The Selection Book Review - No Spoilers
Introduction
Last week, Marcus convinced me that we needed to “fix” the Wi-Fi router. By “fix,” he meant unscrewing every possible piece and scattering them across the kitchen table like a robotics project gone wrong. He wore mismatched socks, of course, and kept running commentary on how he was going to build us a stronger connection than NASA. Meanwhile, Matthew sat across from him with that look—half amusement, half “I should step in before something explodes.” Eventually, the router survived, though it’s now leaning slightly to the left. Somehow, these chaotic family projects always remind me of palace politics: everyone thinks they have the right answer, but no one agrees on the process. Which brings me right to my review of The Selection.
Plot Summary
The Selection by Kiera Cass is the first novel in the series of the same name. It’s set in Illéa, a future kingdom where society is divided into castes. America Singer, born into a lower caste of artists, doesn’t dream of palaces or crowns. But when Prince Maxon opens up a competition for thirty-five girls to win his heart, she’s chosen against her wishes. Leaving behind her secret romance with Aspen, a boy from an even lower caste, America enters the palace and its glittering but cutthroat world. There, she faces gowns, jealousy, shifting alliances, and unexpected kindness from Maxon himself. All the while, rebel attacks and political unrest remind her that the stakes are much higher than a tiara. The story is part fairy tale, part dystopia, and part romantic tug-of-war.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book blends romance and politics. On the surface, it feels like a royal fairy tale, but underneath, the tension of a divided society adds grit. America is one of my favorite parts—she’s not flawless, and her doubts and stumbles made me root for her even more. Her dynamic with Maxon surprised me. What starts as reluctance turns into an honest, sometimes funny, sometimes vulnerable friendship. I enjoyed that their romance wasn’t instant; it grew naturally, with awkwardness and tenderness. The love triangle with Aspen added another layer of conflict that felt messy in the way real feelings are messy. I also loved the palace setting—lavish gowns, secret corners, rules that can be bent or broken. The book is fast-paced, with enough drama to keep me reading late into the night. And though it has plenty of lighthearted moments, the rebel attacks reminded me there’s always more at stake than just who gets the crown.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy dystopian romance with a competition twist, you’ll probably enjoy this story. It’s perfect if you like love triangles, royal settings, or heroines who struggle to stay true to themselves. Readers who enjoy YA romance with political undertones will find plenty here. It isn’t heavy on world-building details, but it doesn’t need to be—the focus is on relationships and choices. If you’re looking for explicit spice or a dark, gritty dystopia, this isn’t that. It’s more about longing, loyalty, and the emotional push and pull of first love versus unexpected love.
⚠️ Trigger warning: this book includes references to class inequality, heartbreak, jealousy, and moments of emotional distress. The story is not graphic, but the emotional themes can be intense.
Tagged As
dystopian, young adult romance, royal romance, love triangle, forbidden love, caste system, slow burn, take-charge heroine, series, political intrigue, court intrigue, enemies to lovers, protective hero, HEA, sweet romance
Steam Level
The book is rated as clean on most romance rating scales. It has longing, stolen glances, and a few kisses, but no explicit scenes. The tension and romance are emotional rather than physical, making it suitable for teen readers and adults alike who enjoy softer love stories.
