Book Review: The One (The Selection, #3) by Kiera Cass
From the minute I cracked open The One, I knew this final installment of Kiera Cass’s The Selection series would be both a delightful escape and a chaotic ride. It caught my attention not just for its extravagant cover adorned with a stunning gown but also for the culmination of a love story I had both cheered for and rolled my eyes at in equal measure. Having followed America Singer’s journey through courtly challenges and romantic misadventures, I found myself eagerly turning pages—and occasionally groaning.
This book serves up themes of love, loyalty, and identity wrapped in a shiny package of royal intrigue. As America navigates the tension between her feelings for Maxon and the chaos from rebel factions threatening the kingdom, the stakes couldn’t be higher—or more absurd at times. It’s undeniably entertaining, but as I watched beloved characters face off against cheesy plot contrivances, the authenticity of the narrative felt like it was slipping through my fingers like sand.
The writing style is consistent with the previous books—rich in romantic musings and lyrical descriptions—but at points, you could almost feel the clunkiness of certain plot devices undermining the emotional weight. Did I laugh when a major character met an untimely end? Guilty as charged. The humor felt misplaced in a moment that was intended to trigger sorrow, and I found myself questioning whether these choices were meant to evoke genuine emotions or if they were merely strandings in a plot littered with clichés.
One of the standout moments for me was the evolving relationship dynamics between characters. America, although still complex and flawed, seems to gain a sense of agency that I appreciated, and even Aspen’s character undergoes change, albeit far too suddenly. I wish Cass had made these transitions less abrupt and given us more concrete character development before tossing in sudden epiphanies.
Then there’s the plot itself. Oh, the plot! The distinction between the Northerners and Southerners felt contrived and vexing. While I appreciated the commentary on rebellion and power, the execution faltered; actions had consequences that seemed plucked from thin air. It felt like Cass threw darts at a board of potential conflicts and picked whichever hit the mark, regardless of how it affected character integrity or cohesion within the story. I wasn’t entirely convinced that the deeply flawed and predictable structure held together.
One particular line struck me with lasting resonance: “Real revolutions start within.” It’s a lovely thought, and I wish it had been explored in a more meaningful way. Instead, the book ended up as a cocktail of moments—some heartfelt, some absurd, and others that left me scratching my head in confusion.
In closing, I think The One is best suited for readers who have followed the series from the beginning and are invested in the fate of America and her chosen prince. It’s a journey of self-discovery wrapped in a whirlwind of laughter, frustration, and a few bittersweet tears. Ultimately, it’s comfortable, like returning to an old, slightly battered friend; but, much like our protagonist, it doesn’t quite know how to tie everything together satisfactorily.
Despite its flaws, I walked away feeling a mix of contentment and longing for more—much like any good fairy tale. Ultimately, this book is like that deep-fried Oreo: you know it’s not good for you, but my goodness, it’s hard to resist. So, if you enjoy a rollercoaster of emotions with a splash of royal drama, pick up The One—because sometimes, the sweet can outweigh the salty in the most unexpected ways.
Discover more about The One (The Selection, #3) on GoodReads >>