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The Selection #1-4
The Selection Series 1-4 Box Set
The first four books in Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series are now available in one ebook collection!
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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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, and leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
And in The Heir, see how the story continues once America has found her happily ever after.
Includes:
The Selection
The Elite
The One
The Heir
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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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, and leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
And in The Heir, see how the story continues once America has found her happily ever after.
Includes:
The Selection
The Elite
The One
The Heir
1456 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2014
549 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read
About the author
Kiera Cass
40 books65.8k followers100 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 22, 2017
I like Maxon, I don't love him like some fan girls do, though. I definitely like Maxon more than America, even if they are both wishy-washy as fuck. Flakes, I tell you. So is Aspen. But my point is, I enjoyed this POV so much more than America's. I think I would've liked the series better from Maxon's POV. He is far more interesting.
I don't give a flying fuck about Aspen. Sorry. Nope. Nope. He's one of the reasons I really didn't like this series more. I hated the "love triangle" part.
I don't give a flying fuck about Aspen. Sorry. Nope. Nope. He's one of the reasons I really didn't like this series more. I hated the "love triangle" part.
June 24, 2015
I absolutely lov ed every one of these books. Can't wait for #5 to come out.
April 13, 2018
Honestly probably on par with other YA distopian novels in terms of overall quality. But it is the Hunger Games and the Bachelor combined, so you should let yourself enjoy this guilty read series.
December 2, 2019
The Selection Series is an amazing romance series like I can't even describe to you how much of an amazing series this is! I love it, 5 stars for sure.
The Selection shows us that even that we are living in a monarchy girls are girls, America shows us that even while wearing a ballgown you do you, it doesn't matter who the prince is, it doesn't matter who is in charge the palace and the monarch cannot change who you are. Even her love for Maxon doesn't change. Once Maxon was shot, America still acted like a warrior in a dress even to try and save him. It is a great representative for women and young girls.
The Selection shows us that even that we are living in a monarchy girls are girls, America shows us that even while wearing a ballgown you do you, it doesn't matter who the prince is, it doesn't matter who is in charge the palace and the monarch cannot change who you are. Even her love for Maxon doesn't change. Once Maxon was shot, America still acted like a warrior in a dress even to try and save him. It is a great representative for women and young girls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
IDK WHY IM DOING THIS TBH
September 26, 2024
i read these in highschool
I loved this story and need to reread it again and again. The romance is perfect and it’s like the bachelor and the hunger games/divergent put into one.
I loved this story and need to reread it again and again. The romance is perfect and it’s like the bachelor and the hunger games/divergent put into one.
November 22, 2024
5 stars for the memories (and the first strictly romance series I ever read)
November 25, 2018
It’s like bachelor meets hunger games! But not bloody! Loved all the books! Finished the entire series in less than a month!
October 10, 2018
I loved the first three books
You really love the characters in the first 3 books they are wonderful, and the story is thrilling. It has ups and downs. The fourth book when they switch to the daughter it feels as if the author hates the character. It’s hard to like her much less love her. You feel for her, and her situation, but you don’t rally behind the character. You simply tolerate her hoping for the best.
You really love the characters in the first 3 books they are wonderful, and the story is thrilling. It has ups and downs. The fourth book when they switch to the daughter it feels as if the author hates the character. It’s hard to like her much less love her. You feel for her, and her situation, but you don’t rally behind the character. You simply tolerate her hoping for the best.
October 25, 2017
Now these books are amazing. They are full of love and passion. They always leave you on the edge of your seat. However, they are predictable. But they do have some surprising things that do happen that make you like 😱 ok. But seriously they are by far the best books I’ve read in a while. They are great. If love romance seriously give this series a try
September 20, 2018
I enjoyed the books enough to read the complete series. However, they are very wordy, lots of dialogue explaining the feelings of the characters. I felt it repeated over and over the conflict that was already shown by the character's actions. The story could have been written in two novels without missing any details. The novellas are much better, not so wordy.
