Book Review: Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Title: Happily Ever After
Author: Kiera Cass
Series/Novel: Selection Series Companion
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Romance
Pages: 416
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Year Published: 2015

"Before they found their happily ever afters, Amberly Maxon, Aspen and Marlee had other stories to tell.
Return to the world of the #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series with the enchanting collection of four novellas."

My Rating: 5/5

This book is a collection of novellas from the Selection series. So this is me completing my endeavour into this series. I must say that I really did enjoy the series as a whole and this was the perfect way to wrap it up. Those of you who have read my previous reviews and spoilers on this series, will know that I was more interested in the first three books than the last two. This is why I loved this book so much. It was amazing closure and I enjoyed the notes from the author at the beginning of the novellas. This was a great story if you're interested in finding out more about the characters in this story I strongly recommend this book. If you're fine with all the endings feel free to leave it out. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

This book was as mentioned above, a companion novel on the Selection series. This story was a good wrap up for me for the series as I really loved the first three books and disliked alot about the last two books. I found it interesting to see the changes in the country of Illea from different perspectives and especially since it followed up on all the girls in the selection.
Way to go Kiera Cass. 

Characters:
Amberly: I found that this was really helpful to find out more about how such a kind and sweet woman ended up with such an apparent horrible man. I think that it helped to also understand Clarkson. How would we know about how he'd experienced abuse as a child if not reading this. That being said, it's never ok. I was surprised that Amberly put up with so much though. It's hard to do so many things for someone and not be put out by it. 

Maxon: I think that seeing how he felt about America helped me to understand his need to be with her in the second book. I found that they instantly connected but I didn't know what he was thinking.

America: I loved her pregnancy announcement. It was beautiful.

Aspen: I found it sad to watch him losing America, but I still don't care for him. I liked who he was in the fourth and fifth books more so.

Marlee: I think that learning more about her relationship. I was surprised at how quickly her and Carter fell in love it was really amazing. 

Celeste: It both made me smile and broke my heart to read her section of the story.

Lucy: I was happy that she ended up with someone who loved her and was very interested to see her reaction to learn about Aspen and America but all in all her reaction made sense. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

Title: The Crown
Author: Kiera Cass
Series/Novel: The Selection Series (Book #4)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance
Pages: 278
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "'I'm sorry,' I said, bracing myself for the inevitable backlash."

"A selection can only have one winner.
A princess only has one heart.
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illea to hold her own Selection, she didn't expect to fall in love the way her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you... and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible- and more important- than she ever imagined."

My Rating: 4/5

This is the final book in the Selection series and reading it was bittersweet. It was nice to see the story come to a close. Seeing how the characters had all grown up as well as the countries change over 2 generations was interesting to me. That being said I'm glad that it's over. I'm not the biggest fan of the main character and found that by the end of this book it was just a little rushed. This being said, Kiera Cass made many twists and turns in this last book that left me hooked until the end. The addition of newer characters and changes of the people in Illea made this book far more enjoyable than the Heir. I hope to read Happily Ever After (a collection of novellas) before putting this series down for a while. 
All of the above being said, I'm grateful that I picked up The Selection when I did as it helped me get out of a reading slump and had very important messages beyond becoming a princess.
I would suggest this book for anyone who enjoyed the Hunger Games or Divergent as long as they can handle slightly more drama and romance. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Crown by Kiera Cass

So this is a conclusion of the Selection series. And I'm grateful that I took the journey to reading these book but also a little sad that it's done. That being said, I also purchased Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass (the companion novel) and hope to read that before moving on to another book series. This story really evolved from America's and although I did not enjoy The Heir, I did enjoy The Crown a bit more. I found that Eadlyn was less whiny and more understanding. I definitely saw her in a different light in this final instalment. The country has also grown throughout the series. From being labelled by a number and told what you can do. To having say in the government with a constitutional monarchy. I found that the world was the most gripping part of the series as a whole and would suggest it to anyone interest in dystopia or romance as well as those who enjoy drama. 

