Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Source: Publisher
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Buy: B&N | Indiebound | Amazon
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself- and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Goodreads)
I wanted to read The Selection from the moment I first heard about the premise and saw its gorgeous cover! It’s The Bachelor (royal edition) meets The Hunger Games – sort of – in that the story takes place in a dystopian future where society is divided by castes (8 being the lowest, 1 being royalty), and the lower castes are often starving…
To be honest, after all the negative drama surrounding this book (between the author, her agent, and reviewers), I was hesitant to read it and give a review. However, I was curious about this story being turned into a TV show possibly premiering this fall on the CW Network… and how the show was being created before the book ever released! I decided to just forget the drama and read, and I’m glad I did.
I thought The Selection was a bit slow to start, but once it did, the storyline and characters kept me glued to the page. America Singer, the protagonist, had no interest in being part of the Selection – she was secretly in love with Aspen – but she enters to please her family never imagining that she would actually be selected.
I liked America Singer as a character (the name, not so much); she’s strong, composed, and compassionate. The friendship she develops with Prince Maxon is comfortable and real. Her heartache over Aspen is believable and I felt emotionally torn along with her. You can’t help but like Maxon… he’s sincere and charming, and really is hoping to find love. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics between the all the girls competing in The Selection, and the awkwardness of them all dating the prince at once. In that way it really was like watching The Bachelor!
There wasn’t much world building in this novel, but I do think Cass laid a foundation to build upon for the rest of the series. The castes were defined, and there were some rebel attacks and moments of danger, but the dystopian world seemed to take a back seat to the rest of the story. I’m looking forward to the sequel and finding out what Kiera Cass has in store for us!
I definitely plan to watch this show on the CW this fall, if it’s picked up! You can find out about casting and more details about it on the IMDB and on The Selection‘s Website.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Book/Show Links: The Selection Series on Facebook | CW Show Website | @TheSelectionCW
I’ve been curious about this one. Although I never heard about the negative drama with the book… In any case, it sounds intriguing and I love a good emotional love story. That’s enough for me! Great review. ^_^
Jessica S. recently posted..Calling all indie authors for blog post series opportunity!
I was a bit wary after all the negative drama too! However, I would still tune in to the TV show and give this book a try. It’s been getting mixed reviews so I wonder how I would like it. I’ve heard the slow start compliant before so I’m glad it picked up for you. 🙂
elena recently posted..(i go where the trees go) review: wanderlove by kirsten hubbard
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
says:
Glad you enjoyed it, I did too but felt it was more of a Cinderella re-telling then a dystopian. Team Maxon by the way!
kimba88 recently posted..Excerpt and Giveaway of Alaskan Fire by Sara King
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
Hmmm Cinderella re-retelling… a little bit! Oh, and yes, Team Maxon all the way!
Jen recently posted..Author Interview & Giveaway: Elizabeth Norris (UNRAVELING)
Twitter: ComaCalm
says:
I’m completely in love with this book and cannot wait for the sequel! I don’t think I’ll be tuning into the TV show though, as I’m worried it won’t live up to my expectations. 🙁
ComaCalm’s Corner
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
I usually don’t do well with movies/shows based on a book I’ve read… but for some reason I see this one differently. I knew the show was being created before I started the book… so I don’t think I’ll be as critical. It’s almost like I didn’t allow myself to become attached to the book. Hmmm… we’ll see, I may take this all back after watching the show. HA!
Jen recently posted..Author Interview & Giveaway: Elizabeth Norris (UNRAVELING)
Great review! Honestly, all the negativity surrounding this book made me want to read it even more. Now I want to read it EVEN MORE! 🙂
Gabbi Calabrese recently posted..Blog tour: Until Next Time by Amy Lignor (Guest Post)
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
Haha, I know… that was me too. I was even MORE curious about it, but it becoming a TV show took my curiosity level over the top :).
Jen recently posted..Author Interview & Giveaway: Elizabeth Norris (UNRAVELING)
I was on the fence about reading it as well because of the Drama, but I’m leaning more to giving the book a try. It has been getting so much buzz. I think I’ll give it a try, I like a book that sets up well for a series.
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
I think you should go for it!
Jen recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday (48)
Twitter: thebookaholic93
says:
I was also a little wary to read The Selection, but I thought the author deserved a chance and that pretty cover is so appealing ! 🙂
I’m glad that you liked it as well!
I agree when you mention that there is not enough world-building.
Thanks so much for sharing your review 🙂
Nick @ Nick’s Book Blog recently posted..Author Interview & Giveaway : Brian Rowe
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
I agree, I thought the author deserved a chance too! I’m glad I looked beyond the drama.
Jen recently posted..Author Interview & Giveaway: Elizabeth Norris (UNRAVELING)
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