Published by Harper Collins UK Children’s, April 23 2013, 352 pages, £6.33)

Quick Description: Fantastic sequel to the dystopia/fairytale series.

Steam?: pretty much the same as the first book- passionate moments but nothing graphic.

Plot: *Spoilers* look away if you have not read The Selection 

The Selection gets fierce as rivals stake their claim on the prince. Six girls, one life-changing prize… America Singer will leave her pre-destined life for a world of glamour and luxury, if she wins…

But surviving The Selection is tough. Rivals are battling to become Prince Maxon’s bride as the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls escalates into war.Only six girls are left and sworn friendships are tested to breaking point. America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, but she suspects darker mysteries in his royal past. With ex-lover Aspen waiting for her in the shadows, where do her loyalties truly lie?

This is a brilliant sequel to the first book, and I pretty much devoured it in one sitting. The competition is now down to only 6 girls and tensions are turned up a notched. I can almost feel the subtle animosity and jealousies crackling. Plenty of things happen for us get stuck in. The contestants are tested even harder for their suitability for the Crown. I was on America’s side from day one and really wanted to see everyone go down. However, a few surprising events start to unfold- we learn a bit more about Marlee’s background and get a good glimpse into the darkness of Illea and their royal family. Prince Maxon’s affections also start to waver and he turns out a more complicated character than we thought. Meanwhile, America gets her hands on some historical material that asks more questions than answer them.

The main point in this novel is that America is confused; as anyone would be really. She struggles with her feelings for Maxon and Aspen, both different (but gorgeous) men who offer her different things. She gets very close to losing them both as they start giving out ultimatums. She started the competition only wanting her normal life with Aspen, but now everything has changed and she can’t look back. She doesn’t know whether she wants the Crown or not, or whether she can actually do it. She is scared, determined, and love-sick all at the same time. The author conveys this mash-up very well, but the ‘I don’t know’s start to get a bit frustrating after a while.

The increased rebel attacks terrify everybody, but also bewilder America who starts seeing clues and patterns. What I really want to know is, what the hell is going on with the country? And who are we really afraid of- the rebels or the royals?

Connect with the author: @kieracass

Review copy courtesy of Netgalley. Thank you!