Later sections of this article contains some thematic spoilers – a warning is present in the relevant section
Last updated on – 04 January 2024
Table of contents
Introduction to “The Selection” Series
The Selection series, penned by Kiera Cass, has emerged as a popular set of titles in the young adult genre. Cass, an American author, gained significant recognition with this series, which blends elements of romance, dystopia, and fairy tale-like settings to create an engrossing narrative experience. The series stands out for its unique story line and captivating narrative style, making it a favorite among young adult readers.
The series comprises a total of five main books, along with several novellas that expand on the universe and characters introduced in the main series. Each book builds upon the story, delving deeper into the lives and intrigues of its characters.
| Book Number | Title | Year of Publication | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Selection | 2012 | HarperTeen |
| 2 | The Elite | 2013 | HarperTeen |
| 3 | The One | 2014 | HarperTeen |
| 4 | The Heir | 2015 | HarperTeen |
| 5 | The Crown | 2016 | HarperTeen |
The series begins with “The Selection,” introducing readers to a dystopian world where a young woman’s life changes dramatically after she’s selected to compete for the heart of a prince. The subsequent books, “The Elite” and “The One,” continue this tale, deepening the political and romantic complexities of the narrative. The last two books, “The Heir” and “The Crown,” shift the focus to the next generation, offering a fresh perspective and new challenges within the same universe.
Each book in “The Selection” series is not just a continuation but an evolution, with Kiera Cass masterfully expanding her world and deepening the emotional stakes. The series has been praised for its engaging characters, imaginative setting, and the way it addresses themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. This blend of elements makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in young adult fiction that transcends simple love stories to explore broader themes.
Kiera Cass – Author
Kiera Cass, born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and of Puerto Rican descent, carved a distinctive path in the literary world. Her educational journey culminated in a History degree from Radford University. She initially faced the daunting challenge of repeated rejections until the eponymous first book of the ‘The Selection’ series. She eventually made her mark with the debut of the series, and swiftly garnered acclaim and a dedicated fan base. It also might have something to do with this (over a decade old) interview of hers.
Beyond her initial series that has come into the limelight, Cass has continued to evolve as an author. She rewrote an earlier self-published book “The Siren,” which has been described as being an adaptation of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ story. The rewritten version was re-released in 2016 by HarperTeen, the same publisher behind “The Selection” series. Her exploration into more romance stories has continued with the release of “The Betrothed” in 2020. This novel, along with its sequel “The Betrayed,” released in 2021, has further solidified her place in the realm of young adult fiction. More recently, Cass released “A Thousand Heartbeats,” in 2022.
Series Structure and Themes
“The Selection” series has a lavishly imagined dystopian world in which we experience the tension-filled journeys of America Singer and later, Eadlyn Schreave. They navigate the opulent yet challenging environment of a royal court while we also receive the glimpses of a harsh dystopia outside the confines of the luxurious bubble. The series masterfully intertwines the thrill of a competition with the depth of forbidden and unexpected romance. Cass portrays the protagonists’ emotional and moral struggles, capturing the essence of self-discovery and the transformative power of love. Set against the backdrop of a society stratified by castes, the series not only explores romantic entanglements but also delves into themes of duty, identity, and the quest for personal and social change.
Beware of spoilers ahead for some plot points and themes from books in the series.
The Selection (2012)
“The Selection,” published in 2012, introduces readers to a dystopian world where thirty-five girls are ‘selected’ from different castes and they compete for a chance to live amongst the elite in a palace. Amidst this backdrop, we meet America Singer, a young woman who reluctantly enters the competition. The novel explores themes of societal class, love, and the choices between personal desires and duty. The book sets the stage for a complex journey, offering a glimpse into a society where decisions are a tough choice between the wants of the heart as the harsh realities of survival.
The Elite (2013)
Following the events of the first book, “The Elite,” released in 2013, narrows down the competition to the top contenders. As America Singer continues her journey, the book delves deeper into the challenges of palace life and the intensifying pressures of the Selection. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the nuances of love and power are explored, painting a picture of a protagonist caught between her past and an uncertain future, all while navigating the intricacies of court life and public scrutiny.
The One (2014)
“The One,” published in 2014, brings the competition to its climax. The stakes are higher as America Singer confronts the reality of her feelings and the implications of her choices. This installment explores themes of identity, courage, and the complexities of political intrigue. It presents a narrative where love and responsibility intertwine, pushing the characters to make decisions that will shape not only their lives but also the future of their nation.
The Heir (2015)
In “The Heir,” released in 2015, the series takes a generational leap forward. The focus shifts to Eadlyn Schreave, the first female heir to the throne, who must undertake her own Selection. This book examines themes of leadership, equality, and the weight of expectations. Readers witness a new perspective of the Selection process, exploring the dynamics of power and choice from a different viewpoint, and the challenges of upholding a legacy while forging a new path.
The Crown (2016)
Concluding the series, “The Crown,” published in 2016, sees Eadlyn Schreave’s journey to find her partner reaching its conclusion. The novel intricately weaves themes of duty, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. It not only provides closure to the Selection saga but also presents a narrative of growth and understanding, as Eadlyn learns to balance her heart’s desires with the responsibilities of the crown.
Each book in “The Selection” series offers a blend of romance, societal critique, and character development, set against a backdrop of a meticulously crafted dystopian world. Each book in “The Selection” series is not just a continuation but an evolution, with the author masterfully expanding her world and deepening the emotional stakes. Kiera Cass’s series invites readers into a realm where every choice has profound implications, both personally and politically, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy nuanced storytelling with a romantic flair.
