Waiting on Wednesday - The One by Kiera Cass

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

 

 

Title: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Expected Publication: May 6th 2014 by HarperTeen  

 

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.  America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. 

 

 I know this series has landed on many never read lists.  And I agree some of the tactics from the author and publisher left me second guessing reading this.  But, I've really enjoyed it.  So I'm looking forward to this final book in the series!

 

 

 

Review - The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: 2nd (The Selection)

Pages: 323

Published:  April 23rd 2013 by Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780062059963

Source: Exchanged ARC

Description: Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.  America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.  Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending. I Give This ...

I've never been a big fan of the reality shows The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.  But who doesn't love the idea of the chance to become a princess and find true love all in the same process.  I was captured by the idea in the first book and knew that I would be reading this one.  In many ways it did not disappoint.

I truly think the only fault I found with this book was with America herself.  I understand that she has feelings for both Maxon and Aspen, (although for me there is only one clear cut winner).  I also understand that she really needs to work out the possibility of being a princess and one day becoming the Queen.  But, what I disliked was how she didn't hold herself to the same standards that she seemed to hold to Maxon.  She really seemed to want him to be this perfect prince all wrapped up with no faults.  She would get insanely jealous when she learned about his time spent with the other girls, forgetting that she was going behind his back as well.  She never would let him explain his actions, preferring to jump to conclusions.  

Poor Maxon, he's basically given his heart to America and she's so hesitant to give hers in return.  I don't blame him for finding condolence in somebody else.  I'm glad he went to bat for America in the end, because I'm not sure I would have.  I think he sees in her the Queen he needs for the idea he has for when he takes the throne.  However, she needs to realize that change does not happen over night.

I think all these misgivings were sorted out in the end.  It seems America may have made a decision on where her heart lies.  Maxon may have as well, but there is major roadblock in the way...the King himself.   I'm curious how much say he will have in the selection in the end.  America may have made the most powerful enemy of all.

Review - The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: 1st

Pages: 327

Published: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062059932

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description: 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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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 Give This ...

 

I was initially really excited about this one.  But, then the reviews started to pour in and not all of them were praising it.  So, when it came time to read it, it was with a little bit of hesitation.  

The first thing I discovered is that this book is completely light-hearted.  It may be set in the future, but it isn't a suspense filled dystopian book.  It's more like a fairy tale set in the future.  I found that I liked the setting, so it was easy to get into the story.  I thought the idea of the class system was interesting, and fit in with other books that use this classification.  While, I'm not a fan of The Bachelor or similar shows, the way this was set up was intriguing (although had them same vibe as I imagine the show could have).

For the most part, I liked America.  I liked that she's still naive enough to believe that the class system is an easy thing to breach, that love can conquer all.  But, I also liked that she learns the hard way that sometimes that's not always the case.   I think it gives her just the attitude that she needed when she's selected for the competition.  She's not all googly eyed for the prince and falling over herself trying to impress him.

For that matter, I think Max was my favorite part of the story.  I was a little annoyed when he kept some obvious bad choices in the contest.  But, his reasoning behind them actually made sense.  While, it may have been old fashioned, not everything was for love.  Some of it was to better the country, etc.   I did really enjoy his blossoming relationship with America.  I think she might be what he really needs.   I hope she doesn't screw it up (I'm just not sure on the other "option").

In short, I enjoyed the story.  It was a little campy at times.  But, maybe it was just what I was looking for at the time I read it.