The Selection by Kiera Cass

YA Fantasy, 2012 by Harper Collins, 336 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• We’ve definitely heard a version of this before. It’s like all the build up for Hunger Games but that IS the game. I didn’t love the repetition. I wanted more originality. 
• I didn’t love Aspen. This is a mild problem, since he’s an obvious love interest, but I consider it the Gale problem and assume it will ultimately work itself out.
• Scenes are skipped. At least once we got a recap from the main character of an event I would’ve wanted to experience as it happened. 

What I Did Like:

• Most of the characters are great. You don’t even realize you’re falling in love with them until you have the moment of a televised interview (akin to Peeta’s) and literally AWWW out loud. Yup, they’re great. 
• The pacing works. I worried this was going to be slow and drawn out but it sprinkles in plenty of intrigue and action to keep your interest. 
• The intrigue about the world and the politics being a problem are like the current under this seemingly quiet ocean. On the surface this is a story about a beauty contest. But underneath is a churning nest of political drama and dystopia. I love that undercurrent. It will suck me under for the full series. 

Who Should Read This One:

• Dystopian fans who like a strong love triangle style romance. 
• If you like political and dramatic underlayers, this promises that! 

My Rating: 4 Stars

• The deeper layers about politics and equality flowing underneath this story elevated it for me. I have high hopes for the rest of the series!

On a personal note to all the reviewers who have comped this title to my own Fraun series, THANK YOU. I’m honored that a dystopian world that hides so much just to seem perfect for its vivid characters made you think of my books.