Characters:
Eadlyn: She has grown as a character but this being said, I didn't connect with her as much as I had with America in the past books. I found that because she wasn't really fighting through something I was annoyed. That being said she starts to show love for her family by taking on the throne early and letting her parents be a happy couple. I also found that when she opened up she wasn't so cold which was good lessen in what you see isn't always what you get. This being said, I did find that she was still whiny sometimes and that bothered me to no end.

America: She lived so that's awesome and she's by far my favorite character in this whole series. She has always been a fighters and fights what is right whether it will get backlash or not. I'm happy to see her out of the lime light. 

Maxon: What a strong father character he played. I found that his character evolved best between book 3 and book 4. As you could see he had matured but still remained in many aspects the Maxon we remember from the first 3 books in the series. I also found thought that with him still being so in love with America, it held me captivated to find what would happy to their children. 

Kile: I think that they could have worked out and I was pulling for him. But he had other dreams and I think that Eadlyn did the right thing letting him loose with his future. As much as it upset his mother it was the right thing to do.

Henri: It broke my heart when he found out about Erik and Eadlyn because I thought he would be angry. But he's so fantastic that he encouraged it. That was an incredible character and I wish I knew more about his country of Swendway. 

Erik: Ok, it became increasingly obvious that he was in love with her but I kind of suspected that it would just pass through as other love interests did in the first three books (you should all know who I'm talking about). I think that they will make a good couple, although their relationship near the end seemed to rushed for my liking.

Hale: I was surprised by what happened between him and Ean but alot of things make more sense to me now. I'm glad that he came clean.

Ean: This makes way more sense now that we know he just wasn't interested in any women. I get that he was trying to make the best of a situation but I'm happy that he found Hale.

Marid: This freaking loser. I hope that his parents had nothing to do with his plotting, but he's a piece of garbage. To take advantage of someone in such a way is inexcusable.

Josie: She's growing up. Thank goodness.


Momemnts to Remember:
Final Line: "Or a window as narrow as seven minute."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Heir by Kiera Cass

Title: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection Series (Book #4)
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Pages: 342
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "I couldn't hold my breath for seven minutes."

"Twenty years ago, her mother won the crown. Now it's Princess Eadlyn's turn to find true love.
Princess Eadlyn has heard countless stories about the Selection that brought her parents together, and while it's a beautiful fairy tale, it's not what Eadlyn wants for herself. Unfortunately, she can't escape the path laid out for her... including her very own Selection. Eadlyn doesn't expect to find love among the Selection's thirty-five eligible bachelors. But finding her own happily ever after might not be as impossible as she's always thought."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So this review will contain a slight spoiler for the first three books in the Selection series. I think that this book was a bit of a let down after reading the first three books in the Selection series. I think that this book had a huge change of characters. This fourth book in the series follows America and Maxon's daughter as she trains to take over the country from her father after many changes have taken place in the country.  The way the characters and the country has changed made me change my opinion of the world. I found that the main character had traits that I just didn't find easy to accept, and they kinda clashed with my feelings on things. I'm not sure if the author did this intentionally or if this was just how she had envisioned Eadlyn. Overall I found this book hard to get through and didn't care to pick it up until about half way through. I am looking forward to finishing this series and am excited to see how it draws to a close. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Heir by Kiera Cass

So this fourth book in the Selection series. It follows Maxon and America's daughter as the first female heir to the throne of Illea. She is living in a generation of many firsts. The castes have been eliminated, rebels have all been eliminated. People in the country of Illea are experiencing change. And for the monarch, the response is not what was expected. I was surprised to see how the citizens were reacting to the change. Especially the new generation. It was great to see older characters such as Marlee, America and Maxon as adults with a whole life surrounding them. This being said I found the main character extremely annoying. As a reader, I found her whiny and too rude to those around her. I can't even imagine speaking to people the way she does, family, strangers, etc.

Characters:

Eadlyn: I find that she really was a whiny character in the first 2/3 of the books. I found that she just complained about everything. Her life was so tough wah wah wah. I just hated her. around the last third, I started to enjoy the story more but just not enough. I found that this character was hard to read from her p.o.v. I just can't handle her. This being said I'm reading to learn more about the changes in the world of Illea.

