[Review] The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title : The Selection
Author : Kiera Cass
Publisher : Harper Teen
Published : April 2012
ISBN :  9780062059932
Pages : 336


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.



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“Dear girls, history isn’t something you study. It’s something you should just know.”

It would be perfect when the "Once Upon A Time" words involved.

Set in a country named Illea where there are castes to distinguished between its people. In the region of Illea, there is a tradition to marry its prince with one of the citizen of Illea, whichever her caste.

The girls who are in age 16 to 20 could fill the form (seriously) then turn it in in each own province goverment's office. After that, each province will draw a lottery to decide who would go to palace to represent their province. 35 provinces, means 35 girls.

After 35 girls have been chosen, the prince himself will eliminate them according to the prince's taste and bla.. bla.. bla.. until there's only one girl remain. The last girl who’s still standing then will become the Princess of Illea, marry the Prince, and her entire family’s caste will be upgraded to caste One.

“The moment you’re ready to ask, I’m ready to say yes.”

No "Once Upon A Time"? I'll make it one myself.

Once upon a time, there was a girl named America Singer. Came from a Fifth caste, her family had to strugle to feed for themselves. When the letter came for The Selection to be the Daughter of Illea (I'm not sure it's The Daughter or The Princess), America's mother insisted her to join in. Because not only their caste would be upgrade dramatically but there's also the generously compensated for anyone who was chosen.

The subborn America disagreed at first, but unexpectedly, her boyfriend Aspen encouraged her to give it a try (I know, he is weird and a coward).So, America joined in, along with Aspen's twin sisters and many other girls in her province. And who would have thought America would be one of the Selected? (it's retorical)

So she went to the Palace with the other 34 girls, making friends, met the prince, and other things related. Aspen forgotten.

There was this scene when the Palace got attack by the Rebels. Everyone freaked out except Mer and the bitches (yes, there are few of them). As the attack went on, Maxson and Mer seemed a little chatty about the Rebels (not that i mind). Maxson said there are two group of Rebels, north and south. That north might looking something inside the Palace and south are barbarian. And i was wondering would this book going to reveal the secret of Illea? I hope it would, I mean, who didn't? it's kind of boring without adrenaline rush right?

I like how Kiera Cass retelling the history of Illea. It seems like Illea is the future of U.S. But the feel i got is more like historical romance. With castes, curfew, virginity before marriage and all. Kind of weird, i don't know. I'm still confused about this book's genre.

Okay, so Amerika's a little think highly of herself. And you know what? Reading The Selection feels like reading Eclipse, where Bella confused about her feeling for Jacob. But the difference is that i don't know who act as Edward or Jacob here. I hate Bella in Eclipse but Amerika is worse. She didn't know who she loves more. I feel bad for Aspen and Maxson, really, whoever end up with her ...

And i'm pretty dissapointed by this book ending. Like, it could have something more.


“And of course he would love America! She’s so beautiful,” Mom swooned.
“Please, Mom. If anything, I’m average.”
“You are not!” May said. “Because I look just like you, and I’m pretty!”

"I hope you get to marry for love and not a number."

“I’m not some charity case, America. I’m a man. I’m supposed to be a provider.”

"He’d put me here, and I would just have to take advantage of it."