital where she must achieve despite great odds against her.

America and 34 other young women arrive and are put through a variety of tests and interactions so that the young prince can determine who will be the eventual queen.

The book is a love triangle, and that component ultimately grated on my nerves. America simply couldn’t make up her mind—did she love the prince? But what about the new palace guard who had been her boyfriend back in the cold hungry poor days?

This is quite good young-adult dystopia. There’s a fair amount of kiss-and-cuddle but no profanity and no descriptions of sex. There’s plenty of intrigue here, too, as the prince’s family frequently comes under attack by rebels from both the north and south who demand changes in the way the nation is governed.
There’s plenty of intrigue here among the women seeking the prince’s favor. It is all the horror you’d think it would be when you put 35 women in their late teens together in one place.

I’ve done a terrible job with this review. The plots in these first three books kept me keenly involved and reading. There’s plenty of uncertainty here to keep you engaged—will the kingdom be able to solve its problems before the monarchy is overthrown altogether? Will America Singer choose her long-time friend from back home or fight to win the affection of the prince? This is a fun relatively quick summer read, and I seriously doubt if you attempt this that you’ll fling it down in outrage at having wasted your time. It way helps if you enjoy young-adult dystopia.
155 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2024
Main characters: Maxon, Aspen and America

“I’d rather lose you now than have gone a lifetime without this.”

Summary: The selection series is about America and a love triangle between her, her now ex boyfriend: Aspen and Prince Maxon.

Review: Oh my god, could these books be any worse? 1st: I did not like one character, not ONE SINGLE CHARACTER. Aspen is a sexist dude who clearly doesn't live in the 21st century. Maxon is a lonely little boy who will melt when a girl says "I love you". Just because Kriss was saving her kiss, and he was fighting with America, he goes and MAKES OUT WITH CELESTE. Like boy do I hate him.

And America, God. She is such a pick me, I literally remembering highlighting the words "I'm not like the other girls" LIKE ON LORD I'M GONNA DO SOMETHING. Her indecisive nature is so frustrating and annoying. Like girl, get a grip and JUST FUCKING CHOOSE. These books have made me so angry, I cannot express it. It is written so poorly, the character's personalities suddenly change from one book to another.

And the plot, ew, the plot. If someone told me I had to fight with even ONE other girl to get a guy, I'd walk the other way. Now imagine having to fight with 35 girls. And those 35 girls are actually intimate with Maxon, at the same time he is intimate with me? Oh fuck to the no. And then there's Aspen, oh stupid Aspen, he was there for America throughout the books, and that weird ass girl lost him because of her indecisive nature. Oh lord help me I hated these books, do yourself a favour and don't read them.

PS: Do people actually like Maxon? God, just because he almost died and spoke a few pretty little sentences does NOT make him a good person. Do y'all not remember him literally kissing other girls while he got jealous of Aspen even though America hadn't seen him in months (atleast as far as he knew). And then he was walking hand in hand with Kriss when he saw America touching Aspen's chest (with a shirt on you dirty little people) and then suddenly THE WEDDING IS OFF. Oh, my, lord. If you actually liked these books, or any of the character, you're twelve years old.


Tropes:
-Fantasy romance
-Love triangle
-Forced proximity
-Insta love
-Strangers to lovers
-Right person wrong time
Profile Image for Jennifer.
135 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2017
These books have been on my TBR for a very long time. I always thought the plot was interesting but I had no interest in reading about "The Bachelor". When I saw the first book on sale I knew now was the right time to get it. I had been in a little reading slump for several weeks and needed something light and fun.

I have really enjoyed this series. It wasn't the one I read the fastest, but only took me a couple days to finish all three books. I read the second one in less than 12 hours. The pace and length was wonderful and it kept me engaged. I thought the plot moved along quickly and I found myself amazed at how quickly I was reading it. I just kept turning the pages wanting more.

I loved that the two main characters didn't have instalove. There was a very strong attraction, but America didn't look at the prince and swoon. She still wanted to leave until pretty much the second half of the second book. I wish that the author had played on the fact that she wanted to be his spy with the girls, but then it might have changed the story a little. I also saw the big twist coming in the first book, but I was happy about it.

The second book was probably my favorite book. I just love teen angst and this book had it in spades. As much as I love this, I didn't like that America became wishy-washy in what she wanted. Every time that Maxon would do something that she didn't want, she would want to go back home. I don't see a very healthy marriage if she's always second guessing her husband.

The last book was a great tie up for everything. I was a little shocked by two things that happened and this is what made the book enjoyable. I was happy with the way that the book ended, but I was left wanting more. There was so much that the author could have done within the space of the plot. This was the most disappointing thing about the series. I left each book wishing that there was more depth and story to the it.

