The Selection and The Elite (The Selection Books #1 & #2) by Kiera Cass

The Selection and The Elite by Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 24th, 2012/April 23rd 2013
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback/Hardback
Pages: 326/257
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository

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.

      I read The Selection and The Elite about a year ago and realized that I did not have a review of either of them on my blog. This book was not my favorite, but yet it was enjoyable and it drew me it. It is the Bachelor meets monarchy. Girls line up by the dozen in order to compete for heart of Prince Maxon. America Singer is just your average girl who enters just for her family's sake and what do you know she makes it to the elite girls trying to win over Prince Maxon
      The Selection had such a quick pace to it for me and before I knew it, I wanted more. That being said I do think the whole series could have been combined into one very long book and there would have been no need for me to spend $20 on a barely 300 page book. But I get it. It brings in money because trilogies are all the rage and with out it we would not have the blue, red and white covers for America Singer. I felt like even the first two books could have been combined and then have a nice duology cause who doesn't like a nice duology. And then we have the little side stories like The Prince and the Guard which brings me to the one thing that ruined this books for me. Fuck Aspen. Go away! I have not met a single person who has read this book and said "you know I like the Aspen storyline," NO ONE! There was no need for him, leave him in the beginning where he belongs. 
      I am considering reading The One even if I do not like Aspen. I want to know what happens in the end even though it is obvious by the cover. I want to see how the end unfolds between America, Maxon and Aspen. 
      The Selection is a very clean, romantic and typical YA dystopian, but does not have very strong characters. America pisses you off with her decisions throughout the series (at least for the two books I have read so far) and the characters seem to have no depth to them. While I do love the story because– just like The Bachelor the TV show– I get hooked and want to see what stupid mistakes get women thrown out.
      All in all I give both these books 3.5 stars. They were just not enough to make it to a four for me. While the characters with bland and very black in white, it did make me want more, but by the time the third book came out I had moved passed it.

      Let me know what you think of The Selection series in the comments below and tell me if I should keep reading and move onto The One and The Heir

Thanks Hons
Lee Chand