Brief synopsis (no spoilers): 20 years after the original Selection series, Queen America and Prince Maxon's oldest daughter is old enough to start looking for a companion. In a desperate need to find something to hold the country together they suggest that Eadlyn hold her own Selection. Eadlyn doesn't want to but agrees in order to help buy her parents some time.
Category: YA
Why I chose this book: Next in the series
My personal opinion (the review): This is possibly the most infuriating book I have ever read. First of all, Eadlyn is arrogant. I couldn't stand her attitude. She really feels herself above most everyone else, but gets offended when anyone points it out to her, or when they say or do anything that doesn't suit her. Second, the whole book felt rushed. Whereas the first three books of The Selection had multiple books to explain the process, this situation was given one book. And it was annoying how Eadlyn never let her guard down to get to know her suitors. THird, I really hated how most of the characters from the original series were portrayed. Maxon and America, Marlee and Officer Ledger, May, and others were nothing like I would have pictures them from the first stories. However, my biggest problem was the ending. In the last five pages Eadlyn's twin brother runs off and elopes with his long time girlfriend the princess of France and Eadlyn's mother has a heart attack. Both of these events totally came out of no where. Ahren's relationship is with Camille is mentioned throughout the books but it always talks about them waiting for the right time to get married. Then all of a sudden he elopes and runs away? What? Then, America has a heart attack. Bam, end of the book. We never find out if she lives or dies. We never find out of Ahren and Eadlyn make up. We never even find out who Eadlyn picks for The Selection or what becomes of the country of Illea. I came away very frustrated and hollow feeling. I expected to see this through to the end and it was just left hanging. There is somewhat of a change in Eadlyn's character, but it wasn't significant enough to merit this kind of split second ending. It was like the author got tired of writing and just gave up and I felt it was a waste of my time.
Warnings
Language: Maybe two
Violence: A couple of fist fights, non-detailed talk of rebellions,
"Adult" situations: Mild kissing, one guy tries to take advantage of Eadlyn, but doesn't get further than grabbing her wrist
Death: Possible
Movie rating equivalent: PG-13
Protagonist description: Eadlyn is self-centered, high and mighty, and closed off to most relationships. She has little compassion or tact but gets angry when someone points out these things to her.
Point of view of story: First
Book length: Short
Story flow: Felt very episodic. It was linear but felt spastic.
Grammar and spelling issues: None
Character connection (no spoilers): Eikko (Eric)
Category: YA
Why I chose this book: Next in the series
My personal opinion (the review): This is possibly the most infuriating book I have ever read. First of all, Eadlyn is arrogant. I couldn't stand her attitude. She really feels herself above most everyone else, but gets offended when anyone points it out to her, or when they say or do anything that doesn't suit her. Second, the whole book felt rushed. Whereas the first three books of The Selection had multiple books to explain the process, this situation was given one book. And it was annoying how Eadlyn never let her guard down to get to know her suitors. THird, I really hated how most of the characters from the original series were portrayed. Maxon and America, Marlee and Officer Ledger, May, and others were nothing like I would have pictures them from the first stories. However, my biggest problem was the ending. In the last five pages Eadlyn's twin brother runs off and elopes with his long time girlfriend the princess of France and Eadlyn's mother has a heart attack. Both of these events totally came out of no where. Ahren's relationship is with Camille is mentioned throughout the books but it always talks about them waiting for the right time to get married. Then all of a sudden he elopes and runs away? What? Then, America has a heart attack. Bam, end of the book. We never find out if she lives or dies. We never find out of Ahren and Eadlyn make up. We never even find out who Eadlyn picks for The Selection or what becomes of the country of Illea. I came away very frustrated and hollow feeling. I expected to see this through to the end and it was just left hanging. There is somewhat of a change in Eadlyn's character, but it wasn't significant enough to merit this kind of split second ending. It was like the author got tired of writing and just gave up and I felt it was a waste of my time.
Warnings
Language: Maybe two
Violence: A couple of fist fights, non-detailed talk of rebellions,
"Adult" situations: Mild kissing, one guy tries to take advantage of Eadlyn, but doesn't get further than grabbing her wrist
Death: Possible
Movie rating equivalent: PG-13
Protagonist description: Eadlyn is self-centered, high and mighty, and closed off to most relationships. She has little compassion or tact but gets angry when someone points out these things to her.
Point of view of story: First
Book length: Short
Story flow: Felt very episodic. It was linear but felt spastic.
Grammar and spelling issues: None
Character connection (no spoilers): Eikko (Eric)
For series:
Independent or integral: Integral if I had to pick, but really it's a bit of both. It happens 20 years later, but involves many of the characters and plot elements from the first three books.
Series review as a whole: Not worth your time.
If you only have time for one, read: The Selection
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