Status
Checked out
Due 24-12-2021
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins Children's Books (2015)
Description
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's always thought.
User reviews
LibraryThing member schatzi
Oh sweet baby Jesus. Why, oh why, did I read this book? I disliked The Selection series immensely, but apparently that wasn't enough for me to not pick this book up and, once again, immerse myself into this stupid world.
I thought that America was bad. Oh no, she was a complete peach when compared
Her attitude needs a serious adjustment. She makes fun of others regularly. She seems to think, like her equally stupid mother America, that servants are just there to serve and that they looooove serving them. It's not like they are people with their own hopes or dreams or anything. When one of Eadlyn's maids confides in her that she'd like to have another job someday, Eadlyn is shocked - there is nothing better than what that maid has right now! Umm. Maybe she doesn't want to waste all of her life waiting hand and foot on a lazy (she won't even organize her own closet), shallow, spoiled princess.
When Eadlyn isn't criticizing others' spelling, making fun of others, bad talking others...well, you are getting the drift here...she is complaining about how much WORK she has to do (which she never seems to be actually, you know, DOING). She also looks forward to being beloved by her subjects for no good reason.
Fortunately, not all of Illéa runs around Eadlyn. Although the caste system has been abolished (so we are told, at least; like Cass' other books, this MAJOR DEVELOPMENT is not explained. Knowing what a doofus Maxon is, he probably just said something along the lines of "uhh, the castes don't exist anymore, so go play nice children."), there is still a lot of unrest. Probably because, you know, you can't abolish something that has been in effect for a long time without expecting some adjustment time. For a rough comparison, look at the abolishment of slavery in the United States and how freaking long it took for African Americans to get civil rights - and things still aren't on a level playing field over one hundred and fifty years later. But hey, twenty years? That should do the trick.
Funnily enough, the monarchy is still in place. I personally think it's time for the citizens of Illéa to rebel and overthrow the leaches, to be honest.
Anyway, there's civil unrest. People want and need jobs. They need protection. There are murders, fights, and fires. So how do the esteemed members of the monarchy react?
They decide that their oldest daughter, Eadlyn, needs to have a Selection of her very own to distract everyone.
Jesus Fucking Christ.
Yeah, nothing will solve all of those problems like dressing up the princess in pretty dresses and watching her be courted by thirty-five guys at once. That will SURELY make things ALL better. Who needs food when there is a Selection underway?
Fuck this series, man. I am done.
The best part of the book? When pissed off people pelt her with rotten produce. THE BEST. I wish that I could have done the same.
I thought that America was bad. Oh no, she was a complete peach when compared
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to her daughter, Eadlyn. Eadlyn, to be succinct, is the brattiest brat this side of bratville. She keeps going on and on about how powerful she is - except she's just the princess. Yes, she's in line to rule once her father steps down (which is apparently pretty soon; seems that good ol' Maxon doesn't want to wear that crown much longer), and she is the first female to do so in the relatively short-lived monarchy of Illéa, but still - she's completely incapable of ruling a nation with the behavior that she deems acceptable. She also complains about all of the "work" she has to do, but we never see her doing much of anything except sketching, sunbathing, and getting dressed. Her attitude needs a serious adjustment. She makes fun of others regularly. She seems to think, like her equally stupid mother America, that servants are just there to serve and that they looooove serving them. It's not like they are people with their own hopes or dreams or anything. When one of Eadlyn's maids confides in her that she'd like to have another job someday, Eadlyn is shocked - there is nothing better than what that maid has right now! Umm. Maybe she doesn't want to waste all of her life waiting hand and foot on a lazy (she won't even organize her own closet), shallow, spoiled princess.
When Eadlyn isn't criticizing others' spelling, making fun of others, bad talking others...well, you are getting the drift here...she is complaining about how much WORK she has to do (which she never seems to be actually, you know, DOING). She also looks forward to being beloved by her subjects for no good reason.
Fortunately, not all of Illéa runs around Eadlyn. Although the caste system has been abolished (so we are told, at least; like Cass' other books, this MAJOR DEVELOPMENT is not explained. Knowing what a doofus Maxon is, he probably just said something along the lines of "uhh, the castes don't exist anymore, so go play nice children."), there is still a lot of unrest. Probably because, you know, you can't abolish something that has been in effect for a long time without expecting some adjustment time. For a rough comparison, look at the abolishment of slavery in the United States and how freaking long it took for African Americans to get civil rights - and things still aren't on a level playing field over one hundred and fifty years later. But hey, twenty years? That should do the trick.
Funnily enough, the monarchy is still in place. I personally think it's time for the citizens of Illéa to rebel and overthrow the leaches, to be honest.
Anyway, there's civil unrest. People want and need jobs. They need protection. There are murders, fights, and fires. So how do the esteemed members of the monarchy react?
They decide that their oldest daughter, Eadlyn, needs to have a Selection of her very own to distract everyone.
Jesus Fucking Christ.
Yeah, nothing will solve all of those problems like dressing up the princess in pretty dresses and watching her be courted by thirty-five guys at once. That will SURELY make things ALL better. Who needs food when there is a Selection underway?
Fuck this series, man. I am done.
The best part of the book? When pissed off people pelt her with rotten produce. THE BEST. I wish that I could have done the same.
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LibraryThing member Ellie.Pelto
Twenty years after Prince Maxon’s Selection, the country is once again facing turmoil and rebellion. Though Maxon ended the caste system, some citizens of Illéa still base decisions (hiring, marriages, etc.) on the old castes. This is creating unrest, and King Maxon and Queen America have an
Eadlyn has spent her formative years training to take on her birthright: the throne and all the responsibility that comes with it. So when her parents want her to put politics on the back burner and try to find her “one true love,” she’s less-than-ecstatic. She agrees to do the Selection on a few conditions that she believes will protect her from actually having to marry one of the boys who she is sure will be foolish and immature — in other words, unworthy of her and the duty of ruling Illéa. But just like her mother and father’s story before her, the Selection doesn’t turn out to be what it seems.
