The One (The Selection, 3)

4.5 out of 5 HEARTS at [...] At about 6:45 p.m. on May 24, 2014, I was in New York City and had just gotten in for the night after spending the day out exploring. I was just getting ready to call my mom and check in when called me first. When I picked up the phone, my mother was sobbing into the phone. "Do you get to meet Kiera Cass while you're at BEA?" she asked. "Uh, maybe. She's ticketed. It depends on how I'm feeling and where else I am at that point in the day," I answered. "If you get to meet her, I want you to tell her that I had no idea how emotional these books would be and that I think they're just wonderful. Tell her that your father thinks I'm insane because I've been crying over the last couple chapters of The Elite for the past ten minutes." I think that conversation with my mom is what best sums up the The Selection trilogy. I've read so many trilogies, quartets, sagas, and other series since I started blogging. But of all of them, I think that The Selection trilogy is one of the most easily accessible. It doesn't require that you have a lot of experience reading dystopian novels -- though fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and the like will certainly enjoy it. You don't have to be able to grasp on to complicated or convoluted plots. It's not high fantasy, which requires a whole other kind of dedication of thought and imagination for seeing the authors vision and following what can be confusing plots. It isn't a straight romance novel. It's got some adventure, some excitement, a driving plot, and yes, all kinds of wonderful lovey-dovey feels and angsty feels and just feels, feels, feels in general. It is a perfectly well-rounded, easy-to-read, enjoyable series. It's great for teens and adults of all ages. You might wonder why I'd waited until the series was over to give it to my mom, but in early 2013 she started demanding that I only give her completed series or series that were going to be completed by or near the time she finished the first few books. I pretty carefully curate her library. I try to stagger the books I give her, alternating between dystopian, fantasy, supernatural, contemporary, between trilogies and standalones and more series with more than three books. I've been doing it this way for awhile and it's worked out very well for us. Before I left for NYC, I got on her iPad and I downloaded The Selection trilogy. She started it the day before she called me and finished the series the day after she called me crying and absolutely loved it. I was nervous before The One came out. And I was a wreck the night it was released because B&N's auto-delivery was far less than timely. Luckily for me, in my desperation, I accidentally pre-ordered it for both my Nook and my Kindle. I RARELY purchase books with my Kindle. I use it specifically for review copies. But at some point in the past year, I must've decided I wanted it enough to pre-order it because at 12:15 a.m., it had arrived on my Kindle, while my Nook was still showing it as undelivered. There were no advance release copies for The One, which was a tactic Harper Collins took with Allegiant also. So naturally, I was nervous because all know how Allegiant turned out and I didn't want any emotionally crippling endings or surprises. But my worries were for naught. I tore through the first 200 pages before I went to sleep and finished the last hundred or so the next morning. It was a bit of a nail biter, but I finished the book with a big smile on my face. I was very much a member of Team Maxon and, as such, was totally happy with the ending. The One was much like its predecessors: An absolute joy to read. Full of great quotes and a story that was exciting to watch unfold. I enjoyed watching America's friendships change with the other girls, particularly with Celeste and I found myself genuinely sad when she died. I was also devastated when Maxon's mother died -- I really wanted to see her bond with America and that was a place where I really could've used a little more. I loved The One. It was a great read. If I was the kind of girl that could go to the beach without frying like an egg, it would've been a great beach read. I am the kind of girl who, when she is in NYC, goes an reads in the park. Had I been in NYC when The One was released, it would've been an excellent Washington Square Park read. But for me, I found I was missing just a little ... something. Maybe it was some complexity or something a little deeper? Maybe I wanted certain elements of the plot to be better described and developed upon? It was emotionally really satisfying, but mentally, I was craving something richer. Then again, I'm relieved it wasn't the gut wrenching in the way that Allegiant was. And in general, I just don't have a lot to say. I feel like this is one of those books everyone waited for and everyone reviewed and most everyone liked and I don't really have a fresh viewpoint, only a few things that I wished there were more of and this kind of ghostly feeling of not being totally mentally satisfied, yet still loving the book. For that reason, I gave it 4.5 hearts. But I really did love it. In other news, I didn't get to meet Kiera at BEA because I was in another line at the time that they handed out tickets. So, Kiera, if you read this, my mom loves your books and thinks you're amazing and she cried over the series and my dad thought she was crazy. I promised her I'd tell you somehow. I think you're pretty freaking awesome, too. :)