Ahern: I don't blame him for leaving Illea and going to get married. I thought that he was brave to do it and that he was brave to speak to his sister when she was acting like such a brat. I think that he would make a better leader and that he just had to leave his family behind.

Maxon: It sounds like he's changed so much in his time as king, and that's incredible. That being said his health is going down hill quickly as he tries to clean up more and more problems throughout the country. I think that the story of his and America's love was what kept me reading.

America: She has become such a graceful queen and I'm happy to see her getting to be a mother to many great children. I was surprised that she didn't tell her children more about the Selection. I was happy that she was stubborn enough to make sure her eldest, no matter the gender had the opportunity to lead the country. I was upset by the ending and the ending is why I am going to be reading The Crown. 

The Boys: Yes I put them in a pile because I didn't get to know all the names and it didn't seem fair to everyone to leave them out. I like Kile, I think he's kind but I don't know if he's the one. I also like Henri, but that would be a difficult relationship. I also enjoy Erik although he is not even a part of the selection. He's perfect. Burke obviously ugh... but the guy he thought a girl saying no was a joke, I wanna kick your butt. So hard!

Moments to Remember:

Pg.  88

"I knew the water would get rid of the mess, and I know it would take away the smell, but no amount of scrubbing  would ever was away this memory."

 Final Line: "And, when I did, I'd have a ring on my finger."

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series/Novel: The Selection Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Romance
Pages: 323
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2014
First Line: "This time we were in the Great Room enduring another etiquette lesson when bricks came flying through the window."

"The time has come for one winner to be crowned. When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown- or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, 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."

My Rating:  5/5

So I waited for this book in the mail for what seems like forever, and it came right before a postal strike in Canada, so yay for beating deadlines. I really think that it was interesting to see the change in America throughout the series and hope to see more of her in the following book. I found that because I didn't read this book before the rest came out. I found that it made the ending more predictable, although the getting to any ending was interesting. I loved learning more about the characters and learning more about the country's life every day. I found that the story was both interesting and romantic. I really enjoyed it all together and look forward to reading The Heir, The Crown and The Selection Stories collection. I hope to learn more about the future of the country. 

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Spoiler: The One by Kiera Cass

As I will mention in the review I bought the rest of the Selection Series online and received them right before a postal strike in Canada. Yahoo. Lucky me! And honestly I don't think I could have waited anymore. I'm looking forward to completing this series and learning more about the past of Illea as well as more about the characters life. I look forward to also catching up with characters after so many twists. 
I found that this book had a lot of twists such as: attacks, character changes, changes in love, etc.
I think that it helped to keep me gripped and it was incredible to zoom through the rest of the book tonight. Yahoo.

Characters:
America: I think that her character growth throughout the first three books is huge. She changes from being so uncomfortable to kinda whiney to finally fierce. I think that in this last book she is an incredible female character. I did get frustrated in the end when she kept putting off I love yous and telling Maxon about Aspen but you know to heck with it. It all worked out how I wanted so hell ya. Interested to see her as a mother. Also horribly sorry about her dad, how crazy is it that her dad was a rebel! Shock!

Maxon: I think that he also grew up. In the last book I think he was enjoying intimate company with too many women although that's part of the competition. I think he really found himself in this instalment. He was able to learn more about his people, their past and what kind leader he wants to be. When he became so cold with her about Aspen, I understand but I was angry. 

Aspen: I was glad that he was able to find someone worth loving and I think that while letting go is hard, holding on is even harder in this circumstance. He needed someone who needed him and they had both changed so much. 

Lucy: She needed someone strong to help her and all together they belong together. I hope that he explains the issue with America so jealousy is not an issue.

Anne: I felt sorry for her and hope that she didn't die horribly. 

Kriss: Wow I never imagined she was a rebel, but looking into things more and more I started to realize she was hiding something. It makes sense that that would be it. I was glad that she was supportive with America. I do hope that she finds someone who gives her the love she deserves.

