PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
GENRES: Young Adult, Romance Books
AUTHORS: Kiera Cass
PAGES: 327 pages
ISBN13: 9780007466696
TAGS: Young Adult Books, Romance Books, Free Books, PDF Books
LANGUAGE: en
TYPE: Digital
“The Selection” by Kiera Cass is a young adult dystopian romance novel, the first book in a series. Here’s a complete summary:
Setting
The story is set in a future, dystopian world called Illéa, which is a monarchy with a rigid caste system. Society is divided into eight castes, with One being the royal family and Eight being the lowest, most impoverished class.
Main Characters
- America Singer: The protagonist, a talented musician from Caste Five.
- Prince Maxon Schreave: The prince of Illéa who is holding the Selection to find a wife.
- Aspen Leger: America’s secret boyfriend from Caste Six.
Plot Summary
Introduction
America Singer lives in Illéa and is in a secret relationship with Aspen Leger. Her family struggles financially, and she is pressured to enter the Selection, a competition where 35 girls from various castes vie for the prince’s hand in marriage. Despite her reluctance, Aspen convinces her to apply, believing she deserves better than him.
Selection Process
America is chosen as one of the Selected and is sent to the palace. She is initially homesick and resentful but forms a bond with Prince Maxon. Unlike the other girls, she is straightforward and honest, which intrigues Maxon. They develop a friendship, and America tells Maxon about her relationship with Aspen.
Relationship Dynamics
As America spends more time with Maxon, she starts to see his genuine, caring nature. Meanwhile, Aspen is drafted into the army and ends up working at the palace. This rekindles America’s feelings for him, creating a love triangle.
Political Intrigue
The palace faces attacks from rebel groups opposing the monarchy and the Selection process. These attacks add tension and danger to the competition. Through these events, America learns more about the political landscape and the hardships faced by people of lower castes.
Conclusion
The book ends with America torn between her growing feelings for Maxon and her lingering love for Aspen. She decides to stay in the Selection, realizing that she needs more time to figure out her true feelings and what she wants for her future.
Themes
- Love and Choices: America’s struggle between her love for Aspen and her developing feelings for Maxon highlights the theme of love and difficult choices.
- Class and Society: The caste system and its impact on people’s lives are central to the story, emphasizing themes of inequality and social justice.
- Self-Discovery: America’s journey is also about self-discovery, as she learns more about herself and her desires through the Selection process.
“The Selection” is a blend of romance, drama, and political intrigue, making it an engaging read for fans of dystopian fiction and romantic stories.
