The Crown: The Selection, Book 5
Common Sense says
- Kiera Cass
- Fantasy
- 2016
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update The Crown: The Selection, Book 5
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Crown is the fifth installment in the Selection series by Kiera Cass. It picks up right where The Heir left off, and even though reading the previous books isn't strictly necessary to enjoy this fantasy romance, it will be easier to follow and more deeply enjoyed by fans of the series. There's no violence other than mention of past rebellion and current unrest. Sexual content is very mild, with a few kisses not described in detail. "Ass" and "damn" appear once each. Eadlyn is a good role model, always treating others well, thinking creatively, keeping her country's best interests above herself, and finding the courage to trust her heart.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
It Was Alright...
Okay
The Crown
What's the story?
A family crisis means that Princess Eadlyn suddenly has to take on the burden of THE CROWN all on her own. But she's also right in the midst of choosing her future husband in a televised contest called a Selection. To keep the Selection manageable, she overnight whittles the 35 contestants down to six Elite finalists. Each of the Elite has something unique to offer and would make a good husband, but Eadlyn doesn't feel a real spark with any of them. To keep her country and her family from falling apart at the seams, she'll have to learn whom she can trust, how to handle betrayal, and the real value of true love.
Is it any good?
Fans of Kiera Cass' Selection series will be happy with the payoff that comes in this fifth installment, which picks up right where The Heir left off. In many ways, the circle begun with the first book is closing, and romance-fantasy fans will enjoy rooting for Eadlyn as she assumes her place in history. Intrigue and the problems of governing are more at the forefront of this installment, although there are still plenty of dashing young men hoping to be the next prince consort. Eadlyn's interactions with them take a back seat to the burdens of governing, but fans will still sigh along as Eadlyn finds her true love and faces an impossible choice.
Readers new to the series may be baffled by the absence of any background about the world the story inhabits and by the large cast of characters -- wait, who is Josie again? But fans of the series will enjoy picking up where they left off and the fact that there's plenty of room for more romance and intrigue in Eadlyn's future.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the Selection series. Have you read all the books? How does The Crown compare? What are your favorite series, and why?
How is Eadlyn as a heroine, especially compared with America, if you've read the earlier books? Are there ways you wish you could be like her? If you were the author, what kind of heroine would you create?
Eadlyn struggles with her public image. How do you think other people see you? Do you think they're right? It's really important to celebrities and politicians, but does it really matter for the rest of us?
Book details
- Author: Kiera Cass
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: May 3, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love fantasy and romance
Themes & Topics
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.