Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass - Book Boyfriends I Think Eadlyn Should Give a Rose To

I am so excited to be a part of this tour to celebrate the release of the final (sob!) book in the series, The Crown.  I haven't read it yet, although it came out on Tuesday, so you don't have to wait any longer to get your copy!  What I thought would be a fun post is if I picked some of the male characters from other teen books that I thought might be good matches for Princess Eadlyn's Selection.  I'm going to do a little play on The Bachelorette, by showing you the 8 book boys that I would give roses to keep for the final Selection.

8. Peeta Mellark - The Hunger Games series

Peeta's family would probably have been from the Level 6 caste, as the bakery owners. While America and Maxon did what they could to end the caste system, he would still probably be thrown in as one of the token, not royalty or wealthy candidates.  But Peeta is sweet, and loving, and would do anything to take care of the one he loves.  And look, he's already got a rose in the picture above!

7.  Oliver - Between the Lines series by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Now Oliver is really a prince, so that makes him a good match for Eadlyn.  However Oliver comes from inside a fairy tale book, and probably would not be around in the world without magic that The Selection series takes place in. 

6.  Four - Divergent series by Veronica Roth

Four would be good in an army, as he is from a world where the people are also divided into different groups, somewhat based on skill and who their parents are.  And, yeah, just hotness.

5.  Aelyx - Alienated series by Melissa Landers

Aelyx is from another planet, and as far as we know in The Selection world, there hasn't been any contact with aliens.  However, if there had been, a romance between Aelyx and Eadlyn could maybe help with intergalactic relations?  Also, they both have strangely spelled names.

4.  Eight - Compulsion series by Martina Boone

Eight is not royalty, but he does come from a wealthy, well respected family.  And as he can't help but to know exactly what people want, maybe he could help Eadlyn with trying to get all of her people to work together and end the rebellion.

3.  Edmund - The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

This is the picture of Edmund that the author has on her Pinterest board.  Or what she pictures him looking like.  Here we have the second prince of England.  He will not be the king, so if he married Eadlyn, then he could be her king instead of just a prince in his own land.

2.  Guster - Nexis by A.L. Davroe

Guster is the boy that Ella meets in Nexis.  This is the picture that the author uses on her Pinterest board.  It turns out that he is either very high up in his land, or else the bodyguard to that boy.  Guster's high level of living would make him the perfect spouse for Eadlyn as he would know how to behave and what that life is like.  Not only that, he may actually know a thing or two about making sure the people are treated fairly, and if not, what to do to help them.

1.  Stellan - The Conspiracy of Us series by Maggie Hall

The author's vision of Stellan, not exactly what I pictured, but close enough. Stellan has been a part of the Circle, a powerful society that has been around as long as anyone can remember.  So powerful that they have people in all the governments and can influence how wars go, how laws are passed, etc.  But so secret that no one has ever heard of the group.  Stellan knows how to deal with royalty as he has been protecting some of the more important members of the Circle for almost his whole life. And at the end of the book, there may be even more to him that just that.

Those are the 8 book boyfriends that I believe Eadlyn would give roses to, if they were the contestants/suitors in her Selection.

ABOUT THE CROWN:

Kiera Cass’s bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. Now the end of the journey is here, in a wonderfully romantic series finale that will sweep you off your feet.
Twenty years have passed since the events of The One, and America and Maxon’s daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own. Princess Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you... and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

The Selection series has sold more than 3 million copies and captured the hearts of fans around the world. This swoon-worthy final installment is the happily ever after they’ve all been waiting for.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

ABOUT KIERA CASS:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series and The Siren. She is a graduate of Radford University and currently lives in Christiansburg, Virginia, with her family. You can learn more about Kiera's books, videos, and love of cake online at www.kieracass.com.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram

Tour Schedule:
5/1: YA Bibliophile
5/2: No BS Book Reviews
5/3: Once Upon A Twilight
5/4: The Hardcover Lover
5/5: Lisa Loves Literature *YOU ARE HERE*
5/6: Alexa Loves Books
5/7: The Irish Banana Review

Giveaway:

• 1 set of the entire Selection Series  (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting.  This week I've picked another sequel.  And supposedly the final book in the series?  I wish there had been three books for America's daughter's Selection, but I guess if it can be done in this last one, I'll be happy.  Now, I'm guessing most of my readers have heard of this one and many of you are probably waiting on it as well!  Without further ado, here is the blurb from Goodreads:

     Kiera Cass’s bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. Now the end of the journey is here, in a wonderfully romantic series finale that will sweep you off your feet.
     Twenty years have passed since the events of The One, and America and Maxon’s daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own. Princess Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you... and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.
     The Selection series has sold more than 3 million copies and captured the hearts of fans around the world. This swoon-worthy final installment is the happily ever after they’ve all been waiting for.

So, are you one of the many people awaiting this book?  What book are you anxious for this week?

While you're here, make sure you stop by and enter to win a mystery box of YA books HERE.

Review: The Heir (The Selection #4) by Kiera Cass

When this book came out last May, I had to buy it right away.  But then, I didn't get to it until now.  I'm, of course, kind of mad with myself for that.  However as soon as I picked it up, I was sucked back into the world and had trouble putting it down to go to sleep each night.  I'd be like, okay I'll read to this chapter then go to bed. Then I'd find myself noticing I'd gone past that, and say I would stop at the end of the chapter I was in.  I've finished, and am now extremely eager for the next book to come out.  If you haven't read the original series, or finished it yet, I can't promise that there might not be some spoilers, so you might want to stop reading now.

This story takes place with Maxon and America's daughter, Eadlyn.  Because she was the first born, she will be the first female that will rule the country, probably ever.  All of this has partly come about from all of the changes that her parents have made.  Like getting rid of the castes, and trying to make things more equal for everyone.  Only things aren't going quite as smoothly as they could be.  There are people not happy with how things have changed.  And not just the ones who had been in the higher castes.  Eadlyn has known her whole life that she will rule, and has gone to work with her father every day as soon as she could to learn the ropes.  But with all the bad things happening, her parents decide that maybe it would be a bit of a distraction to hold a Selection for Eadlyn.  Something that supposedly they hadn't been going to do anymore.  Eadlyn is not happy about it.  She doesn't feel like she's ready for a husband.  And so at first she fights it, only agreeing to participate for 3 months to help with the distraction.  Eadlyn comes up with all kinds of plans on how to scare the boys away so that she won't have to vote any of them out herself.  When the selection occurs, the boys are picked randomly, much different than how they had been done.  And one of the suitors is a boy that she's grown up with in the palace, named Kile, a boy she's always kind of argued and competed with.  His younger sister is also a thorn in Eadlyn's side.  She has taken her crowns and broken or lost them.  Something she's not supposed to do at all. 

As you can expect, the dates and spending time with all the boys doesn't go perfectly.  Some are good dates, but then Eadlyn doesn't know if she wants them to be. She's never been one to open up to anyone really, and when one of the boys gets close, she leaves him abruptly and he is confused, and unhappy.  There are more things like this.  When she decides to do her first elimination, she ends up doing it in such a way that it doesn't turn out well.  When she goes out in a parade at the beginning of the Selection, the reaction from her people isn't what she expected.  Through all the boys and all the things going on, she learns a lot about herself, and how people see her.  The Selection isn't over in this one book, so we have at least one more to go.  I wish it was two more, but I think maybe there's just one? 

I loved being back with the characters.  I loved the friends who American and Maxon kept around, as family basically in the palace.  I enjoyed the family interactions for the most part.  But, like the suitors, I didn't quite "like" Eadlyn as much as I'd liked America.  She had been spoiled, although she didn't necessarily act as much like a brat as Kile's little sister did.  But she was so set on how she would lead, and feeling like that made her more important in that way, it was harder to like her.  I did feel for Eadlyn though.  Enough that I definitely could understand her feelings and sympathize with her when some of the boys turned out to be not so great guys, either violent, or a little too hands on.  And as I said, I'm ready to read on and see if what she's learned in this first book will help her to actually pick a good guy and make the Selection what it is supposed to be. And the big thing that happened at the end of the book, well I am ready to know how that turns out as well.  I'd call this another great addition to The Selection series.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Heir (The Selection #4) by Kiera Cass

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting.  I loved The Selection series, and am so excited that there is going to be another book after what we thought was the last one.  So without further ado, here is the blurb from Goodreads:

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.






I just cannot wait for this!!  I'm so excited.  And I love that the new cover is just as beautiful as the others.  I wish so many authors could go back and visit the children or whatever in these types of series.  Just like I'm sure a lot of us would love to visit Harry Potter's kids like at the end of the last movie.  
So, what are you eagerly awaiting this week?

Dark Days of Summer Tour Stop - Kansas City, Missouri

Last night I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of getting to go to one of these awesome events, with four really awesome authors.  I had mentioned earlier this year about getting to be a moderator, but then a couple weeks ago the publicist said that they were sending someone on tour with them to be the moderator, so I didn't get to.  :-(  But the community resource manager at the bookstore where I work part-time, and that was hosting the event, still introduced me to the moderator, and she made sure to ask me for at least one question during the audience Q and A period.  And honestly, she was such a bright, upbeat person, that she did a way better job than I would have anyway.  It was fun meeting her though!  They had the authors sit at a table up in front where they all answered questions from the moderator. Then they opened it up for a few audience questions. Then they moved all the authors to separate tables in the back of that part of the store, so that people could line up for the authors they wanted to see.  Which makes sense when you saw Kiera Cass's line!  While it was moving not too bad, by the time I got over to that line, I still ended up starting the line at the same place it seemed to have been ending for the whole time!  It just kept getting filled back up as people moved through.  I had to go ahead and buy a copy of Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong because even though I supposedly won a copy from Adventures in YA Publishing back on April 14th, I've not received it yet.  Has anyone else won anything from them before?  I'm just curious, because I've replied to the email twice now, and no one has responded.  Guess maybe I'll just give the copy I won away on my blog, if I ever get it.

The lines were kind of long to wait in, but I figured it was good practice to get ready for BEA in 3 weeks!  I mean 3 weeks from today, BEA will almost be half over for me!!  So excited to go!  I didn't take too many pictures last night, mostly just with the authors.  So I'll share a group photo below, then one with each of the authors, and a picture of the book they were there promoting last night.  First thing though, I hate how I look in every picture!  I guess the good thing?  Is that you can see just how excited (and nerdy) I was to meet them all.  I'm guessing I look like this in every picture I take with authors.

 

L to R:  Danielle Paige, Kimberly Derting, Kelley Armstrong, Kiera Cass, Me

Danielle Paige:

Danielle Paige was really funny!  She talked about actually knowing Al Roker, from working with him on a pilot for MTV, that wasn't picked up she said.  It's really cool that she used to write for a soap opera.  Not sure which one, although it was one that had a clone storyline, so maybe I can figure it out from that.  When I see her at BEA in 3 weeks, I'm going to ask her that!!

Kelley Armstrong:



I have to admit I've not read any of Kelley Armstrong's books before.  But I know she is a very popular author, and there are some of hers that do look very good.  This one is described as high fantasy, which is normally not my type of book.  But, when she was describing what it was about, I'm so excited to read it now!  She was very nice, and the reason why she writes the YA characters that she does, is because there weren't a lot of YA books available when she was a teen.  And I remember that there didn't seem to be as many when I was younger either.  I know I'm around the same age as Kiera Cass, wondering how close in age I am to Kelley Armstrong as well.

Kimberly Derting:



I actually got to meet Kim Derting last May here in Kansas City at the Romantic Times Convention, and she remembered me!  Yay!  I had to shamefully admit that I still hadn't read The Body Finder yet, even though I'd gotten it signed by her last year.  But, I have read The Taking, and loved it, you can read my review HERE.  So now I know I must go back and read all her books!  It was fun to hear her talk about how she always picked something for her characters to be good at that she wasn't.  In this case, softball.  In The Body Finder series, it was running.

And last, but certainly not least, the somewhat "star" of the show last night:

Kiera Cass:

-->
So, I think part of the reason Kiera Cass was the biggest "star" of the night, is the fact that she has just had the final book in such a popular series come out this week.  And she was so funny!  I loved listening to her talk, and at the beginning she laughed at something, or pointed at something, that was so random and she just seems like someone so much fun to hang out with.  It was cool to hear her say that writing kissing scenes was so much fun, and that there are parts of her husband in both Prince Maxon and Aspen, so she just can't be Team either one!  Since I had finished The One yesterday, and loved it so much, I had to bring her Milk Duds, something she mentioned in her little blurb at the back of the book had helped her get through the writing process.  I would have brought her some Coke Zero as well, but she said that couldn't be brought on the plane, so it wouldn't be practical. 

There were some really great things talked about last night.  One thing I loved hearing was that these authors all see their stories as "movies" playing in their heads.  Now they admitted that not all authors do, some hear it, or other ways, depending on their styles.  Also, one of them mentioned that it wasn't good to base a character on yourself as the writer, because then when reviews talk about how boring or horrible that character is, it would be really hard to take those criticisms, because it would be like they were criticizing you!  And that made me think, because my novel that I'm closest to finishing is kind of me as the main character.  So, hmm.  Now I have to think about changing it. 

It was a great time, I think had by all! 

Review: The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

All I can say is that this was just a WOW book for me.  A spectacular, emotional, perfect ending to a trilogy that I've loved so much.  There were about 2 points in the book that I was soooo afraid it would end up being like Allegiant, definitely a good, believable ending, but not what I wanted to be happy.  But in the end, even with having to lose some major characters as is only fitting to be realistic, it all turned out perfectly, in my opinion that is.  I'm sure others may not agree.  And there was an extra little story from one of America's maid's viewpoints that I really loved at the end!  Okay, I'm going to try really hard not to be too spoilery in my review, but of course, if you haven't read the first 2 books, you'd probably better stop  now.

We are getting close the end of the selection.  We are down to the last 4 girls, Celeste, America, Kristi, and Elise.  The palace is being constantly attacked by the rebels.  Yet it seems the Northern rebels may be on more of the same path with Prince Maxon's ideas than thought before, and there are actually two of the girls that would definitely win them over to the Prince's side, should he choose one of them.  America knows that she loves Prince Maxon, but doesn't want to give up on Aspen at first, because she still isn't sure if Maxon will choose her, as he still is spending his time with the other girls.  The girls do grow closer, sharing how far they've gone with Maxon, kissing, etc.  And after talking to the queen, they learn that many of her closest friends now, were with her in her own Selection.  Maxon is still dealing with the King not wanting to give him a chance, and even trying to get rid of American, as he does not approve of the somewhat rebellious things she often does in front of the public.  The danger begins to hit closer to home, as the rebels now start threatening the families of the girls in the Selection.  A tragedy causes America to have to go home, and it is while she is away that Maxon decides for sure who he wants to be with.

I love how much more we learn about Maxon, getting a glimpse at his love of photography when we get a peek at his room with America.  And while I agree with most of America's reasons for when she doesn't want to tell Maxon she loves him, there are several times that I was yelling at the book, telling her to TELL HIM!!  Just say it!  Such a mess just for stubbornness.  We get to see Aspen finally realizing that it is more than America just trying to win, that she does have feelings for Maxon.  There is so much that I loved in this book.  I could just go on and on, and can't wait to meet the author for my second time tonight, and this time, I can really just fangirl about her!  This was one worth waiting for, and one I couldn't put down.  Picked it up about 4 pm on Tuesday, and finished it Wednesday night at about 8 pm.  Only reason it took that long was because I had to work. 

A to Z April - J: Journalism?

Okay, I'm kind of stretching for today.  Wasn't sure anyway what to do for J, journaling was my other idea.  But, I decided to use today's post to get some help from my followers and anyone else who stops by.  On May 8th, I am so excited to get to be a moderator for an author panel at the bookstore where I work part time.  It is the Pitch Black Dark Days Summer Tour, and includes the authors:  Kelley Armstrong, Kiera Cass, Kimberly Derting, and Danielle Paige.  I'm so excited because Kiera Cass is the author of one of my favorite series, The Selection series, and the final book in the series, The One, comes out this May and I can't wait to read it!  Danielle Paige is the author of the exciting new book, Dorothy Must Die.  Kimberly Derting is an author I just fell in love with from reading her latest book, The Taking.  And Kelley Armstrong is an author I have yet to read, other than short stories, but am still very excited to meet.


So, to me, journalism is reporters, telling the news, interviews, magazines, newspapers, etc.  So I feel like I would love to have some ideas of questions you think I should ask when moderating the panel with these awesome authors next month.  Here is what I'm asking.  Please give me some question ideas in the comments below.  I will also make this into a contest.  Whoever comes up with the most original question, that I think is appropriate and perfect to ask the authors, I will purchase one of the titles from these authors and have it signed for them as a giveaway.  So think hard about what you'd like to know or what you would ask these authors if you had the chance to moderate this.  And keep in mind, it can be a question for just one of them, but even better would be something I could have all of them answer.

Can't wait to read your ideas!!!

Review: The Selection Stories: The Prince and The Guard by Kiera Cass

I bought this last weekend at the bookstore when the main book I went to purchase had to be ordered.  While I'd already purchased and read the first one, The Prince, as an e-novella, I went ahead and bought this physical copy because not only did it have the next novella, The Guard, but it had some great extras too!  So first I'll review the 2nd novella, then I'll tell you about the extra goodies.

The Guard is 2.5 in the series.  It happens after The Elite, almost kind of during it as well.  We get to see the story through Aspen's eyes.  If you've read the series you remember that Aspen is the boy America was in love with at the beginning of The Selection.  But then of course, he told her to go ahead and enter the contest, which she did, and now she is conflicted of course, between Prince Maxon, and her first love, Aspen.  Aspen has realized of course, that he still loves America, and that she is the ONE for him.  But now he must see how he can convince her.  Only, he is now a guard in the palace, so while he does get to see America, to try to be romantic with her would only get him punished.  As well as America.  In this book we get to see the punishment of another contestant from book 2, but this time through Aspen and the other workers of the palace's eyes.  While it does make me like Aspen better than I did after what happened at the very beginning of the first book, I'm still a Prince Maxon fan all the away.

Now, on that note, let me say that I'm very worried about who America will end up. The reason for that is because of something I read in the Bonus Contest, the Q&A with the author.  I won't tell you exactly what she says, and she doesn't even say who America will end up with.  She just says something along the lines that she didn't know for sure what would happen until America told her, and she says it in a way that makes me think she was a bit surprised.  Which worries me!  While there is a short excerpt from The One, the 3rd and final installment in the series, and one of my most anticipated books of 2014, the question section is my favorite part of the bonus content.  But there are some other really cool things:  explanation of each of the levels of the castes.  I would be a 3 for example, because first I was a teacher, and now I am a librarian.  Then there are the family trees for our three main characters, America, Aspen, and Maxon.  After that is a playlist of songs for both the first and the second book.  Makes me want to go back and read them while listening the songs that go with each section.

This is definitely a good value, and I would recommend buying it and reading it if you love the series.  Especially if you own physical copies of the book, you'll need this instead of the e-novella versions.  Now, I must wait till May.  And the possibility that I may get to moderate a discussion with Ms. Cass and some other awesome authors!

Waiting on Wednesday - The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting. For my first WOW post of 2014, I've chosen to highlight "the one" book (that already has a cover to share) that I'm most looking forward to this year, the one that I just don't know if I can wait until May to read.  But even if I got an e-galley of it to read somehow, I would still have to go out and buy it for the cover.  Here is the information from Goodreads.com:

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end 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.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

I don't normally include the little part at the end of the blurbs, but I just love the ending sentence, I can't wait to "sigh over the electrifying fairy tale long after the page is turned."  I love the cover, it's so beautiful.  How about you?  Have you read this series?  Are you as anxious as I am to read this conclusion?  If this isn't your series, what are you waiting for this week?

November is for Novellas Challenge #6: The Prince (The Selection 0.5) by Kiera Cass

I really enjoyed this novella as well as most of the others that I've read this month.  And it made me so ready to read #3.  Just a quick review.  We get to know Maxon for the short time up until the girls come for The Selection.  We also learn that there was kind of a girl in his life.  A princess from another country.  Unfortunately Maxon's father, the king, doesn't want that kind of a connection, he wants Maxon to get married the same way he did.  Although it seems as if maybe his father is having more input into choosing the first selection than other kings had in the past.  We get to see how he interacts with his mother, as well as his view of the first meeting he had with America in the first book, The Selection.  It was such a neat thing to get that side of the story.  It reminds me of how much I enjoyed Midnight Sun, Edward's viewpoint of Twilight, until of course someone leaked it and we didn't get to read anymore.  This novella left me wanting more.  I see that there will be a 2.5 called The Guard, which of course will be about Aspen.  America's love before the selection took place.  But how about a 1.5 giving us more information about Maxon?  I want his point of view on what happens with him and the other girls.  All the things we're wondering about in book 2.  If anyone knows Kiera Cass, could you tell her I want that?  Thanks!
And, hey, while you're here, if you're going to be reading at least 4 novellas yourself this month, be sure to go join my November is for Novellas Challenge, only 2 weeks left, you can do it!

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

I finally got to read the first book in this series, The Selection, back in May, around the time I got to meet the author.  And as I expected, I fell in love with it.  I'd heard some bad things about the sequel, and while one of them I can see why people said it, I don't care what anyone else said, because I loved this one too!  This was actually the 3rd book I've read for my 2nd Annual September is for Sequels Challenge.
America was still left at the end of the first book, part of the final contestants, or The Elite.  There are less girls to compete against now, but while she seems to have Prince Maxon's interest, and even love, there are things about being a princess that she is not sure she wants or is the right person for.  Having her ex-boyfriend Aspen as a guard at the castle is not helpful in her trying to decide if she truly loves Maxon and could one day be the princess, and even the queen.  And I know one of the complaints with this sequel was that she kept going back and forth between Aspen and Maxon, and while I agree that got annoying, in some cases, I could totally see it.  I know that in college, since I hadn't dated much before then, I often was not sure about letting an old guy/friend go even when I was dating someone new.  And there are some things that happen that I totally can understand why America gets upset with Maxon.  Things that happen with the other girls that she feels are her friends.  Even just the bit about her lower caste and how she doesn't quite know how things work, or why they should still continue to work that way.  The rebels continue to attack, and during and after these attacks we even learn more about them and what they may possibly want.  Maxon shares a private library with America, and he allows her to take one book, to help plan for the Halloween party they are having.  The great thing about this party is that it will be the event when the girls will get to bring their families to the palace, and Maxon will get to meet them. The great thing that happens is that America's father seems to like Maxon, and then he tells her that he is proud of her whatever she decides.  Then something unthinkable happens the day after, and America does something that now jeopardizes her standing as one of the finalists.  Something that makes her look unworthy to be a princess in the King's eyes.  It also seems that Maxon may be getting to know some of the other girls better as well.  And America isn't sure if he no longer wants her, or what is going on.  These are the things that upset her and make her do more things that cause her to get to the point where she may be the next to leave.
Again this really did remind me of The Bachelor, in the fact that Maxon seemed to be favoring certain girls, and not others.  I don't know how many times I've watched that show, thinking one girl was the one he favors, then at the end to be surprised in which one he picked.  We do learn more about the rebels, not much, but a little.  We also learn a lot about how the caste system came about, through the diary of the founder.  And we learn that really, it wasn't a great start, and from what America reads, she's not sure any of this was done to help the country as they were all taught.  From what she reads, it seems done by a selfish man who wanted the power and riches for himself and his family.
I still rooted for America, even in the parts when I thought she was going too far and being too untrusting.  The way it ended makes me so eager to read on.  I can't believe I now have to wait so long for the next book!  But I will be eagerly awaiting it!

The Selection by Kiera Cass

I've been interested in reading this book for a long time.  Of course it has such a pretty cover, so that pulled me in at first.  Then I heard lots of great reviews of it.  I guess there are negative ones out there, but I didn't see them.  And I don't plan to go look for them either!  I have to say that I loved this book!  As I've seen it posted before, this is basically The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor.  In a good way though.
This is definitely dystopian.  This society has castes, that are numbered, and if you are in a caste, it is almost impossible to get out of it.  The main character is America Singer, and she is in the level 5 caste, which is for musicians and artists.  This society has also condensed all holidays into two or three a year, which makes it harder for this caste to make money because about the only time they are hired is to perform at holiday events or make gifts for holidays.  Whenever the current prince gets to a certain age, the way that they find a wife for him is through the selection.  35 girls are chosen from around the country, in all levels of the castes, to compete to win his heart.  In fact they go live at the palace and get to know him, in a very Bachelor tv show  style.
America doesn't want to go though, she is in love with a boy from her home, he is a level below her, but she loves him just the same, and he seems to love her.  But her mother wants her to apply when she gets the invitation.  Her mother of course hopes to see her daughter become the next princess.  Not to mention that while she is there her family will be compensated.  And it turns out that she will automatically be higher level in the castes even if she isn't chosen.  When America talks to her boyfriend, Aspen, he wants her to go as well.  She's shocked at first, but he says he doesn't want her to not try something because of him.  And then, one night, he breaks up with her  when he feels she's kind of taken his manliness in a way, because he wants to provide for her, not have her give him things because she is a higher caste.  America is upset because based on something Aspen's mother had said, she had been sure he wanted to propose to her.  So they end it, and America ends up getting selected to go.  When she gets to the palace, she gets a makeover, so this reminded me of The Hunger Games, because like Katniss she doesn't want to be made to look different.  And this seems to work for her.  There are all kinds of rules about how they must act and how they can interact with the Prince.  The first night there, America gets claustrophobic, but they're not allowed outside without guards because of rebels attacking.  So she runs out, and finally while the guards don't want to let her out, Prince Maxon shows up and allows her to go.  She yells at him, and basically does nothing to endear herself to him.  To me, I think Maxon is kind of wimpy seeming at first.  He gets better, and you like him more as you go on.  But there is always that little doubt in your head, like I'm sure for the girls on The Bachelor, that you don't know what is really going on with him and the other girls.  But he seems to like America, even when she can't seem to like him back, or at least not that way.
We don't know a lot about the rebels, and that makes this more of a dystopian book to me in a way, because we don't exactly know what they want, and what is going on is supposed to be what people thought was best.  So I'm hoping to learn more in the 2nd book about what all happened to get the society to where it is now, and how that will relate to America and Aspen, and even Prince Maxon.
I've had a great time the last 2 days at the Romantic Times Convention taking place here in my hometown, and last night I was able to get an autographed copy of the book, which will replace the copy I purchased with the gift card I won from The Reader's Den.  Now I loaned my autographed copy to my sister, so I can't show you the autograph, and unfortunately I didn't get my picture taken with her today at the book fair, I forgot to go back and get it I think.  Darn it!