Book Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

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Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)

Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.
Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

What I don’t like with some series enders are those times when they tend to get rushed just to finish the story. The Crown is just 279 pages, and the first thing that came into my mind after reaching the final page was, this could have been longer, and a lot better.” On the last few chapters, it’s like I was running a marathon… like seriously.
But did I like and enjoy The Crown?
Sure, The Crown probably felt short for a series-ender, but it was still very entertaining, light read, and yes, I quite enjoyed it (AND MY SHIP SAILED. #notevensorry

I’m not a big fan of The Selection series and its story, to be very honest. I hated America at some point and I even almost dropped the series in the middle of the 2nd book. But it was still entertaining, and I just can’t help it. Besides, I’m reading for pleasure and primarily for enjoyment so if I find entertaining, I’d go on, then I just share my thoughts afterwards.
What I’m most satisfied about The Crown was Eadlyn’s character development. I was really glad to see Eadlyn grow into finer princess, compared to her bratty side in The Heir. Actually, she was very bitchy in The Heir that I almost can’t stand her character. So seeing her develop into a more mature soon-to-be-queen, it was very satisfying. 
Probably one of the downsides of Eadlyn’s story, was that I find her Selection quite a mess. Don’t get me wrong, I ship Eadlyn to the person she chose. And yes, from the very beginning, I already saw it coming. But the whole process was a mess. It wasn’t as smooth as Maxon’s Selection. It was a mad rush. When Eadlyn started to eliminate every single participant, I was like… “chill, princess.”

Then I was reading this one review in Goodreads, where the reviewer mentioned that whoever saw who will be the prince consort was a psychic. Well, I guess I am then. Honestly, for me, it was quite predictable. I know many of the fans are shipping Eadlyn to another participant. But for some reason, I just knew that it won’t work and she will chose another one. lol. 
There’s a big revelation about Lady Brice’s identity which felt so out of place at the ending (at least for me). I was a little surprised, but I just don’t know where the hell did that come from.
Overall, it was a rather fast read. Quite entertaining in a way… but not the best series-ender, especially for something as big as The Selection series. I’m okay with the ending as a whole, but the pace was too rushed and it could have been a lot better if Cass added few more chapters to wrap up the series. 
It’s not surprising how many were not satisfied with whom Eadlyn ended up with, and oddly enough, I’m one of those very very rare species who’s happy with Eadlyn’s choice. I gave this 3.5 stars because my ship sailed. Lol 

2 thoughts on “Book Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass”

  1. I didn't quite read your review completely in fear of minor spoilers for this chick who hasn't even read The One, but I'm glad to see that you at least enjoyed it for the most part and that your ship sailed (lol). I've heard that this spin-off series is not really worth the try but I feel like reading them. I like light reads. 🙂

  2. Yeah. It can save someone from a reading slump, but it won't be something you'd fall head over heels and get a hangover from. You're also right about the not really worth spin-off. I could have just stopped in The One, but these books are just too pretty and I want to collect them, so it'll be a total waste if I don't read them. lol.

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