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The Selection #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 3.1, 3.5
Happily Ever After
The contents of Happily Ever After are as follows:
-The Prince (with the two bonus chapters), Maxon’s novella
-The Guard, Aspen’s novella
-The Queen, Amberly’s novella
-The Favorite, Marlee’s novella
-Three scenes from Celeste’s POV
-Lucy’s scene (bonus scene from The One)
-The bonus epilogue
-Where are they now?
-A map
-Various illustrations
-The Prince (with the two bonus chapters), Maxon’s novella
-The Guard, Aspen’s novella
-The Queen, Amberly’s novella
-The Favorite, Marlee’s novella
-Three scenes from Celeste’s POV
-Lucy’s scene (bonus scene from The One)
-The bonus epilogue
-Where are they now?
-A map
-Various illustrations
416 pages, ebook
First published October 13, 2015
About the author
Kiera Cass
50 books64.3k followers100 Things I Love:
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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,136 reviews
Shelved as 'will-not-read'
October 22, 2015It'$ not about the money, money, money.
Wedon't need your money, money, money.
We ju$t wanna make the fan$ read.
Forget about the price tag.
We
We ju$t wanna make the fan$ read.
Forget about the price tag.
March 9, 2019
5 Here and Now ★'s
“It hurt to think of his lips on mine, of all the possibilities he's whispered to me in darkened rooms. He felt so real, so possible.”
The Maid is in Lucy's POV (America's maid) and it takes place during The One when they are all on the plane heading back to the palace after visiting with America's family and Maxon calls them all back two days early because he's finally ready to end The selection and pick his Princess :)
This was a very short story. Only 11 pages... and in just that amount of time, I had fallen in love with it! I can't believe it actually brought tears to my eyes 😭 (I'll post the quote that did me in). It seriously made my heart soar with happiness and admiration. I love getting a look into Lucy and Aspen's relationship and I am so happy that they ended up together. Lucy was always my favorite of the maids. As for Aspen, I have always adored and respected him. Whereas Lucy was fragile and quite Aspen was strong and brave. Aspen was Lucy's knight in shining armor and she really needed someone like him in her life. Aspen gave her the strength she needed to come out of her shell and gave her hopes and dreams beyond anything she'd ever allow herself to wish for. Really though this was one of the best couplings and I would love to have an actual book of there story. This just wasn't enough to sustain my needs for more!
This was such a sweet and tender story about unexpected love and I truly enjoyed getting a bit more on one of my favorite pairings. There love for one another is true and beautiful. This was to damn short in my opinion but it was a strong one!
(This is the quote that made me tear up)
“Everyday you say something or do something that challenges me, changes me.” “You think you walk, Lucy? I think you fly. You see yourself in a uniform? I see you in a cape. You're a hero, of the quietest but most genuine nature.”
Illustration of Lucy & How I picture she'd look.
“I love you, Aspen. I know it more solidly than I know anything else.”
Illustration of Aspen & How I picture he'd look.
“It took years for her to have that effect on me. It took weeks for you.”
Merged review:
Overall these were all really charming and such cute short stories. They were wonderful and really refreshing reads. They were fast-passed and made me smile :) Some much more than others. I loved reading from the different point of views and I am so so happy that I took the time to read this. Each story brought a little something special to the table. Also though very simple, the illustrations are lovely and a great addition. I really liked looking at the map as well. I recommend this to ALL fans of The Selection series! You will not be disappointed.
꧁Individual ratings and reviews of each story below꧂
THE PRINCE: ★★★
“There was something about her.. Even the way she didn't like me drew me in, and I couldn't help but smile.”
This one was just alright for me. I didn't love it but I can't say I hated it either. It's written in Prince Maxon's POV which was initially what drew me in. It takes place a couple of weeks before The Selection which is on his 19th birthday. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. The ones that took place before. It was nice seeing all the preparations for the 'lottery' that wasn't a lottery at all! It was wonderful to be inside Maxon's head, to see his fears and doubts throughout the whole prosses and what his expectations were going into it and whether or not if he'd find love in the end. I have loved Maxon from day one and this just helped solidify it even more. He's charming, sweet, passionate, a bit sheltered and he generally cares about the selection and each one of the girls. I also enjoyed having his thoughts on the girls as well. Especially the one he has about America :) Maxon is so easy to love! The last couple of chapters were retellings of Maxon and America's first few encounters in The Selection just through Maxon's eyes instead. They were pretty boring because it was basically the same. It does give us some good insights though.
Illustration of Maxon & What I picture he'd look like.
THE GUARD: ★★★
“Accepting help is its own kind of strength”
Again... This was just an okay read. Aspen's POV really didn't add all that much to the story. Shame because I was looking most forward to his. I was hoping for something more sadly this just didn't deliver. On the other hand, it was nice getting a look into his thoughts and feelings and his desires. Aspens POV gives us insight into King Clarkson's nature, motivations, manipulative ways, and his cruelty. I liked getting to see the relationship's form between him and America's maids Anne, Mary and Lucy and the respect they have for him and see the love they have for America. It was nice seeing Aspen's camaraderie with the other guards. Also, I enjoyed the couple scenes between Aspen and the old man who works in the stables. The old man gives some pretty good advice too :) My rating for this story has nothing to do with my liking or not liking Aspen. It's solely based on the content and the entertainment factor which was low in my opinion. And... For the record, I have always loved Aspen ever since the first book! Not necessarily with America but his dedication to America remains steadfast throughout EVERYTHING and he's caring, sweet and all around a wonderful person.
Illustration of Aspen & What I picture he'd look like.
THE QUEEN: ★★★★
“You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine. And I will put you on a pedestal so high, it will be impossible for anyone not to adore you.”
This was surprisingly a very delightful read. It's in Amberly's POV and takes place during her very own Selection with Clarkson. For the record, I have never liked Clarkson. He was always portrayed as a mean hurtful tyrant in the first 3 books therefore so my dislike for him lingers in this. Amerly is such a sweet and caring person, though if you've read all the other books then you already know this about her. I didn't love the fact that she was so submissive, whatever he told her to do she would jump. But ya know whatever if it worked for them then so be it. Amberly got what shes always wanted- Clarkson and a whole new life. And Clarkson got a little peace of mind. I do believe their love for one another is genuine at least :) I loved getting a chance to see how Maxon's parents met, I just wish I knew why Clarkson went from this kind-ish guy to be such a hateful man.
Illustration of Queen Amberly & What I picture she'd look like.
Illustration of King Clarkson & What I picture he'd look like.
THR FAVORITE: ★★★★★
“I’d rather have my last memory be of his death than suffer knowing that his last memory was of mine.”
Wow! This was really fantastic!! I gotta say this is my favorite. This is in Marlee's POV and we get a look into Marlee and Carter's relationship, how they first met, how they fell in love and what happened to them after the caning. I love all the extra juicy details into there relationship and I really enjoyed seeing a few scenes that happened throughout The Selection series but through Marlee's eyes. I have been dying to see what exactly led up to that intense and heartbreaking moment that tore at my heartstrings in The Elite and this did not disappoint whatsoever!
I have adored Marlee from day one when America met her on the plane on there way to the palace in The Selection. In which they became fast friends. Marlee is such an amazing character and I absolutely love her!! So to have this story and in her POV I was beyond thrilled. I love Marlee and America's friendship and I admire her relationship with Carter it melted my heart. Marlee and Carter's relationship was so beautiful and touching and the love they have for one another was so inspiring. I love that even with EVERYTHING... all that they suffered and endured they still managed to persevere. And that ending was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more :)
Illustration of Marlee & What I picture she'd look like.
Illustration of Carter & What I picture he'd look like.
SCENES FROM CELESTE: ★★★★
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just that. Three different short scenes from Celestes Perspective. Which includes The Arrival (meeting America, Marlee, and Ashley), The Kiss (Celeste trying to seduce Maxon) and The Departure (leaving the selection).
I really despised Celeste throughout The Selection series but she won me over in The One. Celeste was the main villain in The Selection series and I gotta admit I loved hating her... but I loved getting to love her even more. I just wish she would have realized all her errors much sooner than she did because I would have loved to have more time with her. In The Selection, we meet this mean, manipulative and vindictive girl who was there for all the WRONG reasons. But once she realizes all her stupid petting mistakes we get to see a whole other side to her. We get to see her vulnerability and kindness and her chance at redemption. She turns out to be such a wonderfully sweet person and an even better friend to America. The ending to The One seriously Broke. My. Heart!
Scenes from Celeste gives us a better understanding of her actions and I really loved being inside of her head even though they were extremely too damn short! I would have loved having so so much more :)
Illustration of Celeste & How I picture she'd look like.
THE MAID: ★★★★★
“It hurt to think of his lips on mine, of all the possibilities he's whispered to me in darkened rooms. He felt so real, so possible.”
The Maid is in Lucy's POV (America's maid) and it takes place during The One when they are all on the plane heading back to the palace after visiting with America's family and Maxon calls them all back two days early because he's finally ready to end The Selection and pick his Princess :)
I fell in love with this! I can't believe it actually brought tears to my eyes 😭. It seriously made my heart soar with happiness and admiration. I loved getting a look into Lucy and Aspen's relationship and I am so happy that they ended up together. Lucy was always my favorite out of the maids. As for Aspen, I have always adored and respected him. Whereas Lucy was fragile and quite Aspen was strong and brave. Aspen was Lucy's knight in shining armor and she really needed someone like him in her life. Aspen gave her the strength she needed to come out of her shell and gave her hopes and dreams beyond anything she'd ever allow herself to wish for. This was one of the best couplings and I would love to have an actual book of there story. This was such a sweet and tender story about unexpected love and I truly enjoyed it. There love for one another is true and beautiful. This was such a strong addition! I WANT MORE!!!
“Everyday you say something or do something that challenges me, changes me.” “You think you walk, Lucy? I think you fly. You see yourself in a uniform? I see you in a cape. You're a hero, of the quietest but most genuine nature.”
Illustration of Lucy & What I picture she'd look like.
THE EPILOUGE: ★★★
“I knew we were only just getting to the best part of our lives.”
The Epilogue is another really short story which is in America's POV. It takes place two years after The Selection has ended and it's on Maxons birthday.
I didn't really have a strong connection with The Epilogue. It felt a bit rushed and I think for something like this it would have benefited from being a little longer. For what this was though I did still enjoy it and I'm glad I took the couple minutes it took to read it. It was very sweet and I loved getting to see little glimpses of the friendship that has formed between Maxon and Aspen and I liked seeing a little bit of May and that Marlee and Carter have a one-year-old son named Kile. But it did kinda feel like it was just tossed in there. I also love that it took place on Maxons birthday. America throws him a party and has such a wonderful surprise in store for him at the end.
