Kiera Cass – Zakiya N. Jamal

Book Review: The Crown

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis from Amazon:

In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.

Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

*This book is part of my POPSUGAR 2016 Reading Challenge.*

SPOILER FREE REVIEW (Note: If you haven’t read The Heir don’t read this!)

Once I finished this book with tears in my eyes I knew I couldn’t do this review without spoilers. However, since I typically do my reviews without spoilers I figured it’d be unfair to my wonderful followers to not continue that, so this review will be split into two parts. Here’s my review, completely spoiler free:

The Crown picks up right where The Heir left off, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for Eadlyn. After Ahern left and her mother suffered a heart attack, things weren’t going so well for Eadlyn. However, her struggles actually made her a more likable character to me. My biggest issue with The Heir was Eadlyn, to be honest. I just found her to be spoiled and irritating.

However, The Crown showed us another side of Eadlyn. She’s more vulnerable and more honest about her heart and what she wants. Don’t get me wrong, she still makes mistakes, but at least we get to see a different side of her in this novel and I truly enjoyed it.

Overall, I thought Kiera Cass tied a lot of things together in this last novel and did a really good job with it. She answered questions I didn’t think to ask and there were even some twists I wasn’t expecting, which is always a plus. I will say, however, that the ending didn’t satisfy me as much as I wanted it to. I was hoping for more from the epilogue and was disappointed that it was so short. Even though I know this is really the last book I hope Cass at least gives us a bonus epilogue or something like she did with The One. I just need a little more time with these characters and then I’ll be good, I swear.

Seriously, though, I really did enjoy this novel and highly recommend the whole Selection series if you haven’t read them yet. They’re definitely worth a read.

FROM THIS POINT ON THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

I REPEAT, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

BEWARE THE SPOILERS!

Alright if you haven’t turned back by now there’s no stopping you so here I go.

Oh. My. God. She chose Erik(Eikko)! She chose Erik! I freaking called it. They’re engaged and I cried and it was beautiful and she loves him. She’s loved him this WHOLE time! Yes!

Okay now that I got that off my chest let’s get into this. First of all, America is alive thank God. Honestly, I would’ve never forgiven Cass if she killed off America. That just wouldn’t make sense. There’s no reason for that. And I absolutely loved that Eadlyn decided to step up and be queen early just so her parents could be happy. That was so cute.

Also, Ahern (eventually) came back. Honestly, I wasn’t mad at Ahern in The Heir but I was furious with him in this book. His reasoning for not calling or coming back sooner after he heard about America was ridiculous. Your mother had a heart attack and you didn’t come immediately running? That’s absurd. There’s no excuse for that. Still, seeing him and Camille together was very cute.

And although I knew Eadlyn shouldn’t trust Marid I’m still very upset that his parents, August and Georgia, turned out to be shady. Honestly, I’m still not sure if I believe it since we don’t see them at all in this book but if their son is any indication I’m really mad things turned out this way. I loved Georgia and I liked that she and America were friends. It sucked to see that friendship had deteriorated over years.

And I knew Hale was gay but I was not expecting him to end up with Ean. EAN! Of all people I was most suspicious of him. Who knew it was only because he was in the closest? I’m so glad he and Hale could be together. They’re so cute! All the boys in the end of the selection were except for maybe Gunner, who didn’t really have a big role, and Fox, who got a little weird at the end. Okay so really my favorites were Hale, Henri, Kile, and Ean. And of course, Erik!!

Let’s just talk about Erik and Eadlyn because honestly they’re all I can think about. There were so many wonderful scenes with them in this book and it just made me so happy because I knew it!!

Even Erik had gotten me a flower. I smirked a bit as I took it.

“This is a dandelion,” I told him.

He shrugged. “I know. Some see a weed; some see a flower. Perspective.”

At this point I was already thinking, “Cool, so they’re endgame? Right? Right?!”

But I didn’t to get my hopes up. I mean honestly, who didn’t love Kile? He had one of the greatest lines in the book:

“Maybe it’s not the first kisses that are supposed to be special. Maybe it’s the last ones.”

I literally sighed. Kile is so perfect. He’s cute, funny, and knows Eadlyn inside out. But he just wasn’t the one. He didn’t want to live in the castle anymore, anyone could see that. He was a great friend to Eadlyn but he wasn’t her soulmate. Plus, Erik had some great one liners two.