"The Heir" is the first of two books in Eadlyn’s story (the second of which with no known title or pub date yet). I highly enjoyed coming back into Illéa to learn about some of its new royalty and I am excitedly anticipating the release of the sequel.
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idea of how to bring some peace and to stir up some patriotism — a Selection for their eldest daughter, Eadlyn.Eadlyn has spent her formative years training to take on her birthright: the throne and all the responsibility that comes with it. So when her parents want her to put politics on the back burner and try to find her “one true love,” she’s less-than-ecstatic. She agrees to do the Selection on a few conditions that she believes will protect her from actually having to marry one of the boys who she is sure will be foolish and immature — in other words, unworthy of her and the duty of ruling Illéa. But just like her mother and father’s story before her, the Selection doesn’t turn out to be what it seems.
"The Heir" is the first of two books in Eadlyn’s story (the second of which with no known title or pub date yet). I highly enjoyed coming back into Illéa to learn about some of its new royalty and I am excitedly anticipating the release of the sequel.
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LibraryThing member rwmccormic
I quite enjoyed this addition to the series. The portrayal of a self-absorbed character is spectacular and I am eager to see the rest of Eadlyn's journey to understanding and appreciating others. I can empathize with other viewers who are confused about how she became so vapid and rude considering
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her parents seemed to be quite the opposite. However, I do think it's quite the comment on how even though someone's parenting may be fantastic, children will develop their own characteristics. Not to mention she was taught from birth that she was special, one of a kind, and no one could do what she did. If I was in that position, I believe I would be just as self-assured as Eadlyn. Enough of my rebuttals to complaints I have heard. Eadlyn's insulting, but well-meaning comments made me quite nervous at the beginning, but as she starts to let people in she notices that people often aren't what they appear to be on the surface. I am confident that over the course of the next book or two, we will get to watch someone with a closed, slightly immature mind develop into an insightful, potentially self-less human being. I could go on, but I will definitely be picking up the next book. If you enjoy a challenging transitional story, this is for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member CinaChilders
The Heir is officially my favorite Selection book! I don’t know how Kiera Cass does this, luring me in every time with each new installment. I believe I rated the other three books between 3-4 stars, but they’re fun, quick reads. It’s like being addicted to your favorite candy.
In this book,
She was such a spoiled brat, but I loved that about her. All princesses can’t be kind, soft spoken, little pretty things. A good deal of Eadlyn’s problems, although, did come from misinterpretations of her personality. She came off as somewhat cruel and distant to the public, when that wasn’t really what she was like or intending to be seen.
Maxon and America were such a cute couple. I loved all their moments together. They’re such good parents, but I think they spoiled their babies a little too much. Especially Eadlyn, I mean she’s supposed to be eighteen years old, and she is just now learning about some things she should have already known.
My favorite guy of the whole group was Henri. He was so adorable and perfect. I hope she chooses him, or maybe the translator. All the other guys can go, even Kile. I just felt like everyone else was there just to use Eadlyn for money and position, and Kile wants leave the palace, so away with them.
And that cliffhanger. Man, that really burst my happy bubble. I need another book ASAP.
In this book,
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we meet Maxon and America’s precious babies. One of them, of course, is Princess Eadlyn who is having her own Selection. The first female to do so. She is also the first female who will one day rule the country by her own right.She was such a spoiled brat, but I loved that about her. All princesses can’t be kind, soft spoken, little pretty things. A good deal of Eadlyn’s problems, although, did come from misinterpretations of her personality. She came off as somewhat cruel and distant to the public, when that wasn’t really what she was like or intending to be seen.
Maxon and America were such a cute couple. I loved all their moments together. They’re such good parents, but I think they spoiled their babies a little too much. Especially Eadlyn, I mean she’s supposed to be eighteen years old, and she is just now learning about some things she should have already known.
My favorite guy of the whole group was Henri. He was so adorable and perfect. I hope she chooses him, or maybe the translator. All the other guys can go, even Kile. I just felt like everyone else was there just to use Eadlyn for money and position, and Kile wants leave the palace, so away with them.
And that cliffhanger. Man, that really burst my happy bubble. I need another book ASAP.
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LibraryThing member aliya.b1
Eadlyn Schreave. The daughter of the Amazing Queen America Singer. This is the fourth book the selection series, but this time it is not about America Singer, who was the main character for the last three, but about her daughter! Eadlyn Shreave (her last name says it all) is the olderst of all her
I loved this book!!! It was amazing! I liked everything about it except for the terrible cliff hanger! The next book comes out next year so I'll have to wait an entire year before I find out what happens next! I loved the main character Eadlyn Shreave, mostly because I can relate to her and her reasons for why she did things throughout the book. I thought it was really exciting the see all the characters from the last three books 20 years later! It was always fun to recognize a name from the last three books and see where they turned up 20 years later. I liked the switch of the selection, where it wasn't 35 girls competing for one guy, but instead it was 35 guys competing for one girl. All in all it was a great book, and even though I wasn't expecting it, I cried in the end and I cannot wait for the next book!
