The Selection

Cass, Kiera. The Selection. Book 1 of The Selection Series. 2012. 336p. ISBN 9780062059932. FIC CAS on the library shelves and available as an eBook on Overdrive. This book has been nominated for a Flume Award in 2015.

Following the Fourth World War, the new kingdom of Illéa was founded on the ruins of the United States, and the people were organized in eight castes, depending on their usefulness. This order became permanent, and moving from one caste to the next became very difficult.

America Singer was born to the 5th caste, that of artists, musicians, and entertainers, and though she loves playing music, her life is difficult, and there isn’t always food on the table for her family. Desperately in love with Aspen, a Six, America is envisioning a future as one of that cast, servants and helpers to higher casts. In love with America, Aspen is conflicted at the prospect of his future wife moving to a lower caste.

But then the Selection takes place. When a Prince becomes of age, a girl from each province is selected and is welcomed to the Palace, and the Prince chooses a bride among them. It is Prince Maxon’s Selection, and America is encouraged to participate by Aspen and her own mother. To her surprise, she is selected and is shipped to the Palace.

Now Lady America must survive the Palace intrigues long enough to provide money for her family, and decide whether she in fact has feelings for Maxon. Her life becomes complicated when Aspen arrives at the Palace as a guard who is posted outside her bedroom. With this love triangle so close, America must make a choice that is sure to disappoint someone...

If you liked The Selection, you will enjoy reading about Cinder's exploits and her relationship to Emperor Kai in the Lunar Chronicles. You might also enjoy Cassia's love triangle in Matched. 

A companion book, Happily Ever After, features several novellas about beloved characters from the series.