The Selection, by Kiera Cass

Format: Audiobook, 8 hours 7 minutes, narrated by Amy Rubinate

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Published: April 24, 2012

ISBN: 9780062132659

Genre: YA fiction, romance

Back cover blurb: 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.

My review: This is definitely The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor, and while the character names were cringeworthy – King Clarkson? Really? – the story wasn’t too bad and suits a YA readership level. The prince is swoony and I’m rooting for him to get the girl, even though she’s a bit flaky at times and might not really deserve him. Sure, I’ll read the next book – the covers are very pretty.

My rating: 3/5

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