Review of "The Selection"

"That stupid letter could lift me out of the darkness, and I could pull my family along with me."

     For Kiera Cass's novel The Selection, we travel to Illéa, the kingdom that took over in the ashes of America following the Fourth World War. It is a monarchy based on an eight-layer caste system, with royalty, or Ones, at the top and Eights at the bottom. America Singer, our heroine, is a Five--a singer/musician for hire. Her mother, obsessed with climbing castes, wants her to marry a Three or a Four...but America, who is in love with a boy from Six, has other plans. When she is swept up, quite unwillingly, into the Selection, America is expected to compete with thirty-four other girls for the heart of Prince Maxon, but she refuses to try--at least, until the prince shows his true colors, and America realizes that life as his princess may not be as bad as she thought. America must now choose between Aspen, her first love, and Maxon, a boy in search of a love he has never dared to hope for.

     Cass has accomplished with The Selection what few other authors can claim: she made me fall in love with a romance novel. From the first page, America stands out as an honest, original character. Our heroine is deeply entrenched in a love affair with her best friend turned boyfriend, Aspen, and we can see from the start that this isn't just some teenaged infatuation. Both characters care deeply for each other, and it shows in the way they act. America brings food for the poorer boy to their meetings, and he gives her pennies when she sings because he feels responsible for her. It is Aspen, heartbroken to think America will be poor because she passed up a chance at wealth, who convinces her to put her name in the Selection. America does not think she will be accepted, but she is, and that is where we meet Prince Maxon.

     I am not one for love triangles, nor am I one to change sides when the second boy comes into the picture. However, when I realized just how different America and Maxon's relationship is when compared to what she has with Aspen, and when it became clear the level on which he cares for her, I have to admit I changed my mind. And it is clear that America feels torn, too, because she keeps switching sides herself as the book goes on. It is good to see a character who is indecisive constantly, rather than picking one boy and feeling guilty for leaving the other behind.

     Although this is a romance novel, it has plenty of action. Two distinct rebel factions attack the palace when you least expect them, and neither the reader nor the characters know which side it was until the aftermath is revealed. A few guards die, and the characters spend plenty of time running to and hiding in reinforced bunkers, never quite sure if this will be the time the enemy finds them. Also, the dynamic between the Selected is often far from friendly. Violence and subterfuge, although technically frowned upon, are used equally in dealing with competitors.

     Illéa is beautifully depicted. Castes are described from the point of view of someone who disapproves but does not fight against them, the world of the palace is immaculately detailed, and the characters are all very well-rounded and very distinct. Every aspect of the story is thought out and realistic. Besides this, Cass's writing style is gorgeous. It lends realism and depth to America's narrative that would not be there otherwise. The writing style makes this story.

     This is the perfect YA book for anyone who is interested in a well-paced romance where both boys in the triangle are worthy of the protagonist. I would recommend it to anyone who likes realistic, down-to-earth characters who are willing to accept change just as much as they are willing to make it. As for a rating, it fully deserves five of five stars. Clear your schedule, though--once you pick up The Selection, there is no putting it back down.