June 10, 2018
I cried!
I loved all of thy the books, but at the end of the heir I was seriously bawling!!! I didn't expect it at all! Now I need to go download the next book. I need to know what happens!!!
I loved all of thy the books, but at the end of the heir I was seriously bawling!!! I didn't expect it at all! Now I need to go download the next book. I need to know what happens!!!
August 6, 2016
Enchanting, Intense, Engrossing, Endearing, Refreshing & Dreamy! An Amazing Read! I Loved It!
July 7, 2017
fourth of july time for an american flag made out of selection series book covers to float around lol
August 16, 2017
such a good series
Set back in time
Where a princess needs a husband, they use the selection to find the right man.
Same with guys, they need a wife.
Set back in time
Where a princess needs a husband, they use the selection to find the right man.
Same with guys, they need a wife.
May 24, 2018
this series was so great! America is a completely relatable character and maxon is just dreamy. couldn't get enough of those two.
February 1, 2021
Toxic Relationships 101
This book is kind of like McDonald’s food: you aren’t sure why your eating it, in fact somewhere in the back of your mind an alarm is blaring that this is slowly killing you with each bite, and yet, you eat on. Just as I assume McDonald’s has been slipping some sort of mind altering/tastebud manipulating serum into their food, this series has been constructed with the finest witchcraft and Voodoo to make you keep reading it. I’m serious. I cannot tell you why I had to read this series. Each book had me actually audibly exclaiming, and eventually snarling in anger. And yet I read on.
The main issue in the story (besides the crazy plot holes and lazy writing that other readers lay out for you) is the main character herself. America is, hands down the worst protagonist I’ve ever had the chance to get acquainted with. No joke. I basically yelled through the entire 3rd-4th book at her. She seemed...well...she seemed like a horrible person. Granted we are all flawed, being human and all. To give her credit though, this was probably largely due to her immaturity. Realistically, she acted like the teenage girl she was, but I do not generally want to read about my neighbor Becky and her underdeveloped ability to create meaningful and healthy relationships. Perhaps, I should be more realistic as this is a YA book? Well, I’m not.
The whole time I read, I became more frustrated. America was often mean, and even cruel. It did remind me of real life behavior. Of watching the all too common behaviors of lying, deception, manipulation, and leading others on. So, I suppose it was not far from the truth. I just felt bad for the men, especially Maxon, I’m not even going to lie. America had that boy wrapped around her mercurial finger.
In short, America was impulsive to the point of it possibly being a mental health issue (hey we all got em): labile mood, inexplicable anger outbursts, depressive symptoms, isolating herself, restlessness, irritability, often egotistical, anxiety, low self esteem, manipulative, indecisive, petty, with surprisingly extreme attachment issues (despite having such a healthy relationship with her father). Her behavior and a lot else did mimic Borderline Personality Disorder, with these behaviors and the “I love you”, “I hate you”, push/pull the entire book.
A result of this, and the biggest annoyance, was that her feelings for both men would flip. This made her feelings seem superficial for both men. There was no logical progression. She simply was mad about one guy, and not the other, then flipped in the next few pages. Oftentimes with nothing provoking the changes logically. By the end of the series I still wasn’t sure what the heck was happening. She’s went from madly needing and loving Alpaca in one moment, to knowing with all her soul, for no explainable reason, that the poor poor prince was the victim for her. When I say she exemplified a person with BD I’m not joking, this story mimicked a relationship with someone with attachment issues and BD.