Illustration of Maxon & America and what I picture they'd look like.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?: ★★★
I guess this was a nice way to wrap up the series. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? shows us what happens to Kriss, Natalie, and Elise after they left the Selection. It was nice getting a little more background on them, but I really wasn't a fan of the way the story was told. It all felt really rushed and I wish it would have gone into a little more depth but they're all doing pretty much what you'd expect. I felt the saddest for Kriss because she had it the hardest time after but I'm truly happy she and the other two girls eventually found there HEA's as well :) I probably would have enjoyed this much more if Kiera Cass wrote from their perspective. That being said it was a quick and easy read-only containing 11 pages so I figured I might as well read it. This was really a bittersweet moment for me!
What I picture Kirss, Natalie and Elise would look like.
“It hurt to think of his lips on mine, of all the possibilities he's whispered to me in darkened rooms. He felt so real, so possible.”
The Maid is in Lucy's POV (America's maid) and it takes place during The One when they are all on the plane heading back to the palace after visiting with America's family and Maxon calls them all back two days early because he's finally ready to end The selection and pick his Princess :)
This was a very short story. Only 11 pages... and in just that amount of time, I had fallen in love with it! I can't believe it actually brought tears to my eyes 😭 (I'll post the quote that did me in). It seriously made my heart soar with happiness and admiration. I love getting a look into Lucy and Aspen's relationship and I am so happy that they ended up together. Lucy was always my favorite of the maids. As for Aspen, I have always adored and respected him. Whereas Lucy was fragile and quite Aspen was strong and brave. Aspen was Lucy's knight in shining armor and she really needed someone like him in her life. Aspen gave her the strength she needed to come out of her shell and gave her hopes and dreams beyond anything she'd ever allow herself to wish for. Really though this was one of the best couplings and I would love to have an actual book of there story. This just wasn't enough to sustain my needs for more!
This was such a sweet and tender story about unexpected love and I truly enjoyed getting a bit more on one of my favorite pairings. There love for one another is true and beautiful. This was to damn short in my opinion but it was a strong one!
(This is the quote that made me tear up)
“Everyday you say something or do something that challenges me, changes me.” “You think you walk, Lucy? I think you fly. You see yourself in a uniform? I see you in a cape. You're a hero, of the quietest but most genuine nature.”
Illustration of Lucy & How I picture she'd look.
“I love you, Aspen. I know it more solidly than I know anything else.”
Illustration of Aspen & How I picture he'd look.
“It took years for her to have that effect on me. It took weeks for you.”
Merged review:
Overall these were all really charming and such cute short stories. They were wonderful and really refreshing reads. They were fast-passed and made me smile :) Some much more than others. I loved reading from the different point of views and I am so so happy that I took the time to read this. Each story brought a little something special to the table. Also though very simple, the illustrations are lovely and a great addition. I really liked looking at the map as well. I recommend this to ALL fans of The Selection series! You will not be disappointed.
꧁Individual ratings and reviews of each story below꧂
THE PRINCE: ★★★
“There was something about her.. Even the way she didn't like me drew me in, and I couldn't help but smile.”
This one was just alright for me. I didn't love it but I can't say I hated it either. It's written in Prince Maxon's POV which was initially what drew me in. It takes place a couple of weeks before The Selection which is on his 19th birthday. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. The ones that took place before. It was nice seeing all the preparations for the 'lottery' that wasn't a lottery at all! It was wonderful to be inside Maxon's head, to see his fears and doubts throughout the whole prosses and what his expectations were going into it and whether or not if he'd find love in the end. I have loved Maxon from day one and this just helped solidify it even more. He's charming, sweet, passionate, a bit sheltered and he generally cares about the selection and each one of the girls. I also enjoyed having his thoughts on the girls as well. Especially the one he has about America :) Maxon is so easy to love! The last couple of chapters were retellings of Maxon and America's first few encounters in The Selection just through Maxon's eyes instead. They were pretty boring because it was basically the same. It does give us some good insights though.
Illustration of Maxon & What I picture he'd look like.
THE GUARD: ★★★
“Accepting help is its own kind of strength”
Again... This was just an okay read. Aspen's POV really didn't add all that much to the story. Shame because I was looking most forward to his. I was hoping for something more sadly this just didn't deliver. On the other hand, it was nice getting a look into his thoughts and feelings and his desires. Aspens POV gives us insight into King Clarkson's nature, motivations, manipulative ways, and his cruelty. I liked getting to see the relationship's form between him and America's maids Anne, Mary and Lucy and the respect they have for him and see the love they have for America. It was nice seeing Aspen's camaraderie with the other guards. Also, I enjoyed the couple scenes between Aspen and the old man who works in the stables. The old man gives some pretty good advice too :) My rating for this story has nothing to do with my liking or not liking Aspen. It's solely based on the content and the entertainment factor which was low in my opinion. And... For the record, I have always loved Aspen ever since the first book! Not necessarily with America but his dedication to America remains steadfast throughout EVERYTHING and he's caring, sweet and all around a wonderful person.
Illustration of Aspen & What I picture he'd look like.
THE QUEEN: ★★★★
“You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine. And I will put you on a pedestal so high, it will be impossible for anyone not to adore you.”
This was surprisingly a very delightful read. It's in Amberly's POV and takes place during her very own Selection with Clarkson. For the record, I have never liked Clarkson. He was always portrayed as a mean hurtful tyrant in the first 3 books therefore so my dislike for him lingers in this. Amerly is such a sweet and caring person, though if you've read all the other books then you already know this about her. I didn't love the fact that she was so submissive, whatever he told her to do she would jump. But ya know whatever if it worked for them then so be it. Amberly got what shes always wanted- Clarkson and a whole new life. And Clarkson got a little peace of mind. I do believe their love for one another is genuine at least :) I loved getting a chance to see how Maxon's parents met, I just wish I knew why Clarkson went from this kind-ish guy to be such a hateful man.
Illustration of Queen Amberly & What I picture she'd look like.
Illustration of King Clarkson & What I picture he'd look like.
THR FAVORITE: ★★★★★
“I’d rather have my last memory be of his death than suffer knowing that his last memory was of mine.”
Wow! This was really fantastic!! I gotta say this is my favorite. This is in Marlee's POV and we get a look into Marlee and Carter's relationship, how they first met, how they fell in love and what happened to them after the caning. I love all the extra juicy details into there relationship and I really enjoyed seeing a few scenes that happened throughout The Selection series but through Marlee's eyes. I have been dying to see what exactly led up to that intense and heartbreaking moment that tore at my heartstrings in The Elite and this did not disappoint whatsoever!
I have adored Marlee from day one when America met her on the plane on there way to the palace in The Selection. In which they became fast friends. Marlee is such an amazing character and I absolutely love her!! So to have this story and in her POV I was beyond thrilled. I love Marlee and America's friendship and I admire her relationship with Carter it melted my heart. Marlee and Carter's relationship was so beautiful and touching and the love they have for one another was so inspiring. I love that even with EVERYTHING... all that they suffered and endured they still managed to persevere. And that ending was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more :)
Illustration of Marlee & What I picture she'd look like.
Illustration of Carter & What I picture he'd look like.
SCENES FROM CELESTE: ★★★★
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just that. Three different short scenes from Celestes Perspective. Which includes The Arrival (meeting America, Marlee, and Ashley), The Kiss (Celeste trying to seduce Maxon) and The Departure (leaving the selection).
I really despised Celeste throughout The Selection series but she won me over in The One. Celeste was the main villain in The Selection series and I gotta admit I loved hating her... but I loved getting to love her even more. I just wish she would have realized all her errors much sooner than she did because I would have loved to have more time with her. In The Selection, we meet this mean, manipulative and vindictive girl who was there for all the WRONG reasons. But once she realizes all her stupid petting mistakes we get to see a whole other side to her. We get to see her vulnerability and kindness and her chance at redemption. She turns out to be such a wonderfully sweet person and an even better friend to America. The ending to The One seriously Broke. My. Heart!
Scenes from Celeste gives us a better understanding of her actions and I really loved being inside of her head even though they were extremely too damn short! I would have loved having so so much more :)
Illustration of Celeste & How I picture she'd look like.
THE MAID: ★★★★★
“It hurt to think of his lips on mine, of all the possibilities he's whispered to me in darkened rooms. He felt so real, so possible.”
The Maid is in Lucy's POV (America's maid) and it takes place during The One when they are all on the plane heading back to the palace after visiting with America's family and Maxon calls them all back two days early because he's finally ready to end The Selection and pick his Princess :)
I fell in love with this! I can't believe it actually brought tears to my eyes 😭. It seriously made my heart soar with happiness and admiration. I loved getting a look into Lucy and Aspen's relationship and I am so happy that they ended up together. Lucy was always my favorite out of the maids. As for Aspen, I have always adored and respected him. Whereas Lucy was fragile and quite Aspen was strong and brave. Aspen was Lucy's knight in shining armor and she really needed someone like him in her life. Aspen gave her the strength she needed to come out of her shell and gave her hopes and dreams beyond anything she'd ever allow herself to wish for. This was one of the best couplings and I would love to have an actual book of there story. This was such a sweet and tender story about unexpected love and I truly enjoyed it. There love for one another is true and beautiful. This was such a strong addition! I WANT MORE!!!
“Everyday you say something or do something that challenges me, changes me.” “You think you walk, Lucy? I think you fly. You see yourself in a uniform? I see you in a cape. You're a hero, of the quietest but most genuine nature.”
Illustration of Lucy & What I picture she'd look like.
THE EPILOUGE: ★★★
“I knew we were only just getting to the best part of our lives.”
The Epilogue is another really short story which is in America's POV. It takes place two years after The Selection has ended and it's on Maxons birthday.
I didn't really have a strong connection with The Epilogue. It felt a bit rushed and I think for something like this it would have benefited from being a little longer. For what this was though I did still enjoy it and I'm glad I took the couple minutes it took to read it. It was very sweet and I loved getting to see little glimpses of the friendship that has formed between Maxon and Aspen and I liked seeing a little bit of May and that Marlee and Carter have a one-year-old son named Kile. But it did kinda feel like it was just tossed in there. I also love that it took place on Maxons birthday. America throws him a party and has such a wonderful surprise in store for him at the end.
Illustration of Maxon & America and what I picture they'd look like.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?: ★★★
I guess this was a nice way to wrap up the series. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? shows us what happens to Kriss, Natalie, and Elise after they left the Selection. It was nice getting a little more background on them, but I really wasn't a fan of the way the story was told. It all felt really rushed and I wish it would have gone into a little more depth but they're all doing pretty much what you'd expect. I felt the saddest for Kriss because she had it the hardest time after but I'm truly happy she and the other two girls eventually found there HEA's as well :) I probably would have enjoyed this much more if Kiera Cass wrote from their perspective. That being said it was a quick and easy read-only containing 11 pages so I figured I might as well read it. This was really a bittersweet moment for me!
What I picture Kirss, Natalie and Elise would look like.
February 20, 2017
The Maid hace parte de los relatos cortos de La Selección que encontramos en el recopilatorio Happily Ever After.
Esta historia nos muestra a Lucy y Aspen hablando seriamente del punto en el que se halla su relación. Los dos están enamorados, los dos han perdido un montón a lo largo de su vida y, por supuesto, los dos quieren evitar el ser heridos de nuevo por sus sentimientos. En The Maid vemos cómo Aspen sigue un poco enredado entre lo que siente por America y lo que siente por Lucy... pero lo mejor de todo este relato es ver a Lucy plantándose firme y no dejando que Aspen juegue con ella por su confusión sobre America.
