Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.
But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.
Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.
I didn't think I could possibly love anyone more than America, but her daughter proved me wrong. I love that she can have a short temper like her mom and is stubborn like her too. I love her growth and the kindness in her. I love her pettiness and her warmth. She's amazing and seriously she must end up with Erik or I will be devastated.
You know right away that Eadyln is out of touch with the people and is a bit of a brat. I kept on calling her a brat out of affection because I knew that she was going to grow out of that and become a truly wonderful person. She has all the confidence of the world. She's independent and courageous yet with guys not so much. She has so many walls built up and she slowly is getting them torn down.
“I only have one heart, and I'm saving it.”
It was a thrill to see America and Maxon all grown up with their friends by their side. I really enjoyed seeing the differences in all their kids. Their names are even weirder than you can imagine: Eadlyn, Ahren, Kaden, and Osten. Ahren is affectionate and funny, Kaden is serious and a true royal and Osten is a mess and so mischievous.
While I was reading the story I couldn't believe how many boys I ended up thinking that Eadlyn could end up with. As Eadlyn let her guard down she learned and cared about these group of boys and it has made it for a guessing game with who she should end up with.
“There are some things you don't learn about yourself until you let someone else into the most intimate places of your heart.”
Erik is my top pick. He is the best and he's not even in the competition! He's a translator for Henri who adores Eadyln, is a sweetheart, and very polite. Erik is also a sweetheart and very caring and for reasons I'll keep to myself I think he should be by her side.
Kile lives in the castle and has grown up with Eadlyn. They both are always irritated with each other, but something starts to happen when they come together that's endearing. I feel like he's the obvious choice but who knows?
“When you know who matters most to you, giving things up, even yourself, doesn’t really feel like a sacrifice.”
Hale seems to get her right away. He enjoys things that she does and is once again another sweetheart. Whoever she picks I can guarantee they are going to be a nice person. Although, there is Ean who is unlike anyone else. He is very distant and I don't know what his deal is. I think he's very similar to her now that I think about it so he might be a surprise. There are more boys that have come to the mix that I'm sure she and I will find something special in. I know for now who I think will be right for her but then in the grand scheme of things they would have to be willing to support her as queen and I can't tell if anyone is ready for that.
“I kept thinking that I couldn't live my life for other people, that love was nothing but chains. And maybe it was, but so help me, I needed these chains.”
Who do you think Eadlyn should end up with?
What qualities would you want in a partner if you were going to be Queen/King?
That's interesting that you see a grown up America. It would be cool if more series did this, so you could see how they are as adults and with kids, etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, if only. There are so many books I wish they would continue on forever and I could see the characters all grown up. Why really do they need to stop?
DeleteI haven't read this series yet, but I love how this one is 20 years later and about their daughter. I'm going to see if my library has the audiobooks. Your reviews have made me curious!
ReplyDeleteOh let me know if you find the audiobooks and if you like this series. I absolutely loved it and I hope you do too.
DeleteSo glad you are enjoying each of these so much! If I was going to be queen I would want someone who I could really trust by my side and someone who made me feel calm and happy. I would imagine a lot of people around me would want things just for them and there wouldn't be many people I could trust. I'd need to laugh and be calmed down after the stress of being queen. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I would be the same way. I would want someone above all loyal to me and my vision for the kingdom but would never betray me because they think they've found a way to make the kingdom better.
DeleteI think Eadlyn should end up with Erik as well! It would be so cool! But if that doesn't work out, it's Kile. I mean, it's pretty clear that it'll probably be Erik or Kile. It can't be Henri because even though he's adorable, an English speaking country cannot be ruled by a person who doesn't speak English.
ReplyDeleteI know it's pretty obvious it's either Kile or Erik, but I feel like Kile needs to be selfish and see the world. He'd be a great ambassador or maybe not... He should live the life he want or he will regret it.
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