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siblings, including her twin brother Ahren, who she beat to the throne by 7 minutes. This book takes place 20 years after America and Maxon get married, and now, its time for their daughter to carry on the tradition of the selection. Their kingdom is in trouble, after finally eliminating all the castes, their people have been starting to protest against their rules, and the king and queen think a selection is the perfect way to distract the people while they think of a solution to their problems. Eadlyn on the other hand hates the entire idea of it. She does not want to have 35 loud crazy boys in her home for the next three months, and most of all, she does not want to get married! But she finally agrees and as the selection goes on she realizes that she has actually started to like the boys and will be sad to have them go. In the end of the book she decides that at the end of her selection, she will have a ring on her finger. I loved this book!!! It was amazing! I liked everything about it except for the terrible cliff hanger! The next book comes out next year so I'll have to wait an entire year before I find out what happens next! I loved the main character Eadlyn Shreave, mostly because I can relate to her and her reasons for why she did things throughout the book. I thought it was really exciting the see all the characters from the last three books 20 years later! It was always fun to recognize a name from the last three books and see where they turned up 20 years later. I liked the switch of the selection, where it wasn't 35 girls competing for one guy, but instead it was 35 guys competing for one girl. All in all it was a great book, and even though I wasn't expecting it, I cried in the end and I cannot wait for the next book!
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LibraryThing member haileyb.b1
Eadyln Schreave was born seven minutes before her brother Ahren and will be the first queen of Illéa. The kingdom is not very happy King maxon thinks they need to see something happy so he decides the Eadyln will have a selection of her own. Eadyln is not happy about this. so she decides that when
I think i like the first three books a little more than this one because I was absolutely in love with Maxon and America and they aren't in this book very often. I also didn't like how mean Eadyln was to the selected she is kind of a brat. Besides that I loved it. I strongly recommend this book. Kiera Cass is an amazing writer. I can’t wait for the fifth book to come out.
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the boys get here she will scare them away. When the 35 men finally get here Eadyln realizes she could fall in love with one of them. I think i like the first three books a little more than this one because I was absolutely in love with Maxon and America and they aren't in this book very often. I also didn't like how mean Eadyln was to the selected she is kind of a brat. Besides that I loved it. I strongly recommend this book. Kiera Cass is an amazing writer. I can’t wait for the fifth book to come out.
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LibraryThing member aubreya.g1
Eadyln Schreave has never been able to run a mile in under seven minutes, but she has done something most people would say was way more impressive. She became the heir to the throne. Eadyln grew up knowing this, teasing her twin brother Ahren and threatening to have him canned when he was rude to
This book was amazing, I read the first three books last year and was practically dying until this one came out. I cried a whole lot during that time period, first at the announcement of two new books, then at the trailer, the cover, and getting the book. I have to say I cried the most at the end. Probably the worst cliffhanger of my life. All in all, best book ever. I came to love Eadyln and all her rude comments, plus, I was able to fall in love with Maxon and America all over again.
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her, and she used her power to threaten others as well. She even threatened her own parents when they asked her to host her own selection, so her father had time to calm the public down. Eadyln grew up with stories of her fathers selection, how he met her mother, and how they fell madly in love. She loved hearing their stories, but never wanted to have her own selection. Her father, the King has quite an uprising on his hands, and has asked Eadyln to host a selection to distract the public while he figures out how to stop it. Eadyln refuses at first, but Aunt May and others convince her. As she starts her selection she is rude and cold, not knowing how to let these men into her heart, but she learns to ease up, and starts to find many men who could be her husband, and Illea's next prince.This book was amazing, I read the first three books last year and was practically dying until this one came out. I cried a whole lot during that time period, first at the announcement of two new books, then at the trailer, the cover, and getting the book. I have to say I cried the most at the end. Probably the worst cliffhanger of my life. All in all, best book ever. I came to love Eadyln and all her rude comments, plus, I was able to fall in love with Maxon and America all over again.
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LibraryThing member sierraF.B1
Eadlyn was born seven minutes before her brother Ahren, by doing she became the heir to the throne. It makes her feel powerful but overwhelmed. Earlier her father eliminated the castes but some people weren't happy with that so the country is at war with its self. To distract the attention of the
I was so excited for the heir to come out, when I read though it dipped below my expectations. I thought I would fall in love right away with Eadlyn's character, It turns out I fell in hate with her instead. She was an extreme brat , I understand she was a princess but I hated her. She kind of thawed out by the end but she was still so mean and cold. Everything else though was superb! I strongly recommend this book , make sure you read the first 3 books first though.
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public her parents suggest that Eadlyn should go through her own Selection. Eadlyn hates the idea but has to go through with it for the good of her country. 35 men are randomly selected, among them Kile Woodwork, he hates the idea of him in it and so does Eadlyn who grew up with him living in the castle with her. To impress the country, she organizes a parade through the city, but it ends terribly wrong when the public throws rotten tomatoes and other thing at her. To pick the people’s interest, Eadlyn publicly eliminates 11 of the Suitors, but the public says she is a strict mean princess not wanting to be in her own selection. To make the public happy she decides to stir up some romance by going on dates which some end terribly badly. Eadlyn decides to invites to the palace the French princess Camille, or aka, Ahrens girlfriend. While she is there Ahren makes a rash decision, he decides to run off and marry her! leaving Eadlyn alone to face the selection by herself. At that moment though, she learns that her mother has had a heart attack! Eadlyn finally realizes the importance of love in her life,stating that at the end of the Selection, she "will have a wedding ring on her finger''. I was so excited for the heir to come out, when I read though it dipped below my expectations. I thought I would fall in love right away with Eadlyn's character, It turns out I fell in hate with her instead. She was an extreme brat , I understand she was a princess but I hated her. She kind of thawed out by the end but she was still so mean and cold. Everything else though was superb! I strongly recommend this book , make sure you read the first 3 books first though.
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LibraryThing member brandileigh2003
I wanted to read The Heir because I flew through the rest of the series and hoped the same for this one. I ended up liking it the same and would have read the whole book in one sitting if my meds wouldn't have knocked me out.
