The Crown, Kiera Cass

Pages: 352

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: 19^th May 2016

Edition: UK e-proof, NetGalley review copy

Other Titles by this Author: The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Heir

35 suitors entered the Selection. Only 1 will win her heart. The fifth and final captivating novel in Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times Bestselling Selection series!

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 person 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.

The Crown is the final book in The Selection series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I know this series it criticised for the fluff, the lack of character growth and the general annoyance of the characters, but I felt like that all changed a lot in The Crown. Everything changed for Eadlyn in this finale. Her future as the Queen of Illea finally dawned on her; she realised who she loved, had to choose and end the Selection; and she learned a lot about herself and what she needs to be for her family and the people. It was the most character development in all five books and she ended up far surpassing America in the first trilogy.

The whole book seemed to reach a little further than ever before, moving beyond the palace and into the wider world, but I still don’t feel like I know anything about Illea or the people outside of the royal family. Even the boys in the Selection didn’t really have the chance to give any insight into their lives. I feel like there’s such a lot of potential in this world and after five books it still hasn’t even been touched on which is such a shame. 

BUT this series is ridiculously fun. Each book is quick, easy and enjoyable to read, especially on a rainy afternoon. I got swept up in Eadlyn’s torment over who to choose and whether to prioritise her heart or her duties and I was eager to get back to it each time I had to put it down.

The Crown was a really satisfying ending to a fun and enjoyable series. I will actually miss having a new Selection novel to read every year.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the review copy.

Sophie