I would recommend this series to all of my friends, you included. It's a quick fast read and it was very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SheySmiles.
21 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2021
Saga La Selección

Pobreza. Necesidad. Amor. Decisión.
Son las palabras con las que la defino.

Esta saga se compone de 5 libros sin embargo, solamente voy a hablar de los tres primeros.

El fundamento de esta historia se basa en una estratificación social de la población por niveles en las que cuanto más bajo sea este peores condiciones de vida y profesión tendrán.

Pese a las quejas de los sectores más vulnerables, se acepta en mayor o menor medida esa forma de vivir. Hay muy pocas posibilidades de ascender y obtener una vida mejor, siendo la más frecuente el casarse con un hombre de nivel superior.

Las familias ponen todas sus esperanzas en que sus hijas conozcan a alguien que acepte dicha unión, con el fin de que puedan aspirar ya no solo a mejores condiciones sino en algunos casos a poder comer casi todos los días.

La situación es límite y tanto es así que las relaciones extra matrimoniales están prohibidas bajo pena de muerte.

En este contexto social comienza la historia de América Singer. Una joven de nivel 5 enamorada de Aspen un joven de una casta inferior a ella, la cual se verá forzada por su familia a participar en la Selección. Esto consiste en que se elegirán a 15 jóvenes con el objetivo de conquistar al príncipe y futuro heredero Maxon.

Lo que en principio fue una argucia para contentar a su madre y poder ahorrar dinero para casarse en secreto con Aspen, tras una ruptura por parte de este último se convierte en una realidad. Aunque su corazón está roto América entra a formar parte de ello.

En medio de todo el vaivén de emociones vuelve a aparecer Aspen con una historia muy distinta a la que nuestra protagonista recuerda y desata de nuevo sentimientos sobre él, pero..¿todo ha cambiado?
¿Cuál es vuestro elegido?

Os animo a que leáis está historia llena de locura y que engancha desde la primera página. Pensé que sería una cosa totalmente distinta a lo que ha sido y no me arrepiento. Ahora, vuestras opiniones.
¡Nos leemos!
Profile Image for Inge (Inge1990).
500 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2016
Alle drie de boeken in de selectie serie, zodat je lekker meteen door kunt lezen.

Allereerste de selectie: America is een vijf, een musicus die met haar familie in Carolina woont. Ze heeft al 2 jaar een relatie met Aspen, een zes. Met hem kan ze de hele wereld aan en ze zijn aan het sparen om te trouwen. Ondanks dat ze als ze trouwen verlaagt naar een 6, is America alleen al gelukkig als ze samen met Aspen kan zijn. Dan word de selectie aangekondigd en blijkt America een van de gelukkige meisjes te zijn om voor de liefde van de prins te strijden.

De elite:
America is onzeker, hoe moet het met de liefde die ze voelt voor de prins, maar ook de liefde en vertrouwdheid van het samen zijn met Aspen? Mer zoals ze vaak word genoemd is ondertussen al doorgedrongen tot de elite. De laatste 10 kandidaten. Ze twijfelt of ze het wel in zich heeft om prinses te worden. Want ondanks dat ze zich vooral voor de selectie had opgegeven om Aspen een plezier te doen is ze wel van de prins gaan houden.

De one:
Hierin word beschreven wie dat de nieuwe prinses word. Helaas zijn er ook veel aanvallen van rebellen, die tegen de monarchie zijn. Het boek heeft wel een happy end.

Het is een serie die makkelijk weg leest. Wel weer de standaard young adult driehoeksverhouding (Maxon-America-Aspen).. Het is niet een extreem spannend boek, maar wel zo danig geschreven dat je verder wilt lezen. Maar 1 keer lezen is dan wel weer voldoende. Het is een leuk boek voor zo tussendoor of lekker op vakantie, maar het is geen hoogdravende young adult boek.
7 reviews
March 2, 2017
This series is basically a combination of the hunger games and the bachelor. Takes the dystopian future almost directly from the hunger games concept (e.g. lower caste is equivalent to districts, you can't change your cast, the top castes have the most money/influence and are unaware of the misfortune of the lower castes) including the fact that if you're chosen in the selection, your family gets money.

I find it very frustrating that the lead character, America, is the typical female lead in a teen romance where she doesn't think she's pretty enough, good enough, etc. and the boy couldn't possibly like her. On top of that, every time she's doesn't constantly receive confirmation that Maxon loves her, she gives into insecurities and questions his feelings. This goes on throughout each of the books in the series. All the characters seem very flat. The only reason I gave this novel 2 stars instead of 1 is the fact that it tries to get the female characters to all appreciate one another (even though the majority of the book is them finding faults in each other) and the fact that it's an easy read (read all 3 books in the span of 2 days).

