Today, I’m delighted to share a character interview with Prince Maxon and my review of the book as a part of the tour for Kiera Cass’s The Selection!
The Selection
5 Stars: Keeper
Series: The Selection #1
Hardback: 327 Pages
Publication April 24, 2012 by Harper Teen
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.
Going into the Selection, did you have any ideas of what you were looking for in a bride candidate? Have your ideals changed since the Selection started?
I know this will sound silly, since I ought to be a bit more confident, but I’m hoping that they just like me. It’s a bit of an awkward situation, only being allowed to ever date these specific girls, so I’m hoping that I can make a connection with a few of them, after that… well, then it gets complicated.
Which girls made the strongest impressions on you after you first talked to them?
Celeste is a very gutsy girl, and I like that. So many of them are simply warm, and that alone is something I value.There is one girl, America. I’m not sure I can talk about our first conversation right now, save to say it was memorable.
Do you have any advice for girls on the best way to win your heart?
Don’t be who you think I want you to be. I want to know your thoughts and opinions, and I only have a short time to learn them, so please be honest with me.
That’s great advice for girls everywhere. What are your favorite pastimes?
Mainly hunting and photography. We have an extensive forest behind the palace, and it’s full of deer. And when my thoughts are a bit too scattered, I like the focus hunting requires. I think that’s also why I enjoy photography.
In your opinion, what are the top three most important things for a guy to remember in conducting himself like a prince?
One, manners always count! It’s important to treat women with kindness and respect. Two, it’s better to be silent than stupid.
And three (perhaps this is vain but) style is key. Always put your best foot forward.
Is there somewhere in particular that you would like to visit in the kingdom that you haven’t been to before?
I rarely have time to even set foot outside the palace, but I hear we already live in the most pleasant part of the kingdom anyway. Beautiful flora, excellent weather. I certainly can’t complain about life in Angeles. But I’d love to see the east coast.
What traits do you admire the most in your parents?
My father is one of the most determined men in the world. I hope that I can have half his conviction when it’s my turn to lead. And my mother is kind and graceful. I love her heart for other people. I hope that one of the girls here will have those same qualities; I think those make her an excellent queen and mother.
From the moment I saw the cover and the synopsis, I fell in love, and the story itself wowed me. Kiera Cass has constructed a beautifully broken world. On the surface, the kingdom is a gorgeous place with strong, benevolent rulers. However, the kingdom has a caste system of sorts where it is possible for a girl to marry up but which is a fairly rare event in itself. No one wants to move down. This plays an integral role in the novel as it impacts the actions of some key characters.
As much as America doesn’t care for the caste system, her mother constantly encourages her to think about marrying up and nags at her to enter the Selection for the good of the family. America is a strong, real character. She thinks for herself and doesn’t let societal conventions bias the way she looks at others. I feel that she would make a good leader in most any situation, and indeed she proves herself when the occasion presents itself. Vibrant and emotional, America will appeal to the female heart with her broken heart and strong will to make the most of her life as a participant in the Selection.
From America’s first meeting with Prince Maxon, I knew there was going to be something special between them. Both are dealing with their own problems and their friendship gives them a place where they can find peace and get a grip on reality. With each other, they don’t have to hide anything. They know where they stand with each other–unlike with America and Aspen. Well into the Selection, Aspen does something that I don’t approve of at all. You’ll know what I mean when you read about it. If Aspen was right for America, would he do such a thing, putting both of them in danger for a love he’d forsaken once? I’m all for Maxon. He is an amazing guy.
There is much, much more to The Selection than the Selection itself. There are politics of course and rebel groups with very different purposes in attacking the castle. While book one focuses mainly on the beginning of the Selection, book two promises to hold more action. America’s heart is going to face more turmoil as well. I absolutely cannot wait to read book two!!
An ARC was provided by Harper Collins for review.
The next stop on The Selection tour will be held at One Page at a Time tomorrow with the Top 10 (Ways to Meet the Man of Your Dreams) + Review. Don’t forget to check it out!
Kiera Cass was born and raised in South Carolina, a proud child of the 80’s. By high school, she was a seasoned dancer, diehard theater buff, and in a chamber choir that at one point was tied for third in the nation competitively. She went to Coastal Carolina University majoring in Musical Theatre, and then switched to a History major at Radford University. She currently lives in Blacksburg, VA with her husband and two kids. She spends her free time playing on YouTube and twitter and eating cake.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Veronika says
Yaaay I love Maxon *.* I love the whole book so much!
Crystal says
Same here. I was so excited to interview with him 🙂