In this month of May, we have finally gotten to get our hands on the final book of the Selection trilogy, The One. The book was released on May 6th, with the most gorgeous cover of the series and one of the best covers that have been made, in my opinion.
For the non-spoiler part of this talk, what I have to say is: I gave it five out of five stars on Goodreads, and I thought it was an amazing conclusion to such an addicting trilogy. I'd give it 90% because it takes a while to America get her head in the game, but after that, the series achieved the potential it had. It's a really fast read and I definitely recommend you to pick it up, if you haven't already. And these covers will look amazing on your bookshelf!
Now, for those of us who already have read this book, let's talk about the most relevant moments, and also, the ones that weren't relevant at all. Such as America being stubborn as hell because she didn't want to say to Maxon that she loved him. Since book 1, we know that America is the one that will be chosen and we can already tell that Maxon is falling for her. Well, even though the book is in America's perspective, she is the only one who can't take a hint. Or listen. Or stop talking about Aspen. It's understandable that America will think about Aspen because he is her first love and all of that, but she entered the Selection so she could give her family a better life style. And if she doesn't want to get kicked out of the "game", it'd be probably better if she didn't kick the person that will choose her or not, in the balls. But fortunately, Maxon took that trait that all of us think is annoying in America, as a challenge and as something he loves about her. Her annoying personality isn't a problem, if it weren't for Aspen. America is a strong and focused character when she's not conflicted about two boys. She may not be that classy or do everything the right way, but she has good intentions.
America's problems are that she changes her mind all the time and can't communicate properly. Either she talks to much and doesn't let anyone talk or she says nothing when it's obvious that she needs to clarify something. In this book we see that when Aspen wants to tell America about Lucy and she keeps interrupting him every single time until they get in trouble and she almost loses Maxon. For nothing. The other moment is when she refuses to be the one to say "i love you" first. Maxon gave all the tips and didn't want to push her because he knew that she had her heart broken before, and he wanted to give her space and still be around whenever she was ready. He made it very clear that she's the one he loves, even with all that Kriss thing, it was more one-sided, Kriss loved him and she was a perfect plan B. There's one quote I heard somewhere that says "pick the one that loves you". That way you'll know they won't break your heart, even if you don't have the strongest feelings about them. And it's more than fair that Maxon has a second choice, because America gave him so many mixed signals that this man has already had his heart broken enough and all the love drama for life. He wanted to know how it was being in love and have the whole experience? America sure gave him all the ups and downs.
Now, until chapter ten, we have the same annoying America from The Elite. After she FINALLY, GOD HAS HEARD ME, made up her mind, she was such a fun and loving character to read about. (Except that part in which she didn't let Aspen talk). We got to see her and Maxon get the north rebels perspective and think about the political matters of the kingdom. They wanted to end the caste system and provide to the people, individual economic progress. They wanted to take the numbers away and the designations so the citizens could make their own progress, building a business that could make them richer and if the caste system still existed, they'd be in a higher caste when the business prospered. The business independence would help with the poverty, allowing people with talents that aren't the one's that were assigned to them, make it their living. The idea is good and it'd certainly bring more peace to the kingdom, whose political system is falling apart. But that wouldn't be possible in Maxon's father reign. So through the book, we see Maxon and America trying to get the idea to work in his reign, counting with the help of the Italian princess, who didn't want to ally her kingdom to Illéa because of the system that was currently on the run. But when America told her the plan and the new idea, she was up for it. See what you can do when you're not thinking about boys, America? You have the power to change the kingdom and make it better for living.
Also, when the Queen told the girls that they would be friends for life and that they had to stop being so competitive, because Maxon is the one that matters anyway, and they stopped being so suspicious about each other, we got to see amazing friendships, that we'd been missing since Marlee.
The most unexpected one for us all, was of course, America and Celeste. I did not see that one coming. Even though I thought it was kind of too quickly that they opened up to each other, I'm glad that they did because it was the most fun friendship to read about. They were there to each other and Celeste was just hilarious and fierce. The other two, Elise and Kriss, they were ok with the situation, letting everyone know that they were there to win but also respecting each other and even opening up. One of my favorite scenes was when they were making each other's make ups and even the Queen joined in. It was such a heart warming scene and just made me smile.
But oh, the Queen. This brings us to the final scenes. After a lot of planning and drama and smiles, we get to the final battle. Maxon is going to announce who is the one he'll choose (he's being dramatic in this part as well. He was the one who didn't want to listen this time and almost made the stupidiest decision of his life because of temper. O-oh, someone's looking more like their father than they know) and all hell breaks loose. The south rebels, the ones that are just ignorant people that resort to violence and have no idea what to do to make things better, but think that have the right to blow everyone up because they are unhappy, start firing. And the first bullet goes into Celeste's head. I was spoiled and yet, it hurt me. I was so happy to see the good on Celeste and so happy with the friendship, that I forgot she was going to die. With this whole the Selection is a pure set up thing, we still got the most amazing girls. And to see they dying made me sad. The battle's casualties weren't unnecessary and made sense. The figures of power died, one figure that shows how the The Selection is messed up died, and many of those who were trying to save them died as well.
We get to see America in a badass moment when she saves Aspen and thankfully does what she's told, staying in the room that is safe so no one has to worry about saving her, just the people who are in immediate danger. And then we see the proposal and the happy endings. Maxon came up with a way to end the castes in which it wouldn't be a huge impact and would go slowly and steady, in its way to greatness. Lucy and Aspen are together. Marlee is America's made of honour. Maxon is the king. I was just so happy when i was reading this ending because Kiera Cass didn't leave loose ends, in my opinion. An amazing ending to an addicting trilogy. I'm glad I used my time to get into this world!
I hope you have a lovely day,
Bye!
