The Selection

What a wonderful book! 

Illéa is a country formed after the fourth world war and is located in the old North America. The country is a monarchy and lives out of castes, eights are the poorest and ones are the richest where the royal family belongs. 

The story revolves around the girl America Singer. She is from caste five and has a passion for music - especially singing, which is also her profession. Her family is poor, not as bad as an eight, but it isn't certain that they have food on the dining table everyday.

One day there comes a letter from the royal family to every girl in the country between the age of 16 and 20. Prince Maxon is soon to be king and he needs a queen by his side. 35 girls will be chosen and the selection will be broadcasted for everyone to see all over Illéa. America doesn't want to participate, but her mother makes a deal with her that she can't refuse.

The competition to win Prince Maxon's heart isn't a walk in the park. 35 girls with the goal to get either his heart, the crown or both is rough. Backstabbing, trash-talk and jealousy. America's only goal is to be there as long as possible for the money, and the money only. For everyday you stay in the castle your family will be sent money, sort of like a salary. To be able to stay she has to make a good impression on Prince Maxon.

This is a series of mainly three books. The Selection, The Elite and The One. The names refer to the different stages of the selection where you'll follow the selected from the first to the last day. I've only read the first book, but I'm planning on buying the other two when I go to England since english books usually is cheaper in an english speaking country. Kiera Cass, the author, made an excellent storyline that I love, and I'm certain that if you like drama and romance you'll love it too!