Princess Eadlyn is America Singer’s first child, so she has been trained to one day rule Illéa. Her parents ended the castes in hopes of peace, which unfortunately did not come. As an effort to stop some unrest from the people who still want the castes, the king and queen want to hold a new Selection, one of Princess Eadlyn. However, Eadlyn does not want a Selection; she thinks it will be a waste of time, that she will not find true love, and that she should not be a pawn on a political gameboard. Eventually, Eadlyn realizes her father is looking too old, ill, and stressed, and that her parents are running out of options. She agrees to have a three-month Selection, but she knows, and hopes, it will not end with her engaged. When the Selection begins, it is clear it is all but normal. One of the contestants lives in the palace, and another is from Swendway, requiring a translator. More than one appear to be violent, ending in brilliant and quick eliminations and news for the media. Eadlyn’s first elimination leads to some controversy, and the media questions her personality. However, Eadlyn is sure she will not find true love. Will she eventually change her mind?
This book was perfect. It is fascinating because it’s written from the perspective of Princess Eadlyn, who is facing the Selected. For me, it’s amusing to read what Princess Eadlyn thinks about the Selection, since it’s so different from America’s point of view in the previous three books. In addition, I never expected the twists! Books rarely ever have me hooked and cheering for a character. This book is like the romance version of the Hunger Games, but without all the violence. There is only one problem. In my opinion, it does not belong in the same series as the previous books, but instead in a sequel series.
One memorable thing is when Eadlyn meets Ean. Ean says something risky when he talks to Eadlyn, and he made Eadlyn laugh This part made me laugh, and I remembered it every time Ean was mentioned. It’s still hard to forget almost two weeks (and several books) after reading it.
Reviewed by Ashley, Grade 7, Libbie Mill Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 