If you’ve ever craved a mash-up of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games, look no further than The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. Set in a dystopian world with royal drama, swoon-worthy romance, and a fierce competition to win the prince’s heart, this YA series is beloved by millions.
The story begins with America Singer, a young girl from a lower caste chosen to compete for Prince Maxon’s hand in a televised selection process. But with secrets, love triangles, and rebellions stirring in the background, nothing is simple.
It’s got all the ingredients for a page-turner: love, glamor, royalty, and rebellion. Readers fall in love with the characters, cheer for their favorite ships, and get pulled into the richly imagined world of Illéa.
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Author Spotlight: Kiera Cass of the Selection Series
Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University and burst into the spotlight with The Selection, her breakout novel. Known for her modern fairy-tale style, she mixes contemporary emotions with fantasy worlds.
If you’ve ever craved a mash-up of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games, look no further than The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. Set in a dystopian world with royal drama, swoon-worthy romance, and a fierce competition to win the prince’s heart, this YA series is beloved by millions.
The story begins with America Singer, a young girl from a lower caste chosen to compete for Prince Maxon’s hand in a televised selection process. But with secrets, love triangles, and rebellions stirring in the background, nothing is simple.
It’s got all the ingredients for a page-turner: love, glamor, royalty, and rebellion. Readers fall in love with the characters, cheer for their favorite ships, and get pulled into the richly imagined world of Illéa.
Complete Reading Order of The Selection Series
Main Novels in Chronological Order
The Selection - The Selections Series in Order
1. The Selection (2012)
Kiera Cass’s The Selection (2012) kicks off the series with a thrilling blend of dystopia, royalty, and romance. Set in a future monarchy, it follows America Singer, a strong-willed girl chosen to compete in a televised competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart.
As tensions rise inside the palace and outside in a divided society, America must choose between love, loyalty, and destiny in this gripping first installment.
The Elite - The Selections Series in Order
2. The Elite (2013)
In The Elite, the stakes rise as America Singer is one of six finalists vying for Prince Maxon’s heart.
America, torn between her burgeoning love for Maxon and her long-held feelings for Aspen, must navigate palace intrigues, tough rivals, and rising rebel threats.
This second installment in The Selection series increases the emotional drama and widens the dystopian society, making it an engrossing continuation of the royal competition story.
The One - The Selections Series in Order
3. The One (2014)
In The One, the competition narrows as America Singer faces the ultimate choice—between her past love with Aspen and a possible future as princess with Maxon.
The stakes are higher than ever, with political unrest brewing outside the palace walls. As secrets unravel and emotions reach a boiling point, this third installment in The Selection series delivers a gripping blend of romance, suspense, and heart-wrenching decisions.
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The Heir - The Selections Series in Order
4. The Heir (2015)
Set two decades after the original Selection, The Heir introduces Princess Eadlyn, daughter of America Singer and Prince Maxon.
With the monarchy modernized, Eadlyn must host her own Selection to find a suitable match despite her reluctance.
As she navigates duty, power, and unexpected emotions, the story shifts to a new generation while retaining the charm, romance, and political intrigue fans love. This fourth installment refreshes the series with a bold, independent heroine.
The Crown - The Selections Series in Order
5. The Crown (2016)
In The Crown, the final installment of The Selection Series, Eadlyn Schreave must make her ultimate choice both for her heart and her kingdom.
As political tensions rise and the pressure of the crown mounts, Eadlyn learns that true strength lies in vulnerability.
This emotional finale brings closure to the royal saga with unexpected twists, heartfelt growth, and a satisfying end to Kiera Cass’s beloved dystopian romance series.
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Companion Novellas
The Queen - The Selections Series in Order
1. The Queen
The Queen offers a compelling glimpse into Queen Amberly’s life before she became royalty. Set during her own Selection, this novella reveals her quiet strength, grace under pressure, and the love story that shaped the future of Illéa.
It deepens the lore of the series, giving readers a richer understanding of the monarchy and its emotional legacy.
The Prince - The Selections Series in Order
2. The Prince
The Prince provides a unique look inside Prince Maxon’s thoughts before and during the early stages of the Selection.
This little novella shows his innermost emotions, insecurities, and the weight of royal expectations. Fans will appreciate how it adds emotional depth and context to Maxon’s decisions and evolving friendship with America Singer.
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The Guard- The Selections Series in Order
3. The Guard
The Guard offers a fresh perspective on Aspen Leger, America Singer’s first love, revealing his struggles and loyalty within the palace walls.
This novella explores the dangers and emotional turmoil faced by palace guards during the Selection, adding depth to Aspen’s character and enriching the series’ world with behind-the-scenes intrigue and heartfelt moments.
The Favorite - The Selections Series in Order
4. The Favorite
The Favourite provides a deep look inside Marlee Tames’ hidden romance with a palace guard, showcasing her bravery and loyalty beyond the competition.
This novella, set during the events of The Selection, adds emotional depth to the main tale and provides a strong viewpoint on love, sacrifice, and survival in a world dominated by status and secrets.