“You look breathtaking, Eadlyn. I couldn’t even remember what I was so worked up about when you first walked in.”

And then this:

“You are always just Eadlyn. And you are always the queen. You are everything to everyone. And infinitely more to me.”

Sweet Jesus! Kiera, why do you do this to me? I can’t keep falling in love with these fictional characters. They’re ruining my life! But Daddy Maxon killed it for me. He said the absolute perfect thing to Eadlyn in the end that finally allowed her to follow her heart.

“Break the stupid rule, Eadlyn. Marry the man you love. If he’s good enough for you to approve of, then I certainly do. And if the people don’t, that can be their problem.”

And it was then that I began to cry and kept crying all the way to the acknowledgments which just made me cry harder. Still, there’s a lot of things I wish Kiera included. I wanted to see Eadlyn and Erik get married. I wanted to know if Gerad was actually able to get a job for Neena’s boyfriend in Angeles. I wanted to see Kaden and Josie get together (also I didn’t realize they were that close in age until the end). I guess I’ll have to turn to fan fiction for that but I’d really just like a bonus epilogue. Please!

Oh, and that reveal about Lady Brice being Maxon’s sister? That was crazy. Speaking of which, does America know? I would assume so but can we get some clarity please?

I think my biggest issue is that everything just seemed to come together so quickly in the end that it was hard for me to believe, especially the constitutional monarchy. I liked the idea but it seemed like Eadlyn came up with it on the spot and that just seemed so unlike her. She just changed the government in a moment on live TV. Who does that?

Even so, I can’t deny I loved this book. I already know I’ll be going back to it again soon, to reread my favorite scenes. This was a great ending and I’ll miss this series so much. Thank you Kiera Cass!

Borrow or Buy: Why is this even a question? Buy it!

Stars:

POLL: Which One of Kiera Cass’ Novels Has The Best Cover?

Posted on August 21, 2015August 20, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

The cover of Kiera Cass’ newest (actually rereleased) novel, The Siren, was revealed yesterday and it’s just as gorgeous if not more so than all The Selection series covers. Actually is it more gorgeous? Vote in the poll to cast your vote for the best cover. If I had to choose I’d go with The Heir but that’s just my personal opinion. What’s yours?

Results of last week’s poll:

Which book character did Shailene Woodley play best?

With 50 percent of the vote the winner is Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars. I don’t know though. I really liked her as Aimme in The Spectacular Now. But you guys chose the winner so I won’t argue. Stay tuned next week to find out the results of this week’s poll.

Who Will Win Eadlyn’s Heart?

Posted on May 6, 2015April 7, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in More

Alright so now that a good lot of you have read The Heir, I think it’s time we talked about what’s most important: who will win the Selection? It seems the general consensus is between Erik and Kile but of course there’s still other options. To see just where everywhere stands on the issue let’s vote on it. Who do you think will win Eadlyn’s heart in the next book? Feel free to say why your choice is the right choice in the comments below.

Book Review: The Heir

Posted on May 5, 2015May 9, 2017 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

*This book is part of my POPSUGAR 2015 Reading Challenge*

Synopsis from Amazon:

Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illéa’s royal family into a whole new Selection—and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story…but as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she’s always thought.

A new generation of swoonworthy characters and captivating romance awaits in the fourth book of the Selection series!

I got this book at 12:40 AM this morning, started reading at noon and finished at 8 PM. Yeah, it was that good. I won’t spoil anything in this review because I know sane people haven’t finished it yet (but I know A LOT of you have). Let’s begin.

This novel begins 20 years after The One ended, and it’s now time for Princess Eadlyn, the daughter of Maxon and America, to have her own Selection. Except she doesn’t want it. After Maxon worked so hard to disband the castes in Illéa, the people are rioting and rebelling and Maxon is struggling to understand why. Therefore as a distraction they’re bringing back the Selection but with a twist.

Because Eadlyn’s not really in support of the idea she has some conditions, mainly if she doesn’t find love in three months she doesn’t have to choose anyone to marry but instead can go on her own way and be the independent Queen she wants to be.

