Book: The Selection

 

The Selection follows America Singer a 17-year-old Performer from Caste 5. IN a future where the US was ravaged by war and then put back together again allowing Illea (the current name of the country) to clean up the mess and divide everyone into 1 of 8 castes, identified by number alone (8 being the homeless and 1 being the Royal family). America Singer has been convinced by her mother and secret boyfriend, Aspen to apply for "The Selection" where 35 young women all meet the Prince and compete for his heart and the chance to become Queen. America is convinced she won't get picked and is too in love with Aspen to care about wealthy and unrelatable Maxon anyway. That is until Aspen breaks up with her.

A Synopsis (Spoilers):

After the announcement that she is one of the Selected, America makes it her business to forget about Aspen, make a few friends and enjoy as much of the fine food as she can. Meeting the Prince on her first night there she declares that she doesn't like him at all and would rather be his friend and help him find a wife from the other 34. Well surprise surprise as they get to know each other they start falling in love. And just when America thinks she might be ready to move on it turns out Aspen is working as a security guard there as well!

Now let's count the YA tropes. First-person narrative? Check! Female protagonist "who isn't like other girls"? Check! Love triangle? Check! Post-apocalyptic setting? Check! Oh, also there's a rebellion happening in the background. Apparently, two groups of rebels regularly attack the castle one from the North and the other in the South. They attack twice during the story but right after, the focus goes right back to America and her concerns. So, a Rebellion against the current Government? Check!

My thoughts:

This young adult novel is the first in a Series (named after this book) and although I found the plot formulaic and the characters (especially America) annoying at times I still enjoyed the ride and even became invested in the romance at some point. I usually prefer the romance to happen as a sub-plot or in the background of the main story however this book managed to still grab my attention. The writer has a nice easy-going writing style which I found pleasant although I generally don't like this genre.

If we could explore more of the world perhaps through multiple perspectives or could find out more of the secrets that were brought up but never explained or even a more thorough description of the building and clothing style would be nice. So, because I found these elements lacking, I rate this 3 out of 5 indifferent cats.

Kat K out-

 

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