Review: The One by Kiera Cass

The One (The Selection #3)
by Kiera Cass

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: May 2014
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
Source: Own
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The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown--or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose--and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

I’m not sure what I should think of this series. I'm not a big fan of first two books—The Selection and The Elite. But I just can’t stop reading the series. Besides being fascinated by the pretty dress on the cover, I wanted to find out what happen to America and the others. I wanted her to end up with Maxon, although sometimes, I do think that America did not deserve him. I wanted to know how the author is going to wrap up the story when there are a lot more questions need to be answered.

I think that The One focused on Maxon and America’s relationship, which was why there wasn’t a lot of Aspen in this book. I’m happy for that. But America continued to frustrate me as she did in the first two books. There were a lot of drama going on between America and Maxon caused by misunderstanding and miscommunication. There were moments where I thought that I was going to like her just a little bit. But then, she would do something that makes me want to strangle her.

I do think that this book is definitely better than The Elite. I’m glad that the rebels are back. At least I know now why they were attacking the palace. I’m glad that the girls in the competition are getting closer to each other.  But I’m not a big fan of how the story ended. I’m frustrated by the death of certain people at the end of the story. It was a little bit too abrupt and too easy to end and conclude the story.  

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection #2)
by Kiera Cass

Genre: Dystopia, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: April 2013 by HarperTeen
Format: Paperback, 323 pages
Source: Own
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Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

The Elite by Kiera Cass is the second book from The Selection series. I didn't really like the first book, but I wanted to give this series another chance. I wanted to see America matured just a little bit. I wanted to know more about the rebel. I mean, the series does have a good premise. But after a few pages into the book, I was disappointed. Mostly with America. I didn't like her character. She can't make up her mind and she sounded very selfish in this book. The only scene that made me like America a little bit was the part where she defended her friend in public. But that was it. 

I was really happy when the rebel made their appearance, even though just for a little while. I was hoping to see more of them. I wanted to know why they rebelled against the kingdom. Will I read the next book of the selection, The One? I might. I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about this series. I didn't like the characters and plot, but I still wanted to find out what happen at the end. I wanted to know the kingdom's history. It would be really interesting. I just hope that The One would be slightly better than The Elite.

Book Review: The Selection

The Selection (The Selection #1)
by Kiera Cass

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: April 24th 2012 by Harper Collins USA
Format: Paperback, International, 352 pages

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.

To tell the truth I picked up the book because of the cover, wondering why on earth is the girl smelling her armpits. Then I read the summary that instantly reminds me to a fanfiction I read years ago. It sounded a bit familiar with princess competing to win the heart of certain prince. I decided to give The Selection by Kiera Cass a try.

The Selection, in my opinion focused more on developing the relationship between America and Prince Maxon. Of course, there are a few scenes with the rebel attack to the palace which got me really curious. I wasn’t really fond of America. I mean she loves Aspen and was heartbroken when he broke up with her. America obviously is starting to like Prince Maxon a little bit as she gets to know him. But when Aspen showed up again into her life, she wavered. Then there’s the part where she wanted Prince Maxon to be her friend, but get really jealous when Maxon spend his time with the other candidates without her knowing. It was a bit frustrating.

If I have to compare between The Selection and that fanfiction I read years ago, I would say that the fanfiction definitely better in characterizations and plot. But still, I would read the continuation of the selection, The Elite, just to find out about the rebel attacks – what was really happening, why are they attacking the palace and what is it about the country’s history?