This is going to be a short one because this isn’t a full book, it’s a novella. Either way there may be spoilers so beware!
First, if you haven’t read the first two books in The Selection trilogy this novella is going to make no sense to you. Therefore you should stop reading this right now and go read those books and The Prince novella while you’re at it.
If you’re all caught up you know that this trilogy is (sadly) coming to an end and one of the greatest appeals for getting this novella was the sneak peak of the last book in the trilogy, The One.
Before you get to the sneak peak though you have to actually read the story (well you don’t have to but why wouldn’t you?). This short story documented parts of the second book in the trilogy, The Elite, but from Aspen’s point of view. Let me just say from now, I’m team Maxon. That being said I wasn’t too excited to read this, I really just bought it for the sneak peak.
Even so, I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Kiera Cass so far so I figured it would only be fair to give Aspen a chance, and I was glad I did. I loved this short story and it made me like Aspen a little bit more. I’m still team Maxon but now I feel like I wouldn’t be completely angry if she ends up with Aspen. I won’t be happy but I’d accept it.
Anyway, with this novella we get more insight into why Aspen let America sign up for the selection in the first place and that he really does love her which is good. Also, it was interesting to see so much behind the scenes things with the guards that we don’t see with America. For example, we get a peak into the sketchy going ons of the King. Though we still don’t get all the answers about the clear corruption that is happening in the kingdom it does make you hate the King even more.
Also, the Aspen/America love scenes did make my heart swell and I forgot how much I first liked them together. It was also interesting seeing America through Aspen’s eyes. I wish it had gone further so we could see how he felt when he saw America (SPOILERS) show the secret book to the whole kingdom but sadly it ended before that.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I did not enjoy it as much as the special sneak peek at the end. I’m not going to say anything because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone and truly nothing major happens but still it’s pretty good. It’s also strange because Kriss and America’s friendship/competition is clear from the beginning of the novel so you know that’s going to be a major part of the book which will be interesting. Also, we can see early on that although America is willing to fight for Maxon’s heart there’s still a (big) part of her that wants Aspen.
Oh, these love triangles. This is why both of these books made my list for books I can’t wait to read this year.
If you haven’t purchased The Guard yet definitely get it soon unless you’re concerned you’ll just become way more anxious for the release of The One, as I am now. If that’s the case then maybe you should wait.
You can purchase The Guard online as an e-book or you can get both The Prince and The Guard novellas as a paper back book. The One comes out on May 6. Pre-order it now!
Stars: 4 out of 5.
Borrow or Buy: Borrow. If you can get this from the library I say borrow it. I enjoyed it and I don’t regret buying it just because I know it would’ve been a long wait from the library and it was cheap. However, I could live without owning it. It was good but it was OMG-amazing.
Zakiya N. Jamal 