The Selection by Kiera Cass Complete Book Order
It has been a couple of years since I read the Selection series by Kiera Cass-- but recently I have been seeing it pop up on social media. So I figured I would do a bit of a summary and ready guide on the selection books!
The Selection series by Kiera Cass is a captivating journey filled with romance, fierce competition, and royal intrigue. This young adult book series, often compared to The Hunger Games, follows America Singer’s story as she enters the Selection, a chance of a lifetime to win Prince Maxon’s heart. Set in the world of Illéa, a future United States ruled by a rigid caste system, the series blends elements of dystopian fiction, fairy-tale romance, and political drama.
This post will share a bit about the series, the book order, and a brief summary of each book-- if you have not read the series and want to, do not read the summaries as they will include spoilers for subsequent books.
Genre, Tropes, and Trigger Warnings
Sometimes (okay, most of the time), it’s wise to have a general idea of the book your getting into.
Genre:
Young Adult (YA) Fiction
Dystopian Romance
Fantasy
Political Drama
Tropes:
Love Triangle
Royal Competition
Secret Love
Strong Female Protagonist
Rags-to-Riches
Fake Relationship (to some extent)
Rebel Uprising
Parents' Fairy-Tale Love Story
Trigger Warnings:
Violent Rebel Attacks
Classism and Social Inequality
Parental Pressure and Emotional Manipulation
Death of Characters (Minor and Major)
The Selection Reading Order
The books should be read in the following chronological order:
The Selection (2012) – First Book
The Elite (2013) – Second Book
The One (2014)
The Heir (2015)
The Crown (2016) – Final Book
Additionally, Kiera Cass has written companion novellas and selection stories, including The Prince, The Guard, The Queen, and The Favorite, which offer bonus content and deeper insight into the main characters. Personally, I recommend that you read the novellas after reading the full series. I found that reading them based off of the "recommended" order would spoil some of the plot. You can also read them in the order of publication, which would keep the plot spoiler-free:
The Selection (2012)
The Elite (2013)
The Queen (2014)
The Heir (2015)
The Favorite (2015)
The Crown (2016)
Now, let’s dive into a brief summary of each main book in the Selection series books.
Again, if you have not read the series and want to STOP HERE. The following summaries will spoil the plot of the first book.
The Selection Series Book Summaries
The Selection (2012)
The story introduces America Singer, a young girl and talented musician from a lower caste. When she is chosen as one of thirty-five beautiful girls to compete for the hand of the gorgeous Prince Maxon, she reluctantly enters the Selection. Torn between her first love, Aspen Leger, and the heart of Prince Maxon, America struggles to navigate the palace walls, fierce competition, and her own changing feelings.
The Elite (2013)
With only six girls remaining in the Selection, America’s close bonds with the other contestants are tested. As her connection with Prince Maxon deepens, she faces jealousy, strict royal expectations, and the realization that becoming the future queen is more than just winning his heart. Meanwhile, rebel attacks escalate, threatening the kingdom and the Selection’s thirty-five suitors.
The One (2014)
As the Selection nears its end, America must choose between Aspen and Prince Maxon’s heart. Political unrest, secret alliances, and shocking betrayals bring new challenges as the royal family faces its most dangerous threats. America’s lonely existence as a competitor is replaced by the weight of a nation’s future, leading to an emotional and action-packed conclusion.
The Heir (2015)
Twenty years later, America and Maxon’s daughter, Princess Eadlyn Schreave, faces her own Selection. Unlike her parents' fairy-tale love story, Eadlyn is uninterested in love and reluctant to follow tradition. However, as she gets to know the suitors, she realizes that finding a real partner may not be as impossible as she once believed.
The Crown (2016)
As Eadlyn’s Selection narrows down to a few final suitors, she faces the legal right and responsibility of leading Illéa. Political unrest and personal challenges push her to rethink her priorities, and she must decide whether love and duty can coexist. In this last book of the series, Eadlyn steps into her role as queen, proving she is more than just the first princess of Illéa.
The Selection series books have captured the hearts of young adults worldwide, earning Kiera Cass recognition on the New York Times bestseller list. With its blend of romance, royal drama, and the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon, this book series remains a favorite for fans of dystopian romance. Whether you're revisiting the series or picking up a new book, the Selection offers an enchanting escape filled with priceless jewels, secret love, and a very beautiful weapon: the power of choice.
For those interested in purchasing the books, you can find them through Amazon Associate book links. And if you’re a fan of the series, don’t miss out on The Selection Coloring Book, featuring hand-lettered quotes, white line drawings of favorite characters, and original black illustrations inspired by the world of Illéa.