La verdad es un relato cortísimo, pero que disfruté un montón pues, en primer lugar, ni siquiera sabía que existía. Lo encontré por casualidad pues, tras terminar de leer el libro en español de La Reina y la Favorita fui a mi edición en inglés a ver si había cosas extra y... VOILÁ!.
Merged review:
The Maid: ★★★★
Scenes from Celeste: ★★★★★
The Prince: ★★★★★
The Guard: ★★★★
The Queen: ★★★★
The Favorite: ★★★★★
The One Epilogue: ★★★★★
THE MAID
The Maid hace parte de los relatos cortos de La Selección que encontramos en el recopilatorio Happily Ever After.
Esta historia nos muestra a Lucy y Aspen hablando seriamente del punto en el que se halla su relación. Los dos están enamorados, los dos han perdido un montón a lo largo de su vida y, por supuesto, los dos quieren evitar el ser heridos de nuevo por sus sentimientos. En The Maid vemos cómo Aspen sigue un poco enredado entre lo que siente por America y lo que siente por Lucy... pero lo mejor de todo este relato es ver a Lucy plantándose firme y no dejando que Aspen juegue con ella por su confusión sobre America.
La verdad es un relato cortísimo, pero que disfruté un montón pues, en primer lugar, ni siquiera sabía que existía. Lo encontré por casualidad pues, tras terminar de leer el libro en español de La Reina y la Favorita fui a mi edición en inglés a ver si había cosas extra y... VOILÁ!.
SCENES FROM CELESTE
¡Las Scenes from Celeste fueron otras de las sorpresas que me encontré mirando mi ejemplar de Happily Ever After! Confieso que eran las 11 de la noche y cuando llegué a esas páginas pensé que iban a ser de lo más aburridas, que me iban a hacer odiar a Celeste más de lo humanamente posible y que más me valía dormir que perder el tiempo con ellas... pero no.
Estas escenas nos meten en la cabeza de Celeste durante su llegada a la Selección, su beso ultra apasionado con Maxon en un pasillo y el momento en el que es eliminada. ¡Y es que el cambio mental que vemos en la cabeza de esta mujer es brutal! Si bien empieza la competencia siendo una mujer despiadada y con un sólo objetivo, sobre el final entendemos que está rota por dentro y que no se quiere ni un poco. Me pareció preciosa la conversación final entre ella y Maxon, de verdad.
Quizá lo que más me dejó en shock de estas escenas fue el momento del beso y todo lo que pensaba Celeste en ese momento. Como una máquina que va calculando cada pequeño paso y movimiento. Fue escalofriante.
Si por casualidad encuentran el libro Happily Ever After no duden en leer estas escenas. Es una lástima que no estén en los libros de historias cortas en español.
THE PRINCE
Nunca voy a tener suficiente de Maxon, ¿okay? Podrían escribir un libro entero sobre cómo limpia los lentes de sus cámaras para tomarle fotos a America y yo lo leería. Ese es el nivel de amor que tengo por este personaje... que no existe... que nunca va a salir de las páginas de un libro... *llora desconsoladamente*, jajajaja.
El punto con esta historia corta (QUE ES DEMASIADO CORTA Y ME PARECE FATAL PORQUE LA DE ASPEN TIENE MÁS PÁGINAS ¬¬) es que vemos a Maxon unas semanas antes de que empiece la Selección. Conocemos sus dudas, sus miedos y, sobre todo, un poco del ambiente del Palacio y de las relaciones entre el Rey y su hijo. Porque, vamos, todos los que hayamos leído La Selección sabemos que el padre de Maxon es un capullo y que no se merece nada de lo bueno que le ha pasado, empezando por la Reina Amberly y su hijo Maxon.
Ahora, lo mejor de esta historia es que vemos algunas de las escenas de La Selección desde el punto de vista de nuestro crush literario favorito <3. Ver desde los ojos de Maxon ese primer encuentro con America en los jardines, o la primera entrevista que tiene con ella... y darnos cuenta, a la vez que él, que quedó totalmente fascinado por esa chica pelirroja y de respuestas inteligentes es precioso.
¡Ojalá existiera toda la saga contada desde el punto de vista de Maxon! Jo, cómo lo extraño.
THE GUARD
Vamos a ver, el que yo odie a Aspen no quiere decir que le vaya a poner una estrella a este relato... aunque me haya sacado de quicio, aunque haya querido golpearlo durante 60 páginas, aunque sus delirios hayan sido tan absurdos que me daban ganas de recomendarle un psicólogo. Vaya, que ni así le he puesto una estrella porque es una historia corta que terminó de reafirmar lo que pensaba sobre este personaje: que me cae fatal y que menos mal las cosas en La Selección se desarrollaron en la manera en la que lo hicieron.
Ahora, si hay algo que rescato de este libro es esta nueva perspectiva que tenemos de los ataques al Palacio por parte de los rebeldes. En la saga principal siempre vemos cómo los protagonistas se esconden en los refugios y dejan que los guardias defiendan en castillo. Mientras que aquí, en El Guardián sí que vemos cómo reaccionan a los ataques de los rebeldes, a la muerte, al peligro y al haber perdido a America en los bosques.
¡Oh! Esa escena, por cierto, me partió el corazón porque, a pesar de que está narrada a través de los ojos de Aspen, vemos lo mucho que sufre Maxon al no poder ir tras ella a los bosques mientras es arrastrado de vuelta al castillo con su padre. Pobrecillo mío :'(
THE QUEEN
Esta historia corta es... extraña. Vamos, todos los que hemos leído The Selection sabemos qué clase de persona y de rey es Clarkson. Y muchísimas veces nos preguntamos cómo alguien tan dulce como Amberly llegó a ganar la Selección y destinar el resto de su vida a ser la esposa de un hombre como Clarkson.
The Queen nos muestra todo eso. Conocemos el origen humilde de Amberly, su profundo enamoramiento en el príncipe desde que tenía siete años, su personalidad calmada, sus problemas de salud, su temple. Además, también conocemos a un Clarkson joven, lleno de ideas y de energía para dirigir a un país; pero también conocemos a un Clarkson perturbado por la horrorosa relación de sus padres, obligado a ser fuerte, mentir y tener todos sus movimientos absolutamente calculados.
Es extrañísimo leer este relato y ver que Amberly, aún entendiendo y siendo partícipe de las explosiones en el carácter de Clarkson, haya querido ser su princesa, su reina, y estar a su lado. Es un relato duro de leer porque se desmorona un poco la idea que teníamos de la Reina Amberly gracias a los libros de The Selection, pero tampoco creo que debamos juzgar rápidamente. No todas las parejas son perfectas y, como en la realidad, los libros tampoco pueden escapar de eso. Y, más importante aún, el que un escritor plasme relaciones abusivas en un relato o libro, no quiere decir que las condone.
THE FAVORITE
Esta historia corta casi me mata de todos los feels que me produjo. Miren, Marlee no era de mis personajes favoritos en The Selection y, a pesar de lo que le sucede llegado cierto punto de la historia, no me importó mucho en su momento.
Sin embargo, leer toda su historia desde sus ojos es una experiencia totalmente diferente. Sobre todo porque no es una historia lineal, sino que va dando saltos del presente/futuro al pasado. Creo que mi problema con Marlee es que no conocí su historia de amor prohibida con Carter de primera mano en los libros de The Selection, así que todo fue muy "se enamoró de un guardia y ahora los tienen que azotar, volver Ochos y echar del Palacio". ¡Pero todo cambia cuando lees The Favorite! Con esta historia corta ya conocemos cómo fue el primer encuentro de Marlee con Carter, cómo coqueteaban a escondidas, cómo se robaban sonrisas, roces, guiños... cómo se enamoraron perdidamente el uno del otro.
Creo que lo que más me llegó de The Favorite fue el amor que se sentía a través de las páginas. A pesar de ser un relato corto, llegamos a percibir los sentimientos de Carter hacia Marlee y el gran lazo que se forma entre ellos. Y, además, gracias a esta historia también vemos la infinita bondad de Maxon al ayudarlos en sus peores momentos... tanto en los inmediatamente posteriores a los azotes, como meses después cuando él ya es el Rey de Illéa.
THE ONE EPILOGUE
Otra de las grandes joyas del recopilatorio Happily Ever After es este epílogo de The One <3.
¿Qué más se le puede pedir a la vida que unas páginas en las que Maxon y America son absolutamente felices dos años después de acabada la Selección? ¿Qué más que uno despertando en los brazos del otro? ¿Qué más que dos de mis personajes favoritos viviendo su sueño? PERDÓN, ¿OKAY? PERO ES QUE LOS FEELS SON DEMASIADO FUERTES PORQUE RECUERDO TODO LO QUE SUCEDIÓ PARA QUE LLEGARAN A ESE PUNTO: LAS DUDAS, LAS PELEAS, LAS CARTAS... Y M U E R O.
Esta historia nos muestra a Lucy y Aspen hablando seriamente del punto en el que se halla su relación. Los dos están enamorados, los dos han perdido un montón a lo largo de su vida y, por supuesto, los dos quieren evitar el ser heridos de nuevo por sus sentimientos. En The Maid vemos cómo Aspen sigue un poco enredado entre lo que siente por America y lo que siente por Lucy... pero lo mejor de todo este relato es ver a Lucy plantándose firme y no dejando que Aspen juegue con ella por su confusión sobre America.
La verdad es un relato cortísimo, pero que disfruté un montón pues, en primer lugar, ni siquiera sabía que existía. Lo encontré por casualidad pues, tras terminar de leer el libro en español de La Reina y la Favorita fui a mi edición en inglés a ver si había cosas extra y... VOILÁ!.
Merged review:
The Maid: ★★★★
Scenes from Celeste: ★★★★★
The Prince: ★★★★★
The Guard: ★★★★
The Queen: ★★★★
The Favorite: ★★★★★
The One Epilogue: ★★★★★
THE MAID
The Maid hace parte de los relatos cortos de La Selección que encontramos en el recopilatorio Happily Ever After.
Esta historia nos muestra a Lucy y Aspen hablando seriamente del punto en el que se halla su relación. Los dos están enamorados, los dos han perdido un montón a lo largo de su vida y, por supuesto, los dos quieren evitar el ser heridos de nuevo por sus sentimientos. En The Maid vemos cómo Aspen sigue un poco enredado entre lo que siente por America y lo que siente por Lucy... pero lo mejor de todo este relato es ver a Lucy plantándose firme y no dejando que Aspen juegue con ella por su confusión sobre America.
La verdad es un relato cortísimo, pero que disfruté un montón pues, en primer lugar, ni siquiera sabía que existía. Lo encontré por casualidad pues, tras terminar de leer el libro en español de La Reina y la Favorita fui a mi edición en inglés a ver si había cosas extra y... VOILÁ!.