Eadlyn is fierce, and she has been raised to lead the country next. She
But she does care for Illea and she begins to see some wisdom in this, giving the people something to cheer for, and take their minds off of their instability. Eadlyn had a hard time when the men came to the castle, but when she finally did realize she needed to put forth full effort, and flirt a bit, we got to see some of the guys personalities and who they were.
I actually had a favorite, and it was someone who shouldn't have even been in the selection to begin with, but she kept getting closer to him because he was seen as a safe person, and she wanted to give something to the media. But as the book progressed and she got to know some of the guys more, I also formed soft spots for them, and could see how they could make her happy.
There were also some scandals, some of the guys were violent, some didn't show respect for Eadlyn. But like Maxon, and America, she figured it out more and more as the process went on. It went from a duty, to something that she got so much out of emotionally and intellectually. She was able to sympathize, and have new ideas that could work with the new violence and people not understanding they have more control over their life instead of their hardships being solely on the monarchy.
It ended at a cliffie spot, and like the previous, I am totally ready for the next one.
Bottom Line: Flew through it just like 1-3.
Eadlyn is fierce, and she has been raised to lead the country next. She
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has let in her parents and siblings, but she hasn't really formed many friendships or relationships outside of them. When there is some unrest in the country even after the abolishment of the caste system. And Maxon and America had the idea to have a selection for Eadlyn. She was completely against it at first, and I can understand because it was something that she'd never really prepared for. She wasn't ready to get married, she wanted to keep learning and getting ready to take over the throne. But she does care for Illea and she begins to see some wisdom in this, giving the people something to cheer for, and take their minds off of their instability. Eadlyn had a hard time when the men came to the castle, but when she finally did realize she needed to put forth full effort, and flirt a bit, we got to see some of the guys personalities and who they were.
I actually had a favorite, and it was someone who shouldn't have even been in the selection to begin with, but she kept getting closer to him because he was seen as a safe person, and she wanted to give something to the media. But as the book progressed and she got to know some of the guys more, I also formed soft spots for them, and could see how they could make her happy.
There were also some scandals, some of the guys were violent, some didn't show respect for Eadlyn. But like Maxon, and America, she figured it out more and more as the process went on. It went from a duty, to something that she got so much out of emotionally and intellectually. She was able to sympathize, and have new ideas that could work with the new violence and people not understanding they have more control over their life instead of their hardships being solely on the monarchy.
It ended at a cliffie spot, and like the previous, I am totally ready for the next one.
Bottom Line: Flew through it just like 1-3.
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LibraryThing member acargile
The Heir by Kiera Cass is sort of the fourth book in The Selection series. It takes place about 20 years after The One.
The caste system has been abolished, but people have a hard time letting go of old prejudices. If one wants to marry someone who is from a "7" family, the higher ranking family
Eadyln is very independent and feels that the citizens are her people. She feels the responsibility of being queen, seeing the people as beneath her yet feeling very responsible for their welfare. She feels that showing her emotions makes her look weak, so she appears to be aloof. The people, consequently, don't like her. She's determined to reject all of the men brought for the selection and remain single. She doesn't need help, for how could someone understand the role she plays? She quickly learns that when she thinks she's being decisive and queenly by removing 50% of the selection, the people see her as mean. She finally decides to actually get to know the men and finds that several are quite interesting. One, in particular, has been raised in the palace, yet they've never liked each other. She relies on him to distract the people with her. Come to find out, they actually like each other and discover they should have been friends all along. The abrupt ending is a cliffhanger setting up for the next book, where Eadlyn must solve the country's problems with a mate.
If you liked The Selection series, you'll definitely want to read this book. I did miss Lady America and Maxon--of course, they are in the book, but they're minor characters, and you almost don't see their personalities. They've kept they courtship antics a secret from their three children. These are fun, escapist novels with some thought-provoking concepts, but mostly they are for an afternoon of distraction.
The caste system has been abolished, but people have a hard time letting go of old prejudices. If one wants to marry someone who is from a "7" family, the higher ranking family
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can't let go that this family is beneath them. There's also growing pains. People can do whatever they desire, for they are no longer trapped in their caste. The problem is that sometimes freedom can be stressful because there are so many choices and people have to find their own way. If someone wants a raise, he/she asks for it based on performance. The owner may feel that this person is not as good as another worker and refuses the raise. The person refused the raise assumes it's based on her former caste position. Therefore, there is unrest. The people also aren't terribly fond of the future queen, Eadlyn. There is strong talk of getting rid of the monarchy. In response, America and Maxon (now King and Queen) ask Eadlyn, the oldest daughter to participate in a selection in hopes of bringing the country together.Eadyln is very independent and feels that the citizens are her people. She feels the responsibility of being queen, seeing the people as beneath her yet feeling very responsible for their welfare. She feels that showing her emotions makes her look weak, so she appears to be aloof. The people, consequently, don't like her. She's determined to reject all of the men brought for the selection and remain single. She doesn't need help, for how could someone understand the role she plays? She quickly learns that when she thinks she's being decisive and queenly by removing 50% of the selection, the people see her as mean. She finally decides to actually get to know the men and finds that several are quite interesting. One, in particular, has been raised in the palace, yet they've never liked each other. She relies on him to distract the people with her. Come to find out, they actually like each other and discover they should have been friends all along. The abrupt ending is a cliffhanger setting up for the next book, where Eadlyn must solve the country's problems with a mate.
If you liked The Selection series, you'll definitely want to read this book. I did miss Lady America and Maxon--of course, they are in the book, but they're minor characters, and you almost don't see their personalities. They've kept they courtship antics a secret from their three children. These are fun, escapist novels with some thought-provoking concepts, but mostly they are for an afternoon of distraction.
