Music Matching Monday: The Crown

SYNOPSIS:

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined. 

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I'm still not entirely over how much I loved this book so I thought I'd pair a song with this book to help with the process. I absolutely adore this series, especially this book and how the ending played out! Totally didn't expect it! The whole point of Eadlyn having her Selection is obviously to find a husband to rule alongside her when it's her time to take the throne and rule her kingdom. However, Eadlyn is set is not falling in love, completely determined to rule on her own no matter what happens. Of course, she ends up developing feelings for a few suitors, particularly one who she can't seem to stop thinking about. Eadlyn soon discovers that maybe falling in love isn't such a bad thing after all. So, with that being said, I hope you guys enjoy the song I chose to pair with this lovely book.

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YEAH BOY by Kelsea Ballerini

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The Selection by Kiera Cass (The Selection #1)

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SYNOPSIS: 

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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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.

Read on, bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

 

Review: The Crown by Kierra Cass (The Selection #5)

The Crown by Kiera Cass (The Selection #5)

Rating: PG

Genre: Dystopia, Romance

Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Page Count: 279

Book #5 of The Selection series

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published: May 3, 2016

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

Review:

PROS:

1. I was so excited when this book was first released that I was just dying to get my hands on it, which is why I pre-ordered it because I didn't want to have to worry about finding a copy at the store. Before I begin my review, I would suggest not reading this post if you haven't yet read the first book in this series or if you haven't yet read The Heir which is the book prior to this one. I want to avoid spoiling anyone! Now with that said, let's get onto the review! 

2. The first thing I loved about this book is the fact that from the previous book up until the end of The Crown, you really get to see how much Eadlyn has grown up both as a leader and as a person. I loved that the book portrayed her as a stronger, less bratty character in this book since she comes to some pretty harsh realizations at the end of The Heir which influence her actions in this continuation. Eadlyn really matures as she goes through her Selection and realizes that she can still be a leader without having to stray away from who she really is. I thought it was a very valuable lesson.

3. I absolutely adored following Eadlyn and her suitors throughout this book! The final six were just a hoot to get to know and it was hilarious with the way they all teased each other, lifted each other up and became really good friends with each other including Eadlyn. It was clear to see once the story was wrapped up that some of the suitors will more than likely be life-long friends to the young Highness and with each other which made me really want a sixth book in the series. 

4. I honestly don't think there was a single thing I didn't like about this book. Which is a new one for me. I loved the writing style, how quick and fun of a read it was, the characters were so entertaining and everything ended in a way I was hoping for yet not expecting at the same time. I won't spoil you guys for who Eadlyn chooses to marry or if she even does get married, but I was so happy beyond words with how the story came to a close and I still have all the feels from reading the ending. 

So that's it! I really hope you guys enjoyed this book review and hope you have a fun time reading this book if you plan to in the future. Read on, bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Music Matching Monday: The One

It's no secret that America Singer isn't exactly the most loved character in YA literature today so this week, we're giving poor Prince Maxon some love! I think the song I've chosen for this book is rather different than the mood of this book but these are my personal picks for books anyway. I really loved the relationship that America and Maxon had throughout the series and how understanding and patient he was with her even though she didn't have a clear head at all in the second book, The Elite. He really did deal with her problems and moods and her bad days and they still loved each other for who they were. Talk about relationship goals! Anyhoo, here's the song I chose for this book so I hope y'all enjoy! I think some of these lyrics TOTALLY go with this book! Just saying!

LOSE CONTROL by Timbaland ft. JoJo

Music Matching Monday: The Heir

It's no secret that Princess Eadlyn is very independent and wants no part of her Selection. She's the type of girl who's all for ruling her country one day without a husband at her side. Something I highly praise the young Heiress for! However, her parents know that that's not possible and also know that Princess Eadlyn will try very hard to avoid the whole "falling in love" aspect of life. She's definitely the kind of girl who doesn't want to be anyone's "wife" let alone will she allow herself to have feelings for any boy that comes her way. She's stubborn and just a little spoiled but at least she knows who she is and who she doesn't want to be. I love Princess Eadlyn for that reason and even though she is a princess, one day the Queen, she's by far no one's Cinderella.

NOT YOUR CINDERELLA by Payton Rae



Review: The Heir by Kiera Cass (The Selection #4)

The Heir by Kiera Cass (The Selection #4)

Rating: PG

Genre: Dystopian, Romance

Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Page Count: 342

Book #4 of The Selection series

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: May 5, 2015

 

THIS IS A FOURTH BOOK IN A SERIES= SPOILERS!

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 always thought.

 

Review:

PROS:

1. I was so excited when this book was first announced because I was kind of sad knowing that last year, The Selection series would only be a trilogy. When the news came out that this fourth book would be coming out, I was stoked! I had the release date and everything marked on my calendar and Ii was especially interested when it was revealed that the book would follow the King and Queen's daughter. After I finally read the third book in the series, I was even more excited to know who the queen was. Anyway, enough babbling and here's the review!