SCENES FROM CELESTE
¡Las Scenes from Celeste fueron otras de las sorpresas que me encontré mirando mi ejemplar de Happily Ever After! Confieso que eran las 11 de la noche y cuando llegué a esas páginas pensé que iban a ser de lo más aburridas, que me iban a hacer odiar a Celeste más de lo humanamente posible y que más me valía dormir que perder el tiempo con ellas... pero no.
Estas escenas nos meten en la cabeza de Celeste durante su llegada a la Selección, su beso ultra apasionado con Maxon en un pasillo y el momento en el que es eliminada. ¡Y es que el cambio mental que vemos en la cabeza de esta mujer es brutal! Si bien empieza la competencia siendo una mujer despiadada y con un sólo objetivo, sobre el final entendemos que está rota por dentro y que no se quiere ni un poco. Me pareció preciosa la conversación final entre ella y Maxon, de verdad.
Quizá lo que más me dejó en shock de estas escenas fue el momento del beso y todo lo que pensaba Celeste en ese momento. Como una máquina que va calculando cada pequeño paso y movimiento. Fue escalofriante.
Si por casualidad encuentran el libro Happily Ever After no duden en leer estas escenas. Es una lástima que no estén en los libros de historias cortas en español.
THE PRINCE
Nunca voy a tener suficiente de Maxon, ¿okay? Podrían escribir un libro entero sobre cómo limpia los lentes de sus cámaras para tomarle fotos a America y yo lo leería. Ese es el nivel de amor que tengo por este personaje... que no existe... que nunca va a salir de las páginas de un libro... *llora desconsoladamente*, jajajaja.
El punto con esta historia corta (QUE ES DEMASIADO CORTA Y ME PARECE FATAL PORQUE LA DE ASPEN TIENE MÁS PÁGINAS ¬¬) es que vemos a Maxon unas semanas antes de que empiece la Selección. Conocemos sus dudas, sus miedos y, sobre todo, un poco del ambiente del Palacio y de las relaciones entre el Rey y su hijo. Porque, vamos, todos los que hayamos leído La Selección sabemos que el padre de Maxon es un capullo y que no se merece nada de lo bueno que le ha pasado, empezando por la Reina Amberly y su hijo Maxon.
Ahora, lo mejor de esta historia es que vemos algunas de las escenas de La Selección desde el punto de vista de nuestro crush literario favorito <3. Ver desde los ojos de Maxon ese primer encuentro con America en los jardines, o la primera entrevista que tiene con ella... y darnos cuenta, a la vez que él, que quedó totalmente fascinado por esa chica pelirroja y de respuestas inteligentes es precioso.
¡Ojalá existiera toda la saga contada desde el punto de vista de Maxon! Jo, cómo lo extraño.
THE GUARD
Vamos a ver, el que yo odie a Aspen no quiere decir que le vaya a poner una estrella a este relato... aunque me haya sacado de quicio, aunque haya querido golpearlo durante 60 páginas, aunque sus delirios hayan sido tan absurdos que me daban ganas de recomendarle un psicólogo. Vaya, que ni así le he puesto una estrella porque es una historia corta que terminó de reafirmar lo que pensaba sobre este personaje: que me cae fatal y que menos mal las cosas en La Selección se desarrollaron en la manera en la que lo hicieron.
Ahora, si hay algo que rescato de este libro es esta nueva perspectiva que tenemos de los ataques al Palacio por parte de los rebeldes. En la saga principal siempre vemos cómo los protagonistas se esconden en los refugios y dejan que los guardias defiendan en castillo. Mientras que aquí, en El Guardián sí que vemos cómo reaccionan a los ataques de los rebeldes, a la muerte, al peligro y al haber perdido a America en los bosques.
¡Oh! Esa escena, por cierto, me partió el corazón porque, a pesar de que está narrada a través de los ojos de Aspen, vemos lo mucho que sufre Maxon al no poder ir tras ella a los bosques mientras es arrastrado de vuelta al castillo con su padre. Pobrecillo mío :'(
THE QUEEN
Esta historia corta es... extraña. Vamos, todos los que hemos leído The Selection sabemos qué clase de persona y de rey es Clarkson. Y muchísimas veces nos preguntamos cómo alguien tan dulce como Amberly llegó a ganar la Selección y destinar el resto de su vida a ser la esposa de un hombre como Clarkson.
The Queen nos muestra todo eso. Conocemos el origen humilde de Amberly, su profundo enamoramiento en el príncipe desde que tenía siete años, su personalidad calmada, sus problemas de salud, su temple. Además, también conocemos a un Clarkson joven, lleno de ideas y de energía para dirigir a un país; pero también conocemos a un Clarkson perturbado por la horrorosa relación de sus padres, obligado a ser fuerte, mentir y tener todos sus movimientos absolutamente calculados.
Es extrañísimo leer este relato y ver que Amberly, aún entendiendo y siendo partícipe de las explosiones en el carácter de Clarkson, haya querido ser su princesa, su reina, y estar a su lado. Es un relato duro de leer porque se desmorona un poco la idea que teníamos de la Reina Amberly gracias a los libros de The Selection, pero tampoco creo que debamos juzgar rápidamente. No todas las parejas son perfectas y, como en la realidad, los libros tampoco pueden escapar de eso. Y, más importante aún, el que un escritor plasme relaciones abusivas en un relato o libro, no quiere decir que las condone.
THE FAVORITE
Esta historia corta casi me mata de todos los feels que me produjo. Miren, Marlee no era de mis personajes favoritos en The Selection y, a pesar de lo que le sucede llegado cierto punto de la historia, no me importó mucho en su momento.
Sin embargo, leer toda su historia desde sus ojos es una experiencia totalmente diferente. Sobre todo porque no es una historia lineal, sino que va dando saltos del presente/futuro al pasado. Creo que mi problema con Marlee es que no conocí su historia de amor prohibida con Carter de primera mano en los libros de The Selection, así que todo fue muy "se enamoró de un guardia y ahora los tienen que azotar, volver Ochos y echar del Palacio". ¡Pero todo cambia cuando lees The Favorite! Con esta historia corta ya conocemos cómo fue el primer encuentro de Marlee con Carter, cómo coqueteaban a escondidas, cómo se robaban sonrisas, roces, guiños... cómo se enamoraron perdidamente el uno del otro.
Creo que lo que más me llegó de The Favorite fue el amor que se sentía a través de las páginas. A pesar de ser un relato corto, llegamos a percibir los sentimientos de Carter hacia Marlee y el gran lazo que se forma entre ellos. Y, además, gracias a esta historia también vemos la infinita bondad de Maxon al ayudarlos en sus peores momentos... tanto en los inmediatamente posteriores a los azotes, como meses después cuando él ya es el Rey de Illéa.
THE ONE EPILOGUE
Otra de las grandes joyas del recopilatorio Happily Ever After es este epílogo de The One <3.
¿Qué más se le puede pedir a la vida que unas páginas en las que Maxon y America son absolutamente felices dos años después de acabada la Selección? ¿Qué más que uno despertando en los brazos del otro? ¿Qué más que dos de mis personajes favoritos viviendo su sueño? PERDÓN, ¿OKAY? PERO ES QUE LOS FEELS SON DEMASIADO FUERTES PORQUE RECUERDO TODO LO QUE SUCEDIÓ PARA QUE LLEGARAN A ESE PUNTO: LAS DUDAS, LAS PELEAS, LAS CARTAS... Y M U E R O.
July 30, 2022
if you like the selection, you can read this book in like two seconds and probably have a pretty good time.
i didn't like the selection.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
i didn't like the selection.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago
February 5, 2016
Not sure why I thought this was going to be another installment in the series. Just a heads up...it's not. Happily Ever After is a compilation of all the novellas and bonus scenes/epilogues in The Selection series and if you are up-to-date with reading the series then you have already read most of these. Die hard fans will likely love this one-stop shop for all the extras but I could have done without it. Don't mind me, just a little disgruntled. I should have read the synopsis first. Lesson learned.
The Prince (with the two bonus chapters):
Review from July 2013:
★★★★☆
Novella #0.5. This is basically the first 1/3 of The Selection from Prince Maxon's point of view. I liked that it showed the stressors Maxon has to deal with, his relationship with his parents, and his personal thoughts about the selection process and the girls.
The Guard:
Review from March 2014:
★★★☆☆
The Guard is a novella (#2.5) in author Kiera Cass's The Selection series. In the series, the female lead is America Singer who is torn between two loves in her life, Maxon and Aspen. Maxon's perspective is shared in the novella The Prince, and Aspen's perspective is shared in this novella. I have enjoyed the series overall and although I thought The Prince novella was unnecessary, it was interesting being inside Maxon's head. However, after reading The Guard, I almost wish I wasn't exposed to Aspen's point-of-view. There's a difference between a man being in love and a boy being in love and Aspen appears to be the latter. There's nothing necessarily wrong with this. Actually, there's a certain type of sweetness to being oblivious to everything except your heart's desire. But America is no longer a girl who has this luxury. She has grown and has been exposed to the complexities in her world and her eyes are now on more pressing matters. I've been Team Maxon since book one and that hasn't changed for me, especially after reading this book.
The Queen:
Review from March 2015:
★★★★☆
The Queen is a prequel novella (#0.4) in Kiera Cass's young adult, dystopian series titled: The Selection Series. This short story features Maxon's father and mother, King Clarkson and Queen Amberly, and includes the story of how they met through their generation's selection process.
I think most readers don't like King Clarkson in The Selection Series, so I was curious if he would be portrayed any differently during his younger years as prince.
The answer is...
I have to admit though, Ms. Cass was much more subtle in her character development of Clarkson, but his need to control and his hard-handed threats are still shown through his interactions with others in this prequel. The cycle of violence rings loud and clear within the portrait of this royal family, but any suggestion that Clarkson is a victim rang on deaf ears with me. Amberly is the perfect little submissive, which is something I didn't really view her as in the series, but maybe I just forgot. Through Amberly's point of view, the two of them have a very promising future together, and they may very well be just what each other needs. The Queen gives quite a bit of insight into these two characters, and when compared to the series, does a great job of reinforcing the fairytale aspect of Maxon and America's love story. This novella is a wonderful addition to the series and I would recommend it to fans.
The Favorite:
★★★☆☆
The Favorite is a novella (#2.6) in Kiera Cass's young adult, dystopia series titled The Selection. This short-story was a refreshing addition from Marlee's point of view. The characters in this series are great, but sometimes it's nice to read a new perspective...and see a new love story. If you have read the series then you know that Marlee falls in love with a guard: Carter and when discovered, they are caned as punishment. But Marlee's POV provides insight into a beautiful bond between two people that gets them through the hard times. I found the novella rather choppy and it didn't flow well in my opinion but the content was good. Three stars.
Three scenes from Celeste’s POV:
★★★☆☆
Wow, so Celeste isn't the cold-hearted b*itch I thought she was. She's still a stuck-up snob who will do anything to be first but she is a bit complex like we all are. Can't say I like her character but I didn't mind reading these few scenes from her perspective.
