The Selection by Kiera Cass

So, I enjoyed The Selection so much that I'm currently having a hard time putting into words just how much I loved it. It's heavy on the romance and the "The Bachelor" aspect is definitely there too, but Prince Maxon? Way too adorable for words. I mean, he has no idea what to do when a girl cries and he genuinely wants to make Illéa a better place. Wondering what makes The Selection a dystopian? There's a caste system that dictates what jobs you can have and with it, the amount you get paid and thus, how well you live. Because of that, there are two groups of rebels who are actively attacking the palace and you'll run into them--briefly--in The Selection. (And if you're wondering, America Singer is a five in a caste system where the lowest paying working class is a seven.)

It was insanely easy to fall into America's world and I really ended up rooting for her during The Selection; perhaps more importantly, I loved her as a character--she's strong, stubborn, and kind all at once. I should probably also mention Aspen although, to be honest, I didn't love him--I think this has something to do with their relationship already being established and me having a hard time falling for the guy in question when it's like that (and he wasn't present that often either). But don't worry, I do believe that we'll be seeing more of him in the next book--although I seriously don't think that he'll woo me away from Prince Maxon.

The other thing that I loved about The Selection is definitely the dresses--because yes, I'm a complete and total sucker for all things pretty. This means that I absolutely love the cover--and hope that the next book's cover will be similar but spectacular--but it also means that I ate up the dress descriptions (which aren't for every garment in The Selection, just in case that's your worry). As for the other girls, you'll meet the terrible Celeste (who is out to win the crown through any means) and the extremely wonderful Marlee (who America is fast friends with) and to be honest, those were the two that really stood out to me--but we'll see if any of the other girls make an impression on me in the next book.

The Selection will take you from America Singer's home in Carolina to the palace, where she'll meet Prince Maxon for the first time and hopefully, you'll fall for him too. So in case you couldn't already tell, I really loved The Selection and I read it in one sitting--but if you don't like the romance of your dystopians to be at the forefront, consider this your warning that the romance definitely is what makes The Selection so great.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Edition: ARC

* Received for review via publisher.