An interesting continuation of The Selection series, that left me wanting...and not in the best way.

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. But Eadlyn is nothing like her mother. The thought of having a Selection, of having her partner picked for her, for having a partner at all, is practically abhorrent to her. But Illéa needs a distraction, and her parents think it could be for the best if the people focused on Eadlyn falling in love, instead of the restlessness of the country.

But Princess Eadlyn isn't going down without a fight. She might need to hold a Selection to appease the country, but she will do everything in her power to make the potential suitors flee away from her. She doesn't need anyone by her side to rule; she's more than capable of doing it herself. But as the competition begins, she discovers that finding someone to love might be exactly what she needs.

THE PLOT
I was so damn excited when this book was announced. I was literally jumping for joy--in a public place, no less. But when I got the book in my hands, and started to devour it, I found it...lacking. I still enjoyed it, but I was immensely disappointed. The plot in general was fine: a new Selection, with a protagonist that would rather tear out her own teeth than participate--and who plans on destroying it. Sounds hilarious and fun, right? Not so much. It felt so repetitive--which I should have expected because it is literally the same story as before but with a different character--but there wasn't as much originality as I thought there was going to be. It was like a mediocre copy of a great thing. The plot felt a little too predictable. If I had to sum up this book in a couple of words, it would be: I wanted more.

THE CHARACTERS
I think why I didn't like this much as I wanted to was because of Eadlyn. I didn't care for her. She was mean and spoiled and hard-headed. So many times I wished I could shout in her face to get a grip and quit being terrible and annoying. But alas, I couldn't. She started to redeem herself closer to the end, but still, I can't wait for the next book because I want more character development. I didn't like reading from her spoiled POV, and I hope she starts to change for the better.

THE RELATIONSHIPS
The boys were all relatively charming and interesting--but the few that stood out to Eadlyn are, of course, the ones that stood out to me as well: Henri, the boy who barely speaks English, but is so grateful to be a part of the Selection; Kile, the boy she's known her whole life, who loves to read and draw and joke around with Eadlyn; Hale, who loves fashion and is sweet and kind; and Ean who is by far the most secretive and compelling. I think I know which one she is going to pick, but I think I want her to pick a different boy. But you never know.

THE WRITING
I enjoyed the writing. Kiera Cass is talented without being over the top. It did feel a little rushed though. It would have been better if she could have taken her time, and let the novel move more fluidly instead of cramming a lot of content into a relatively short book.

I did enjoy this sequel, I just wanted it to be better than I was. But I have high hopes for the next book.