Book Review of 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass

Premise:

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 American meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plan's 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:

    This book takes place in the future, in the country of Illea, which is the remnant of what used to be the USA before World War III. (Yes, another world war happened.) The Selection is like a lottery where 35 girls are selected (hence the name “The Selection”) to compete for the hand of the prince and to be the future queen of Illea. The main character, America Singer (guess what she does) is pressured into signing up, and she happens to be selected. This book is supposed to be a dystopia, but it’s not really. It’s more like a fluffy fantasy with some futuristic elements thrown in.

First of all, this book could’ve been cut in half if America were more decisive. There was very little world-building, but the author probably shouldn’t have bothered to put in the little world-building there was. There’s an unnecessary caste system that’s based on how much money one has, which causes friction between characters, and there are constant rebel attacks on the palace. And the king just puts up metal shutters and does nothing about it. Then there’s the backstory: The US got in a huge debt, and since they were bankrupt, they couldn’t pay back the money. When China didn’t get their money back, they decided to invade the US (why did they think that was a good idea? Apparently, if one country is indebted to another, you invade; duh), and then they realized there was no money. China renamed the US the American State of China, and a person named Illea defeated an expansionist Russia or something and again renamed the place, but after himself. It’s a mess. The characterization wasn’t great either. America is very self-centered and shallow. For example, when she’s first living in the palace, she doesn’t even remember her maids’ names and isn’t bothered learning them. She says that she “enjoys the company of Sixes”, who are low on the caste system. She has some idea that she’s a really compassionate person since she lowers herself to mingle with the lower castes. This book is for grades 6 through 9, and is character-driven. I wouldn’t recommend it. On a scale of one through five stars, I would rate this 2 stars. ⭐⭐ ~ Candria Like my review on Goodreads! Want to be kept updated on my posts? Follow my blog! (don't worry, no personal info will be taken)