Review: The Heir (The Selection #4)

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: Kiera Cass
Pages: 342
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 6 out of 10

** SPOILER ALERT: This is the fourth in the series, and definitely will contain spoilers if you haven't read the first three**

Summary (Thank you dearly, Goodreads): Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.
My Thoughts: I had read The One right when it came out, and I was so excited to see where the series was going to end and if the characters were going to get a satisfying ending. Apparently I didn't have to worry about it though, because shortly after (if I'm remembering correctly) the rest of the series was announced. And while I thought The One was almost unnecessary and that the series could have easily been a duology instead of a trilogy, this one definitely crossed into unnecessary and "I thought this story was over why am I still reading it" category. Which isn't to say it didn't entertain me, because it did. It was just not at all necessary to the story of America and Maxon. I think it would have been better as a spin-off and not a "continuation" (though, I use that term lightly). 

I hated Eadlyn. I thought she was completely awful to most of the people around her. I could not reconcile the America we got to know in the first three novels with the America that is presented in this book. (I don't think she'd ever force Eadlyn to go through with her own Selection, even if it would relieve stress off her father. Ugh.) The new characters that were introduced all felt like they were the male versions of the female characters in the first selection. I saw the plot twist coming from a mile away, even though that plot twist is the only reason I will finish the series. I was just disappointed, I guess. It felt like the same story, with the same political issues that Maxon was supposed to fix. 

That review seriously made it sound like I hated it. I didn't. It was entertaining enough, and the story was interesting enough for me to finish in one sitting. The writing was great again, I don't know how Kiera Cass does it, but she is a wonderful story teller. I'll finish off the series, I just don't know who I'm rooting for at this point. 

I have some serious cover lust, though.

Final Thoughts: While it was entertaining, it definitely didn't feel like it was necessary. If you liked the rest of the series, though, I would definitely suggest continuing on! 

Reviewer: Kelsey
Rating: 5 out of 10

My Thoughts: Mwahaha, I'm hijacking Kristen's post.
Anyway, I didn't really like this book. I hated Eadlyn. She was a whiney baby and a generally horrible person that was spoiled and didn't care about anyone but herself. I wanted to punch her in the face. I didn't find that she had any redeemable features. She was the stereotypical rich kid and I absolutely hated it.

I also was mad at her parents. This novel is practically the exact same as the rest of the series. The same problems are happening and the parents are making the same mistakes that they hated. That shouldn't have happened. They should not have made the choices they did. 

I also didn't like that the foreshadowing shoved us in one direction and the author chose the exact opposite. It was obviously done that way on purpose. There was no subtly at all. It was stupid.

The novel wasn't as bad as I made it sound. It wasn't too much of a time commitment. It did, however, make me exceedingly angry so that was a problem. If you really, really, really loved this series you might enjoy this novel.

Review: The One

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Kiera Cass
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 217
Rating: 6 out of 10

** Spoiler Alert -- This is the third in a series. Check out The Selection and The Elite **

Summary (Goodreads is the ONE): The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

My Thoughts: What are my thoughts? Do I have thoughts? Well, I'm very opinionated so I must be thinking something. This would probably be easier had I written it right away.

What do I remember feeling about this novel the most? I felt like the ending came out of nowhere. It was so sudden and so quick. It ended the novel so quickly. This was a three book series, I expected so much more for all the build up. I was not surprised. I was left horribly unsatisfied. The book just drops off without telling the reader what happened next. What happened after? Did it end well? Did the problems go away? I don't know because the author didn't tell me. I choose to believe it all ended well but I also made up my own ending in my mind.

Also, America, shut up and listen to Aspen for like six seconds. Stop being so self-centered and listen to what he has to tell you. I assume that this was used to leave the reader wondering what he thought was important. What did he have to say? But I figured out what he had to say the moment he said he had something to say. I was not surprised. I was only surprised he didn't make himself heard. 

