I just realized this was the third book of the Selection Series, however, I thought it was the first. Hence, there were parts of this book, characters, and relationships that I didn't understand and probably would have made more sense if I would have read these books in order! Anyway, the book reminded me of the Bachelor meets Marie Antoinette. The girls are in the final part of a selection to win over Prince Maxon's heart, and hopefully have him ask to be his Princess/Queen. The final few girls have their moments of cattiness, as well as their moments were they come together and find friendship, despite the fact they are battling for love (hence the Bachelor connection). The book is another dystopian novel, where the characters in the castle are sheltered from the brutality of life outside of the castle walls (hence the Marie Antoinette connection). Everything the characters are going through is not just for love, but for the good of the country, and trying to appease the rebel forces that threaten to destroy the peace of the country completely.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read them in order, but the love story was good, as was the magnificence of the life they were leading.
Challenge: Digging into the political situation and climate that surrounds the context of the novel would be helpful to walk through with some students.
Lexile: 680 L
Interest Level: Middle School +
Controversial Scenes/Content: There is violence in the novel, as well as some steamy make out sessions, however, nothing too terrible.
Rating: 3.5/5