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LibraryThing member benuathanasia
An enjoyable successor to the previous series. It lacks in the same areas of character development and predictability that weakened the previous series, but all in all it's an enjoyable guilty pleasure novel.
LibraryThing member bell7
In this continuation of The Selection series, Maxon and America's daughter, Eadlyn, is eighteen and heir to the throne. The caste system has been abolished, but in the face of much unrest, Eadlyn's parents ask her to consider a Selection of her own to try to divert the country, buying the king time
Let me first state that I am not unaware that there are problems with the whole set up of this novel. I internally debated through much of my reading if that wasn't part of the point that the author was trying to make or if she really thought "love conquers all" even over huge social issues that are barely addressed. And I have to wait for a fifth book to see. But the simple truth is Eadlyn grew on me. She starts out as such a brat I almost quit reading at page 32, but in the end I read the book in a day. The castes may be gone, but Eadlyn still has the attitude - has been raised? - that she is above it all, the chosen one, and she holds herself apart accordingly, never letting herself be vulnerable. The Selection becomes more about her than the boys. I'm sure I will read the final book when it comes out next year.
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to find a solution.Let me first state that I am not unaware that there are problems with the whole set up of this novel. I internally debated through much of my reading if that wasn't part of the point that the author was trying to make or if she really thought "love conquers all" even over huge social issues that are barely addressed. And I have to wait for a fifth book to see. But the simple truth is Eadlyn grew on me. She starts out as such a brat I almost quit reading at page 32, but in the end I read the book in a day. The castes may be gone, but Eadlyn still has the attitude - has been raised? - that she is above it all, the chosen one, and she holds herself apart accordingly, never letting herself be vulnerable. The Selection becomes more about her than the boys. I'm sure I will read the final book when it comes out next year.
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LibraryThing member VavaViolet
The One is the third book in Kiera Cass’ Selection Series. I’ve read The Selection and The Elite last year and really enjoyed both books; The One obviously picks up where the second book left off. America is one of the few remaining ladies being considered as Prince Maxon’s bride. Amidst the
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stiff competition among the ladies and the growing unrest surrounding the palace, America finally realizes where her heart belongs. I give this 4 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
Note: Spoilers for Books One, Two, and Three
At the end of The One, America and Maxon married, with Aspen - now in love with the maid Lucy - serving as Best Man. As America explained: “Aspen had shifted to fill a desperate place in my life. Not my boyfriend, not my friend, but my family. Maxon,
This fourth book, The Heir, is from the perspective of Eadlyn, 18 and the oldest child of Maxon and America, who have now been married for twenty years. Once again there is unrest in the kingdom, and Maxon and America ask Eadlyn, heir to the throne (she preceded her twin brother Ahren by seven minutes), to create a distraction for the populace by holding a “selection” for a mate. Eadlyn is appalled, but loves her dad so much, and he looks so worried and tired all the time….
Eadlyn, as some of the selected boys let her know, is arrogant and spoiled but, as we know because we know and love her parents, not irredeemably so. In fact, exposure to the boys of the selection is very good for her, as her parents knew it would be. She not only learns humility, but she loses some of her comtempt for the people she loved mainly in theory only.
As the selection proceeds, we aren’t sure who will win, but of course there are favorites, not only for Eadlyn, but for the readers. The selection has to be deferred however, when tragedy strikes the royal family.
Evaluation: The book and the others in the series read like fan fiction (in a mashup of The Bachelor, Hunger Games, Matched, and the like) and aren’t very well-written, but they’re still as addictive as even not-your-favorite cookies. This book was a bit more entertaining for me than the others in some ways, as the competition among a group of boys brings out much different sorts of behaviors than among a group of competing girls.
At the end of The One, America and Maxon married, with Aspen - now in love with the maid Lucy - serving as Best Man. As America explained: “Aspen had shifted to fill a desperate place in my life. Not my boyfriend, not my friend, but my family. Maxon,
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being more or less perfect, is okay with that.This fourth book, The Heir, is from the perspective of Eadlyn, 18 and the oldest child of Maxon and America, who have now been married for twenty years. Once again there is unrest in the kingdom, and Maxon and America ask Eadlyn, heir to the throne (she preceded her twin brother Ahren by seven minutes), to create a distraction for the populace by holding a “selection” for a mate. Eadlyn is appalled, but loves her dad so much, and he looks so worried and tired all the time….
Eadlyn, as some of the selected boys let her know, is arrogant and spoiled but, as we know because we know and love her parents, not irredeemably so. In fact, exposure to the boys of the selection is very good for her, as her parents knew it would be. She not only learns humility, but she loses some of her comtempt for the people she loved mainly in theory only.
As the selection proceeds, we aren’t sure who will win, but of course there are favorites, not only for Eadlyn, but for the readers. The selection has to be deferred however, when tragedy strikes the royal family.
Evaluation: The book and the others in the series read like fan fiction (in a mashup of The Bachelor, Hunger Games, Matched, and the like) and aren’t very well-written, but they’re still as addictive as even not-your-favorite cookies. This book was a bit more entertaining for me than the others in some ways, as the competition among a group of boys brings out much different sorts of behaviors than among a group of competing girls.
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LibraryThing member lkmuir
When the time comes for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own, she does not expect a fairy-tale love story like her parents, but the princess discovers her own happily ever after may not be as impossible as she thought.
LibraryThing member MelanieTid
I want to refer to this as a spin-off of The Selection Trilogy, and not a continuation.
The Heir was a very quick read, probably because I was so excited for it to be here and didn't put it down all day. It was interesting to see the selection completely through the eyes of a future queen. The
I was kind of annoyed by how spoiled and unaware of the outside world she was acting, but that turned out to be a plot point. Regardless, I find it hard to believe America would raise a child that doesn't understand how the world works outside of the castle.
