In this dystopian future, the world has gone through two more world wars, completely transforming the United States. Instead of a democracy, the country is now a monarchy ruled by a king, and society is divided by a strict caste system. Similar to the Hunger Games, this novel features a competition, but instead of fighting for survival, participants are vying for the prince’s hand. Imagine a dating-show version of the Hunger Games, and you’ve got The Selection.
The first book’s writing style seems a bit juvenile at the start, and the relationship between America and her first love, Aspen, feels shallow. America, a girl from the lower castes, unexpectedly gets chosen to participate in the selection—a concept very much like the reality TV show, The Bachelor. In the renamed United States, now called Ilea, Prince Maxon is the bachelor, spending time with each girl until he narrows it down from 35 contestants to one winner who will become the princess and future queen of Ilea.
No good love story is complete without complications, and America finds herself in a love triangle between Aspen and Prince Maxon. While the chemistry between America and Maxon feels intense and believable, her romantic interactions with Aspen lack authenticity. The other contestants add intrigue and drama, creating more challenges for America and her love life.
As the story progresses, particularly by the middle of the second book, the plot begins to delve deeper into the political issues and unrest in the country. This dystopian society starts to mirror the themes found in the Hunger Games, focusing on societal problems and the need for significant change. Although the central storyline revolves around the romance and the selection process, the narrative also begins to explore the injustices in Ilea and the necessary transformations to fix this divided society.
The Selection strikes a balance within the dystopian genre. The plot is lighter with a fun love story at its core, providing an entertaining read without becoming too dark or serious. However, the author includes enough political and social commentary to give the story depth. Fans of the Hunger Games will find The Selection to be a complementary addition to the genre. I highly recommend giving it a try and look forward to future installments.
Content Note: This is a clean read with only minor swear words.
