Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

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It's kind of like "The Bachelor," except in a book, without as much drama (because this is YA fiction), and set in a dystopian future.

In what was once the United States of America but is now Illea, Prince Maxon is coming of age, and he must find a suitable princess who will one day be queen. In order to find the best girl for the job, girls from every province can apply to be a part of The Selection. One girl from each of the 35 provinces is then chosen to participate-- it's the chance of a lifetime considering this society thrives on a caste system. America Singer (a 5-- 8's are the lowest caste) is chosen to head to the palace to compete for the prince's heart. There's just one problem: she is in love with someone else. A place in The Selection, however, guarantees her a permanent change in caste status whether she wins or not, money for her family, and food to eat. And as she gets to know the Prince, she realizes he's not as bad as she once thoughts. This book follows America's experience in The Selection as she tries to decide if she should take a chance and let herself fall for the Prince, or if she should follow her heart and not forget the boy she left behind.

Overall rating: 4 stars (I liked it)

A word of caution: This is the first book of a trilogy, and it is meant to be a trilogy. The book does not come to a complete and satisfying ending. You will need to read them all for the full story.