It was actually sad, in a few different points of the book America comes to understand what Maxon needs in his relationships, his love language. She actually sees/hears what these things are because another elite is actually giving them to them and treating him well. She thinks, hey I should do that! Does she? Nahh. She does, however, continue to demand more from him, put him down/freeze him out when he doesn’t give her what she’s wants (or he** even when he does). She’s all “I don’t know how you feel, I can’t trust you”, and he’s like “I care deeply for you, I’m being so transparent here...”, then she yells at him and gives him the ice treatment. This is a pattern of abuse by the way and this makes sense with the abuse Maxon receives from his father. He rarely can please her (not for long), no manager what he tries. For awhile, I thought America’s glaringly obvious deficits were making way for a daring, fierce, queen to come and blaze a path of feminine fierceness for all to see. But no. She remains $h**** the whole book. Kept up the flaws with zeal right to the end.
What worries me about this book is this teaches young adults that this is how a relationship should be. I’m not throwing out disorders and critiques with no knowledge of what I speak. I treat wonderful individuals who struggle with BD. Mostly the books left me sad tbh. So, if you want to read the a story of people being manipulated, put down, and hurt by an unstable woman for 4 books, then is the series for you.
This book is kind of like McDonald’s food: you aren’t sure why your eating it, in fact somewhere in the back of your mind an alarm is blaring that this is slowly killing you with each bite, and yet, you eat on. Just as I assume McDonald’s has been slipping some sort of mind altering/tastebud manipulating serum into their food, this series has been constructed with the finest witchcraft and Voodoo to make you keep reading it. I’m serious. I cannot tell you why I had to read this series. Each book had me actually audibly exclaiming, and eventually snarling in anger. And yet I read on.
The main issue in the story (besides the crazy plot holes and lazy writing that other readers lay out for you) is the main character herself. America is, hands down the worst protagonist I’ve ever had the chance to get acquainted with. No joke. I basically yelled through the entire 3rd-4th book at her. She seemed...well...she seemed like a horrible person. Granted we are all flawed, being human and all. To give her credit though, this was probably largely due to her immaturity. Realistically, she acted like the teenage girl she was, but I do not generally want to read about my neighbor Becky and her underdeveloped ability to create meaningful and healthy relationships. Perhaps, I should be more realistic as this is a YA book? Well, I’m not.
The whole time I read, I became more frustrated. America was often mean, and even cruel. It did remind me of real life behavior. Of watching the all too common behaviors of lying, deception, manipulation, and leading others on. So, I suppose it was not far from the truth. I just felt bad for the men, especially Maxon, I’m not even going to lie. America had that boy wrapped around her mercurial finger.
In short, America was impulsive to the point of it possibly being a mental health issue (hey we all got em): labile mood, inexplicable anger outbursts, depressive symptoms, isolating herself, restlessness, irritability, often egotistical, anxiety, low self esteem, manipulative, indecisive, petty, with surprisingly extreme attachment issues (despite having such a healthy relationship with her father). Her behavior and a lot else did mimic Borderline Personality Disorder, with these behaviors and the “I love you”, “I hate you”, push/pull the entire book.
A result of this, and the biggest annoyance, was that her feelings for both men would flip. This made her feelings seem superficial for both men. There was no logical progression. She simply was mad about one guy, and not the other, then flipped in the next few pages. Oftentimes with nothing provoking the changes logically. By the end of the series I still wasn’t sure what the heck was happening. She’s went from madly needing and loving Alpaca in one moment, to knowing with all her soul, for no explainable reason, that the poor poor prince was the victim for her. When I say she exemplified a person with BD I’m not joking, this story mimicked a relationship with someone with attachment issues and BD.
It was actually sad, in a few different points of the book America comes to understand what Maxon needs in his relationships, his love language. She actually sees/hears what these things are because another elite is actually giving them to them and treating him well. She thinks, hey I should do that! Does she? Nahh. She does, however, continue to demand more from him, put him down/freeze him out when he doesn’t give her what she’s wants (or he** even when he does). She’s all “I don’t know how you feel, I can’t trust you”, and he’s like “I care deeply for you, I’m being so transparent here...”, then she yells at him and gives him the ice treatment. This is a pattern of abuse by the way and this makes sense with the abuse Maxon receives from his father. He rarely can please her (not for long), no manager what he tries. For awhile, I thought America’s glaringly obvious deficits were making way for a daring, fierce, queen to come and blaze a path of feminine fierceness for all to see. But no. She remains $h**** the whole book. Kept up the flaws with zeal right to the end.