Celeste: This took me by surprise. For so long I disliked her but then just when I start to like her. Bang. Literally, bang. Too soon? Also there were unexpected tears. 

Elise: Her idea of honour was an interesting concept and I think she will be a key adviser in the future of this series. 

The King: What a jerk! I think a serious issue of control issues was happening so he eventually had to go one way or another. And I'm sorry to say it was this way but hopefully Maxon will be a better leader.

The Queen: Will be missed, so sad. Very glad to have known more about her characters.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 170
"Celeste's dress... well, it would certainly be unforgettable. Her neckline was plunging, and it seemed a little inappropriate for the occasion. She caught me staring, and pushed her lips together and shook her shoulders at me."

Final Line: "It's so much more than that."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series/Novel: The Selection Series (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance
Pages: 323
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2013

"The Selection began with 35 girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever- and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen? 
America is desperate for more time but the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want- and America's chance to choose is about to slip away."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This second book in the Selection series was interesting and I enjoyed how soon it picked up after the first book. It was easy to move from one book to the next and a decently quick read. I enjoyed the story line and the plot but found the characters more troubling and in some cases very frustrating. The exploration of the Dystopian universe was further looked at in this novel and it provides interesting themes to the Dystopian genre. I found the way the characters interact in this universe to be the most interesting.
This being said this book is filled with twists and turns that will drive readers crazy (in the best way) to the end, wondering how America will ever chose and what her choice will mean for the rest of the series. I look forward to continuing the series and have ordered the rest online from my closest bookstore.
I would suggest this series if you are interested in reality tv as well as dystopian universes. It has managed to capture my interest for both of these reason, and I am hooked.

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Elite by Kiera Cass

So I spent a day off up at the lake completing this book and what a perfect day it was. I read the last one hundred pages quickly and then sat there thinking about when the next 4 books of the series will arrive at my P.O. box. Don't worry ladies and gents 8 days is all.
So this installment showed America in the Elite for the Selection. In the last book we see that she's excited to be involved in the competition and the Elite springs straight back into it.
The plot, along with all the twists and turns in this second book were interesting, but I must say I found myself rather annoyed with America. Her indecisiveness drove me crazy and I was actually hoping that someone else would win about half way through. That being said, I was drawn back in by the end with possibility that she would go home. The palace becomes more of a familiar setting and Illea's history becomes more clear as well in this second book. I look forward to see what will happen next in The One.

Characters:
America: As I mentioned above I found her character to be to indecisive. I do wonder how she will get through the rest of the competition when she can't seem to make up her mind. If she really loved Maxon wouldn't she let Aspen go? He let her go? I don't understand how this is so difficult. I also don't trust either of the men though. Especially when Aspen brings up things that he has heard. I do wonder what else she might have found if she continued to read the first kings journals. I hope that she smartens up but I doubt it.

Maxon: I wish that he wasn't falling for other girls but I understand why he does. But the thing with Celeste.... not ok in my books. I did feel horrible when I found out about his father. Especially in the situation we found out in. I wasn't surprised when he said that he didn't trust America and that she would have to gain his trust because she's really treated everyone around her as though there are not consequences to her action.

Aspen: I don't like him. I don't trust him and I don't want him... solid mah. He's just kind of there like an obstacle that America keeps running into instead of crossing over. He might make someone else very happy but he needs to back the heck up especially after what happened with Marlee.

Marlee: Holy crow! That was horrible. I can't believe that they were moved down that quickly and yet I'm surprised that Aspen and America never got caught. Marlee must really have loved this man to go through so much pain to be with him. Wouldn't it have been easier to just get kicked out and then find him after all is said and done? Too much champagne I suppose.

Celeste: I hate her but I understand why she's such a sly brat. She's always gotten what she wanted so why not now.

The King/Clarkson: Who could beat their own child?!? It doesn't seem to matter that he is full grown but I understand so much more about Maxon now than I ever did before.

The Queen/Amberly: What a sweet and kind woman, I wish she would stand up to her husband.

