“I’m not so stupid as to believe that you’ve completely forgotten about your former boyfriend. I know you think there are others here more suited for me and this life, and I wouldn’t want you to rush into trying to be happy with any of this. I just…I just want to know if it’s possible…”
For 35 girls, The Selection is a chance of a lifetime. Selected and brought to the palace in this dystopian fairytale, the girls compete with each other for the heart of Prince Maxon and to become the future queen of Illea.
The story follows America Singer, a girl from one of the lower classes of society as she not only competes for the prince’s heart but also it shows the journey of one girl really trying to understand what she is.
The Selection Review
Setting
This fairytale is set in dystopian America, now known as Illea.
Following the collapse of the USA and the reforming of society into ‘castes’, the new royal family host a competition for their son, the crown prince Maxon to find him a suitable bride from the women on Illea.
Different women are selected from different parts of society to show Illea’s loyalty to its citizens. The world which these characters exist in is complex and dark. Loyalties are constantly tested throughout the book and evil is not always clearly seen in a world of glittering gowns and beautiful balls.
Character
Despite being thrown into this dark paradise, our main character America remains true to herself and loyal to her family. She continues to be positive despite being forced out of her comfort zone on a number of occasions and being treated worse than some of the other girls due to originating from one of the lowest ‘castes’ which are classes in this world.
America goes on a journey to survive in a brutal high class society while trying to understand if she could really have feelings for Maxon. Further to this, rebels threaten the competition at every turn and each character must in turn learn to survive.
The Selection can be described as The Hunger Games meets America’s Next top Model.
Other Key points
While The Selection is predominately romance, there is very limited ‘smut’. So while the book does describe kissing scenes, it is quite safe to say that it doesn’t go into any further details.
Final Thoughts
- Nice fairy-tale dystopian romance.
- Positive, strong female protagonist.
- Beautiful setting including fancy palaces, balls, pretty gowns. The Selection had a very 18th century nobility/royalty vibes.
Looking for more great reviews?
Check out our review of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.