Lucy’s scene (bonus scene from The One):
★★☆☆☆
This is a tiny little scene from the maid Lucy's perspective. If this was a deleted scene collecting dust, then I see why Ms. Cass wanted to eventually offer it to readers but I certainly wouldn't have sought out Happily Ever After just for this.
The bonus epilogue:
★★☆☆☆
Another tiny piece that gives fans a peek of their favorite characters' after the ending of The One. Again, it didn't really do anything for me but I'm sure there are some fans out there that will just squeal with joy at any little bit that extends the story for them.
The Prince (with the two bonus chapters):
Review from July 2013:
★★★★☆
Novella #0.5. This is basically the first 1/3 of The Selection from Prince Maxon's point of view. I liked that it showed the stressors Maxon has to deal with, his relationship with his parents, and his personal thoughts about the selection process and the girls.
The Guard:
Review from March 2014:
★★★☆☆
The Guard is a novella (#2.5) in author Kiera Cass's The Selection series. In the series, the female lead is America Singer who is torn between two loves in her life, Maxon and Aspen. Maxon's perspective is shared in the novella The Prince, and Aspen's perspective is shared in this novella. I have enjoyed the series overall and although I thought The Prince novella was unnecessary, it was interesting being inside Maxon's head. However, after reading The Guard, I almost wish I wasn't exposed to Aspen's point-of-view. There's a difference between a man being in love and a boy being in love and Aspen appears to be the latter. There's nothing necessarily wrong with this. Actually, there's a certain type of sweetness to being oblivious to everything except your heart's desire. But America is no longer a girl who has this luxury. She has grown and has been exposed to the complexities in her world and her eyes are now on more pressing matters. I've been Team Maxon since book one and that hasn't changed for me, especially after reading this book.
The Queen:
Review from March 2015:
★★★★☆
The Queen is a prequel novella (#0.4) in Kiera Cass's young adult, dystopian series titled: The Selection Series. This short story features Maxon's father and mother, King Clarkson and Queen Amberly, and includes the story of how they met through their generation's selection process.
I think most readers don't like King Clarkson in The Selection Series, so I was curious if he would be portrayed any differently during his younger years as prince.
The answer is...
I have to admit though, Ms. Cass was much more subtle in her character development of Clarkson, but his need to control and his hard-handed threats are still shown through his interactions with others in this prequel. The cycle of violence rings loud and clear within the portrait of this royal family, but any suggestion that Clarkson is a victim rang on deaf ears with me. Amberly is the perfect little submissive, which is something I didn't really view her as in the series, but maybe I just forgot. Through Amberly's point of view, the two of them have a very promising future together, and they may very well be just what each other needs. The Queen gives quite a bit of insight into these two characters, and when compared to the series, does a great job of reinforcing the fairytale aspect of Maxon and America's love story. This novella is a wonderful addition to the series and I would recommend it to fans.
The Favorite:
★★★☆☆
The Favorite is a novella (#2.6) in Kiera Cass's young adult, dystopia series titled The Selection. This short-story was a refreshing addition from Marlee's point of view. The characters in this series are great, but sometimes it's nice to read a new perspective...and see a new love story. If you have read the series then you know that Marlee falls in love with a guard: Carter and when discovered, they are caned as punishment. But Marlee's POV provides insight into a beautiful bond between two people that gets them through the hard times. I found the novella rather choppy and it didn't flow well in my opinion but the content was good. Three stars.
Three scenes from Celeste’s POV:
★★★☆☆
Wow, so Celeste isn't the cold-hearted b*itch I thought she was. She's still a stuck-up snob who will do anything to be first but she is a bit complex like we all are. Can't say I like her character but I didn't mind reading these few scenes from her perspective.
Lucy’s scene (bonus scene from The One):
★★☆☆☆
This is a tiny little scene from the maid Lucy's perspective. If this was a deleted scene collecting dust, then I see why Ms. Cass wanted to eventually offer it to readers but I certainly wouldn't have sought out Happily Ever After just for this.
The bonus epilogue:
★★☆☆☆
Another tiny piece that gives fans a peek of their favorite characters' after the ending of The One. Again, it didn't really do anything for me but I'm sure there are some fans out there that will just squeal with joy at any little bit that extends the story for them.
October 4, 2017
I'm so happy to have finally read this!! Huge shout-out to Rizoli for lending it to me, by the way. This made me remember why I love Kiera Cass' writing so much. It's because I don't have to think at all and because it is so addictive. It took me so little time to read even though I'm so busy in school! It was also nice to be back in this world and the feels hit me hard with the pictures and the happiness and I just... I feel happy.
January 26, 2016
I'm not covering this review for spoilers. Just be warned that there will be spoilers for The One.
That was a lovely read!
Mostly................
The Prince
I miss Maxon. He is definitely in the list of my top five book boyfriends. I've already read The Prince, but this one had two extra chapters. LOVED 'EM!!
♥
The Guard
Let's be honest here. I don't like Aspen. So I skimmed through The Guard. I read Lucy's POV that include Laspen (Lucy/Aspen).
I'm not going to lie: I feel bad for Lucy. Aspen was kind of a jerk. Not like a mean jerk, but Lucy asked him if he still had feelings for America and such and he told her that "no" but his instinct to protect her would always be there. It makes sense, but that comment really hurt Lucy. She told him to leave her alone, but he didn't. It worked out in the end, but I still wasn't feeling it.
The Queen
I didn't even bother to reread this. I read it already and lost respect for Amberly and hated Clarkson even more. I just skipped over it.
The Favorite
I loved The Favorite. It was great to find out how Marlee met Carter and what happened to them after their beating. Awesome!
Lucy's Chapters
As mentioned above.
Three Scenes from Celeste's POV
Holy Crap! I miss Celeste. These scenes made me miss her more. I loved reading them!
The Bonus Epilogue
I've already read this, but I read it again just because. Awesome and adorable!
Where are they now?
This was a follow-up of Natalie, Kriss, and Elise (no Celeste because we know where she is now :'( )
Natalie's was interesting and made complete sense. She got married, divorced because she's too much of a free spirit, and became a famous jewelry designer.
Kriss was so sad. She just went back to teaching at her father's university. Eventually she met Professor Elliot, who was seven years her senior. He didn't treat her like a prior-selected because he was on a research trip away from Illea and never knew about it. They fell in love and got married.
Elise was so devastated by her loss that she wouldn't step foot in the palace. She didn't even attend the royal wedding! But once Maxon learned that his father started the war in New Asia for sh*ts and giggles, he took out the troops, made peace, and made Elise the ambassador for New Asia. Then she met an amazing man from New Asia, found love, and married him (not out of duty). They had kids.
The whole war in New Asia thing made me hate Clarkson even more. In the One, Queen Amberly told America that Clarkson seemed harsh because he cared and tried so hard and that it was really stressful to be in his shoes. I lost even more respect for Amberly after this. Was she that stupid????
Clarkson was evil. Everything he did was for power and for himself, not for the country. It was mentioned that if the Southern Rebels came to power, everything they would do would be for power.....Doesn't sound too different from Clarkson. I hate him from the bottom of my heart!!!
The illustrations from this book were gorgeous :D I tried to put some in this review but they didn't work unfortunately.
If you've read the Selection series, I would definitely recommend reading this as well :D
That was a lovely read!
Mostly................
The Prince
I miss Maxon. He is definitely in the list of my top five book boyfriends. I've already read The Prince, but this one had two extra chapters. LOVED 'EM!!
♥
The Guard
Let's be honest here. I don't like Aspen. So I skimmed through The Guard. I read Lucy's POV that include Laspen (Lucy/Aspen).
I'm not going to lie: I feel bad for Lucy. Aspen was kind of a jerk. Not like a mean jerk, but Lucy asked him if he still had feelings for America and such and he told her that "no" but his instinct to protect her would always be there. It makes sense, but that comment really hurt Lucy. She told him to leave her alone, but he didn't. It worked out in the end, but I still wasn't feeling it.
The Queen
I didn't even bother to reread this. I read it already and lost respect for Amberly and hated Clarkson even more. I just skipped over it.
The Favorite
I loved The Favorite. It was great to find out how Marlee met Carter and what happened to them after their beating. Awesome!
Lucy's Chapters
As mentioned above.
Three Scenes from Celeste's POV
Holy Crap! I miss Celeste. These scenes made me miss her more. I loved reading them!
The Bonus Epilogue
I've already read this, but I read it again just because. Awesome and adorable!
Where are they now?
This was a follow-up of Natalie, Kriss, and Elise (no Celeste because we know where she is now :'( )
Natalie's was interesting and made complete sense. She got married, divorced because she's too much of a free spirit, and became a famous jewelry designer.
Kriss was so sad. She just went back to teaching at her father's university. Eventually she met Professor Elliot, who was seven years her senior. He didn't treat her like a prior-selected because he was on a research trip away from Illea and never knew about it. They fell in love and got married.
Elise was so devastated by her loss that she wouldn't step foot in the palace. She didn't even attend the royal wedding! But once Maxon learned that his father started the war in New Asia for sh*ts and giggles, he took out the troops, made peace, and made Elise the ambassador for New Asia. Then she met an amazing man from New Asia, found love, and married him (not out of duty). They had kids.
The whole war in New Asia thing made me hate Clarkson even more. In the One, Queen Amberly told America that Clarkson seemed harsh because he cared and tried so hard and that it was really stressful to be in his shoes. I lost even more respect for Amberly after this. Was she that stupid????
Clarkson was evil. Everything he did was for power and for himself, not for the country. It was mentioned that if the Southern Rebels came to power, everything they would do would be for power.....Doesn't sound too different from Clarkson. I hate him from the bottom of my heart!!!
The illustrations from this book were gorgeous :D I tried to put some in this review but they didn't work unfortunately.
If you've read the Selection series, I would definitely recommend reading this as well :D
April 14, 2017
Sigh. So many people have complained about this bind-up being a ploy to leech money from its readers, but I DON'T CARE. The cover is beautiful. The illustrations were beautiful. I love the Selection series. Judge away! :P
In all honesty, I don't really bother reading novellas. Don't ask me why because I don't know the answer myself haha. I'm probably just too lazy. Or maybe because I would rather read new books with new stories and characters. It better be one HECK of a series for me to even consider reading a novella. But I decided to purchase this bind-up anyways because as previously said, I LOVE the Selection series. It's actually one of the first series I've read that brought me back to my love for books and reading. So I didn't mind spending money on this beautiful piece of work because I never spent money on the novellas that were released prior to Happily Ever After in the first place.
With that being said...
The Queen: 2/5 STARS
Sadly, I did not like Queen Amberly's story mainly because I didn't particularly like her character. I never gave Queen Amberly much thought in the original books. I figured she was kind, humble, and loved by her people for good reason. Nothing more to it than that. Instead, the Amberly in this novella was just plain weak in my opinion. She was head over heels in love over a prince she only knew from what she saw on television and hadn't even had a proper conversation with him. She was a complete pushover and would jump if you told her to jump without question. This girl honestly had no backbone and it irritated the living crap out of me. The insta-love felt super cringeworthy and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. The Queen is definitely my least favorite novella from the book.