The Heir was a very quick read, probably because I was so excited for it to be here and didn't put it down all day. It was interesting to see the selection completely through the eyes of a future queen. The
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different romantic standards the public is already holding her to, like calling her a slut for kissing one of the boys, is probably exactly what would really happen. I was kind of annoyed by how spoiled and unaware of the outside world she was acting, but that turned out to be a plot point. Regardless, I find it hard to believe America would raise a child that doesn't understand how the world works outside of the castle.
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LibraryThing member Becky_McKenna
"No one in the world is as powerful as you."
Meet Eadlyn Schreave, daughter of King Maxon and Queen America and the next ruler of Illéa. This young girl believes power is hers by birthright and she hasn't the first clue how to interact with people, let alone rule a country. She believes everyone
Yes, the first half of this book was exhausting. When King Maxon decides to hold a Selection to boost the the country's moral, Eadlyn reacts like a spoiled brat. She's disrespectful to her parents and awful to everyone around her, especially to the Selected. I only kept reading to see if the author could turn this character around. There are a few positive signs at mid-point and by the end of the book let's just say I'm hopeful, but it's going to be a long road for this character. She's dug a deep hole for herself.
As for the guys, there are several gems among them - they should be knighted for putting up with Eadlyn's behavior - and several scenes in the last half of the book that made me smile. They made this book worthwhile. I especially enjoyed Kile, Henri, and Erik.
I can't say I was wild about the big cliffhanger ending. I hate the long wait between books and cliffhangers don't make those any easier.
Meet Eadlyn Schreave, daughter of King Maxon and Queen America and the next ruler of Illéa. This young girl believes power is hers by birthright and she hasn't the first clue how to interact with people, let alone rule a country. She believes everyone
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adores her simply because she's Eadlyn Schreave. Yes, the first half of this book was exhausting. When King Maxon decides to hold a Selection to boost the the country's moral, Eadlyn reacts like a spoiled brat. She's disrespectful to her parents and awful to everyone around her, especially to the Selected. I only kept reading to see if the author could turn this character around. There are a few positive signs at mid-point and by the end of the book let's just say I'm hopeful, but it's going to be a long road for this character. She's dug a deep hole for herself.
As for the guys, there are several gems among them - they should be knighted for putting up with Eadlyn's behavior - and several scenes in the last half of the book that made me smile. They made this book worthwhile. I especially enjoyed Kile, Henri, and Erik.
I can't say I was wild about the big cliffhanger ending. I hate the long wait between books and cliffhangers don't make those any easier.
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LibraryThing member mrsdanaalbasha
So this is the story of America and Maxon's daughter Eadlyn who is the heir of Illia, after all the changes that has happened since Maxon started ruling, it still wasn't enough. So, there comes the first Selection for 25 men to win the future queen's heart. In truth I didn't like Eadlyn, but the
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ending was good so I'm looking forward to "The Crown". I like Kile the architect... I had a hard time knowing who's who and keeping up with the whole cast, Erik is okay too but I still prefer Kile Woodwork. Show Less
LibraryThing member cool-mom-e
Good
I enjoyed the continuation of this story. Look forward to reading the next one. Clean and appropriate for teen audiences.
I enjoyed the continuation of this story. Look forward to reading the next one. Clean and appropriate for teen audiences.
LibraryThing member ComposingComposer
"If you didn't like America, wait until you meet her daughter." Or so I was told. Truthfully, I didn't find Eadlyn as unpleasant as America. She still isn't the kind of character that you love and cry when she cries, but at least I'm not rolling my eyes every time she does anything the way I was
The reason for the selection was ludicrous. People are unhappy with the monarchy. Maxon decides that a selection would distract people from their misery, and decides to force this on his daughter--despite the fact that he was forced into it and didn't like it (until he fell in 'love' with America) when he was eighteen. Yeah, because watching Louie the XVI and Marie Antoinette live lives of luxury distracted the French, and watching the Romanovs living extravagantly while they were starving to death did not please the Russians. I'm not a history expert, but I believe that the Romanovs at least did this to their people purely because they were not taught how to rule. They didn't know how to take care of their people, and they didn't know how to live without every luxury they could possibly want. Not entirely their fault, but something they could have fixed none the less. But America lived in poverty, and what Maxon didn't learn about ruling from his father, he should have learned from her. You would think that these two could have come up with the idea to stop wearing such extravagant clothing and eating whatever expensive, out-of-season ten-course meals they wanted, and shown their people that they actually understand what they are going through. I know a novel idea right? It's funny isn't it, that even in this book Maxon and America's stupidity manages to bother me. It's also kind of strange that Maxon and America have managed to stay in love all this time, because honestly, I don't think that they had enough trust for one another at the end of The One. I mean, Maxon was about to marry someone else because he had a temper tantrum because America failed to tell him that her (sort of) ex-boyfriend was a guard in the palace, even though he kept claiming that he only wanted her, yet went out kissing scantily clad girls in dark hallways. They were both at fault for the lack of love that I felt at the end of that book, but there was still a weak relationship that I don't think could have lasted very long. They are clearly in love in this book, but I truly cannot see how they got to this point.