What worries me about this book is this teaches young adults that this is how a relationship should be. I’m not throwing out disorders and critiques with no knowledge of what I speak. I treat wonderful individuals who struggle with BD. Mostly the books left me sad tbh. So, if you want to read the a story of people being manipulated, put down, and hurt by an unstable woman for 4 books, then is the series for you.
September 10, 2023
I have this to my friend for her birthday (it’s one of my favorite ya book series for some reason idk) and what she doesn’t know is that this book is basically a really long extended love triangle that messily and randomly got rid of at the end and the author kills off literally the hottest characters ever no joke (Celeste, and America’s dad) and also maxon and América get very mad at eachother every chapter and don’t speak and then are like nooo wait I love you like seven times or something the whole series and then she is a little bit of a y/n but whatever because reading books that feel like a fanfiction give me life for cringing alot sometimes (fun fact! My favorite fanfic is literally dottore x reader {the mad doctor}!!!! ^^🥵🥵😍😍😍) so um yeah and by the end I can’t help but think of what’s his name um it like something to do with nature like fern or um idk let me think um gale no (WHICH ALSO WHY TF IS IT THAT LIKE IN ALMOST EVERY DISTOPIAN BOOK THE MALE LOVE INTEREST HAS REALLY BAD FATHER ISSUES OR SOMETHING AND HAS SCARS ON HIS BACK IM SORRY😭 (maxon and four which also divergent was not a favorite of mine honestly) ) but what is his name like actually I’m serious I forgot um like Yk the dude América originally liked Yk the one she made out w every night in a treehouse lol OMG I REMEMBERED ITS ASPEN yeah so anyways by the end I can’t help but imagine him an old man I’m sorry💀 I just wish her dad had more time in the book :( rip America’s dad you would have loved weezer❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
The Selection series, what do I say about this book? It was a series I read a long time ago but it is, in a way, still stuck with me. It revolves around Prince Maxon who is searching for a bride by the means of the Selection. Kiera Cass has written the book in simple language making it a light and a fun read, she has made sure to bring in plot twists ensuring to keep readers on the tip of their toes throughout the book. I loved the relation between Maxon and America Singer. The way they evolve and their quirky remarks just adds a life to the book.
The first three books- The Selection, The Elite, and The One -revolve around Prince Maxon and his selection process whereas the last two books- The Heir and The Crown- revolve around the story of Princess Eadlyn, Prince Maxon’s first child. The book ‘Happily Ever After’ revolves around the characters of the first three books bringing the story behind these characters in light. I loved the story of Prince Maxon, however, the last two books didn’t have the same effect on me. I’d give the entire series a rating of 3.5/5 stars. Out of the series, The One was definitely one of the most favorite book.
The first three books- The Selection, The Elite, and The One -revolve around Prince Maxon and his selection process whereas the last two books- The Heir and The Crown- revolve around the story of Princess Eadlyn, Prince Maxon’s first child. The book ‘Happily Ever After’ revolves around the characters of the first three books bringing the story behind these characters in light. I loved the story of Prince Maxon, however, the last two books didn’t have the same effect on me. I’d give the entire series a rating of 3.5/5 stars. Out of the series, The One was definitely one of the most favorite book.
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May 14, 2020I’m ambivalent
I genuinely dislike the main character. But I can’t tell if that’s because she is a realistic depiction of my expectations of a pampered brat or if it feels far too exaggerated. America was irritating in The One but Eadlyn is just downright disagreeable and the pressures of her life do not seem enough to excuse the kind of selfish, arrogant young woman on display in these pages.
