Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Dystopia
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: May 5th 2014
Page Number: 323
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

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.

Review:

After the disappointment of The Elite, I was very sceptical of The One. I knew I wanted to finish up the trilogy, but I weren't sure if it was going to be a rating like The Selection or The Elite. But I can say, that I LOVED this book. It wasn't my favourite in the trilogy, but it was so much better than The Elite.

There was no doubt in my mind that Maxon would select America. Maxon may have been flirting and kissing the other girls, but his connection to America was real. He became reliant on him and she became reliant on him, because a King can't be a ruler without his Queen. Every chapter welcomed new twists and turns and I was so shocked by the ending. I never expected some of the most important side characters to be killed off, especially when nothing that dramatic had happened in the first two books.

My only dislike was the slow start, but after eighty-odd pages, it picked up and became a page turner. I wanted to read more and more and more, and when it ended I was both sad and content. The ending satisfied me, but I was also sad because over the time of reading The Elite and The One, I had fallen in love with America and Maxon. I was rooting for them from the beginning of The Selection, but they really did gel together as a team.

I was also extremely happy that I guessed who could be trusted and who not. America's father was sneaking off when he was at the castle and that just raised my suspicions, Kriss was too nice and no one can be that nice, unless it's all an act, which it was. At least Celeste was forward with it and I've always said that you can trust a Bitch, always.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and I am super excited for The Heir. I'm dying to know why The Selection Ceremony has been brought back, especially since they planned to stop it.

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Dystopia
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: April 23rd 2013
Page Number: 326
Rating: 3/5

Summary:

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review:

To say I loved The Selection would be an understatement. I fell completely head over heels in love with it, not just the writing but the premise and the characters. Everyone was easily recognisable and courageous and that just isn't seen in Young Adult Dystopia.

However, this book fell short.

The storyline flowed nicely, but slowly and I'm not entirely sure if I loved it or not. It fitted in some scenes, but in others, I felt that it needed to be quicker. Not only that, I felt like the stubborn America had gone and been replaced by a hormone infested 14 year old, who wanted every guy she saw in her sights.

Maxon.
Aspen.
No, Maxon.
I need Aspen.
But Maxon makes me feel things.
I still love Aspen.
Wait! WAIT! It's Maxon...no. Aspen.
Shit! Who do I pick?!

I just couldn't keep up with her and her decisions. I understand that Maxon had to talk to the other girls because that is part of the show, America knows that, but it's like she only wanted him to spend time with her, while also spending alone time with Aspen. I also weren't fussed on that ending.

I had my predictions for the people who you can't trust and luckily for me I was completely right. I will say it's the quiet ones you've got to look out for.

Overall, I wasn't exactly satisfied with the book, but it was still great seeing the great characters being brought back onto the page.