Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling, swoon-worthy romantic finale to popular series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 66 kid reviews
Kids say this book serves as a captivating conclusion to the series, showcasing strong character growth and a mix of romance and action. While romance, including passionate kissing and mild innuendos, plays a prominent role, some readers found the level of violence and implied sexual content slightly concerning, leading to mixed opinions on its appropriateness for younger audiences.
- romance focus
- character growth
- mixed content
- age appropriateness
- passionate scenes
- engaging conclusion
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The end of the Selection competition comes to a close in THE ONE. The novel continues to focus on the growing tension between King Clarkson and the Southern rebels who want to hurt the royal family. But all America and Maxon want is peace. Both of them even go out of their way to bridge alliances with the Northern rebels -- safe and unsafe moves that put them and others in jeopardy. In The One, America and Maxon's feelings grow stronger for each other. America also fights for her position in the competition and not being kicked out by King Clarkson, who doesn't like her strong personality, fighting spirit, and being from a lower caste. Throughout the novel, she must prove to the royal family, Maxon, and herself that she's indeed "the one" for Maxon.
Is It Any Good?
The story moves at a fast pace in The One, and it's a solid and exciting conclusion to the popular series. We meet new characters and some familiar faces from the previous novels. The One also ups the romance of America and Maxon, making this novel a lot more swoon-worthy. Even though readers might be sad to see these characters go, The One is a book they will thoroughly enjoy by rooting for America and Maxon to be together.
However, there are times that readers might want Maxon to grow a spine and stand up to his father, especially when he puts down America. But all Maxon has ever wanted is to choose the bride he loves and wants, as well as peace in Illea. Because of this, Maxon has grown to become a worthy partner for America and vice versa. As for Aspen, some readers might be disappointed that he's been relegated to a secondary role in this novel. But those who don't enjoy love triangles will be happy to see that one's ended, while Aspen remains loyally and dutifully by America's side.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality dating shows. Do you think shows like The Bachelor or I Want to Marry Harry are good or not good for women to participate in? Do you think they're real or scripted?
Do you like the way the story in The One played out? Are you happy with the way The Selection series ended? Are you looking forward to more books by Kiera Cass?
Would you like to see The Selection series made into a feature film, like The Hunger Games and Divergent? How is it different from those? How is it similar?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Arts , Friendship , Holidays
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : May 6, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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