Match Monday: The Selection & The Elite by Kiera Cass

Published: April 24th 2012 By: HarperTeen

Genres: Young-Adult, Dystopia, Romance

Library Borrow: Kindle Book My Rating: 4 Stars

Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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.

REVIEW I have been so hesitant to start this series since the beginning. After I read the synopsis, I had this image of all the bachelor reality shows that I have seen over the years. That put me off big time. So after some thinking, and encouraging words from Keionda @ Keionda Hearts Books, I went ahead and borrowed it from my library. I wasn’t prepared to finish this in hours, but that is what happened. I also wasn’t prepared to borrow the next book right after, and then finish that one too. I spent my entire weekend reading these books! I’m almost done with the last book, but I had to stop or my brain would have exploded. Since you all know the premise, I’ll just get to my likes/dislikes and the characters.

What I liked

• the caste system (not that I like what each one entails, but just that it fit the dystopian world perfectly.)
• the way that Prince Maxon has no clue how to date or even act around girls. He knows some things, but is clueless about others.
• America didn’t really want to do The Selection but for her family and her love, she did it anyway.
• I love the friendship between Mer and Marlee. Marlee wasn’t as catty as the other girls and Mer really needed some girl bonding.
• Aspen wanting to provide for Mer and just wanted the best for her.
• I love all of Mer’s maids! They love her as much as she loves them. Especially, Lucy.

What I Didn’t Like

• Aspen’s appearance after the fact
• Celeste’s Queen Bee persona
• Mer’s constant ramblings about Maxon and Aspen
• All the secrecy that is running rampant around that palace. The King is a Tyrant and should be stopped. The Queen is doing her duty, but at what price? She needs to step up and do something.
• How much The Reports remind me of The Hunger Games with Gavril Fadaye as Caesar. The King sure reminds me of President Snow also.

I really liked the story as a whole, as I couldn’t put it down to save my life. I just want to see who will get to be Princess. If you are looking for a fast dystopian read, this would be it. Just be mindful of the romance. It’s sickening. LOL!

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Published: April 23rd 2013 By: HarperTeen

Genres: Young-Adult, Dystopia, Romance

Library Borrow: Kindle Book My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America’s chance to choose is about to slip away.

REVIEW This one wasn’t as exciting as the first. Definite case of sequel suffer. I almost gave up on this because America annoyed me to the ends of the earth. I actually liked Maxon here. He grew some balls with Mer and let her know that he has been giving her time all along, so he wants the same. She surely thought that she would have these two hot guys to choose from, but not that one of them would also be seeking comfort elsewhere. I liked that move on the author’s part, but darn it adds one more person into this romance tango. It’s tiring, to say the least.

What I Liked

• Maxon’s character growth, even though it seemed like he was playing games.
• America’s compassion shown when Marlee received her punishment. (that made me sad and angry)
• Kriss’ s fight for Maxon. I’m glad to know that Mer isn’t the only one in love with him. The others all just seem to want the crown.
• Marlee found the love she can’t live without. She and Carter are so cute, despite what they went through to be together.
• The visit from the Italians was memorable. I’m glad that they were so taken by America.
• The rebels attacks. I’m not being mean, but the more they come, the more answers we get. I hate that people are dying and getting hurt, but it’s nothing compared to the suffering of the people as a whole. America is right; the caste system needs to be eliminated.

What I Didn’t Like

• Aspen thinking that he can just show up and get Mer back. He shouldn’t have broken her heart like that. Now the poor girl is confused and it’s giving me a headache.
• America’s indecisive rambling. Girl gets all happy about one guy and then something happens. Next, she’s back to the other guy, and then the first one comes back into focus. Who do you love girl? Pick one!!
• Marlee’s and Carter’s punishment. That was excessive and only a tyrant would think to make such a statement. I hate the King….I hate the King…..
• Celeste and her endless sabotage attempts. Girl’s got issues man.
• The ending when we find out what Maxon has been going through. I wanted to scream! I wish someone would kill that evil man they call King.

This was a fast read. Annoying, but fast. I’m sure you’ll be seeing my review for the last book this week, so stay tuned. I’m sure there will be more rants to come. Still, I think this is worth reading, even with the love tango from Satan’s loins.