The Prince: 4/5 STARS
Honestly, this should've been more of a novella during the Selection told in Maxon's POV instead of making Daphne and her unrequited love for Maxon play even the slightest role in the story. She was irrelevant to me and all I really wanted was to finally get to the part where Maxon and America meet. Not to mention the fact that her character was just so annoying and needy. And the "romance"... Ugh. It's so weird. All the newly introduced relationships so far up until this point are so rushed and cringeworthy. I get that these are just novellas and there aren't enough pages for development but ugh. This is why I don't read novellas! But it all got better when Maxon and America finally met. They were just so adorable and just... AWWWW! And Maxon is such a great guy! I loved getting a peek of what his thoughts really were during the Selection. I was so disappointed when the story ended and honestly wouldn't mind it one bit if Kiera rewrote the whole book in Maxon's POV. It was just crazy realizing how much I've missed Maxon and America! <3
The Guard/The Maid: 3/5 STARS
I don't think I really enjoyed this one as much. I love Aspen's character but I felt like I was basically rereading the Elite all over again. I didn't get much out of it as much as I did with The Prince. We spent most of the timing just going over what happened in the original books but never really getting anything new. At least, nothing new that was overly exciting. I wanted to know more about Lucy and Aspen's relationship because their romance came out of nowhere in the One. I had hoped that Kiera would've shed some light on when and how Aspen's "love" for Lucy triumphed over his love for America but I still didn't really see it. They only had about two scenes together in The Guard and they were nothing more than friendly conversation. I wanted to see that moment when Aspen KNEW he loved Lucy. But since we never really got that in The Guard or The Maid, I think I'll always feel that Aspen only ended up with Lucy for the sake of ending up with someone and having a happy ending.
The Favorite: 5/5 STARS
Omg this was by far my favorite novella! I absolutely loved Marlee and Carter. The only complaint I have is that this story was simply not long enough! Even though we couldn't get much development because this story was just a novella, the romance between Marlee and Carter was still perfect. Unlike Aspen and Lucy's "relationship" in The Guard, we actually got to see Marlee and Carter's love flourish. I was definitely sold! Marlee and Carter are my second favorite, if not the only other couple I ship besides America and Maxon. <3
Celeste: 4/5 STARS
I AM STILL UPSET OVER HOW CELESTE'S OVERALL STORY ENDS. I don't think I can ever forgive Kiera for this! I hated Celeste with a burning passion and loved her instantly as soon as she redeemed herself in the end. BUT WHY WHY WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT!!! As much as I loved reading Celeste's POVs, it made me even more upset that she didn't get a better ending. Ugh!!!!!
I still can't believe the Selection is over! :( It just feels so bittersweet to finally see everybody have their happily ever after. I truly believe that Kiera Cass should've ended the series after America and Maxon's story. As much as I want this series to go on forever, it just isn't the same anymore even with the original characters still there. Just let them have their HEA. Let us believe that Illea was finally in a state of peace after everything has happened.
In all honesty, I don't really bother reading novellas. Don't ask me why because I don't know the answer myself haha. I'm probably just too lazy. Or maybe because I would rather read new books with new stories and characters. It better be one HECK of a series for me to even consider reading a novella. But I decided to purchase this bind-up anyways because as previously said, I LOVE the Selection series. It's actually one of the first series I've read that brought me back to my love for books and reading. So I didn't mind spending money on this beautiful piece of work because I never spent money on the novellas that were released prior to Happily Ever After in the first place.
With that being said...
The Queen: 2/5 STARS
Sadly, I did not like Queen Amberly's story mainly because I didn't particularly like her character. I never gave Queen Amberly much thought in the original books. I figured she was kind, humble, and loved by her people for good reason. Nothing more to it than that. Instead, the Amberly in this novella was just plain weak in my opinion. She was head over heels in love over a prince she only knew from what she saw on television and hadn't even had a proper conversation with him. She was a complete pushover and would jump if you told her to jump without question. This girl honestly had no backbone and it irritated the living crap out of me. The insta-love felt super cringeworthy and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. The Queen is definitely my least favorite novella from the book.
The Prince: 4/5 STARS
Honestly, this should've been more of a novella during the Selection told in Maxon's POV instead of making Daphne and her unrequited love for Maxon play even the slightest role in the story. She was irrelevant to me and all I really wanted was to finally get to the part where Maxon and America meet. Not to mention the fact that her character was just so annoying and needy. And the "romance"... Ugh. It's so weird. All the newly introduced relationships so far up until this point are so rushed and cringeworthy. I get that these are just novellas and there aren't enough pages for development but ugh. This is why I don't read novellas! But it all got better when Maxon and America finally met. They were just so adorable and just... AWWWW! And Maxon is such a great guy! I loved getting a peek of what his thoughts really were during the Selection. I was so disappointed when the story ended and honestly wouldn't mind it one bit if Kiera rewrote the whole book in Maxon's POV. It was just crazy realizing how much I've missed Maxon and America! <3
The Guard/The Maid: 3/5 STARS
I don't think I really enjoyed this one as much. I love Aspen's character but I felt like I was basically rereading the Elite all over again. I didn't get much out of it as much as I did with The Prince. We spent most of the timing just going over what happened in the original books but never really getting anything new. At least, nothing new that was overly exciting. I wanted to know more about Lucy and Aspen's relationship because their romance came out of nowhere in the One. I had hoped that Kiera would've shed some light on when and how Aspen's "love" for Lucy triumphed over his love for America but I still didn't really see it. They only had about two scenes together in The Guard and they were nothing more than friendly conversation. I wanted to see that moment when Aspen KNEW he loved Lucy. But since we never really got that in The Guard or The Maid, I think I'll always feel that Aspen only ended up with Lucy for the sake of ending up with someone and having a happy ending.
The Favorite: 5/5 STARS
Omg this was by far my favorite novella! I absolutely loved Marlee and Carter. The only complaint I have is that this story was simply not long enough! Even though we couldn't get much development because this story was just a novella, the romance between Marlee and Carter was still perfect. Unlike Aspen and Lucy's "relationship" in The Guard, we actually got to see Marlee and Carter's love flourish. I was definitely sold! Marlee and Carter are my second favorite, if not the only other couple I ship besides America and Maxon. <3
Celeste: 4/5 STARS
I AM STILL UPSET OVER HOW CELESTE'S OVERALL STORY ENDS. I don't think I can ever forgive Kiera for this! I hated Celeste with a burning passion and loved her instantly as soon as she redeemed herself in the end. BUT WHY WHY WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT!!! As much as I loved reading Celeste's POVs, it made me even more upset that she didn't get a better ending. Ugh!!!!!
I still can't believe the Selection is over! :( It just feels so bittersweet to finally see everybody have their happily ever after. I truly believe that Kiera Cass should've ended the series after America and Maxon's story. As much as I want this series to go on forever, it just isn't the same anymore even with the original characters still there. Just let them have their HEA. Let us believe that Illea was finally in a state of peace after everything has happened.
December 27, 2015
SO GOOD AHHHH
Full review to come soon!
Full review to come soon!
January 29, 2020
3.5*
I really don’t know how I should properly review this book of short stories...
Well I just wanted to start off by saying that I really like how Kiera Cass gave us a glimpse into the lives of characters so that we could understand them and their motives a little better.
The Queen - I thought this section was very interesting, but Amberly is very naive and the romance was so dry. It’s like one day they met, they next they get married. And also Amberly had no reason to be helplessly in love with Clarkson. I also hate how Clarkson chose the girl who listened to him the most...I find that a bit controlling. I wish we got a peek in Clarkson’s head.
The Prince - Not that detailed of a review since its parallel to America’s story. I did understand and like Maxon’s character a bit more after this.
The Guard - I honestly could care less about this because I know he doesn’t end up with America soooo...
The Favorite - I was very excited to read this part because Marlee was such a cute and bubbly character. However, I found this story quite boring. The romance, like with Amberly, was pretty dry. It wasn’t as bad and immediate as Amberly’s, but it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Scenes from Celeste - This, I really enjoyed. It was interesting to be in the head of the mean girl who develops so much throughout the series.
The Maid - Wow, this was a definite behind the scenes story. You realize that Aspen was kind of cheating on America even though it didn’t seem like that from America’s point of view for sure.
Where are they now? - I could honestly care less where they are lol. I was just interested in the people who still have connections with America.
I really don’t know how I should properly review this book of short stories...
Well I just wanted to start off by saying that I really like how Kiera Cass gave us a glimpse into the lives of characters so that we could understand them and their motives a little better.
The Queen - I thought this section was very interesting, but Amberly is very naive and the romance was so dry. It’s like one day they met, they next they get married. And also Amberly had no reason to be helplessly in love with Clarkson. I also hate how Clarkson chose the girl who listened to him the most...I find that a bit controlling. I wish we got a peek in Clarkson’s head.
The Prince - Not that detailed of a review since its parallel to America’s story. I did understand and like Maxon’s character a bit more after this.
The Guard - I honestly could care less about this because I know he doesn’t end up with America soooo...
The Favorite - I was very excited to read this part because Marlee was such a cute and bubbly character. However, I found this story quite boring. The romance, like with Amberly, was pretty dry. It wasn’t as bad and immediate as Amberly’s, but it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Scenes from Celeste - This, I really enjoyed. It was interesting to be in the head of the mean girl who develops so much throughout the series.
The Maid - Wow, this was a definite behind the scenes story. You realize that Aspen was kind of cheating on America even though it didn’t seem like that from America’s point of view for sure.
Where are they now? - I could honestly care less where they are lol. I was just interested in the people who still have connections with America.
February 10, 2017
There isn't much to say about this collection of novellas apart from wow.
I'm Selection series trash. I adore it, despite how absolutely ridiculous the whole series is. I can never stop once I start. I absolutely adore the characters, with the exclusion of Aspen, and loved getting more perspectives of the original books. Plus more.
If you're Selection trash like me, I highly recommend picking up this little extra. If not just for the snippet we get of Maxon and America after The One.
I'm Selection series trash. I adore it, despite how absolutely ridiculous the whole series is. I can never stop once I start. I absolutely adore the characters, with the exclusion of Aspen, and loved getting more perspectives of the original books. Plus more.
If you're Selection trash like me, I highly recommend picking up this little extra. If not just for the snippet we get of Maxon and America after The One.
March 1, 2023
Happily Ever After: 5/5
“We know you're strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength.”
Happily Ever After is a bind-up of novellas for the Selection series, along with bonus details, including a map of Illéa, wonderfully drawn illustrations, and bonus scenes and epilogues from some favorite characters.
The Queen: 5/5
The Queen is about Queen Amberly’s, Maxon’s mother, Selection, and how she won King Clarkson. Ok, so let me just say that I despise Clarkson SO much. At least in this novella we got some insight on how Clarkson was so, in most ways, evil in the main series. Overall, I really liked the novella, seeing how Amberly’s Selection unraveled and seeing what kind of made Clarkson so cruel.
“His world looked like a storm. I was going to be its center.”
The Prince: 5/5
The Prince is about Maxon during his Selection. As you should know by now based on my other reviews, unless you haven't seen them, I am IN LOVE with Maxon. In this one, it was adorable to see how he thought about the Selection, and we were able to see Queen Amberly as a mother. My absolute favorites were his scenes with America, especially when she kneed him in the groin, and we got to see why he still kept her in the competition after that. (I NEED a book in Maxon’s POV!! NEED.) We also got to see Daphne, and her relationship with Maxon. Daphne had romantic feelings towards Maxon, who didn’t return those feelings, so that was interesting. Overall, I very much enjoyed this novella.
“It's amazing how photography can capture just a split second of something exquisite.”
The Guard: No rating
I’m going to be completely honest: I didn’t read this novella. (I skimmed through it and basically just scanned over the pages) I just couldn’t bring myself to read about Aspen and how he pursued America, and how he kept saying Maxon was rude and a pompous prince. I just couldn’t. If you liked Aspen or you aren’t like me and are too obsessed with a certain ship, then I hope you enjoyed this one, but I just don’t like Aspen. (I tend to get overly dramatic over these things. It's a trait I cannot change :P) So anyways, no rating, but if I had actually read this I'd bet it would be a 1.5
“The only way to get to the good is to walk through the bad.”
The Favorite: 5/5
I really, really enjoyed this one. It takes place right before Marlee’s caning, so we see her before then, and then afterwards, all the way into when America is queen. It gives little flashbacks of what Marlee and Carter were going through, and how they fell in love. This novella also proves how much of a sweetheart Maxon is! It was also great at the end to see America was on the throne. This was definitely my favorite out of this bind up.
“Only a true friend would try to get someone she cared about to become princess over herself.”
Scenes From Celeste: 4/5
This short story was filled with three scenes: The Arrival, The Kiss, and The Departure. The Arrival was fine. I had hated Celeste in the beginning of the series, but she redeemed herself in the end. The Kiss was good, I’m a romantic person, so yeah. The Departure was sweet, which made me even more sad about *ahem* what happened at the end of The One.
“Love only yourself a little bit longer, until you can't stand not to love someone else.”
The Maid: 3/5
This was about one of America’s maids, Lucy. It was fine, I just didn’t care for it as much as the others. I do like her and Aspen’s relationship though. Whatever my feelings for Aspen are, I’m just happy that Lucy’s happy. Aspen is fine now that he’s not chasing America but that doesn't excuse his actions and dialogue in the past books.
“You saved my life. I was caving in on myself, and you stopped that. That’s the worst part.”
After The One: 50,000,000/5
I literally love this one SO much! It’s adorable and just . . . *squeal* This is an epilogue to The One. It’s so sweet and fluffy and everything I could wish for in a romance. It’s set at Maxon’s birthday party 2 years after they got married. Near the end, America gives Maxon a present, and his reaction is ADORABLE. I’ve read this epilogue so many times now, I can’t count them all. Anyways, I LOVED this.
“I peeked up at his expression, so hopeful and excited, and I knew we were only just getting to the best part of our lives.”
Where Are They Now?: 4/5
This is full of scenes of where the girls from the Elite: Natalie, Kriss, and Elise, go from after the Selection. It was interesting to see how their futures happened, though I do wish we could see other girls from the Selection, such as Bariel, Anna, and all of the other more important ones.
Overall: I loved this book! It is definitely not a waste of money to get this, I would highly recommend.
“We know you're strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength.”
Happily Ever After is a bind-up of novellas for the Selection series, along with bonus details, including a map of Illéa, wonderfully drawn illustrations, and bonus scenes and epilogues from some favorite characters.
The Queen: 5/5
The Queen is about Queen Amberly’s, Maxon’s mother, Selection, and how she won King Clarkson. Ok, so let me just say that I despise Clarkson SO much. At least in this novella we got some insight on how Clarkson was so, in most ways, evil in the main series. Overall, I really liked the novella, seeing how Amberly’s Selection unraveled and seeing what kind of made Clarkson so cruel.
“His world looked like a storm. I was going to be its center.”
The Prince: 5/5
The Prince is about Maxon during his Selection. As you should know by now based on my other reviews, unless you haven't seen them, I am IN LOVE with Maxon. In this one, it was adorable to see how he thought about the Selection, and we were able to see Queen Amberly as a mother. My absolute favorites were his scenes with America, especially when she kneed him in the groin, and we got to see why he still kept her in the competition after that. (I NEED a book in Maxon’s POV!! NEED.) We also got to see Daphne, and her relationship with Maxon. Daphne had romantic feelings towards Maxon, who didn’t return those feelings, so that was interesting. Overall, I very much enjoyed this novella.
“It's amazing how photography can capture just a split second of something exquisite.”
The Guard: No rating
I’m going to be completely honest: I didn’t read this novella. (I skimmed through it and basically just scanned over the pages) I just couldn’t bring myself to read about Aspen and how he pursued America, and how he kept saying Maxon was rude and a pompous prince. I just couldn’t. If you liked Aspen or you aren’t like me and are too obsessed with a certain ship, then I hope you enjoyed this one, but I just don’t like Aspen. (I tend to get overly dramatic over these things. It's a trait I cannot change :P) So anyways, no rating, but if I had actually read this I'd bet it would be a 1.5
“The only way to get to the good is to walk through the bad.”
The Favorite: 5/5
I really, really enjoyed this one. It takes place right before Marlee’s caning, so we see her before then, and then afterwards, all the way into when America is queen. It gives little flashbacks of what Marlee and Carter were going through, and how they fell in love. This novella also proves how much of a sweetheart Maxon is! It was also great at the end to see America was on the throne. This was definitely my favorite out of this bind up.
“Only a true friend would try to get someone she cared about to become princess over herself.”
Scenes From Celeste: 4/5
This short story was filled with three scenes: The Arrival, The Kiss, and The Departure. The Arrival was fine. I had hated Celeste in the beginning of the series, but she redeemed herself in the end. The Kiss was good, I’m a romantic person, so yeah. The Departure was sweet, which made me even more sad about *ahem* what happened at the end of The One.
“Love only yourself a little bit longer, until you can't stand not to love someone else.”
The Maid: 3/5
This was about one of America’s maids, Lucy. It was fine, I just didn’t care for it as much as the others. I do like her and Aspen’s relationship though. Whatever my feelings for Aspen are, I’m just happy that Lucy’s happy. Aspen is fine now that he’s not chasing America but that doesn't excuse his actions and dialogue in the past books.
“You saved my life. I was caving in on myself, and you stopped that. That’s the worst part.”
After The One: 50,000,000/5
I literally love this one SO much! It’s adorable and just . . . *squeal* This is an epilogue to The One. It’s so sweet and fluffy and everything I could wish for in a romance. It’s set at Maxon’s birthday party 2 years after they got married. Near the end, America gives Maxon a present, and his reaction is ADORABLE. I’ve read this epilogue so many times now, I can’t count them all. Anyways, I LOVED this.
“I peeked up at his expression, so hopeful and excited, and I knew we were only just getting to the best part of our lives.”
Where Are They Now?: 4/5
This is full of scenes of where the girls from the Elite: Natalie, Kriss, and Elise, go from after the Selection. It was interesting to see how their futures happened, though I do wish we could see other girls from the Selection, such as Bariel, Anna, and all of the other more important ones.
Overall: I loved this book! It is definitely not a waste of money to get this, I would highly recommend.
March 12, 2019
4 I didn't need a Man ★'s
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just that. Three different short scenes from Celestes Perspective. Which includes The Arrival (meeting America, Marlee and Ashley), The Kiss (Celeste tryng to seduce Maxon) and The Departure (leaving the selection).
Oh boy, I really despised Celeste throughout The Selection series but she won me over in The One. Celeste was the main villain in The Selection series and I gotta admit I loved hating her... but I loved getting to love her even more. I just wish she would have realized all her errors much sooner than she did because I would have loved to have so much more from her. In The Selection we meet this mean, manipulative, vindictive, bitter girl who was there for all the WRONG reasons. But once she realizes all her stupid petting mistakes we get to see a whole other side to her. We get to see her vulnerability and kindness and her chance at redemption. She turns out to be such a wonderfully sweet person and an even better friend to America. I love getting to see Celeste grow out of it and the ending to The One seriously Broke. My. Heart!
Anyways, Scenes from Celeste gives us a better understanding of her actions and I really loved being inside of her head even though they were extremely too damn short! I would have loved having so so much more. I recommend this to all The Selection fans out there :)
Illustration of Celeste & How I picture she'd look.
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just that. Three different short scenes from Celestes Perspective. Which includes The Arrival (meeting America, Marlee and Ashley), The Kiss (Celeste tryng to seduce Maxon) and The Departure (leaving the selection).
Oh boy, I really despised Celeste throughout The Selection series but she won me over in The One. Celeste was the main villain in The Selection series and I gotta admit I loved hating her... but I loved getting to love her even more. I just wish she would have realized all her errors much sooner than she did because I would have loved to have so much more from her. In The Selection we meet this mean, manipulative, vindictive, bitter girl who was there for all the WRONG reasons. But once she realizes all her stupid petting mistakes we get to see a whole other side to her. We get to see her vulnerability and kindness and her chance at redemption. She turns out to be such a wonderfully sweet person and an even better friend to America. I love getting to see Celeste grow out of it and the ending to The One seriously Broke. My. Heart!
Anyways, Scenes from Celeste gives us a better understanding of her actions and I really loved being inside of her head even though they were extremely too damn short! I would have loved having so so much more. I recommend this to all The Selection fans out there :)
Illustration of Celeste & How I picture she'd look.
December 22, 2022
2⭐️
The selection series is such an easy/chill read 100% recommend for something light hearted, but please buy second hand and educate yourself on its poor representation and the repercussions that this has!!
This novella is really worth reading it gave the plot so much more depth :)
The book is split up into essentially 8 parts so I have individual reviews ⤵️⤵️⤵️
⚠️spoilers if you haven’t read the other books⚠️
1. The Queen
Okay this kinda broke my heart to see how Amberley ignored all the signs of his character (including his proposal!!!!!) purely because she was in love with him and thought that he was truly a good person :((
And how Clarkson only really liked her because she submissive and didn’t challenge him and maybe wanted to take his anger out from his controlling parents, by in turn controlling her and Maxon which is just so sick I-
2. The Prince
READING THE START OF THE SELECTION FROM MAXONS POINT OF VIEW WAS EVERYTHING😭😭
It was the funniest and sweetest thing it was my favourite out of the novellas :)
I also thought it was quite notable how Amberley talks about how any girl putting her name in the selection would want a way out of quiet, and how when America talks about how it was a mistake etc. it could partly be why Maxon was initially drawn to her, because she wasn’t seeking to get away from the quiet Maxon longed for.
it also linked to the ‘After the One’ where he has a big party but is completely happy which crosses how he was in the party in the beginning of The Prince, because he has America and friends he loves 🥺
3. The Guard
Aspens point of view was kinda interesting to see how he perceived everything, he’s honestly so sweet :)
I also loved the small developments in his and Lucy’s relationship
4. The Favourite
Marlee and Carter’s story was really well done, with the going back and forth between the canning and their falling for each other :)
Seeing what Marlee thought about Maxon and America and just her general point of view from the scenes was the sweetest thing, and how Maxon’s roll in helping them was more developed
5. Scenes from Celeste
It was really an effort not to cry at her scenes, especially when she talks about her future and I really wish that I could have read about her making real friends, and developing her friendship with America :(
She was just becoming a good person by recognising her flaws, and fixing them and it just really ✨hurt✨
6. The Maid
Aspen and Lucy deserved each other in the best possible way and I’m so glad that I got to read more about their relationship :)
7. After The One
I SAW WHAT WAS COMING IN THIS AND IT WAS EVERYTHING 🥺
“Let it fall to pieces. So long as I have my America in my arms.”
