Parents' Guide to

The Heir: The Selection, Book 4

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Princess must choose prince in fun, fast-paced sequel.

Book Kiera Cass Fantasy 2015
The Heir: The Selection, Book 4 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

iwolfv18
iwolfv18 Adult
June 12, 2019
age 13+

It was good...

This one was totally different from America's point of few as we now see her daughter, Eadlyn playing the role of what he father did from the first three books and I have to say that it wasn't my favorite as much as I enjoyed The Selection. She indeed was a spoiled girl who didn't like the idea of having to be the one to be crowned Queen when she really wanted her twin brother to do so, but sadly, he couldn't because she was older than him by like 2 minutes. And then came the men who wanted her and then you have Eadlyn and well, it was good and yes, it did made me cry as well, but it wasn't my "favorite" out of the whole series.
April R.
April R. Adult
February 21, 2016
age 13+

Liked less than previous in series

While the overall theme of the book is similar to the previous three, it is 20 years after the last. The main character is Eadlyn, the daughter of the King and Queen. Be prepared for a distant, snobbish character. Over time it appears she is learning some important life lessons, but not much changes in her attitude. You see the beginnings of a more likeable person at the end, in anticipation for the next book. There are only a few instances of kissing and "thinking" about the kisses, and minor touching of a chest. Should be acceptable for the 13+ crowd.
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (20):

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

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