I thought that this novel was okay. I probably will not reread this series. Kristen told me to read them so I did but I got mad with every single character at least once and it was not a good thing. I wanted to hit a few of them upside the head. This made me very unhappy. Everyone needs to get their stuff together. I'm tired of their shenanigans. 

So: This was the final book in a trilogy. It ended the series...okay, neither of those things really say much, I'll give you that. How about this: it could have been so much more and I feel like I'm still waiting to know what happened, and that's not because I was so attached to the characters that I want a fourth in this series. I just wish there were two more chapters that concluded everything. An epilogue that actually went into the future would be nice. I don't want to hear more about their love lives, I want to know what happened politically. Don't make something big just to drop it into a hole and leave it there to die. People notice when that happens.

The Elite (The Selection #2)

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: Kiera Cass 
Pages: 323
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 7 out of 10

** Spoiler Alert! Even reading the summary will spoil you. You've been warned! **

Summary (you da bomb.com, Goodreads):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.

My Thoughts: So, the last review I totally just spewed on and on about the characters. I'll try to refrain from doing that this time, because my opinion on most of them haven't changed. This book got me, I read it one sitting and I'm now anxiously counting down the days until the next one comes out. May 6th, for those of you not in the know. 

So, this one basically reaffirmed my hatred for America. Okay, put away the eagles, this girl is talking about the character. (I'm so funny, right?! Just... play along...) I really really disliked her, which is awkward. You'd think I'd want to be done with her character, but that is not the case. This one she gets bad for flip flopping between Aspen and Maxon. Seriously, at a few points, her mind literally changes every chapter. It was bad, but I kept going and I'm glad that I did. 

For some reason, this story stuck with me. It wasn't written in any fantastic way, and the narration wasn't to die for, but I can't get it out of my head. So, I guess that's the mark of a good novel, right? Maxon only made me love him more, Aspen only made me hate him more. (Remember when I said I wouldn't talk about characters....hahahahahah) 

And on that note...

Final Thoughts: It was a good read, I mean, I am biting my nails to the stubs waiting for the next one. (Only somewhat of an exaggeration). 

___________________________________________________

Reviewer: Kelsey

Rating: 6 out of 10

What I think: Like the first in this series, I think that this novel could be a lot more. Also, like the first in this series, I quite enjoyed this novel. It pulled me in, though I couldn't say why or how it managed to do that. 

I hate Aspen even more. Can't he just leave it all alone?

I'm not sure what to do with Maxon. I saw some things with him coming and other I didn't. He seemed to jump around a lot like I thought America did in The Selection. I'm mad at some of his choices. Am I surprised at what the author did for plot twists? Not really.

America still can't make up her bloody mind and it still bugs me. I feel like her emotions and interests are just made up as the author goes because I can't grasp her character. I think I have a handle on her than she randomly changes her mind. Clearly, it will end with her making some kind of decision. I have my own thoughts on who she should choose, of course.

The end of this novel pointed to a decision but I have a feeling that, in the end, it won't make a difference. It makes me angry. It's like she's made up her mind but keeps bouncing back to the other guy. Frankly, I'm tired of her and her nonsense. She's basically using two people and leading them on. Why bother fighting for something you don't want? I hope this issue is quickly resolved cause it's starting to bore me. I'd prefer more of a story that wasn't focused on her bouncing around.

So: I plan on finishing the series but I'm not really happy about it. I'm tired of America not choosing because I feel she already made a choice, not once but twice. The ending of this novel didn't do it for me but I really have no say in it so whatever. I'm not sure why I get so interested in these novels when they are in front of me. We shall see what happens.

The Selection

Reviewer: Kristen

Author: Kiera Cass

Format: Paperback

Pages: 327

My Rating: 7 out of 10

Summary (thanks, GR): 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.

My Thoughts: I do this really cute (and by cute, I totes ma-goats mean really damn annoying) thing where I read book after book and then not review them. Bizarre, right? Yeah, not in my life. Also, Kelsey drafted her review of this novel and told me (GUILTED ME) into posting mine. So if it's short... please forgive me. 