Seriously do they get cuter I stg 😩
8. Where are they now?
awh I’m so happy that they all found ways to fufill themselves :)
The selection series is such an easy/chill read 100% recommend for something light hearted, but please buy second hand and educate yourself on its poor representation and the repercussions that this has!!
This novella is really worth reading it gave the plot so much more depth :)
The book is split up into essentially 8 parts so I have individual reviews ⤵️⤵️⤵️
⚠️spoilers if you haven’t read the other books⚠️
1. The Queen
Okay this kinda broke my heart to see how Amberley ignored all the signs of his character (including his proposal!!!!!) purely because she was in love with him and thought that he was truly a good person :((
And how Clarkson only really liked her because she submissive and didn’t challenge him and maybe wanted to take his anger out from his controlling parents, by in turn controlling her and Maxon which is just so sick I-
2. The Prince
READING THE START OF THE SELECTION FROM MAXONS POINT OF VIEW WAS EVERYTHING😭😭
It was the funniest and sweetest thing it was my favourite out of the novellas :)
I also thought it was quite notable how Amberley talks about how any girl putting her name in the selection would want a way out of quiet, and how when America talks about how it was a mistake etc. it could partly be why Maxon was initially drawn to her, because she wasn’t seeking to get away from the quiet Maxon longed for.
it also linked to the ‘After the One’ where he has a big party but is completely happy which crosses how he was in the party in the beginning of The Prince, because he has America and friends he loves 🥺
3. The Guard
Aspens point of view was kinda interesting to see how he perceived everything, he’s honestly so sweet :)
I also loved the small developments in his and Lucy’s relationship
4. The Favourite
Marlee and Carter’s story was really well done, with the going back and forth between the canning and their falling for each other :)
Seeing what Marlee thought about Maxon and America and just her general point of view from the scenes was the sweetest thing, and how Maxon’s roll in helping them was more developed
5. Scenes from Celeste
It was really an effort not to cry at her scenes, especially when she talks about her future and I really wish that I could have read about her making real friends, and developing her friendship with America :(
She was just becoming a good person by recognising her flaws, and fixing them and it just really ✨hurt✨
6. The Maid
Aspen and Lucy deserved each other in the best possible way and I’m so glad that I got to read more about their relationship :)
7. After The One
I SAW WHAT WAS COMING IN THIS AND IT WAS EVERYTHING 🥺
“Let it fall to pieces. So long as I have my America in my arms.”
Seriously do they get cuter I stg 😩
8. Where are they now?
awh I’m so happy that they all found ways to fufill themselves :)
Shelved as 'avoid-like-the-plague'
December 11, 2015Enough is enough. This series is turning into a money trap. I feel so bad for people who bought the first collection. Let it go Ms Cass, please let it go...
January 13, 2022
I'M LIKE:
September 29, 2016
The Queen (Amberly) - 1 Star
The Prince (Maxon) - 2 Stars
The Guard (Aspen) - 1 Star
The Favourite (Marlee) - 1.5 Stars
Celeste's POV - 2 Stars
Lucy's Scene - 1.5 Stars
Where Are They Now? - 2 Stars
The Prince (Maxon) - 2 Stars
The Guard (Aspen) - 1 Star
The Favourite (Marlee) - 1.5 Stars
Celeste's POV - 2 Stars
Lucy's Scene - 1.5 Stars
Where Are They Now? - 2 Stars
June 18, 2016
While I wouldn't rate every story in this collection 4 stars, it was interesting to garner an insight into the other characters from The Selection series and further my understanding of their motives and actions. I found some parts a little repetitive as alot of the scenes were featured in the main series but viewing them from an alternate perspective was fascinating. Also, knowing the ending of each story did not impact my enjoyment of them, as I thought it might. I love an author who takes the time to expand their fictional worlds in this way so this collection combined is wholly deserving of 4 stars.
August 20, 2016
Out of all the books I've read in The Selection series, this is definitely my favorite! (Although it's not another installment, just a compilation of novellas) In this book, you'll have a clearer view of every character and somehow understand their decisions throughout the story. My personal favorites are The Favorite and After The One. At first, I had my doubts about this series, but I found myself loving every part of it!
Quotable Quotes
Quotable Quotes
"I could feel my dreams slipping through my fingers. I might as well embrace defeat now. It would hurt less later."
"I liked it here, in his arms. I'd always wondered what they'd feel like."
"It's a strange thing to discover how much you matter to people you didn't really know you mattered to."
"His world looked like a storm. I was going to be its center."
"This was joy. This was love. So many words you hear about or read about, and now... now I knew them."
"You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine."
"Any girl who would risk her life for someone she loves certainly deserves to be called a lady."
"I'd studied her face in a dozen shades of light, in a thousand stolen moments. With her words, I knew without a doubt: she loved me."
"But I've seen a lot of people let the bad around them make them hard or stubborn. In the end, they miss the chance to make their world better because they only see the worst in it."
"She seemed paralyzed now, afraid of taking any kind of step because she didn't know what would fall apart along the way."
"Yes, we still had a long way to go, but I knew it wouldn't feel that way if we were in it together."
"I want her to stay. It seems like everyone leaves when I need them to stay."
"We know you're strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength."
"And I just thought that maybe I could give you a shot at a life that would be better than the one that I would have been able to give you. And I convinced myself that was the right way to love you."
"You're the only thing I've ever wanted to fight for."
"He was control to her chaos; she was levity to his seriousness."
"Maybe you stole me. Because I distinctly remember belonging to myself once, but now I'm all yours."
"I needed to be beside him tonight. So much was going through my head, and I knew he was my only safe place."
"Love only yourself a little bit longer, until you can't stand not to love someone else."
"So that's the only kind of love I've ever understood. When you love someone, you sacrifice."
October 27, 2015
THIS IS LIKE BEYOND 5 STARS.
ITS SO FREAKIN GOOD THAT I HAVE NO WORDS FOR IT OH GOD.
I TOTALLY ADOOORE THIS BOOK!!!
ITS SO FREAKIN GOOD THAT I HAVE NO WORDS FOR IT OH GOD.
I TOTALLY ADOOORE THIS BOOK!!!
November 23, 2015
If you enjoyed The Selection then this is a great compilation of different points of views on what happened.
February 6, 2017
A solid addition to the series! I definitely recommend if you want to know the details behind the story :)
April 10, 2021
“Love only yourself a little bit longer, until you can't stand not to love someone else.”
Rating- 3 stars
I liked reading this novella. Some parts of it were sweet and some I had issues with. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of the other characters, but in some cases I felt it was unnecessary.
I have reviews written for these books here-
The Guard
The Favorite
The Queen
The Prince
My ratings and reviews for other books in the series-
The Selection - 3 stars
The Elite - 2.75 stars
The One - 3 stars
The Heir - 2.75 stars
The Crown - 2.5 stars
DISCLAIMER- All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
February 5, 2017
This was such a cute collection of stories! I loved getting to see more from some of my favourite characters from the Selection series and getting to know more about how their lives played out after the Selection. I only have two small complaints about this collection. The first being that two of the stories had been in a previous collection so I had already read them. The second being that there was no story about Eadlyn! I would have loved to have had a story about her life and marriage after her Selection. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
October 28, 2015
What can I say? I freaking loved this bind up! It was everything I wanted and more!! I especially loved The Favourite... It was my favourite! I have a full review on my blog containing short reviews for each of the stories in the book, as well as an overall review! Check it out here :)
December 12, 2015
I usually don't like novellas or series add ons but I think this one is actually a great addition to this series. There is a lot more content than just novellas and the extra scenes from different characters were really enjoyable.
December 7, 2023
Reread this and now I want to reread the whole series 👍
-The Prince: Maxon is such a cinnamon roll and I love him
-The Guard: made me wanna throw up (that's just how the world works, aspen loves america, Nour hates aspen and grass is green)
-The Queen: how can clarkson be so sweet yet so TOXIC
-The Favorite: by faaarrrr the best, I need a Carter in my life, this one KILLED me
-Three scenes from Celeste’s POV: The character development was top tier
-Lucy’s scene: I’m happy for lucy, dont get me wrong, but HOW DO YOU WANT ASPEN, how was he so madly in love with america and now he's like eh whatever
-The bonus epilogue: SO CUTE, I CANT YALL, I CANT
-Where are they now?: I was hoping Kriss lived the rest of her life miserably but alas.
-The Prince: Maxon is such a cinnamon roll and I love him
-The Guard: made me wanna throw up (that's just how the world works, aspen loves america, Nour hates aspen and grass is green)
-The Queen: how can clarkson be so sweet yet so TOXIC
-The Favorite: by faaarrrr the best, I need a Carter in my life, this one KILLED me
-Three scenes from Celeste’s POV: The character development was top tier
-Lucy’s scene: I’m happy for lucy, dont get me wrong, but HOW DO YOU WANT ASPEN, how was he so madly in love with america and now he's like eh whatever
-The bonus epilogue: SO CUTE, I CANT YALL, I CANT
-Where are they now?: I was hoping Kriss lived the rest of her life miserably but alas.
August 13, 2020
It is always fun to read scenes that did not make it into the book or scenes from other characters POV. I enjoyed the stories here. The Selection series is one of my all time favorite series so this was a real treat.
I would recommend it. Many people who read the three books in The Selection do not even know about this one. One last thought: did NOT enjoy the second series from the daughter's POV . I did not even finish that series.
I would recommend it. Many people who read the three books in The Selection do not even know about this one. One last thought: did NOT enjoy the second series from the daughter's POV . I did not even finish that series.
April 10, 2020
Sin duda Aspen y Lucy no eran uno de mis personajes favoritos en la saga, pero estoy contenta de que hayan tenido un final feliz y se hayan encontrado. Nunca me gustaron Aspen y America juntos, así que estoy contenta de que todos hayan conseguido a su persona perfecta.
Fue una lectura muy rápida y pero no fue mi preferida de todas las historias cortas.
Fue una lectura muy rápida y pero no fue mi preferida de todas las historias cortas.
January 24, 2016
This was really cute. I loved the illustrations for each novellas and getting a glimpse at more characters (: I can never get enough of Maxon and America, but I think my favorite has to be The Favorite ❤️
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