Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

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I want to tell you guys about this amazing book I just read...

The Selection by Kiera Cass is one of those dystopian fiction books; I think it's actually set way in the future. However, reading it feels like reading a fairy tale.

I am a big fan of anything to do with fairy tales. I love princes and princesses, fairies and magicians, anything that seems like it has come from a Disney film. This book is perfect for me because it makes me feel like I am reading the type of book that I loved as a child - but it has a plotline more suitable for someone my age. It's perfect!

One important thing to understand about this book is that the people living in the country are split up into eight castes. One being the richest and Eight being the poorest. A family's caste determines what work they do and their standing in society. It can be controversial for people to marry outside of their own castes, although the lower castes sometimes do this to create better lives for themselves.

America Singer is a Five. She is not the poorest in the country but she is very far from being one of the richest. Her caste specialise in the arts - so they are mostly musicians and artists. They make their living in this way. She knows the struggle of not always having food on the table - but she also knows the situation is far worse for Aspen. America has been having a secret romance with Aspen, who is a Six.

When the royal family announce that the Prince is ready to marry this means it is time for The Selection. Girls of a certain age across the country can apply to be chosen as one of 35 girls. These girls get to live in the palace and get to know the Prince until he decides which one he'd like to marry.

America signs up because she wants to do whatever she can to help her family - even being chosen as one of the 35 can help her family in some way. She is determined to do that much and then return to Aspen someday. She has no interest in the Prince and doesn't even think much of him.

This book enables us to see America and Prince Maxon get to know each other. Of course I'm hoping they'll end up together but I guess I need to read the rest of the books to find out. It's not always likely these days to be able to read about the happy endings we're hoping for.

The love story in this book has made me swoon a couple of times, I have to admit. I just know once I read the next book things are going to go all wrong again.

I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series - and I will let you know once I have. Don't worry, I wont give any spoilers! All I've said already is pretty obvious from the cover etc.

I'd love to read more books like this so please send me your recommendations! Also tell me what you thought about this book. Have you read the others in the series too? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!

Beth xx