Like I said above, I (surprisingly) did not find Eadlyn as hateable as her parents. That doesn't mean that she was an especially likeable one. Her treatment of Josie, while identifiable, bordered on cruel, and her belief that she can't be vulnerable and strong at the same time bothered me. I hated the way that she uses Kile to take her mind off of her problems. I don't like it when relationships are established through lust, which this one clearly is, and this makes Eadlyn's treatment of Kile painfully reminiscent of the Aspen/America one in the other books (I personally think that the first three books were a trilogy and this is a companion book.) The only thing that makes the Eadlyn/Kile better is the fact that Kile is actually a likeable character. Though that might actually make it worse, now that I think of it, since Aspen and America would have deserved each other, almost as much as Maxon and America did by the end of the series. Anyhow, selfish relationship aside, the only time that Eadlyn's decision-making skills were truly worthy (in a bad way) of America's, was whenshe tried to convince Ahren not to love the woman who he loves (a lot more that I felt Maxon loved America.) Not only was that stupid, it was beyond selfish. There were times when I didn't really like Eadlyn, but that was the only time I hated her the way I hated America in the other series (like I said, in my opinion this is a companion series.) At least, unlike America, Eadlyn seems to realize that she was stupid and selfish, especially with the cost of her selfishness. Possibly her mother, and possibly her brother. I do hope that when she through the glass in rage it was rage at herself and not her brother, since the whole situation was her own fault, not her brothers. I think she (also unlike America) realized how selfish and stupid she was, and hopefully she will behave more maturely that America would have in her place.
My complaints about her aside, Eadlyn was in a bad situation, and sometimes I truly did feel sorry for her. I don't have very much in common with her, so the fact that I could identify with her is a very good thing. The difficult thing with the first trilogy is that I hated America and Aspen, and, while I liked Maxon well enough at first, by the end of the series, I found him to be as detestable as the other two, so I wasn't really rooting for either of the potential love interests. The difficult thing with this series is that, while Eadlyn pretty self-centered, and I sometimes don't like her, quite a few of the boys who are love interests are truly pleasant people. I like Kile, Hale, Henri, Fox and Eric/Ikko (please don't kill me on spelling, I am listening to these books as audiobooks.) Because of the lustful start to Kile and Eadlyn's relationship, I don't think that they should be together. Fox doesn't seem to be a priority as we've only heard a little bit about him, but I really, really liked the single one-on-one conversation Eadlyn had with him. It was sweet. Hale seems to get along with Eadlyn pretty well. I really admire how much chivalry he shows. I like that he opened up to her, and I hope that she will do him the same favor, whether or not they end up together. Henri is just a wonderful guy. He's having trouble learning English, but why doesn't Eadlyn consider trying to learn Swinish? She might be as bad at it as he is at English, but it would help with the language barrier a little bit. I think Henri might be good for Eadlyn because he is so sweet and loving, while she has a forceful personality, and might have to be reminded to be loving. While I really like all of these guys as characters, the one that Eadlyn seems to have the most potential with is Eric. I don't like this because if these two do fall for each other, not only will it be bizarre since Eric isn't actually a part of the selection, but given Henri's earnestness, if Eric and Eadlyn end up together, it will surely hurt Henri dreadfully, and I would hate for that to happen to him. But Eadlyn and Eric truly seem to have the best potential relationship: Their starting as friends instead of trying to force romance before friendship. They're honest with each other (as are Eadlyn and Kile,) but don't have a relationship based on one using the other (unlike Eadlyn and Kile.) Eric softens Eadlyn in a way that I think is good for her, and Henri was the only other one who was able to soften her that way. I actually find it quite distressing to be favoring this relationship because of how much it will hurt Henri if Eadlyn and Eric do end up together. So there you have it. The problem with the original trilogy is that I hated the only two love interests, the problem with this one is that there are two many that I like (and ultimately ended up favoring the one that will hurt the others the most.)
While Kiera Cass actually (and surprisingly) managed to write a main character I don't hate, and a slew of potential love interests that I actually do like, I hope that she will continue to improve in her character writing so that, one day, her characters will be as good as her writing style.
Sorry this review was all over the place. I found it hard to organize how I felt about the characters, and the book in context with the other three.
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with America (I still hated a lot of the things that she did, but at least my anger at her wasn't quite as constant as with America. The reason for the selection was ludicrous. People are unhappy with the monarchy. Maxon decides that a selection would distract people from their misery, and decides to force this on his daughter--despite the fact that he was forced into it and didn't like it (until he fell in 'love' with America) when he was eighteen. Yeah, because watching Louie the XVI and Marie Antoinette live lives of luxury distracted the French, and watching the Romanovs living extravagantly while they were starving to death did not please the Russians. I'm not a history expert, but I believe that the Romanovs at least did this to their people purely because they were not taught how to rule. They didn't know how to take care of their people, and they didn't know how to live without every luxury they could possibly want. Not entirely their fault, but something they could have fixed none the less. But America lived in poverty, and what Maxon didn't learn about ruling from his father, he should have learned from her. You would think that these two could have come up with the idea to stop wearing such extravagant clothing and eating whatever expensive, out-of-season ten-course meals they wanted, and shown their people that they actually understand what they are going through. I know a novel idea right? It's funny isn't it, that even in this book Maxon and America's stupidity manages to bother me. It's also kind of strange that Maxon and America have managed to stay in love all this time, because honestly, I don't think that they had enough trust for one another at the end of The One. I mean, Maxon was about to marry someone else because he had a temper tantrum because America failed to tell him that her (sort of) ex-boyfriend was a guard in the palace, even though he kept claiming that he only wanted her, yet went out kissing scantily clad girls in dark hallways. They were both at fault for the lack of love that I felt at the end of that book, but there was still a weak relationship that I don't think could have lasted very long. They are clearly in love in this book, but I truly cannot see how they got to this point.