And so the Selection begins and Eadlyn is introduced to 35 guys from throughout Illéa, including one much closer to home than she’d prefer, and finds herself actually considering these men as potential suitors. Maybe.

However, the Selection has it’s ups and downs and Eadlyn’s not sure if she’s really helping or hurting her country. Even so, she’s determined to stick with the Selection for the three months she promised whether it works for her or not. She wants to help her father, King Maxon, in anyway she can and this is the only way she knows how.

Although I wasn’t a fan of Eadlyn (she’s pretty bratty, to be honest) I was a fan of a lot of the other characters. Maxon and America are still my OTP. Their love for each other knows no bounds and it means the world to me. Their son, and Eadlyn’s twin brother, Ahern is so cute and his love for the French princess, Camilla, also knows no bounds. I ship it!

Kile, the son of America’s friend Marlee, is fantastic and I love that he tells Eadlyn exactly what he’s thinking and doesn’t care that she’s going to be the next queen. He doesn’t have time for her nonsense and I appreciate that.

Lastly, and this may be a little bit of a spoiler so if you don’t want to know I’d say stop here.

I LOVE ERIK (Eikkio)!!! Erik is the translator for one of the selected and although technically he can’t win the Selection himself I want Eadlyn to pick him. He’s super sweet, nice, and supportive to Eadlyn. I think he would make a perfect match for her and I ship it like FedEx. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be mad if she ended up with Kile. But I think she should be with Erik. He’s seems like the better match for her and I think she would see that if she let herself fall for him.

Of course that’s easier said than done because it’s complicated but still, I want Erik to win (and if you agree you can vote for him here).

Overall, I love this book. The ending … it was a good cliffhanger. I can’t say I was happy about it because it left me in tears but such a good cliffhanger, writing wise. I need to know what happens next and ASAP. If I have to wait a year for this next book I think I’ll lose it. Honestly. How Kiera Cass could do this to all of us is mind blowing.

If you haven’t read the Selection series yet please do so ASAP. It’s definitely worth a read.

Favorite Line:

‘Sometimes the very thing you’ve been hoping for will walk through the door, determined to fend you off. And still, somehow, you will find that you are enough.’

Stars: 5 out of 5. Honestly, Eadlyn definitely annoyed me throughout the book but she did grow on me. Plus, I loved the other characters so much it made up for Eadlyn’s bad behavior.

Borrow or Buy: Are you kidding? Buy this. Buy it right now if you haven’t already. You need this on your bookshelf. Trust me.

Man Crush Monday: Maxon Schreave

Posted on April 27, 2015May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

If you couldn’t tell I’m really in a Selection mood this week. That’s mainly because the next book in the series, The Heir, comes out next week and I’m super excited. I won’t spoil the series for you but a brief synopsis of the series is it takes place in a Dystopian world where there are eight castes, one being the upper caste and eight being the lowest. The prince chooses his wife by going through the selection, a competition where 35 girls go to the castle to try and win the prince’s heart.

This week’s Man-Crush Monday is no other than the Prince himself, Prince Maxon. Maxon is cute, kind of dorky, and adorable in his lack of experience. He’s willing to put himself in harm’s way to protect others and really cares about his country and how he can make it better for all his castes. He also treats every girl in the selection with kindness and respect, and goes out of his way to make each one of them feel like they’re special.

If you read the Selection series, you’ll be hard pressed not to fall in love with Prince Maxon Schreave. Even Ms. America Singer finds it rather difficult to resist his charm. If you needed any reasons to read these books it would be Prince Maxon. He’s one of a kind.

Woman Crush Wednesday: America Singer

Posted on April 22, 2015May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

First, if you’ve never heard of America Singer that’s because you haven’t read The Selection series yet and that’s a shame. Please get with the times.

Moving on, America is gorgeous with her long red hair and ice cold blue eyes. Besides that though, she’s smart, funny, brave, and stands up for what she believes in. She loves hard and won’t let anyone stand in her way when she makes up her mind about something (which can sometimes be a bad thing).

In The Selection series, America is entered into the selection, a competition of 35 girls to win Prince Maxon’s heart and become queen. It takes place in a dystopian world where the U.S. (now called Illéa) is ruled by a royal family, by the way. I won’t say what happens in case you haven’t read the books (which, again, you really should) but what makes America stand out is she never went into the selection to become Queen. She didn’t even really want to be there in the first place.