Kelsey also stole my "The Hunger Games meets the Bachelorette" line. Though, I think I saw that somewhere else. Okay, focusing now, I swear. That line literally sums up what I thought of this. Okay, so there's no death, but oh brother, can girls be catty. So, in the catty, girls are too mean to each other sense, this is totally like The Hunger Games. The Bachelorette thing basically describes the entire plot of this novel, which I actually think is really cool. I really like that it felt unique, and that it took dystopian to a new level that I haven't encountered before. 

There was definitely similarities to other dystopian novels that I've read before. There is a caste system, and our home girl America was one of the lowest ones. She and her "let's go to the tree house and make out but lets be clear we aren't technically together because that's now allowed because I'm a caste lower than you and I can't drag you into that life when you could have [not actually that much more] more than me" boyfriend are in one of those taboo relationships. Her parents would kill her if they found out about Aspen, despite the fact they like his family. Basically, in summary, Aspen = Gale in my books. Kind of Edwardian (totally going to change this definition to a character resembling Edward Cullen) in the sense that you can't be with me because you can't make your own coherent choices, and thus I must protect you from all the evils you aren't smart enough to understand. Okay, apparently I'm angry today. I digress. 

Maxon, however, I was really intrigued by. He's the Prince and the bachelor if we're going to stick with the whole Bachelorette thing. Beautiful girls from each caste are sent to him, and the way that the author sets it up, you totally expect him to be a douche.  But he really isn't. It just so happens, I really like this Maxon guy. He's patient, and cute, and realistic (in a total book way, not reality way). I understand why some people don't like him, because if the author hadn't tread with care, he would totally be some douchenozzle player. I mean, he gets the prettiest 24 girls in the country to play with and decide he wants to marry. Good thing Cass does him justice. Basically, in summary, Maxon = Peeta in my books. 

So, following the above logic, one would assume that America = Katniss. BUT NO. WRONG WAY, TURN AROUND IMMEDIATELY. America was my least favourite character, which sucks because she's the narrator. The plot kept me, not this shitty character. Seriously, girlfriend couldn't make up her mind to save her life. The one that instance that Kelsey and I talked about a lot was the fact that she was uber pissed off about having to participate in this contest, but she stopped to sign autographs of her "adoring fans" aka people that just learned of her existence because she may be the next princess. Anyway, America was seriously so flaky and that's such an ugly word, but I can't think of anything else. 

Final Thoughts: Basically, I read this for the plot. Not for America. Hahahahah, that sounds way dramatic. 

______________________________________________________

Reviewer: Kelsey

Rating: 7ish out of 10

Thoughts: This was kind of a guilty pleasure type of read. I didn't think that it was any kind of outstanding writing or plot or characters even but I did enjoy this novel a lot. I read through it rather quickly. It was an easy one. The plot was easy to understand and follow too. It wasn't totally original nor was it unoriginal. It was kind of average really. I did find, however, that it had some kind of hold on me. I didn't put it down until it was done.

I thought that it was sort of The Hunger Games meets the bachelorette. Take that however you wish.

Character wise...okay, I thought it was a bit of a mess. I'm not sure the author took all the time necessary to get to know her characters. I thought that America jumped all over the place. She wanted one thing then suddenly wanted something totally opposite. A little bit of this might not have been a problem but America does this suddenly and often. It was like character whiplash. I couldn't figure out who she really was. I also had a problem with Aspen. He was stupid. I'm tired of "we can be together" then "we can't", "we can", "we can't". Make up your mind.

I think that this novel had a lot of potential but it was lost somewhere. Maybe it just needed a little bit more work and polish. I don't really know. To me, it was missing that spark. It was missing what couldn't made it a great novel. I wish it could've been great.

Basically: I thought that it was a fast and easy read. I found that I wanted to finish it and I got a hold of the second one right away but this could never be my favourite novel. I thought that it lacked something and the characters were all over the place. This book doesn't really stand out to me and, if Kristen hadn't given it to me, I probably would never have picked it up off the shelf.