There wasn't even a story. It was definitely a waste of money. It's such a shame because I loved the first book and thought the others were at least ..Show More »okay.

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I clicked on an ad—that said Hunger Games + Cinderella + The Bachelor = The Selection and totally impulse bought this audio book. I admit it, I was ta..Show More »ken by the ad and the cover. Beautiful.

I don’t want to give away too much, but I found the main character to be charming and endearing in a “no, no… please don’t do that… oh you really did it now” kind of way. I really liked her family… in particular her youngest brother. I also felt like her relationship with her Mom really rang true for me. There were moments that made me cringe thinking about the trouble America got herself into through her impetuous responses. I am completely rooting for her—and have already picked which guy I think would be better for her. But based on how she reacted through out the book, and what my gut thought she should do—she will probably choose the other one. (So yes, triangle)

Beyond all of the romance stuff (which is front and center of the book)—is what I imagine for the author a slow build. I loved how the knowledge of this society is laid into the story.

But:
1)I thought—especially in the very beginning that the narrator sounded almost mechanical---wooden. Maybe this was on purpose?? By the end, I didn’t notice it anymore… in fact I did love the way she did the Prince’s voice---for that she deserves credit. If you are listening--let me to encourage you to push on.

2)The ending… I have rewound and listened to the last 20 minutes… oh man, seriously painful---and I would say abrupt ending. All I can do is hope it’s not a long time for the next one. But then maybe that’s a good thing…


Over all I really enjoyed it... but if you are more a fan of Hunger Games than Cinderella or the Bachelor then I’m not sure this is the book for you. Romance is definitely the name of this game.


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STORY - My husband and friends would probably tease me for listening to this book. The characters are teenaged girls, and the story is a combination ..Show More »of the TV show The Bachelor and the Cinderella fairy tale -- girls competing for a prince. It's chick lit all the way!

In this second book, The Selection has now become "The Elite," with only six competitors left from the larger original number. There are rivalries between the girls, as you might imagine. The main character, America, is not sure she's over the relationship with her old BF, who is now a guard at the palace where the competition is taking place. So there's a love triangle going on during the competition, plus the kingdom is experiencing political unrest and is under attack.

It may be teenaged chick lit, but there's a lot that's going on in the story that I find totally enjoyable. It's a light, easy listen, with lots of young, innocent romance thrown in. I might be stupid at my age for enjoying this series, but I do. I can't wait for the third and final book to come out to see how everything ends up. (These books must be listened to in order, as each one leads into the next).

NARRATION - The reader has an unusual way of reading which I can't quite describe. It sort of bothered me for maybe an hour into the first book, but after that I thought she was perfect for the rest of that book and this one as well.

OVERALL - For females about 15 and up. There's no inapproprite language or situations. It might be too immature for some listeners, but not this one.



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STORY (YA romance) - I have been anxiously awaiting the release of The One and was pleased to find that Kiera Cass decided to give us something to pla..Show More »cate us in the meantime. This book is two separate novellas that give the viewpoints of Maxon and Aspen. If you've been following The Selection series, you will know it's about a competition between 35 young girls wishing to become the wife of Prince Maxon. The main character, America, is in the competition but still has feelings for her old BF Aspen, who is a guard at the palace and watching the competition unfold. It's the ultimate love triangle, not to mention all the tension between the competitors. (Do you watch The Bachelor on TV?)

This book is enjoyable, but there's really nothing new that happens. It's basically the same story as The Selection and The Elite, but it tells where the guys were and what they were doing/thinking when events occurred. You will hear how nervous Maxon was about the competition and how he accidentally met America before it started and liked her immediately. Aspen's perspective is basically about his devotion to "Mare" (nickname for America) and his dislike for Prince Maxon.

If you love this series as I do, you might want to hear these short novellas but, as I said, the story doesn't really progress from the ending of the last book. There's a preview of The One at the end but, again, nothing really new happens.

PERFORMANCE - The stories of Maxon and Aspen each have a different narrator. They both do good jobs, though I think they pronounce the name of the country differently than Amy Rubinate. Amy is back to narrate the preview at the end.

OVERALL - If you are thinking about listening to this series, don't start here. Start with The Selection and then hear The Elite. The series is easy listening, romantic and thoroughly enjoyable. There is no sex and only a little mild violence, so it's recommended for all ages. Not a book for guys.



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insipid and boring and predictable...teenage reading and not great at that. did not recommend for my daughter.

Loved it, beautiful story from the point of view of Marly. Short but impactful.

Cata
I LoVed the selection series! Could hardly put the Selection, the Elite and the One down so I imagined the "sequels" would be just as good. I..Show More » was sorely disappointed. Not worth the credit.

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