Kingdom of Readers

Small disclaimer before getting started: I go into almost every single book without reading a single review. I look at the star rating and go… “hmm, okay looks good” and just dive in. So, it was a bit of a surprise when, lo and behold, there was a ton of controversy about this book??? OOPS, MY BAD.

Sooooo sorry, not sorry, but I am sticking to my 4-star rating because, ultimately, I read books for the sole purpose of being entertained, and this book did just that. Additionally, I also listened to the audiobook version, which might have affected my experience compared to reading the physical book.

Now, on to the good stuff…

First Impressions

Apparently, I missed my chance to be absolutely consumed by The Selection series by Kiera Cass during my young adult years (but I am still young, OKAY?).

This dystopian novel does have tropes that have been seen many times before, and sure, they may attract the younger crowd more regularly, but I do not believe that Cass’ writing is TOO young to attract readers like myself. I mean, if a book is entertaining, it’s entertaining, right?

Speaking of tropes…

While I’m generally not a fan of drawn-out love triangles (and this was actually my least favorite part of the story), Cass executes the trope well with its slow-burn torture of my heart.

America’s internal struggle about who her heart belongs to is portrayed throughout the entire book. It’s truly not one of those situations that is there one chapter and then resolved the next.

The Characters & Their Relationships

America

When I found out that the main character’s name was America, I was like, “Ew, don’t love that,” but throughout the book, I got so used to the name. Sure, its meaning is a bit cliché, but I appreciate that Cass took the time to weave the explanation into the story. And really, the names of the characters don’t have much impact on how the story ultimately reads.

In retrospect, there is not a ton of depth to the characters, but again… I am okay with that. It is, after all, the first book in a five-book series.

By the end of this book, we are only left with six of the original 35 girls, so I actually appreciated the lack of depth in the side characters. If she had spent more time on character development, it would have come across as adding in ‘fluff’ rather than enhancing the story.

The biggest thing I missed from America’s character is her music. She grows up playing music and is told she is so good, she plays so well and sings beautifully, but we just don’t see enough of her and her music portrayed in the story.

Additionally, another aspect of America that confused me was her desire for children. Initially, I thought it was strange considering their messed-up system, but as I read on, I realized it wasn’t so much about a burning desire to be a mother but rather a necessity. In lower castes, having more children meant more hands to work and potentially more money. But it’s a double-edged sword—more kids also mean more mouths to feed. This realization did add some of that missing depth to the story.

The Love Interests

Starting with America’s first love, Aspen.

I was skeptical about Aspen, especially when he broke things off with America out of “pride.” His behavior just felt suspicious. And then to be seen holding another girl at America’s send-off? Game over, Aspen.

I couldn’t help but wonder if there was another girl involved even before that point when Aspen’s mother was talking to America about how happy she had seen her son recently. I was left wondering if he was double-timing her even then.

That said, when he showed up at the palace, I wasn’t happy. He had a lot to make up for after breaking America’s heart and literally leaving her in the palace of all places looking for solace.

Speaking of that solace, the first heartwarming moment I fell for between Maxon and America was when he told her, “America, I promise you I’ll keep you here until the last possible moment … I swear to you … I won’t make you leave a moment before I have to, or the moment you’re ready, whichever comes first.” Swoon.

Maxon and America have many other cute little heartwarming moments—their first hug, their first kiss, his decision to send another girl home because of what she said about America, etc.—but in the end, Maxon is really just as young and immature as America.

Maxon is naive about the lower castes and their hardships and really does not seem to know what to do after learning about their reality. However, you understand how much he does care, at least about America and her desires, because he attempts to implement a system for the lower castes to provide them with meals.

The caste system is clearly a central theme, and I have a feeling that the King’s distaste for them is going to become quite clear as the story progresses.

The Others

I really appreciated the relationship America formed with her maids. She treats them with genuine care, and they share mutual respect. This is one of the more heartwarming parts of the book, especially considering the caste system. It’s nice to see America rise from a “5” to a “3” and still choose to maintain her humility and not take advantage of her situation.

Additionally, the friendship that develops between America and Marlee was another highlight. They hit it off from the start and continued to build a strong bond throughout the book, providing a nice sense of camaraderie amidst the competition.

Final Thoughts

Cass is not a revolutionary writer, but she is an entertaining one. Any time I was confused in the story, I knew I wouldn’t be kept in the dark, and as a reader who doesn’t want to study my book for all its meaning and nuances, I actually appreciated the openness of the information in the story.

Additionally, the way she weaves the details into the story is natural, whether it be through conversation or something similar, which I much prefer over the stilted version of word vomit just to build the world and then moving on.

The story is character-driven, so I look forward to reading about the characters in the following books and seeing how their arcs develop. Especially Celeste—she has the mean-girl trope on her side, but will she also have the change-of-heart one too?

The one thing that I felt I wanted to nitpick about this book was its categorization under fantasy, as it really has no fantastical elements. It has elements like the caste system and post-war dystopia, but it definitely errs on the side of fiction rather than fantasy.

Overall, this book is fun, emotional, and perfect if you’re looking to be entertained. I gave it 4 stars, deducting one for minor annoyances like the predictable love triangle and the lack of more original ideas, but it’s still a solid read that I really enjoyed!