Review: The One (The Selection, #3) by Kiera Cass

Title: The One (The Selection, #3)
Author: Kiera Cass
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Hardcover, 323 Pages
Published May 2014
Book 3 of 3 in The Selection Trilogy 
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Also read my review of:
The Selection (The Selection, #1)
The Elite (The Selection, #2)

Summary: When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

I have to say, this trilogy only got better and better with time, and I love it. I gave the first book in this trilogy three stars, and then the last book managed to achieve the coveted five stars - Cass is an excellent writer and I'm absolutely in love with the story of America and Maxon.

So, going out of order here because it's my review and I'm able to do so, I'm going to start by talking about the ending of this book. No spoilers, I promise. I just...when I got to the end, I couldn't believe my eyes. I was smacked in the face with so many different feels that I recommend this book to everyone simply because of the emotional roller coaster it takes you on. 

An actual excerpt of the text messages I sent Amber after reading this book:

6:08PM: What the heck
6:08PM: Whaaaaat the heck
6:08PM: What
6:08PM: I just
6:08PM: What 

I just couldn't believe it. Cass managed to throw in some super shocking (not to mention super feel-drawing) plot twists to the last few chapters that shook me up and added an interesting jolt to the story that definitely improved it. (I'm trying so hard not to say anything that will spoil the ending for you guys - but if you read it, feel free to comment down below and let loose your feels with me.)

As for the America-Aspen-Maxon love triangle: Let's be real here. We all knew who America was going to end up with from the very beginning. If not from the very beginning, then at least by the beginning of this book. (The dress on the cover isn't a dead giveaway as it is?) The story was filled with so many heart warming and fuzzy moments that tugged on your heartstrings, but it also had a fair share of chapters that made you want to curl up in a ball and cry until your eyes fall out. Or punch Maxon. Or America. Or Aspen. Or all three. Or drill a hole in King Clarkson's head.

You know. The regular stuff.

I'm trying so hard to come up with coherent thoughts about this book but I just can't, because I'm still in shock and numb from that stellar ending to such a great trilogy. The post-series depression was starting to kick in when I realized I wouldn't be able to follow America and Maxon's story anymore, especially after that epilogue. There's still so much I'm absolutely dying to know. So, needless to say, when Amber reminded me about The Heir being released in early May 2015, I freaked out all over again because GUYS - IT'S NOT OVER. WE GET TO FOLLOW THIS STORY EVEN MORE.

I've never been this enthusiastic about a romance series in my life. Nope, not ever. Kiera Cass is such an excellent writer and I'm not even sorry that my entire review is just a bunch of rambling fangirl nonsense. I AM PROUD BECAUSE I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. If you haven't started The Selection trilogy yet, I definitely advise you to do so, no matter what genres you normally associate with. Cass created a whole new method of picking the next princess of the palace and it's truly interesting to see exactly how these girls behave and how they see all of this as some sort of weird sort of normal.

As for solely The One itself, it was heartwarming to see the Elite finally bonding and not going at one another to get to the prince. My favorite scene from the entire book was definitely the scene in the Women's Room with the queen, because it was nice to see the bond that developed between the girls and their ruler when they spent so much time around one another, all competing for the same prize. It was just nice to see the queen take on the role of their stand-in mother for the time being. :-)

All in all, The One was an emotional roller coaster that beat the heck out of my heart. It's such a great book and the trilogy itself is just so great - I recommend it to absolutely anybody and everybody, no matter what you normally like to read. You're going to love this. And I'm so excited for The Heir coming in 2015, so I can follow America and Maxon and Aspen's stories through the eyes of the heir to the throne! ;-)