Kriss: She'd make a great queen but I find her to be to attached to soon to Maxon. He's not her's just yet and the fact that he has no problem making out with Celeste proves it. He needs something more.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "If I had them, there was no way I could lose."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series/Novel: The Selection Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance
Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2012
First Line: "When we got the letter in the post, my mother was ecstatic."

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime.
The opportunity to be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't even want.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she begins to realize that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."


My Rating: 5/5

This book is the first book in the Selction Series that has just wrapped up this year to my understanding. I bought this book a while ago and was a little wishy washy when I read the cover. I was unsure whether it was something I would really enjoy or if it was something that was very popular main stream but just not for me. This story follow America who is in a caste, or as I thought of it level that is closer to the bottom then the top. After applying to the Selection, which she is sure she will never be accepted to, America is moved to a castle filled with competition, rebels and elegant lifestyles. 
I really enjoyed this book and am glad that I was in the city when I started it as I was able to buy the second book to the series. I really think that America is a strong and relatable character. She is friendly without being overly affectionate. She has characters she also loves and those she doesn't, which really gives her character dimension. I also found the world interesting as it explains aspects of the world through flowy writing rather just abrputly in a way that just throws off the story. I am extremely excited to read the next book in this series and may ignore my TBR for a while to finish the series... 
I would suggest these books to anyone interested in romance, ya and dystopia. It's an interesting take on all these genres.

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Selection by Kiera Cass

As I mentioned in the review I was questioning whether or not to pick up this book when I bought it. This series had wrapped up earlier this year and everyone was talking about it. I was wondering whether it would be to filled with romance, but I found that Kiera Cass tells this story with flow and a sense of humor that bode well with the dramatics in this story. The universe in which this story line takes place is in a post America setting in a country called Illea which is ruled by a king and queen. The country is also filled with castes or as I like to call them levels 1-8. The first one being royalty, the last being the homeless and other jobs in between. Those below a level 4 have a difficult life, but those in the high end either don't realise their blessing or don't care too. It follows America SInger who is a five, in love with a six. She is a musician and her family barely has the money as artists to make it by. Aspen, a six is a labourer or servant for anyone who is willing. After applying for the Selection to be 1 of 35 to marry the prince America is selected (which is deemed unlikely). After this she is swept into a world of jewels, glamour and riches beyond her imagination.
I thought the world was quite well thought out. It showed the country's history without doing it in a strictly fact way. It shows it through conversation throughout the book which was a perfect amount for me.
I also found the characters astounding. So full of life that I was able to picture them perfectly.

Characters:
America: She is so sweet and smart. She is willing to stay when she is so unsure and is the strongest during the rebel attacks. I also found that she really is dynamic. Although she gets angry as any other character she is filled with humour and so many emotions that are perfectly placed. I think that she would make a great princess but in reality it has to be something she wants. I hope that she leaves Aspen, because he's a sack of garbage in my oh so humble opinion. That being said I would understand if she doesn't because of how much he has meant to her. I think that she deserves to be happy and may have done a tiny cheer when she said she wasn't picking one of the men, she was picking herself. I thought that was beautiful. I'm excited to see what happens next now that she is Elite.

Aspen: I think he's a real jerk, but I guess we all make mistakes. It's hard to forget your first love, but I do wonder if he's using America. It makes me worry for her but if he's not it makes sense that they may get together. If he is honest and not with other girls that's awesome. 

Maxon: I like him but why Celeste. I know he explains it but still she's such a brat. I hate her. I think that he makes America happy without trying and they share more than a physical connection. He is smart and cares deeply for his people which helps to make a good king. I'm excited to see what else will happen in his quest for a wife.

Marlee: I wonder what she doesn't want to go back to. I was sad to see her break down about her connection with Maxon, but I also understand why she was so upset.

May: Reminded me so much of my younger sister.

Celeste: Spoiled brat, I hope she gets kicked to the curb because it's so unsatisfying that she's still there. Urgh. I hope that Maxon eventually can see through her. 


Moments to Remember:
Please note I read this while on a road trip so none of them got marked. But still fantastic writing.

Final Line: "I pulled back the covers and leaped into the morning."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny