Review: The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard by Kiera Cass

 

The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard by Kiera Cass
Published: February 2014, HarperTeen, 227 pages
Source: I borrowed a copy from the library

Description: Two novellas set in the world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series are now available in print for the first time. The Prince and The Guard both offer captivating views into the hearts and minds of the two men fighting to win America Singer's love. This collection also features exclusive bonus content, including a sneak peek at The One, the eagerly anticipated third novel in the Selection series.

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life. The Prince opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard. In The Guard, readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls—and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.

My Review: I love The Selection series and really enjoyed getting into the heads of these two awesome men. I had no idea what Maxon was really thinking and feeling throughout this process. I can't imagine being "forced" to choose a bride from a handful of women that he's never met before. What if he loves another? Does that even matter? The first novella, The Prince, is about Maxon's life just before the competition and during the first days. I loved getting his perspective. Maxon comes off as kind of cocky, but he's got reasons for protecting himself.

The Guard shows us things from Aspen's view and it takes place more towards the middle of the series. I believe it's a #2.5 story. I really like and admire Aspen. He's so loyal and sweet. I love the way he interacted with the servants and how thoroughly he did his job.

Content: a few mild expletives; some violence (being attacked by rebels, beatings, etc); mild romance.

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About the Author:

  

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

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