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 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. 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.
Review:
A dystopian world where a Prince seeking a Princess chooses a girl from the ordinary people. But America Singer already has a love but has no choice in entering The Selection. The results may or may not be her downfall. Only time and an unexpected friendship can decide.
The storyline for The Selection is nothing new. Quiz shows around the world have at some time featured girls or boys being chosen for dates. It just so happens that this book chooses a Prince for that same task.
The dystopian aspect provides a very different backdrop for America’s expected invitation to join 35 girls of similar age and varied backgrounds on a quest to become Maxon’s bride.
Of course nothing goes to plan. Maxon intervenes when the guards at the palace refuse America access to the gardens. And America gets her first introduction to the Prince before anyone else does.
The storyline whips us through the process for the selection as more and more girls drop out for one reason or another.
Maxon is very charming as the much publicised Prince. His relationship with America is easy, unforced and appears to be perfect for both of them. But America still has feelings for her past love, and when Aspen finds himself working in the palace her mind starts a reverie of complicated thoughts. Does she like Maxon even though she’s told him that she’s unavailable? Can Aspen steal her heart again so easily?
The Selection is an unexpected love story with a cliff-hanger so huge it was hard not to be frustrated at the ending.
-CBx
