America Singer has been chosen to compete in The Selection for a chance at Prince Maxon’s hand. The only problem? She’s secretly in love with her best friend, Aspen.

Upon arriving at the palace, America and Maxon strike a deal. America will spy on the other girls for Maxon to find out what their true intentions are and Maxon won’t eliminate America from the competition, so that she can continue to improve her family’s financial situation.

As far as storylines go, it’s a little cliche with your typical childhood friend romance trope and rags-to-riches story. However, personally, I liked how it was kind of like a dystopian version of Cinderella.

America also has a very strong and selfless personality as she is willing to do anything if it means that her family’s living situation will improve. She’s also very sympathetic with others as she tries her best to make friends with the other girls in the competition, even though they all see her as an enemy. Prince Maxon is very sweet as well. He’s completely understanding when America is having a panic attack or when she’s feeling homesick, to the point where he arranges an event at the palace, so that she can see her family again.

Overall, I’d say it’s a 4/5. It can be kind of predictable at times but if you’re a fan of royal romances or books like The Red Queen, I’d say that this is right up your alley.

The Selection by Kiera Cass is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass was a fantastical read. Princess Annika, who is much more than just a pretty face, and closed-off Lennox were an unplanned pair that reminded me of my childhood wonders of princesses and true love. But Annika and Lennox’s story is somewhat different than most fairy-tales.

I appreciated how Annika’s life as a princess did not change her brave, composed character. Throughout the story, Lennox’s softer side comes out when the narrations are told from his perspective.

This fiction novel was unlike the stereotypical fantasy story. Instead, Annika and Lennox almost entirely party ways and were initially unfriendly towards each other. In fact, the two met when Lennox and his band of men kidnapped Annika.

To add to the plot of the story, Cass included Nickolas, a practical man whom Annika’s father has chosen for her to marry for the better of their country. Annika and Lennox’s obvious feelings for each other are prevented by duty, fear, and family.

While Annika and Lennox have their own problems and pains, they both help each other through it all; Annika’s warm light helps the shadow of Lennox’s past fade away and Lennox’s encouragement gives Annika the hope she needs to lead.

In the end of the novel, after having braved many hardships that test their love for each other, Annika and Lennox’s love is sealed. The tender moments and intense times they have had together all come together in a beautiful ending. I especially enjoyed reading the epilogue of A Thousand Heartbeats, where the reader gets a glimpse of Annika and Lennox’s blissful futures.

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.