However, once she figures out what she really wants she’s not afraid to go after it whole heartedly. The way she stands up for her friends, her maids, her caste (yes there’s a caste system; please read these books), and the castes below her is extraordinary, thereby making her beautiful both inside and out.

Book Review: The One

Posted on May 19, 2014May 23, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

I was so excited once I was finally able to buy and read this book with no distractions or anything getting in the way. It was worth the wait and every penny. I believe I can’t do this review without going into details so beware the spoilers.

First, I was very nervous about this book because in my experience the last book of a dystopian trilogy never ends the way I want to (i.e. The Hunger Games, Matched, Delirium, etc.). However, with this novel Kiera Cass did an excellent job of tying up lose ends, giving us a happy ending but also keeping it real about the costs of war.

Although there were many deaths there was also so much happiness and love that although I cried I still smiled because this was such a beautifully written book.

If you’ve never read The Selection series before shame on you. The series follows the story of a girl named America who lives in the Illéa, the dystopian version of the U.S., and is selected to be part of a competition to win the prince, Maxon’s, heart and the crown. It’s kind of like The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games which could sound like a train wreck but is actually really awesome.

As with many dystopian series with a female lead there is a love triangle but what’s interesting is how Cass produces it. America enters into the “selection”, the choosing of competitors for the contest for Maxon’s heart, only because her boyfriend, Aspen, tells her to, breaking up with her in the process. America thereby enters a contest, which ideally is based on finding the Prince his true love, with a broken heart. She already knows (or at least thinks she knows) what love is and now she’s lost it but has to pretend she hasn’t because her relationship with Aspen also went against the rules of her society.

Of course things get complicated when America and Maxon actually have feelings for each other and then get even more complicated when Aspen shows up at the castle where the competition takes place. Talk about an awkward situation. Throw in the fact that there are 34 other girls competing for Maxon’s heart and drama ensues.

Besides the love triangle(s) there’s actually real problems in Illéa. There’s rebels everywhere and the society is based on a caste system that does well for those in the upper castes (1-4) but is terrible for those in the lower ones (5-8). Needless to say there’s a lot of political unrest.

Fast forward to this newest book and the competition is down to only four ladies and rebels are getting even more rebellious. Besides that America has finally realized that she loves Maxon and is now ready to fight for him. However, they still have a lot of issues to work through, mainly trust. Seeing as how America still hasn’t told him her ex-boyfriend is one of his guards trust is something they really need to work on. Plus neither of them have the courage to say they love each other (even though it’s so obvious).

Again spoiler warning. If you don’t want to know how it all ends stop right here. This is your last warning.

Okay, here I go.

She chose Maxon. They’re married and she’s queen and everything is right. Except for the fact that Celeste died. And so did Queen Amberly. I don’t really care about King Clarkson but I mean it sucks that Maxon lost both his parents in one day. Also, America’s dad died and he was the best.

Still, I’m glad that Cass wrote it so that America and Aspen are still friends (family really) and they both found their true loves. The greatest thing about this is the way Cass wrote it, it’s not as if Aspen lost America and settled for Lucy. Instead he realized for himself that although he still loves America he wasn’t in love with her and it was the same for America. They both recognized that they would always mean something to each other but they weren’t meant to be. To me that’s how a first love should end.

Amongst other things Cass presented an ending in which there’s hope for a better future but also doesn’t exactly say that everything is perfect and fixed, not in Illéa or in Maxon and America’s relationship. America even says it:

But even now I know this isn’t a fairy tale. I know that we’ll have hard times, confusing times. I know that things won’t always happen the way we want them to and that we’ll have to work to remember that we chose this. It won’t be perfect, not all the time. This isn’t happily ever after. It’s so much more than that.

That’s my favorite part of this novel and this series as a whole. Cass keeps it real even within a dystopian, fiction novel. She recognizes that love isn’t easy. She acknowledges that a messed up society can’t be fixed over night. She points out all these things but still provides fans with the happy ending they look for in a fiction novel.

In summary, it’s brilliant and I loved every part of this series and the long journey that got us to this end. But then again is it really the end?

