The Crown: The Selection, Book 5

Book review by Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media
The Crown: The Selection, Book 5 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Fantasy-romance installment ramps up the palace intrigue.

Kiera Cass Fantasy 2016
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 13 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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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.

Community Reviews

Nicoleharnold
Nicoleharnold Adult
February 3, 2021
age 14+
iwolfv18
iwolfv18 Adult
June 12, 2019
age 13+

It Was Alright...

Just like the review I did for The Heir, I didn't enjoy this series as I did with the first three books. Maybe because it was Eadlyn? I don't know. I felt like this last book was rushed a little and I wasn't quite happy with the fella she decided to choose when there were total chemistry with her and that certain fella, but nope, she chose someone else instead. I get it, she chose for love, but still, I felt like this book was rushed (granted it was thinner than the other books). But in the end, it was still a good book and I do believe this book too made me cry. Okay, I cried for all of her books, don't judge me :P
See all 3 parent reviews

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

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