The third book in the Selection series, "The One" by Kiera Cass is enthralling as the three remaining contestants - America, Elise, Celeste and Kriss- compete for the Prince's heart and a crown. America struggles with her growing love for Maxon hating his seeming indifference, knowing its fuelled by his need to show impartiality, but fearing rejection she guards her feelings which could jeopardize their relationship. Even her lack of complacency with the King's laws by standing firmly on her ethical principles could cost her Maxon's love, but as political tension grows America may have no alternative but to act in the best interests of the country. As the competition draws to a close America fights to rebuild Maxon's trust and keep his heart, but will secrets destroy all that they've built. Blended into a plot with undercurrents of injustice, hatred, prejudice and anarchy are elements of friendship, love, forgiveness, and mercy. In this narrative the Select begin to look at each other through new eyes, reaching out and cementing friendships they never thought possible. As political unrest swirls throughout the countryside and death knocks at the palace walls, flashes of humour and the playful interaction of Maxon and America lighten a mood that seems bleak and hopeless. As the plot thickens and Maxon draws closer to choosing a bride, tension mounts as fresh proposals cement new alliances, and the devious manipulation of a king who fears loss of power gains momentum. Twisting and turning as the subplot converges with the central theme creates a host of emotions until the thrill ride climaxes in an unforgettable but heartwarming conclusion. With this book the personalities of many of the characters have begun to change, some for the better. Power-hungry and manipulative Celeste discovers a conscience and seeks forgiveness and friendship from those she spitefully wronged. Although she hides a secret about her past Kriss has become tenacious in the fight for the man she loves. The usually reserved and poised Elise has grown candid in expressing her feelings which could cost her the contest and the Prince. America remains impulsive, feisty and temperamental. Often she makes bad decisions even when she has the best of intentions. Aspen remains patient and understanding, more dedicated than ever to his job as a royal guard. At first Maxon seems torn between duty and his love for America. Intimidated by the brutality of his father and his insecurity about America's feelings Maxon makes bad choices although as the story progresses he seems to let his courage and insight shine through. Although the highlight of the story is the passionate romance between America and Maxon which heats up as events unfold it would have been gratifying to see love sprout between Lucy and Aspen especially as he realized his feelings for his childhood sweetheart were no longer reciprocated. I thoroughly enjoyed "The One" even though I expected more action when the southern rebels attacked the palace. Though in hindsight this is a young adult romance not a thriller which is destined to capture hearts with a love affair and a contest of wills that will live on when this fairytale has ended. Kudos to Kiera Cass for a wonderful series. I will look forward to reading more of her books in future.

Loved it so much ahhhh it was actually so perfect and yea thanks kiara you are a total gem .

This book series was everything a girl could hope for! Original, beautiful, heart breaking and so much more. This book was captivating and made you feel as if you could be America, and see her views and feeling and the way she touched the life of so many. I can't believe the beautiful journey is over, but ever page is worth re-reading again and again! Thank you for sharing it with us

I love the whole series. This books is amazing.

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L'ho amato! Ho amato quest'ultimo quanto i due precedenti, dalla prima all'ultima pagina. Sono rimasta col fiato sospeso fino alla fine. È una storia in cui non puoi dare nulla per scontato, ricca di colpi di scena, sorprese e attimi da batticuore. In "The One" il nostro amato principe Maxon deve decidere chi sarà la sua principessa e America dovrà affrontare diverse difficoltà per restare al fianco del principe. Entrambi saranno costretti ad analizzare i loro sentimenti, tutto questo nel bel mezzo di una ribellione. La suspence in questo libro è costante e diversi sentimenti ruotano intorno ai protagonisti, ansia, paura, desiderio, confusione, rabbia, dolore, amore. Finalmente l'amore è il protagonista principale in questo capitolo della serie e lascia senza fiato. Impossibile non leggere questo e gli altri libri della Selection per chi come me ama i romanzi d'amore, distopici, adrenalinici e in costume. Ci si appassiona alla storia, alle dinamiche avvincenti e ai personaggi dalle mille sfumature e una volta entrati "nella Selezione" è impossibile uscirne.