 

2. I actually liked Princess Eadlyn's character a bit more than I probably should since, like her mother, she has some attitude issues. I really liked that Eadlyn was very independent, feisty and determined to run her country one day without a husband at her side. She didn't think love was for her and that played a part in her stubbornness of going through with her Selection. She was a bit bratty at times and didn't seem like the nicest person ever and she was also spoiled. At least she had enough reason for that, however, considering she is the one and only princess and the heir to the throne. She's hard to love but like her mother, she's trying. I really loved the other characters as well in the book. Speaking of America Singer, I really loved that she was a mom  just trying to make everything easier on her daughter by passing on her own experiences from her Selection. Maxon seemed like the coolest dad ever and I also enjoyed the diversity of the suitors chosen to compete in the Selection. Of course I have my favorites: Kile, Hennri, Hale, even Erik though I don't know if he even counts.  

 

3. I really liked how much fun it was to read this book. The previous three book in this series where reminiscent to the Bachelor whereas this book, wasn't that far off from reminding me of the Bachelorette. Obviously, this book had some boy drama and Princess Eadlyn had to put her foot down a few times and put a few people in their place. There was some drama and some heartache, even some denial of quite possibly being in love, one thing Princess Eadlyn really doesn't want to be one bit. It was an entertaining read and a fun one. This series is known for being a series only read for some good dramatic entertainment but this one was possibly a little calmer than the rest of the series.

 

4. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm super excited to see what the fifth and final book in this series has to offer! If you haven't yet read this book and are maybe a little hesitant to pick it up, I would say to still give this one a shot. Just make sure you have plenty of caffeine, chocolate and maybe even a happy, stress free movie to pop in when you need a break from Princess Eadlyn's bratty attitude. I flew through this book, couldn't put it down, and I'm excited to see what happens next!

 

The reason why I didn't give this book a five-star rating was because of how frustrating Princess Eadlyn could be. Again, she was the only daughter, heir to the throne and spoiled because of that but there were a few times I wanted to shake her and tell her to get it together. Hopefully she gets a little less bratty in the next book ;)

 

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I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music Matching Monday: The Selection

In honor of this beautiful book officially becoming a movie, I decided it'd be a great time to pair a song with this book! I chose a song that I think best describes the relationship between America and Aspen in both the first and second book. If you've read this book, then you know that the two lovebirds will pretty much do anything and everything for each other. They truly love each other but run into many obstacles because of America's being in the Selection. Things get even more complicated in the second book when America can't seem to gather the feelings she starts having for not only Prince Maxon, but also her feelings toward Aspen. It seemed that America was almost angry at him for seeming not so supportive of her opportunity at a better life for both her and her family and felt like she was almost being betrayed because she was happy that Aspen was able to get that same opportunity. She wanted to get over her anger towards him but couldn't help but remember all the times they shared together. Talk about complicated.

 

DISASTER by JoJo 

Review: The One by Kiera Cass (The Selection #3)

The One by Kiera Cass (The Selection #3)

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Dystopian, Romance, YA Fiction

Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Page Count: 323

Book #3 of The Selection series

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published: May 4, 2014

 

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

 

Review:

PROS:

1. Since this is in fact the third book of a series, there might be some spoilers that could come up in this review but I will give some fair warning just in case that happens! I was super excited to finally pick this book up and was happy that I was just in time to read it before the next book in the series is released next month. Here's the review!

 

2. The character development throughout the books was really getting interesting and by this third book, I was just so in love with the characters. In the first book, The Selection, our female protagonist America Singer is entered into a competition along with 34 other girls to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and become the next princess that will one day be queen (click above for review). Just to keep this section short, I adored her character for how stubborn, annoyed and humored she was by the entire Selection process. In the second book, however, her character became frustrating to follow and became more dramatic and not at all like she was in the previous book. In this third book, her mind is clear and she has a better understanding of what she really wants and knows just what she feels for Prince Maxon. I loved how her character ended up turning out to be and I thought she was a lot stronger and more willing to stand up for what she believed was right no matter the consequences.

I loved seeing the other characters grow as well and I loved how much they continued to strengthen bonds of friendship, romance and became more of a team despite their differences. It was refreshing and I'm sad to think some of those characters won't appear in the next book.

 

3. I thought it was really cool to see a little more action in this book. The previous two didn't really have a lot of excitement other than watching 35 girls pretty much attack each other for a crown. Who doesn't love a little drama, right? I'm really happy that this third book got a lot more action and even had a few bullets flying. Okay, more than a few. I liked the excitement of a couple of big conflicts go awry and sometime it got a little graphic though not too much as to take away from the story. I would've loved to see a lot more action from the previous two books but I think holding off until this third book might've been a good move, seeing as so far, in my opinion, this book is the best yet in the series.

 

4. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book because of the character development, storyline, and how well this book wrapped up. I was mostly satisfied with how the story came about and I'm really excited to see what happens next in the next installment though I'm a little sad to know my very loved group of characters will not be the center of attention. I really enjoyed reading this and I have to say, the ending was also straight to the point and was very lovely indeed.

 

CONS:

1. The reason why I didn't give this book a five-star rating was because I didn't really love the world this book was set in. I would've loved a lot more dystopian elements other than divided countries, telephones and guns. All three books gave a dystopian feel but didn't really deliver in my opinion on the build up of a dystopian world. The castes were inventive, though not that original, and there was lots of conflict between them and other kingdoms. I just wanted to see more of the dystopian elements you see in other book of this genre.

 

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I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

 

The Heir by Kiera Cass (The Selection #4)

Out May 5, 2015