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The Ideal Reading Order (Including Novellas)
Recommended Sequence for First-Time Readers
- The Selection
- The Elite
- The Prince & The Guard (read between Elite and The One)
- The One
- The Queen & The Favorite (optional but enriching)
- The Heir
- The Crown
Try reading the novellas before the main trilogy to get added context and enjoy subtle foreshadowing.
Summary of Each Book
Main Plot Points Without Spoilers
Each novel builds upon the emotional journey of the protagonist—from America’s uncertain heart to Eadlyn’s unexpected growth.
Key Characters Introduced
- America Singer – Bold and compassionate
- Maxon Schreave – The charming prince
- Aspen Leger – America’s first love
- Eadlyn Schreave – The fierce and independent heir
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Themes and Messages in the Selection Series
Love and Choices
The Selection Series centres on the compelling concept of love and choice. America Singer’s emotional journey illustrates the complexities of falling in love while juggling loyalty, ambition, and personal goals.
The series highlights that love is not always easy, as it is influenced by circumstances, social expectations, and personal development.
America’s decisions between Aspen and Maxon indicate that genuine love entails not just emotion, but also courage, sacrifice, and the ability to forge one’s own destiny.
Class Division and Power
One of the series’ key themes is the sharp divide between socioeconomic strata and the power systems that support them.
The caste system in Illéa governs all aspects of life, from professional prospects to personal worth, emphasising systematic inequalities.
The series follows America Singer’s journey and examines how privilege, oppression, and resistance intertwine.
As characters challenge the established quo, readers are forced to consider who has power and why, creating class conflict and an intriguing undertone throughout the novel.
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Identity and Growth
Throughout The Selection series, the notion of identity and evolution is important to protagonist America Singer’s story. As she navigates royal politics, personal relationships, and cultural expectations, America transforms from a cautious, uncertain teenager to a confident, self-aware leader.
Her transition exemplifies the common battle of discovering one’s own self while under pressure to conform. The series emphasises that personal growth frequently results from adversity, and that keeping loyal to one’s ideals is critical to discovering identity and purpose.
Character Deep Dive in the Selection Series
America Singer
America Singer’s journey in The Selection series explores topics of identity, independence, and societal expectations. As a fiercely independent heroine, she defies the rigid caste structure and explores what it means to belong, love, and lead.
Her internal struggles underscore the conflict between personal aspirations and obligation, making her an effective symbol of self-discovery and resistance. Kiera Cass uses America’s changing choices to express lessons of empowerment, equality, and the fortitude to break away from enforced constraints.
Maxon Schreave
Maxon Schreave personifies the concept of personal development and the fight between duty and desire. Maxon is initially shown as a sheltered prince shackled by royal expectations, but he grows into a compassionate and decisive leader who defies convention in the name of love and justice.
Throughout his journey, the series explores themes such as true leadership, the value of emotional intelligence, and choosing love over obligation. Maxon’s character journey emphasises the importance of vulnerability and empathy among individuals in positions of authority.
Eadlyn Schreave
Eadlyn Schreave’s journey in The Selection series highlights themes of identity, duty, and emotional growth. As the first princess to hold a public Selection, she grapples with immense pressure to lead while navigating personal insecurities and the expectations of royalty.
Her evolution from a guarded, prideful heir to a compassionate and self-aware leader underscores the series’ core message: true strength lies in vulnerability, and leadership is earned through empathy, not power alone.
How the Selection Series Evolves Over Time
From America to Eadlyn
The Selection series transitions from America Singer’s romantic journey to her daughter Eadlyn’s reign in the later books.
While America’s story revolves around love, rebellion, and class divisions, Eadlyn’s arc centres on power, responsibility, and public perception.
This growth mirrors a growing narrative, transitioning from a personal love story to the problems of leadership and legacy. The change adds new tension while remaining true to the original trilogy’s roots, increasing the series’ emotional and political depth.
Shifting Tones and Maturity
The tone and maturity of The Selection series vary considerably as the story goes, reflecting the characters’ emotional development and the rising political tensions in Illéa.
While the first novel focuses mainly on romance and fairy tale characteristics, later parts, particularly The Elite and
The One, explore darker themes such as rebellion, sacrifice, and moral uncertainty. The text gets increasingly introspective, focussing on personal identity and leadership responsibilities. This growth enables readers to grow alongside America Singer, making the series more deep and compelling with each novel.
Who Should Read The Selection Series?
Target Audience and Age Group
Perfect for ages 12+, especially fans of romance, dystopian fiction, and royal drama.
Similar Books You Might Like
- Matched by Ally Condie
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- Delirium by Lauren Oliver
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (for the romance feels)
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the world of Illéa or coming back for a re-read, The Selection Series is a captivating ride full of romance, rebellion, and royalty. With its unforgettable characters and immersive world-building, it’s no wonder readers are still hooked years later. Just remember choosing love is never simple, especially when the whole kingdom is watching.