I will say the idea of someone who considers themselves to be unromantic finding this to be possibly untrue hits close to home. I find the unfolding of that characterisation/plot point to be fairly well-done.
We’ll see how the next book plays out. I am far more curious to see how the issues with the dissolution of the caste system are resolved as that is undoubtedly interesting and a somewhat pertinent commentary on class differences and race relations in modern society (though it isn’t explored deeply enough).
I genuinely dislike the main character. But I can’t tell if that’s because she is a realistic depiction of my expectations of a pampered brat or if it feels far too exaggerated. America was irritating in The One but Eadlyn is just downright disagreeable and the pressures of her life do not seem enough to excuse the kind of selfish, arrogant young woman on display in these pages.
I will say the idea of someone who considers themselves to be unromantic finding this to be possibly untrue hits close to home. I find the unfolding of that characterisation/plot point to be fairly well-done.
We’ll see how the next book plays out. I am far more curious to see how the issues with the dissolution of the caste system are resolved as that is undoubtedly interesting and a somewhat pertinent commentary on class differences and race relations in modern society (though it isn’t explored deeply enough).
December 13, 2018
An interesting series that I picked up because my teenage daughter was into it. It poses an interesting question, what if someone seizing at power during times of difficulty ultimately led to the re-institution of a monarchy in what was formerly known as the U.S.?
Relatable characters, my gripe would be that at times the teenage romance glazes over elements of brutal violence and abuses of power. However, it does put forth the "two sides to every story" theme that I always enjoy.
Relatable characters, my gripe would be that at times the teenage romance glazes over elements of brutal violence and abuses of power. However, it does put forth the "two sides to every story" theme that I always enjoy.
April 29, 2023
I love this series until the fourth book. I could've done without the story of their daughter. I understand it though, I get it. This was the series that kept me sane throughout high-school, and more. I can always come back to it, and it holds my heart. Amazing series in my opinion. However it's a very love it or hate it book. The writing is definitely meant for Young Adult readers and nothing more.
February 24, 2019
Pleasant Escape
While much of he books are overly dramatic it was a welcome escape. Despite being peeved by outrageous character names I finished all four books. I eagerly anticipate the final book.
While much of he books are overly dramatic it was a welcome escape. Despite being peeved by outrageous character names I finished all four books. I eagerly anticipate the final book.
April 2, 2020
entertaining and I really enjoyed the first two. I wish that there was more romance between her and Maxon before she decided she was in love with him. The 3rd book was harder to get through and wasn’t very eventful for me
December 2, 2020
i really loved it
i don’t want to say much cause i don’t want to spoil it
but if you’re considering this book, i’d say go for it
i read it all in 3 days
it really sucks you in
my favorites were the first three, but the other two were good too
i don’t want to say much cause i don’t want to spoil it
but if you’re considering this book, i’d say go for it
i read it all in 3 days
it really sucks you in
my favorites were the first three, but the other two were good too
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August 21, 2021I read this series years ago. It was cheesy and I devoured it. So when there was a bundle and the whole series was on sale I snapped it up.
It’s so silly but it was fun. And I love the covers. It takes me back to when I first got back into reading after college 😀
It’s so silly but it was fun. And I love the covers. It takes me back to when I first got back into reading after college 😀
May 25, 2023
This is my all-time favorite book series next to one other, I have reread this over and over again for ages. I still cry at parts, laugh, and hide away in embarrassment, which is all I can ask for in a series. I will be letting my teen daughters read this when the time comes.
June 9, 2024
Love The Selection
The series was a little pricey for me. So, the first time I read this series was through borrowing library books. After I fell in love with the books I knew it would be worth purchasing my own copies. And they don’t disappoint upon reading them a 2nd time!
The series was a little pricey for me. So, the first time I read this series was through borrowing library books. After I fell in love with the books I knew it would be worth purchasing my own copies. And they don’t disappoint upon reading them a 2nd time!
August 1, 2018
Such a fun and clean read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews