Tuesday (Series) Review: The Selection (Books 4 & 5)

In November of last year, I binged the first three books in The Selection Series, and because I'd read them one right after the other and conquered them within a week, I did a Series Review. Now that the last book has come out, I think it's about time to post a second Series Review-- this time, for books four and five.

If you haven't read the first three books in the series (THE SELECTION, THE ELITE, THE ONE) then I need to stop you right here. Because as much as I'd like for you to read this post, it will completely spoil you for the series. And this is definitely one that I want you to read. 

So, just for now, disregard this post. 

Bookmark it, favorite it, make it a shortcut on your desktop so you'll have it once you DO read the books, but for right now, please go read something else. 

Perhaps, the Goodreads Page for the First Book In the Series.

Are you gone yet?

Did you go?

You clicked my link, right?

Right?

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Okay, I think we're safe now.

If you're still here... HELLO YOU WONDERFUL SELECTIONER YOU!

I am now going to continue with my reviews. Please stick around.

Author: Kiera Cass

Titles:

THE HEIR (The Selection Series #4)

THE CROWN (The Selection Series #5)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Dates:

THE HEIR- 5/5/15

THE CROWN- 5/3/16

Formats Read: Hardbacks

Ratings:

THE HEIR- 3.75 stars

THE CROWN- 4.5 stars

Description from Goodreads for THE HEIR: Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon-- and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection- no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, on entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her... and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

Description from Goodreads for THE CROWN: When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illea to hold her own Selection, she didn't think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn't sure she'll find the fairytale ending 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.

Going into THE HEIR, I didn't realize that the book was going to be about America's daughter. As much as the idea intrigued me, I wanted more Maxmerica! MOOOORE. But, in a teensy way, I got it. Because of course, Eadlyn's story would not be complete without her parents. 

My first impression of Eadlyn... she's brutal. I know a lot of people disliked her, but I didn't feel that way. Yeah, she's harsh. Cold Cut-off, and distanced. But wouldn't you be that way too, if your entire world was constantly plastered on the media? If you always got what you wanted? If you'd been doing nothing but learning to run the country since you learned to read? Because that's exactly the situation Eady was in, and I felt for her. It would SUCK to live like that. Sure, she's a spoiled brat most of the time, but it's not like she can help it that she was brought up living in a palace where everyone waited on her, hand and foot.

In fact, I rather liked Eadlyn. I feel like I'd be just like her if I were in her situation. I sympathized with her so much throughout her books, and I was actually pretty shocked by how much hate she got. What, do people think that being a princess comes with zero responsibility? Wear pretty clothes, get your face on the tv, sit around eating bon bons all day? Come on, guys.

And then, to be forced into having a Selection when you'd specifically been told that there would never be another? I think Eadlyn has a right to be quite a bit frustrated with that. She's being forced to do something that she's always been 100% against, and with little to no warning. 

So then the Selection starts, and she has all of these great guys, and of course she starts sending them away ASAP. My immediate favorites were Kile (Because that best friend vibe), Hale (Something every day), Henri (Hi today!) and, though maybe he wasn't actually IN the Selection, I loved Eric. 

If it had been me, I'd have chosen Kile. WOODWORKS PLUS SCHREAVES? Y. E. S.

And I loved how each of them reacted to the people hating on Eadlyn (the parade). And I loved the fight in the kitche. And I really did enjoy the book. But I feel like it was too short. Two books in general felt short for a Selection. 

Until I got to book five.

And book five blew book four out of the freaking water.

**SPOILER ALERT**

ALL MY GUYS WERE ELITE!

ALL OF THEM!

**END SPOILER ALERT**

And I just want to say, I totally called the ending. Boy and everything. 

But I loved watching it play out, and I loved watching Eady's relationships with each of the boys develop and sweeten and become so tight.

I loved every single thing about this book, down to the details. Which is why I'm not going to spend much time on it, because all you need to know is that it was beautiful and I loved everything and you definitely need to read it.

And I'm going to tell you that out of all of the chapters in these two books, the last three were my favorite.

And out of all the scenes in the last two books, (This is not spoilery, I made sure.) my favorite was the last major scene in the book with Kile. I was bawling like a baby and it was a glorious scene and I think I died a little bit inside but I loved it more than words can say.

So, yeah. I absolutely adored these last two Eady books. This series is an extraordinary thing, and I hope you got to experience it as I did.

Happily,

Stephanie

Finally Friday!: Happily Ever After

Finally Friday! is a weekly post on Doodle's Book Reviews that hilights a recently acquired book that I've been waiting to get my hands on. Feel free to leave a comment!

As soon as this bind-up came out, I wanted to run out and grab it. But it was also on the list I'd given my mom of books she could get me for Christmas, so I left it on the shelf, caressing it each time I walked past, and hoped that someone would slip it under the tree.

Someone did.

And now, this gorgeous thing is on my shelf, and ready for me to dive into.

As soon as I tackle my current TBR, I'm snuggling up with this book and immersing myself back into the world of Maxon and America. Waiting until May for THE CROWN, this will be a well-needed bit to tide me over for the next five months. I can't wait to see the Lucy, Celeste, Marlee, and Amberly pov's, and even to reread THE PRINCE and THE GUARD.

The excitement level is nearly up to my nose.

Happily,

Stephanie

Waiting on Wednesday (#10): The Crown

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that hilights upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting.

****SPOILER ALERT****

If you haven't read THE HEIR, Do NoT read this WoW post. You will be spoiled.

Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: May 3, 2016

Description 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 swoonworthy final installment is the happily ever after they've all been waiting for.

Being a huge Selectioner, I cannot wait to get my hands on THE CROWN. I absolutely MuSt find out what happens, who Eadlyn chooses, what happens to America, and all of the other things that THE HEIR did not answer. It's three five months out, but I'm holding on! 

I have my predictions, though, for who I think Eady will choose... We'll have to see if I'm right.

Who do YOU think she'll choose?

Happily,

Stephanie

25 Days of Book Boyfriends Tour-- Stop 8-- Maxon Schreave

Welcome to stop number eight on the 25 Days of Book Boyfriends tour, hosted by Lovin' Los Libros and Readers Live A Thousand Lives! The purpose of this tour is to shine some light on 25 different book boyfriends, one for each day of the Christmas season, and to show you why they deserve to be one of YOUR book boyfriends. 

A different boy will be showcased each day from December 1- December 25, and some of us will even be hosting a giveaway with our posts. Trust me, you don't want to miss this, and so that you don't, here's a link to the tour schedule.

My stop on the tour is all about Maxon Schreave from The Selection Series, who I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with. But if you, (like me, until this year) don't know anything about Maxon and his prince-ness... well then you have come to the right place.

Since Maxon is a main character throughout the entire Selection Series, and I want to stay away from spoilers for those who haven't dived into the books yet, I'm going to be giving you information on Maxon from book one: THE SELECTION. 

So here we go. Prepare to swoon.

Who is Maxon Schreave?

Maxon Schreave is the Prince of Illea in the beloved Selection series by Kiera Cass. You can see my reviews of the first three books HERE, but the description for the Selection is as follows.

From Goodreads:  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. to be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of the 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. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself-- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Maxon is described as "gorgeous" in the blurb.

Physically, He has close-cut hair the color of honey, deep brown eyes, and is well muscled. He is always in a suit, and speaks formally due to his palace education. 

Being brought up in the palace, Maxon is more than a little naive when it comes to life outside of the castle, and at 18, he has his moments during the Selection where he gives off waves of complete innocence and cluelessness. Having never dated, Maxon's knowledge when it comes to women is below average, and nearly always leads to an amusing scene.

He is caring, and devoted to his country, and though he comes across as confident, he's more self-conscious than he leads on.

Quotes from Maxon

"Don't mention this to the others. Technically, I'm not supposed to meet you until tomorrow, and I don't want anyone getting upset. Though I wouldn't call you yelling at me anything close to a romantic tryst, would you?

"Oh, please don't cry! I never know what to do when women cry!"

"You ask for such simple things, I can't deny you."

"What do you think my chances might be of finding a soul mate in the group of you? I'll be lucky if I can just find someone who'll be able to stand me for the rest of our lives. What if I've already sent her home because I was relying on some sort of spark I didn't feel? What if she's waiting to leave at the first sign of adversity? What if I don't find anyone? What do I do then..."

"If you don't want me to be in love with you, you're going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I'm having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you."

Scrambler

I happen to love playing games. And I also happen to love Maxon. Like... a lot. A whole lot.

So I thought, Why not combine the two?

Below is a word scramble. You don't have to know Maxon to solve the scrambler, but it does help to keep the above information in mind. 

1.) _ _ _ _ _ nwocr

2.) _ _ _ _ _ xoman

3.) _ _ _ _ _ _ nepcir

4.) _ _ _ _ _ liela

5.) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ vecsrhae

Last, But Not Least

Enter below for your chance at winning a copy of THE SELECTION, so you can see just what Maxon Schreave is really like. He's better than I made him seem, trust me. And it only gets better as the series goes on, believe me. You, too, will fall in love with the prince.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happily,

Stephanie

Series Review: The Selection (Books 1-3) By Kiera Cass

There are a few times when I've started a series and been so enraptured in it that I've read the books back to back to back, and when I've sat down to review them, I ended up not doing so. Here's the reason for that: If I've binged a series, sometimes it's hard for me to remember which details happened in which books, and I would rather not review the books than rick spoiling them for you. 

But guys.

I loved The Selection series so much.

And I know like one person who has read it, so I need more Selectioners to spazz with. 

That being said, I'm gong to do a series review for the first three books, and when THE CROWN comes out, I'll do a series review for THE HEIR, THE CROWN, and HAPPILY EVER AFTER. 

After this, you may find me doing Series Reviews for other binged series.. who knows?

Author: Kiera Cass

Titles:

THE SELECTION (The Selection #1)

THE PRINCE (Novella, The Selection #0.5)

THE ELITE (The Selection #2)

THE GUARD (Novella, The Selection #2.5)

THE ONE (The Selection #4)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Dates: 

THE SELECTION- 4/24/12

THE PRINCE - 3/5/13*

THE ELITE- 4/23/13

THE GUARD - 2/4/14*

THE ONE- 4/6/14

*Novellas released as a paperback bind-up 2/4/14

Formats Read: Hardbacks and paperback bind-up

Description from Goodreads for THE SELECTION: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. 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. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself-- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Description from Goodreads for THE PRINCE: Before Thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Maxon's life...

Don't miss the thrilling 64-page original novella set in the world of the New York Times bestselling novel THE SELECTION. Also features a teaser to THE ELITE, Kiera Cass's hotly anticipated sequel to THE SELECTION.

Description from Goodreads for THE ELITE: The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to 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 Macon, 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.

Description from Goodreads for THE GUARD: Before America Singer met Prince Maxon...

Before she entered the Selection...

She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection Trilogy. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down tot he Elite and is told from Aspen's point of view. THE GUARD also features a teaser from THE ONE, the thrilling conclusion to The Selection Trilogy.

Description from Goodreads for THE ONE: 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. 

Let me start off by saying that I had heard about these books for quite a while before I read them. I'd heard some really fantastic things, but I stayed away from them because (*sigh* such a stupid reason) they had fancy dresses on the covers. Sad, but true. I am not a girly-girl, and you have to force me into a dress. I go down swinging. So I stayed away from The Selection series, until I met Kiera Cass on her tour for THE ONE, and bought the trilogy. It still took me a while to read them, but I did, right before THE HEIR came out, and I totally should have read them sooner.

THESE BOOKS ARE FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC. DID YOU KNOW?

I mean, this whole concept of a Selection is gorgeous. I don't like the Bachelor, which was another reason I had stayed away from these books, as I was told they were like the Bachelor but with a prince, but it works in this world. It works beautifully and I ship America and Maxon so hard you guys don't even know.

A certain blogger friend of mine will also tell you that I ship myself with Maxon pretty hard, but I mean come on. It's Maxon. He's perfect. And I want him. *Heart eyes*

Anyway, the entirety of these books were lovely-- the dystopian society that America lives in is so interesting with the way the castes are set up, the Selection process from beginning to end so well thought-out, both boys being just good enough to drive you crazy when she isn't sure who to pick, the friendship between America and Marlee, and, of course, the ending. Which was just perfect.

The Selection series has easily climbed it's way to the tip-top of my favorites list, and I am not ashamed of the feels and emotions that get me just by talking about the books. They are masterpieces and they need to be loved by everyone. 

They hold a special place in my heart, and I cannot say enough good things about them. Now to get the rest of my friends to read the books so I can freak out with them...

WHERE ARE MY FELLOW SELECTIONERS?!

Happily,

Stephanie