The Caste System of the “The Selection” book series and the historical Caste Systems of India and Japan
There is a caste system within the universe of “The Selection” series which is a fictional construct, specifically designed for the dystopian society in the novels. It categorizes people into eight levels based on their occupation and social status, ranging from royalty and religious figures to homeless people and the sick. The castes are ranked by their numbers and the higher ranks (lower numbers) have more power an luxuries in this fictional society.
- Caste One – Royalty, Religious figures
- Caste Two – Celebrities, Politicians, Military and police officers
- Caste Three – Educated people and professionals, from writers to doctors
- Caste Four – Entrepreneurs, business-people
- Caste Five – Musicians, Dancers and similar creative performers
- Caste Six – Service class including housekeepers, cooks etc.
- Caste Seven – Workers who do menial tasks
- Caste Eight – Undesirable people including the chronically ill and homeless.
Those who are aware of the historical caste system of India can already see the superficial similarities that this fictional system shares with the hierarchical social stratification. That system has four primary caste groupings where the Priestly class (religious figures) were at the top (similar to Caste One) followed by kings and the warrior class (similar to some members in Castes One and Two). Those who conducted business activities formed the third layer (people across Castes Three and Four) and those who did service jobs or jobs that involved heavy labor were the lowest strata of this structure (similar to Caste Six and Seven). There were also a group that were considered undesirable at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
Japan has also historically had a caste system referred to as “Ryosensei” which was similarly stratified based on the occupations and had two primary castes which were subdivided into nine other castes. Under the Ryosensei system the lowest sub castes of the lower caste were essentially slaves who could be bought and sold by members of the upper caste. Another striking similarity with both the historical caste systems and the fictional caste system of The Selection books is that a person born into a certain caste is expected to stick with the occupation assigned to that caste.
Considering that the author has a degree in history and has mentioned ‘India’ and also ‘Japan’ as two things among the “100 Things I Love:” (on Goodreads page) it might be not too far off to say that she wears her inspirations on her sleeve. This could also be an instance of reading too much into what is superficial resemblance. Regardless of the similarities and the potential inspirations (or not) for the fictional dystopia, the combination of fairy tale romance and a sense of clear and present danger has made this “The Selection” book series into a heady concoction for some.
Praise, Criticisms, and Discussions
“The Selection” series has garnered a blend of praise and criticism, reflecting the varied tastes and expectations of its readership. The praise is often centered on Cass’s ability to create a vivid, compelling world that combines elements of dystopian fiction with the allure of a royal court drama. Critics and fans alike have lauded the series for its engaging plot and the escapist experience it provides. The initial book, “The Selection,” was particularly noted for its unique premise, blending fairy-tale romance with reality-TV style competition.
However, the series has not been without its criticisms. Some readers and literary critics have pointed out a lack of depth in character development, particularly in the later books of the series. Critics argue that the characters, especially the protagonist, could have been fleshed out with more complex personalities and motivations. Additionally, Cass’s writing style, while accessible and fluid, has been critiqued for its simplicity, with some suggesting that it lacks the sophistication expected in the young adult genre.
Discussions surrounding the series often revolve around its portrayal of societal structures and the choices faced by young people in love and life. Fan reactions have been notably diverse, with a strong fan base passionately defending the series and its characters. Online forums and social media platforms have become hotspots for lively discussions and debates about the books, with fans dissecting every aspect of the plot and character choices.
In the early days after the release of the first book “The Selection” an independent reviewer gave a very low rating. This lead to a heated exchange between the author and the reviewer after which the author is reported to have apologized. There was also some negative attention at the time since the agent of the author had reportedly ‘liked’ all the higher rated reviews of the first book on a social media site (Goodreads) in order to present a better picture with the overall rating. This highlights an interestingly polarized response to the series right from its early days where some people stated that they found ‘no enjoyment’ from the book and proceeded to heartily dislike the books while others had loved it.
The enduring popularity of the series suggests that its storytelling and thematic exploration resonated with a significant audience. The simplicity of the prose can be seen as making the series accessible to a wider range of readers, including those who might be new to the dystopian or young adult genres. There is a significant readership for accessible, escapist romance and when mixed with a dangerous dystopian and cut-throat environment, it becomes relatable.
Conclusion and Legacy
“The Selection” series by Kiera Cass has made a notable impact both in the literary world and in popular culture. Its unique blend of dystopian elements, royal intrigue, and romantic drama has captivated a wide audience, leading to its translation into at least twelve languages, a testament to its global appeal. The series has not only been a favorite among readers but has also sparked interest in visual media. A film, television or streaming adaptation was explored multiple times but has not materialized. There is still hope that something will come out in the near future.
The series, with its central characters like America Singer and Eadlyn Schreave, has become a staple in the young adult genre, skillfully combining elements of romance, drama, and societal critique. It has opened discussions on themes such as choice, love, societal expectations, and personal growth, resonating with readers across various age groups. Its unique setting, engaging plot, and memorable characters, has not only provided a compelling reading experience but has also left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape. It stands as a significant work in young adult literature, beautifully encapsulating the challenges and triumphs of its characters while reflecting broader themes relevant to our society. The series, in its exploration of love, choice, and duty, remains a vibrant example of how fiction can both entertain and provoke thought, making it a cherished addition to the genre.
Do you feel curious about The Selection book series?
Use our affiliate links to support us (at no extra cost for you) and get “The Selection” 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series in Paperback on Amazon or if you prefer getting the individual books then check out
Book 1 – The Selection (The Selection, 1)
Book 2 – The Elite (The Selection, 2)
Book 3 – The One (The Selection, 3)
Book 4 – The Heir (The Selection Book 4)
Book 5 – The Crown (The Selection, 5)
If you have all those, you might also want to get the Happily Ever After: Companion to the Selection Series (The Selection Novella) in Paperback.
Leave a Reply