The Selection

Title : The Selection
Author : Kiera Cass
Rating : 4 Stars

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.

Source : Goodreads

Take a glimpse of a twisted competition of The Bachelor, war of excessive beauty and glamour of The Gossip Girl and some thrilling action of The Hunger Games then the result is this book. The story is full of uniqueness and genuinely made between social status of a nation and defending your love beyond obstacles. It seems pretty complicated to think about choosing the right thing when your family is the one that pushes towards something you didn't expect. Because once you choose and walked on that path, there is no getting back on the way it used to be.

America is a talented and brave lady to face the competition and represent their family. She may not have all the luxuries and fame that a family could have but she never let those indifferences to let her down, instead it's the only thing that makes her unique to other ladies. A simple and hard-working member of a family that can keep up through good and bad times, it can also be a great qualification becoming a queen. She wasn't even insecure whether they have all the luxuries in the world, she's such a matured and independent lady! I loved that!

Aspen possesses a great determination and courage to help his family. He is like a lion that is already there to take on charge on everything. Aspen knows when to persuade America in joining The Selection, he is willing to accept that America will leave her and if she ever wins she can live without any worries of her family. Imagine that, a boy who is willing to see that the girl he loves so much may lose in front of his very eyes?!? Kind of a dreadful feeling I guess. But Aspen accepts the truth that he can't provide to America a wealthy family for for them. Then he suddenly becomes a soldier for their nation which means it would bring a higher status for his life and an enormous chance to be with America for good. I loved his determination and courage to be with America at all cost.

Maxon is unlike the other Princes that I've read. Because some can decide what will be the task and responsibilities a Prince should do for their nation, but Maxon is an innocent and compassionate Prince that who still seeks for his path towards a great future for their nation. I love his bravery and deep connection to the people, his eyes depicts something that warms a heart of an individual. From the 35 girls that were chosen to be one of his partner, he never boast or take for granted the opportunities to them. He takes its slowly to get to know them deeply.

The story doesn't just rounds between the competition and the love-triangle of America, Aspen and Prince Maxon, it also goes on a war between different nations which leads to a disaster. It also depicts some kind of a ROYAL responsibility of every characters to protect their nation. I can't wait what will happen next for these characters on how their feelings will be attached on each other and especially who will be the WINNER. This book takes you to one of the most grand setting that will make you feel you're inside the palace.