BOOK REVIEW: The One by Kiera Cass

“The best people all have some kind of scar.”

SECTION I. DETAILS

Book Title: The One (The Selection #3)

By: Kiera Cass

Published June 5th 2014 by HarperCollins

Description: THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…

It’s swoon meets the Hunger Games in the final instalment of THE SELECTION trilogy!

For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.

Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

The breathtaking finale to THE SELECTION trilogy will make you swoon!

SECTION II. RATING

2/5

It was okay

SECTION III. A GLIMPSE

I think the book was okay but I wouldn't pick it up if it wasn't for the book cover, thinking how beautiful it would look on my bookshelf. I mean, I would have pick it up with no doubt in December 2012, back when I read the first book from the Trilogy (The Selection). But few months later, I think that was in April of 2013, all hopes collapsed with the second book (The Elite). Everybody might agree with me that The Elite was really disappointing. I also wrote down my thoughts on The Elite so if you're interested, click here However, hours after I finished reading The One, I realized I rated The Elite higher than it deserved. Does that explain the rating confusion? I am officially giving The Elite 1 star and The One 2 stars.

Compared to The Selection, The One is still slightly behind. But compared to The Elite, The One is absolutely winning. It held a satisfying conclusion, but nothing all mind-blowing. There were a few whoa moments, but for the most part I was just worried America would mess up all over again. Reading from her point of view is just frustrating. Dealing with The One almost felt like an obligation rather than pleasure. All simply because of Prince Maxon.

The One was able to redeem the whole trilogy, both character-wise and story-wise. I was glad the whole Northern vs. Southern Rebels were given enough highlight (and a good one) in this book, because frankly, I was worried on how it'd turn up while reading The Elite. That book was just a mess. Anyway, besides The Rebels, I'm also glad to get a glimpse of Celeste's mind in this book. I'd tell you more about it but I don't want to spoil anyone, maybe in a latter section I can.

Overall, like I said, The One is an okay book. It's nothing really exceptional as I initially expected. I suppose the story is too simple, but I see some possible plot expansions in it's Dystopian aspect.

SECTION IV. WHY READ THIS BOOK

If you're looking for a fast-paced, love themed, but still with a touch of Dystopian, pick The Selection Trilogy. However, if you decide to give this trilogy a chance, must you be prepared for frustration. America Singer is not the best protagonist out there, but don't worry, Prince Maxon will get you swooned! Well, not if you're a dude.

Also, if you're into reality TV shows, like the Bachelor, enjoy dressing up, or intrigued of the ways of the palace life, then this must be the book for you!

SECTION V. A PLUNGE

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

I absolutely loved the attempt to soften up Celeste's character, though I should have known it's the Author's conscience speaking, while she formulates her death. Props for that, because I didn't see it coming. For a rather short trilogy, The One managed to tie itself with City of Heavenly Fire for character deaths. I'm still pondering my thoughts on that note.

America Singer is still frustrating. And throughout the coarse of the book, I realized how the Author was desperately trying to redeem her. I guess it somehow worked, but a part of her in-born stupidity still lingered. Who would have known her lack of think twice before you speak attitude would get the majority's affection? So kudos for Kiera Cass for turning things around. I know it's too late to cleanse America Singer's habit of doing things her own way, but can anyone imagine Mer on the throne 10 years from now? (If she still has the throne)

Three books and I still don't see her fit for the role as Queen; Princess (-in-training), maybe. But what better way to put Lady America and Prince Maxon straight to the throne than kill the current King and Queen? Seems too convenient. And what happens to the Northern Rebels? Oh dear, let's hope Queen America won't anything stupid... again. Or rather, let's hope King Maxon can stop her beforehand. Goodluck with that.

And let's not deal with America waiting to get caught with Aspen the day before she marries the Prince to explain the deal between the two of them. I find it impossible enough for America and Aspen to steal minutes to talk in the Palace without anyone seeing or hearing them. But just before the big event, it. just. happened. Perfectly plotted, wow. Not.

And then, there it is, just before he was about to marry someone else, next thing we knew, Prince Maxon almost died. But just at the brink of *possible* death, he realizes he can't let go of America, and boom... instant apology accepted. And boom... there goes the marriage.

I suppose when I look back, there is one plot turn that I truly enjoyed - the I am a direct descendant of Gregory Illea part from the Southern Rebels and the Oh gosh darn my Dad was a Southern Rebel part. Now that, is what you call a plot twist. Too bad, we're too busy sucked up in the America-Maxon love bubble that we didn't get more of the story.

And that is all, really.

Let me know what you think of The One if you've read it, and you haven't, yikes, I hope you didn't read the last paragraphs of this review.

Cheers,

Lilah Gran