America Singer is a member of the Artisan caste, fairly low in the country's class system. America is content with her life, though: she gets by using her vocal talent, and she's in love with a handsome boy from the caste below hers. When it's announced that the Selection will be held to find a bride for Prince Maxon, she's not even interested in entering. She does so because her family, and even her sweetheart, pressure her to enter -- and because she's sure she won't be chosen. But, of course, she is chosen, along with thirty-four other girls, to travel to the palace and try to win the heart of the prince. America is up-front with him: she's only there for the food (and for the stipend that her family receives while she is in the competition). But, as they interact with one another, America and Maxon become friends. Naturally, some of the other girls are jealous of what they see as America's favored position. There are dangers from the outside, as well: revolutionaries attack the palace, and the girls may be in danger of losing their lives, not just their hearts.
Okay, so it's a little bit reality-show cheesy, and the reasons for the downfall of the USA and the rise of this extremely different government are never quite explained. Even the motives of the revolutionaries are kind of murky. And nobody really believes that America isn't going to end up with the prince, right? But, despite all of that, I'll keep on reading, because it's fluffy and fun and a quick read, and I'm hoping some of the missing details will be filled in over the course of the next two books.
(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)
I commented on this forever ago, I think the internet ate my comment.
ReplyDeleteThe second book fills in some gaps and the third one is out soon. Book two, I mostly liked. A bit angsty for my tastes, but it had a few things going for it.
Cass is a local author and another branch of our library system usually has a signing, so this series is basically required reading for anyone who does teen RA around here.
I did read the second and third, and some gaps were filled in, but I still found the explanation for a few things lacking, But for readers who are more interested in the romance and angst, I think this is a good series. I'll definitely recommend it to teens.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that she is a local author!