Like I said above, I (surprisingly) did not find Eadlyn as hateable as her parents. That doesn't mean that she was an especially likeable one. Her treatment of Josie, while identifiable, bordered on cruel, and her belief that she can't be vulnerable and strong at the same time bothered me. I hated the way that she uses Kile to take her mind off of her problems. I don't like it when relationships are established through lust, which this one clearly is, and this makes Eadlyn's treatment of Kile painfully reminiscent of the Aspen/America one in the other books (I personally think that the first three books were a trilogy and this is a companion book.) The only thing that makes the Eadlyn/Kile better is the fact that Kile is actually a likeable character. Though that might actually make it worse, now that I think of it, since Aspen and America would have deserved each other, almost as much as Maxon and America did by the end of the series. Anyhow, selfish relationship aside, the only time that Eadlyn's decision-making skills were truly worthy (in a bad way) of America's, was when
My complaints about her aside, Eadlyn was in a bad situation, and sometimes I truly did feel sorry for her. I don't have very much in common with her, so the fact that I could identify with her is a very good thing. The difficult thing with the first trilogy is that I hated America and Aspen, and, while I liked Maxon well enough at first, by the end of the series, I found him to be as detestable as the other two, so I wasn't really rooting for either of the potential love interests. The difficult thing with this series is that, while Eadlyn pretty self-centered, and I sometimes don't like her, quite a few of the boys who are love interests are truly pleasant people. I like Kile, Hale, Henri, Fox and Eric/Ikko (please don't kill me on spelling, I am listening to these books as audiobooks.) Because of the lustful start to Kile and Eadlyn's relationship, I don't think that they should be together. Fox doesn't seem to be a priority as we've only heard a little bit about him, but I really, really liked the single one-on-one conversation Eadlyn had with him. It was sweet. Hale seems to get along with Eadlyn pretty well. I really admire how much chivalry he shows. I like that he opened up to her, and I hope that she will do him the same favor, whether or not they end up together. Henri is just a wonderful guy. He's having trouble learning English, but why doesn't Eadlyn consider trying to learn Swinish? She might be as bad at it as he is at English, but it would help with the language barrier a little bit. I think Henri might be good for Eadlyn because he is so sweet and loving, while she has a forceful personality, and might have to be reminded to be loving. While I really like all of these guys as characters, the one that Eadlyn seems to have the most potential with is Eric. I don't like this because if these two do fall for each other, not only will it be bizarre since Eric isn't actually a part of the selection, but given Henri's earnestness, if Eric and Eadlyn end up together, it will surely hurt Henri dreadfully, and I would hate for that to happen to him. But Eadlyn and Eric truly seem to have the best potential relationship: Their starting as friends instead of trying to force romance before friendship. They're honest with each other (as are Eadlyn and Kile,) but don't have a relationship based on one using the other (unlike Eadlyn and Kile.) Eric softens Eadlyn in a way that I think is good for her, and Henri was the only other one who was able to soften her that way. I actually find it quite distressing to be favoring this relationship because of how much it will hurt Henri if Eadlyn and Eric do end up together. So there you have it. The problem with the original trilogy is that I hated the only two love interests, the problem with this one is that there are two many that I like (and ultimately ended up favoring the one that will hurt the others the most.)
While Kiera Cass actually (and surprisingly) managed to write a main character I don't hate, and a slew of potential love interests that I actually do like, I hope that she will continue to improve in her character writing so that, one day, her characters will be as good as her writing style.
Sorry this review was all over the place. I found it hard to organize how I felt about the characters, and the book in context with the other three.
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LibraryThing member CatherineHsu
1 of 5 stars[ 2 of 5 stars ]3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
I was honestly really disappointed with this one.
Having loved the first three books of the series, I was really excited to start this one (although a little wary after realizing that it wasn't about the original generation).
Anyways, I
I was honestly really disappointed with this one.
Having loved the first three books of the series, I was really excited to start this one (although a little wary after realizing that it wasn't about the original generation).
Anyways, I
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felt like this book lacked the depth and organization that the previous stories had, and I felt extremely disconnected from the characters - especially Eadlyn, who I thought was bratty and simply unlikeable. Show Less
LibraryThing member amandacb
Ahhhh expect a cliffhanger. Curses! I do love this entire series -- rightly labeled a mix of The Bachelor/ette and The Hunger games -- for its easy reading and lavish style. Fun, fun, fun!
LibraryThing member kt_traas
This was amazing... and frustrating. Eadlyn such a brat but I loved seeing the story from the Selector's point of view and seeing all the characters from The Selection series and I can't wait to pick up The Crown! Love!!!
LibraryThing member SimplyKelina
Wow! What a jump in time. I wish this would have been part of a spin-off of the The Selection series, as I was not expecting new characters and such a jump into the future. I will mention I went into this not reading the synopsis, as that is how I prefer to read books.
I still ended up enjoying it.
I also did not love the ending. Yes, it is a cliff hanger for you to continue on. But, I just did not love it as it was very rushed. I also do not like that similar things happened like in the last book with the ending. We will see where the rest of the series goes.
I still ended up enjoying it.
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I liked seeing Maxon and America as parents, and the children they have raised. I do feel the ending was rushed and I did not connect with any of the love interests except the one (which was who you are supposed to love). I also did not love the ending. Yes, it is a cliff hanger for you to continue on. But, I just did not love it as it was very rushed. I also do not like that similar things happened like in the last book with the ending. We will see where the rest of the series goes.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Eadlyn makes a more interesting character than her parents - she is entitled and actually a bit shy, I think. She hides behind her fate as the next ruler and lets that separate her from her siblings and from other people in general. She gets roped into a "selection" for the morale of her people,
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but that is a mixed blessing. She deals with jerk guys and despite herself begins to see the other men as real people with value. I liked watching Eadlyn grow up, although the selection idea is just weird. Maybe it's because I don't watch the Bachelor. Show Less
Awards
Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award (Nominee — Teen — 2017)
Original language
English
Original publication date
2015-05-05
Physical description
7.76 inches
ISBN
0007580223 / 9780007580224