Summary
The Selection by Kiera Cass is a captivating young adult novel that has taken the literary world by storm. Published in 2012, it quickly became a New York Times bestseller and spawned a five-book series. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows America Singer as she competes for the heart of Prince Maxon in a Bachelor-style competition.
This beloved novel has garnered a massive fanbase and critical acclaim for its unique blend of romance, dystopian elements, and fairy-tale charm. Cass's writing style has been praised for its ability to create a world that is both fantastical and relatable, drawing readers into the intricate social dynamics of the fictional kingdom of Illéa.
While The Selection has not yet made it to the big or small screen, it has come close several times. The CW optioned the rights for a television series in 2012 and again in 2013, but neither pilot was picked up. In 2020, Netflix announced plans to adapt the book into a film, but these were later canceled. Despite these setbacks, fans remain hopeful that America Singer's story will one day grace their screens.
Plot
In a dystopian future, America Singer, a low-caste artist, reluctantly enters the Selection, a competition for Prince Maxon's hand in marriage. Despite her initial disinterest and secret relationship with Aspen, a caste below her, America joins 34 other girls at the palace to compete for the crown.
As America navigates palace life, she forms friendships and rivalries among the Selected. Unexpectedly, she develops a close bond with Prince Maxon, challenging her preconceptions about him. Their growing relationship causes America to question her feelings for Aspen and her future plans.
The palace faces constant rebel attacks, adding tension to the competition and eliminating some contestants. America's unique personality catches the attention of the royal family and the public. As she spends more time with Maxon, she begins to envision a potential future with him, even sharing their first kiss.
The competition intensifies when Aspen arrives at the palace as a guard, reigniting America's conflicted feelings. Prince Maxon narrows the Selection to six Elite candidates, including America. Realizing her growing affection for Maxon, America ends her secret meetings with Aspen. However, Aspen vows to win her back, leaving America torn between her past love and a possible future as princess.
Themes
Social class and inequality
Love versus duty
Identity and self-discovery
Competition and rivalry
Political intrigue and power struggles
Personal growth and transformation
Sacrifice and difficult choices
Setting
The Selection takes place in a dystopian future version of the United States, now known as the nation of Illéa. The story unfolds in an era where society has regressed to a rigid caste system, with citizens ranked from One (royalty and elites) to Eight (the destitute and unemployable).
While the exact time period is not specified, the setting suggests a post-apocalyptic world that has rebuilt itself with a mix of modern technology and quasi-medieval social structures. The broader geographical area encompasses the former United States, though the extent of Illéa's territory is not fully detailed.
Characters
America Singer: The protagonist and a member of the Selection. She is a strong-willed, compassionate young woman from a lower caste. America initially enters the competition reluctantly but gradually develops feelings for Prince Maxon. She struggles with her loyalty to her first love Aspen while navigating palace life and politics.
Prince Maxon Schreave: The crown prince of Illéa and the bachelor at the center of the Selection. Maxon is kind-hearted, intelligent, and duty-bound. He forms a special connection with America and appreciates her honesty. Maxon must balance his growing feelings for her with his responsibilities to the kingdom.
Aspen Leger: America's first love and a guard at the palace. He comes from an even lower caste than America. Aspen breaks up with her before the Selection but later regrets his decision. His presence at the palace complicates America's feelings and choices.
Marlee Tames: America's best friend among the Selected girls. She is sweet and supportive. Marlee harbors a secret that puts her position in the competition at risk.
Celeste Newsome: A rival contestant from a high caste. She is manipulative and willing to sabotage others to win. Celeste sees America as her main competition.
King Clarkson Schreave: Maxon's stern and intimidating father. He is critical of America and protective of the monarchy's image.
Queen Amberly Schreave: Maxon's kind and gracious mother. She offers support to the Selected girls and is beloved by the public.
Quick facts
The book was inspired by the stories of Esther and Cinderella
It was first published on April 14, 2012 by HarperCollins
The Selection is the first in a five-book series
The story is set in a dystopian future version of the United States called Illéa
Society in the book is divided into a strict caste system numbered from One to Eight
The main character, America Singer, is from the artist caste (Five)
There are four companion novellas to the main series
The CW network attempted to create a TV series adaptation twice, but neither pilot was picked up
Warner Bros. purchased the film rights in 2015
Netflix announced plans to adapt the book in 2020, but canceled the project in 2023
About the Author
Kiera Cass is an American author best known for her young adult fiction series The Selection. Born in 1981 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Cass graduated from Radford University with a degree in History. Her career as a writer took off with the publication of The Selection in 2012, which quickly gained popularity among young readers.
Cass's writing style is characterized by its blend of dystopian elements and romantic storylines. Her most famous work, The Selection series, follows America Singer as she competes to win the heart of a prince in a dystopian society. The series has expanded to include five main books and several novellas, captivating readers with its mix of romance, political intrigue, and social commentary.
Beyond her writing career, Cass is known for her engaging personality and connection with fans. She maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into her writing process and personal life. Cass has been open about her love for cake, her faith, and her experiences as a mother, endearing her to readers who appreciate her authenticity.
While Cass has faced some controversy in her career, particularly regarding interactions with reviewers, she has continued to produce popular works. Her more recent publications include The Betrothed series and the standalone novel A Thousand Heartbeats. Cass currently resides in Virginia with her family, where she continues to write and engage with her devoted fanbase.