Now a days most dystopian novels come in the form of trilogies and it seems that Cass is following that tradition. However, on the cover of The One it doesn’t say, “The final book in The Selection series,” or anything to that affect. Instead it says, “Book Three of the Selection Series.” Wait, what?

Is it possible that this book isn’t the end of this marvelous series? Could there be more? So far Cass hasn’t said anything about that. However, she did announce that she will be releasing a digital novella about Queen Amberly’s selection process, explaining once and for all how the heck she ended up with a jerk like King Clarkson. Therefore we do have something to look forward to but if Cass is planning to continue the series so far she’s been quiet about it.

Personally, I’m totally satisfied with this ending and I’m not really sure where she could go from here. However, until she says it’s definitely not happening I’m open to the idea.

To put it simply, get this book and if you haven’t already, get all the books in this series. It’s awesome and I can’t wait to reread them all over again.

Favorite Line: “Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.”

Stars: 5 out of 5. I don’t think I can emphasize any further how much I loved this book.

Borrow or Buy: Buy! Buy every book/novella in this series and then reread them until the end of your days.

Book Review: The Guard

Posted on February 12, 2014February 12, 2014 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

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.

Five Books I Can’t Wait to Read in 2014

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

Sadly, I haven’t been able to keep up with my reading as much as I would like to since being in college. However, I still make time to read and these are the five books that I can’t wait to come out in 2014.

1. The Guard by Kiera Cass (February 4, 2014)

Yes I know this one isn’t really a book but a novella but I’m still excited (even though I’m totally Team Maxon). If you haven’t read the first two books in The Selection trilogy you should definitely look into them because its awesome. The focus is a girl named America, who is entered into this Bachelor style contest to win the prince’s heart and the throne. Filled with drama, love triangles, and threats from rebels this trilogy has it all. This new novella will show more into the life of Aspen, America’s ex-boyfriend, and give us more insight into his story. What I’m most excited about is the preview of the next and last book in the trilogy that’s supposed to be included at the end of the novella. Which brings me to number two.

2. The One by Kiera Cass (May 6, 2014)

I’m both equally excited and saddened by the oncoming release of this book. I quickly fell in love with this trilogy reading the first two books in two days and then proceeding to re-read them over and over again to this day. I will be sad to see this trilogy come to an end (fingers crossed for a spin off series) but I’m also very excited to see how it’s all going to end (Team Maxon!!!). This is definitely a book I’ll be pre-ordering.

3. Panic by Lauren Oliver (March 4, 2014)

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I became obsessed with Lauren Oliver when I read her first book, Before I Fall, and her Delirium trilogy (even though I hated how it ended). This new book (already being optioned for a movie) focuses on not only a young girl but a guy as well which is new for Oliver. Based in a small town where almost nothing ever happens (I can relate) graduating seniors play a game called Panic that has high stakes and even higher payoff if you win. It’s a mystery what the game actually entails but based on Oliver’s past writings you can expect a lot of love, drama, and intrigue, as well as the unexpected. I’m definitely in!

4. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (July 29, 2014)

Out of all the new books coming out in 2014 this one is probably one of the most highly anticipated among young adults. Richelle Mead created this crazy, fictional world of vampires, dhampirs, and Alchemists in her Vampire Academy series (which is now being made into a movie franchise that I totally disapprove of but we’ll save that for another day). This spin off series focuses on Sydney, an Alchemist who at first hated vampires and everything to do with them, but now has become very accustomed and acquainted with them in more ways than one if you catch my drift. The last book left us with a major cliffhanger, leaving me to wonder what in the world is going to happen next. Sadly, it’ll be a while before we get the answer to that question.

5. Endless by Kate Brian (July 22, 2014)

Honestly, I haven’t even finished reading the last book and I’m already excited about this novel. Kate Brian (also known as Kieran Scott) is a master at producing series and trilogies that are made to get you hooked. From Private to Privilege to the Not-A-Blonde Cheerleader series, Brian knows exactly how to push our buttons, leaving us wanting more. Her newest trilogy, Shadowlands, is no exception. This trilogy had me hooked from book one when the ending left me with my jaw on the floor. Endless is the last book in this trilogy and I’m sure its going to be a spectacular conclusion that will probably make us wish it wasn’t all coming to end. Until Brian comes out with her next series that is.