Starting off this was way more enjoyable than the second installment. I felt the love triangle was not as back & forth as America does make a decision. Also we are able to focus on an actual plot now that the love triangle is out of the way. The addition of new characters & the ramping up of the political side of things was refreshing.

Things felt a little wrapped up too nicely in the end. Some actions taken by certain characters felt out of character or their decisions did a total 180 from their recent feelings. I wish there was more of a progression for these character personality changes because they felt abrupt & put in the book to make the ending more smooth.

It makes me wonder what the other two books are going to be about now that things seemingly have come to a great conclusion.

This entire sequel is America going back & forth with her feelings as the Selection continues. Her feelings seem to lean toward whoever she is spending time with at that point in time. It’s almost excruciating how many times she flips between them in this book alone.

Then when you think about the events of this book, not much happens. We spend a majority of our time in America’s head while she’s trying to decide if she loves Aspen or Maxon but also if she even wants the responsibilities of being a princess. The characters are the main focus while the plot however slim it is, is more of a sub plot.

This book felt more like the Bachelor where Maxon is spreading out his time with all the girls not just America & there’s plenty of jealousy to go around. Lots of drama & barely any eliminations so it doesn’t feel like we’ve gotten any closer to the end of the Selection.

I was able to knock this out in one sitting as I listened to the audiobook while at work, but I think if I didn’t finish it the way I did I probably would have been more upset about the lack of choice & plot.

Prince Maxon is looking for a princess using the Selection. This gives 35 girls the chance to live at the castle & get to know the prince until he decides who should be his bride. Oh and it’s also televised to the whole country. America Singer is one of the 35 chosen, however she doesn’t want the crown. She wants to stay home with her secret love Aspen. As she goes through the Selection, America starts to question what she thought she wanted for her life.

I went into this knowing this series was super popular back in the day & I wanted to see what the hype was about. Let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed. This is exactly the type of book I think I’d enjoy if I read it during its prime. I’d categorize this book as a potato chip book. It’s not a gourmet meal but it tastes good!!

I’m a big fan of the relationship that develops between America & Maxon. It felt natural & reminded me of the early stages when I met my husband. It was a breath of fresh air from the insta love I’m so used to seeing.

I was surprised I liked it as much as I did since I don’t really like the Bachelor. As soon as people told me it was like that I immediately was worried I signed myself up for something I’d hate. This ended up being a nice light read full of teen angst & made the tasks I was working on while listening to it bearable.

I wish the world details was a little fleshed out more. As I was listening to the audiobook I’d be trying to picture everything then one line would occur & shift my whole perspective. I understand the world was supposed to be a dystopian future America, but I really didn’t find myself connected to the world & was more focused on the characters.

Speaking of the audiobook, the narrator did a good job & I enjoyed listening to the story from her.