The One (The Selection #3)
By: Kiera Cass
Website: http://www.kieracass.com/
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: The Selection Series
Award: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2014)
Rating:

In this third installment we see that America has finally decided where her heart lies, decided what she wants and made the decision to fight for Maxon’s heart. With rebel attacks increasing and everything, the entire country, on the line, we see how the choices of America and Maxon will change not only their relationship but also the fate of the country.

This book begins with some news and difficult moments for America. Her sister May sends her a letter, telling her she is an aunt, as her sister Kenna has given birth to a daughter named Astra. Simultaneously pleased and homesick America steels herself to continue fighting for Maxon.

Again, some major spoilers are ahead. Read at your own risk.

Several important events take place in this book. The meeting of August Illéa, a direct descendant of the first king of Illéa. Details about the difference between the Northern and Southern rebels. The revelation that many people throughout the country want America as their queen but that neither she nor Maxon want to be forced (although they clearly love each other).

One of my favorite moments, tied in with heartbreak for America and character death is that America realizes her father (now deceased) was a Northern rebel. (I mean, come on, her name is America aka the previous name of the country of Illéa).We see America also realize that another woman in the Selection, Kriss is also a rebel. America accuses her of being there for that reason only but she is shocked to learn that Kriss also does indeed care of Maxon.

There is a lot of emotional back and forth in this book as we see Maxon and America grow close to each other only to be constantly ripped apart from each other due to stubbornness, circumstance, secrets, etc. However, I have to say that I like this not being a smooth path. As the quote goes;  “The course of true love never did run smooth”- William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

We see the official end of the love triangle between Maxon, America and Aspen and thank god it’s finally over because honestly if you didn’t see that ending coming I don’t know what book you all were reading. Due to this predictability I would say that’s the only flaw in the book, I like endings I can figure out but not predict so early on. However, I will say this, I enjoyed the many subplots throughout the book and I loved that the focus for America is as much on the lives of the people around her as it is on her own emotions and needs.

We see the official end of the love triangle between Maxon, America and Aspen and thank god it’s finally over because honestly if you didn’t see that ending coming I don’t know what book you all were reading. Due to this predictability I would say that’s the only flaw in the book, I like endings I can figure out but not predict so early on. However, I will say this, I enjoyed the many subplots throughout the book and I loved that the focus for America is as much on the lives of the people around her as it is on her own emotions and needs.

I understand that a lot of people tend to be on one end of the love-hate spectrum with this series and while I fall on the love side I have to say that I can see why some people aren’t pleased with this series. However, if you find yourself in the third book of a series wouldn’t you finish it? (I mean, unless it’s truly awful).  

If you want to end your reading of this series with the resolution of America & Maxon’s story then stop here. If, like me, you find yourself liking the series and the characters there is more to come as Kiera Cass penned follow-up books focusing on the  future of   Illéa but, this time, it is a Princess running the Selection, not a Prince.