"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."
"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.
From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned."
Overall, I think the One was disappointing. I'll explain, of course.
First of all, the beginning of the One (read excerpts at unlocktheone.com) starts off strong. We have the Northern rebels fighting against the Southern rebels. Then there is His Royal Highness stuck in between. Along with America. So far, so good.
But it goes downhill from there. Conveniently, the story moves when the plot demands it. Shall I mention some convenient times? Warning for spoiler alert. King Clarkson and Queen Amberly dies by the Southern rebels' hand. Hmm...I thought the King and Queen are the most protected. And Maxon survived despite being shot from a rebel. I should mention that he got shot right above his heart. Do you want more proof? Okay, Aspen walks in on America and Maxon kissing. Need more? I got more (dirt). America gets shot. Oh, and America/Maxon gets angry at moments most interesting. The Southern rebels infiltrated the Palace without trying. America and Maxon... Oh, I can go on. But of course, there will always be counter-statements.
For a fairy tale, this book is perfect. However, I don't expect it to be just a fairy tale. I considered this book to be a realistic extension where everything seems to come alive (just like Cinder by Marissa Meyer). I just don't get a lot of feelings of this book. No emotions evoked (other than boredom, of course, and annoyance). I can't help but roll my eyes once in awhile and make a sarcastic (mental) joke. I do that to every book (I do like sarcasm), but I never did it that much.
America, on the other hand, is great. She reacted in all the right places, but why, oh, why do I want to see her fail? Because that voice she uses and the character she has... Okay, I'm not even going there. That's a dark hole I don't want to light up. Anyway, she is just great.
The ending is perfect. Nevertheless, Kiera Cass didn't make it very disappointing. There were a few times when it seemed like America would cave to Aspen (I would kill her; it's like Barney Stinson and his womanizing ways all over again at the series finale of HIMYM). It ended in Happily Ever After. Everyone else should be happy, right? Well, I am.
Overall, I think the best out of all three of these books is The Elite. It was the best (even though it was in the middle; middle books usually suck). It had the maximum amount of energy and the perfect balance between romance and rebellion.
Of course, I'm going to say a few last words. Or point one little snag out. Illea's future is still undetermined. Maxon's plan of eliminating the castes is most likely going to not work. However, you are all welcome to debate the future of Illea. Maxon and America's futures are set in stone, but Illea's future isn't. I'm honestly more concerned about the people than the royal couple. The society of a dystopian novel/series should be a big concern. Hello? It is the first reason we got to that place, America's world, I mean.
Rating: Two out of Five
The Elite...
*Sigh*
I'll try not to say any spoilers. The only spoilers that are here is in the spoilers section down at the bottom of the review.
(Love the quote "35 GIRLS CAME TO THE PALACE ONLY 6 REMAIN" on the cover. It's pure genius. Perfect and the truth.)
It was outstanding. I love the ups and downs of this book. The twists and turns were pure and awesome. To Kiera Cass: HURRY UP WITH THE LAST BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
The writing was good. It flows like a rushing river running down the terrain. I truly loved this book. Too bad I don't have a copy on my hands. I had to borrow from my friend. But when I go to a bookstore, I'll pick up my copy of this book. For all you unsatisfied people reading this post about The Elite, I would like to say that this book has a killer ending to it. You should NOT, I repeat, NOT read this book until the last book comes out. Then you have my blessing to read this book.
The cover... IT'S GORGEOUS. :'( I'll do anything to wear that dress. (But it isn't really my color. I don't do well with red.) Like the previous cover, this one follows suit. All red. (The Selection was all blue). Mirrors in the back. YEAH! Definitely following suit.
Ahh!!! The ending is the gripping sensation that killing my nation. (I put nation there because it's the only thing that would rhyme. And it is a tiny bit of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.) I love the ending. It is the killer.
In this book, one love triangle ends and another one begins. (Biggest Spoiler here)
Marlee! I feel so sorry for that girl. OMG! I was so shock by what happen to her. Why would she do that and how romantic! Ahh!
America... I like this girl. I love her courage and compassion. It's clear that most of the other characters love her too. She's smart when she isn't mad. She's easily jealous and wild. She is stuck in a love triangle and is easily confused by her feelings. It's hard to not feel sympathetic for her. She is one for fairness and rights and justice. She wants equality. She's the Frederick Douglass in the future time. Of course, these decisions were affected by a choice. And in turn, these choices will change the world.
Maxon... Ugh! It really does seem that the most awesomest boys in books really have a pattern. You'll see what I mean when I get to the spoilers part or when you read the book. Maxon is getting a little over his head in this book. (And those haters of Maxon? Give him a break! He deserves one. After all, he has been through a lot. Rebels and those girls! You can't blame him for wanting to do something crazy and mind shocking.)
Aspen... I don't like. And that's all you need to know. He reminds me what Johnny Depp has said.
“If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one. Because if you truly loved the first one, you wouldn't love another. There are four questions of value in life… What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love.” -Johnny Depp
King Clarkson makes a huge appearance at the end of the book. I won't tell you what happened exactly, but let's just say he makes a big impression. I don't like this guy. Just NO! I thought that the relationship between him and his son was bad, but I never thought--no dream--it was like that.
The rebels. Yes! They do appear. Not once. Not twice. But even more than that. And you'll find them, I'll say, interesting. Hints are in the spoiler section of this review. :)
Celeste is evil. I hate her. That's all you need to know. She is ten times the witch before. You will see what I mean.
I hate Kriss. I mean, she's sweet and everything, but I just don't like her. I think she is just too soft and all meat. No backbone. No armor.
Let's get to the spoilers, shall we? IF YOU DON'T WANT THE SPOILERS, SKIP THIS SECTION.
Spoilers:
1) Maxon is abused by his Father, King Clarkson.
2) The rebels are after the diary of the first king.
3) America is supported by the Italians. They love her. They support her. (I hope she does get rid of the castes, but that is just my opinion, so just ignore this.)
4) America eventually chooses to take the crown. To fight for it, I mean.
5) Maxon is caught making out with Celeste.
6) Maxon might choose Kriss.
7) Marlee is gone. She was caught with Officer what's-his-name-and-I-believe-it-is-Waterlow-though-I-am-just-not-sure. They are eights now.
8) Maxon saves Marlee and the ex-Officer. They live in the kitchens of the palace.
9) Maxon's only pick is America. Kriss is "safe."
10) Kriss is in love with Maxon.
11) The rebels are after books.
12) King Clarkson officially hates America. And he will do anything to bring her down. I mean, remove her from the Selection.
13) Maxon and America share a tender/heart to heart moment.
End Spoiler
This book is as awesome as The Selection. My rating is five out of five for the legendary plot and feelings. *Sniff* Genius!
