Well, I already told you this recommendation was coming in my favorite reads of 2015 post. I actually ended up finishing two of the three books before the end of the year, so it’s probably a good thing I gave The Selection series an honorable mention for 2015. It wouldn’t be quite fair to list it for 2016, except I guess the series isn’t technically over, but for the purpose of this review, I’m covering the original trilogy. Anyway, as is usually the case when I review a series, here are the cover and description for the first book:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Here are the five things I loved most about the series.

1. The world – Yes, it’s another dystopian setting, but I found it interesting that this future reverted to a monarchy. The politics of it were quite disturbing, and after finishing the series, I can understand why Ms. Cass decided to show what happens in the next generation. I’m definitely interested in reading on for not only the characters but to see how things play out in the world.

2. The romance – Actually, I’m putting this on here even though I kind of hated it, too. Maybe that was the point! I just wanted the characters to get over their issues and get together, but then it might not have been a series :). In any case, I liked the way they grew together. It certainly wasn’t insta-love!

3. The premise – So, I’m actually not a fan of The Bachelor, and perhaps that’s why I struggled a bit with the romance side of the story, but even so I was drawn into the premise of the girls competing for Prince Maxon. I think what I liked even more was that America wasn’t initially there for him and had to be coaxed into the race. Besides, I’m always up for a story where girls get makeovers–I think it’s that whole Cinderella fascination.

4. The friendship – Going into the story, I wondered how the relationships between America and the other girls would be handled. The friendships evolved throughout the books, and they were just as important as the romantic relationship as far as America figuring out who she would be. That really added to the overall depth of the series.

5. America’s growth – Perhaps my favorite part of the whole series was how America grew into someone worthy of not just Maxon but Illea. She starts out a rather selfish person–although not without her positive qualities, of course–and slowly learns what it means to be a princess. I liked that she created her own definition for that title.

I will definitely be reading THE HEIR and the upcoming THE CROWN, so perhaps these books will still make it onto my 2016 list of favorite reads. It’s still early! In any case, I highly recommend the series. Are you a fan of The Selection series? If so, let’s chat!