Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Princess must choose prince in fun, fast-paced sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the transition to Eadlyn's story in this continuation of the series has garnered mixed responses, with many readers feeling disappointed and finding her character unlikable and spoiled compared to her mother, America. Despite some enjoyment of the original trilogy, most reviewers suggest that this installment does not meet expectations and detracts from the charm of the first three books, though a few readers found redeeming qualities in the narrative.
- disappointing character
- mixed responses
- not as good
- readers recommend skipping
- some redeeming qualities
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The Selection saga continues in THE HEIR as Princess Eadlyn, the daughter of America Singer and Prince Maxon, is now of age and must consider marrying. Though Eadlyn had no plans to marry, the royal family of Illea agrees that holding a Selection of her own will help quell the rising tide of dissatisfaction in the kingdom. Suddenly, the palace is overrun with 35 loud, irritating boys who will compete for Eadlyn's hand. She promised her parents she'd give the process a real chance but only if she truly falls in love. The question is, can she?
Is It Any Good?
This fun, fast-paced novel deftly weaves the suspense and swoons of old-fashioned burgeoning romance with a modern, fresh sensibility. The heroine may be a princess who needs to fall in love pronto, but she also needs to grow up, learn how to run a country, and do so while battling age-old double standards about women in leadership positions managing their anger and wielding power with grace under constant pressure.
The result is an immersive, easy read that manages to be squeaky-clean but still smart, fun, and empowering, with characters that are believably genuine, flawed, and on occasion dull. Plenty here to keep fans hooked for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of dystopian novels. What's so appealing about this futuristic setup?
Does the Selection process seem fairer having the men compete for a woman's hand?
What are the unique challenges for a woman seeking a husband?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : May 5, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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