The Selection

3/5 stars

This book isn't the best romance book I have read, but it's a cheesy quick read. Although in order to enjoy it, I needed to ignore a lot of tropes that were used. Also, at times, the character could act rather toxic or problematically.

Summary:
America Singer gets accepted into The Selection, a competition of 35 girls who are after the prince's hand. Whether it's because they want his heart or his crown, what is a dream come true for most girls is a complete nightmare for America. It means leaving behind Aspen, the person she loves, who is a caste below her. As she leaves and starts living in the palace and gets to know Prince Maxon, she starts questioning what she really wants.

America - I was conflicted about how she acted throughout the book, although it can be understood considering what she has to go through in the book. From dealing with a broken heart to having to face rebel attacks Still, there are times when she does act like she's not like other girls. I'm glad this isn't more common throughout the book, but she is one of my least favorite characters. We also have to remember that she is only 16 and is still maturing. 

Maxon - He is one of my favorite characters in this book. I wasn't expecting him to act that way when I first got into the book. He is a rather awkward person but is shown to be caring. I loved the first interaction he had with America. Instead of getting angry, he tried his best to not place pressure on her and understand her situation. This continues throughout the book.

Aspen- He has to be one of my least favorite characters. He was the reason why America even came to the selection. He felt emasculated and had a desire to provide for America but couldn't because of his lower caste. He breaks up with her because of this, but then gets reintroduced as a guard later in the story. I already knew that this meant that the next book would be focused on a love triangle. 

Overall, I'm glad that they focused more on the events of the selection and the blossoming relationship between Maxon and America. I also liked how they introduced most of the other competitors. I wish we got to see more of Marlee in this book, as I liked how their friendship was developing. Read it if you don't like to think too much about the plot and are there for the romance.