The writing itself is mediocre and a lot of it is cliche. Comparing Aspen's love to be like a spark and Maxon's like a slow burning ember seems very overdone. The characters are not flushed out well enough and very one-dimensional.

Overall wouldn't read the rest of the books in associated series by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michaela.
Author 41 books10 followers
June 27, 2020
Ich liebe diese Reihe - da kommt das kleine Mädchen in mir durch. Es ist eine wunderschöne Prinzessinnengeschichte, wobei die Prinzessin keine sein will und das Aschenputtel-Thema ist immer wieder ein Klassiker, den man aufgreifen kann.
Und Kiera Cass macht das auf richtig tolle Weise (jaha, da kommt meine romantische Ader durch). America ist eine tolle Protagonistin und sie war zu jedem Zeitpunkt glaubwürdig - das ist etwas, was mir oft fehlt (und mir selbst nicht immer gelingt). Gut, das Love Triangle hätte jetzt nicht sein müssen, aber ich glaub, das gehört dazu ;) Die Umstände, in der America aufwächst, das Kastensystem, was aus Amerika geworden ist und wie die Welt dort aufgebaut ist und nach welchen Regeln sie spielt - ich liebe es. Es ist alles ineinander schlüssig, es ist stimmig, glaubhaft. Okay, vielleicht nicht ganz, wenn man die kurze Zeitspanne bedenkt, in der das alles passiert sein soll - dennoch Hut ab, ich war wirklich beeindruckt (und hab die Buchreihe schon als Weihnachtsgeschenk vorgemerkt).

Long Story short: wenn ich jemals ein Literaturbesprechungsvideo mach, ist diese Buchreihe definitiv meine erste Wahl :D
Profile Image for Divena.
13 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2022
it has been a long time that I have read these books. I was like 13 years old at that time and I loved them as 13 years old. When I just busy scrolling through booktok, I saw a lot of recommendation for this bookserie. And I thought 'What do I remember of this bookserie.' So I have been thinking about what I remember and what I thought about it.

These books are really nice if you just wanna disappear from your own world. With a cup of tea under a blanket. These books give me hunger games/ bachelorette vibes. The girls have to compete with each other of the prince his heart. And there is a love triangle!!!

when I look back at this I was very annoyed at the Main character America. I was first so confused like 'Why do I see the name America every time to call this main character.' It took me 1/2 book to realise that it was her name. Then I just was so annoyed with her and Aspen and then with her and max. I was like 'girl can you just please choose!!' Soooo yeahhhh..... that is the love triangle. But let's put that away. It is a very nice bookserie to read. If you love just to disappear and hide from responsibilities.



Profile Image for Mery SG.
252 reviews57 followers
June 28, 2017
Entretenida pero tampoco nada especial. Lo que me enganchó de esta saga fue el toque rebelde e inconformista de la protagonista y el pueblo en contra del sistema de castas. Entre tanto romanticismo, las partes de acción y aventura venían como regalos caídos del cielo. Una pena que solo sea más notable a partir del segundo libro.

Lo que más me ha gustado: la relación de América con su padre y su carácter luchador y justiciero; por ejemplo, que no le importa incumplir las leyes o romper con lo establecido si es algo por el bien común. También la personalidad de Maxon.

Lo que no me ha gustado: la constante indecisión en el triangulo amoroso que se presenta. A veces llega a ser desesperante. Los personajes se utilizan a otros según lo que les conviene. Es decir, todos son "segundos platos" en caso de que la primera opción falle. Bonita representación de relación amorosa...(ironía). Y lo de tener a 35 chicas rondándote y luego ir saliendo con todas a la vez para averiguar cuál te gusta más o cuál quieres convertir en princesa...mejor ni hablamos.
Profile Image for Kayla Chervenka.
13 reviews
January 2, 2024
Eek, the first word that comes to mind during and after reading this book is DISAPPOINTING. This trilogy had so much potential in its story line, the reason I had picked it up. Come to find the authors inability to describe a room, accurately update the reader on the CONSTANT changing opinion of the protagonist, and the stubborn refusal to take this storyline beyond that of a sexist Bachelor game show with a crown.

Almost as if the author was determined not to reach into the depths of rebellion, intrigue, and the protagonists personal growth from a child to a strong woman, the novel droned on contemplated two boys while following the unjust laws she complains about the entire trilogy. There was a MASSIVE missed opportunity for these books.

I have never had as much of an urge to rewrite a series myself than I did reading this one. If your interests are purely of teenage romance with the unrealistic maturity of a 30 year old, then try this one out. But don’t get too interested in the rebellion, SPOILER: It goes nowhere.
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