The Selection Series

5/5 ★

This book was genuinely so good. The writing by Kiera Cass is exceptional and her world building impressed me. This book is dystopian and it reminds me of Hunger Games and Six Crimson Cranes combined. I really loved the romantic aspect of it because it was very sweet and realistic to see the main character try to follow her heart(and eventually, kind of fail). I didn't take off a star but it did irk me how the main character was a pick-me girl. Between her name, her 'not so beautiful' physicality, and her favoring of pants in the Royal Palace I had a difficult time getting her off my nerves. That being said the rest of the characters were supporting and endearing to read about. Something I think Cass did well is write the experience of heartbreak. Many of us have never truly gone through it ourselves but it seemed like every emotion I felt through this book was very real. And although I continuously ranted heatedly about this book to anyone who would listen, I love it with my heart and will still try to convince others to read it.

Recommendation

I am so glad I have the 5 book series because as soon as I finish writing this I am starting the next book! What can I say about the book, it's almost hypnotizing. I would recommend this book to younger readers because you can read it around the same time you read Percy Jackson or Hunger Games. I just never got around to it because I was busy crying over Aru Shah. Anyways, this is a great book for sure, and the series is most likely of the same quality.

The Selection

4/5 ★

Overall great book but I am still not happy with America. I just feel that she isn't growing as a person and she seems very selfish in the grand scheme of things. I understand that love is a big decision and choosing one person over the other or choosing a life for herself isn't easy, but America doesn't take anyone else's problems into consideration. I also feel that the plot of this book was a little slow compared to the world-building and character introductions that wowed me in the first book. But the theme/message is still heartwarming and the writing didn't fail to capture my interest. If I am being honest, I am currently on the last book while I am writing this. BUT you cannot blame me for being unable to put the series down! That in itself should be proof of the quality of the series and its fast-paced ness. If I could change anything, it would probably be how America and Maxon's relationship as a whole pans out throughout this book because it seemed like it consisted of too much fighting. I get that that aspect is important to the book and America's characterization but I also think this could be where she grows as a person and matures to realize there are bigger problems than which boy is cuter.

Recommendation

Even though I gave this book less than 5 stars, I still think you should read it because the series in itself is such a powerful and awe-inspiring experience. And I personally didn't like how the main character was portrayed but that shouldn't take away from your impression of the book or deter you from reading past the first one. Honestly I loved this book and it became a part of me.

The Elite

5/5 ★

AHHHHHH! I loved this book so much! The series was so worth it after I read this book and I finally fell in love with America. I don't take back what I said about her being a little self-absorbed but I am glad that she eventually got some character growth. Even if it had to be done as a result of trauma. The safe room scene had me in its grip at-I kid you not-2 in the morning, under my covers. I feel like after they established they needed better communication and understood how deep their feelings went for each other, the entire relationship made so much more sense. At this point in the series, it wasn't just about affection; it was about the kind of life America was seeking and how much she would give up for it. I think this book was all about suspense and tension because the majority of the book was either the couple fighting or some outside situation that could get them killed. In this book specifically, I think the plot was interesting with the new characters and the underlying reasoning of everything America did. It reminded me of the Hunger Games and Katniss being the Mockingjay for everyone to follow during the rebellion. The series feels like a childhood read of mine that pulled every good aspect from all the books we read as kids.

Recommendation

If you couldn't tell already, I loved this book. I belive reading it is so worth it because it pulls together the whole series and the change in almost all the characters is so wholesome to see. Kiera Cass made sure to tie up any loose ends and all the relationships end on a good note in spite of being based on sour feelings. I do think certain people should not have died, but after 3 books I expected as much. Read this and tell your friends, because it's a lot more fun ranting about it with someone who knows what happened.

The One

5/5 ★

In this book we see America's daughter which is really interesting. I love how they kept some of the important characters from the beginning of the series like Marlee and Lucy because it makes the story more convincing and easier for us to relate to/understand. I was so giddy reading this book because all the characters are so cute and they treat Eadlyn like the princess she is. Something I thought could have been improved was Eadlyn's character because she spends the majority of the book complaining about being all-powerful and the immense responsibility that comes with that. I think there should be a moment or climax where she clearly realizes that although it's a lot of responsibility it's her responsibility. With that much power she is one of the most influential people so she should be grateful. I like most of the other characters over her but I don't dislike her as much as I hated America in the first few books. Also, I don't believe the twins' relationship because siblings usually fight and argue all the time but in the book, Eadlyn seems to get along with Ahren which is questionable. Overall the plot of Eadlyn conducting her own selection intending never to find love in the first place was hooking and didn't disappoint. It left me wanting more and reaching for the next book just to find out what happened and who she would pick, especially since she's still so against it and lost at the end of this book.

Recommendation

Even though I enjoyed this book, you may not. So I advise you to stop at The One if you aren't entirely captivated or if you, like me, have too many books on your TBR that you genuinely want to start reading. Don't get me wrong: I loved this book. But reading it isn't life-changing and Kiera Cass failed to impress me more than she did in the first three books. So only read on if you enjoyed the stories and are ravenous for the rest.

The Heir

5/5 ★

I loved this book so much and it made me like Eadlyn more. I'm delighted we got to see some good character development with Eadlyn and how she originally didn't want to find love because she thought it would make her weaker. I think Kiera Cass portrayed the concept of femininity and whether it can hinder our power and individuality well. I related to this in many ways that I will not bore you with, but seeing Eadlyn change throughout the book and learn to embrace herself instead of hide it was a journey I would give anything to relive. It was a quick read, and I think it might have been the shortest book of the series. Now I briefly saw that plot twist coming, but it was still jolting and had the same effect. If I am being honest though, I don't like who she ended up with. I feel like Cass could have made a clearer difference between the suitors and shown how one was a better option and that would have really driven home that she had to throw her life away because of duty. But I didn't feel the pressure because both options were viable and pretty good; also side note, she is the most powerful person there why couldn't she marry who she wanted? Regardless, the book was fast-paced, the main character learned an important message that was easy to understand but not so easy as to bore you, and the series ended on a happy note which included the change we needed.

Recommendation

I genuinely enjoyed reading this more than The Heir so I would definitely recommend this to you, but I am not sure it's worth reading two books just for this happy ending. I don't want to be discouraging but at the same time, I want to warn you that you might not get your money's worth. I was happy reading it and therefore I gave it 5 stars.

The Crown