The One: The Selection, Book 3

Book review by Julie A. Carlson, Common Sense Media
The One: The Selection, Book 3 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Thrilling, swoon-worthy romantic finale to popular series.

Kiera Cass Fantasy 2014
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 55 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 One is the final novel in NYT Best-selling The Selection trilogy by Kiera Cass, following The Selection and The Elite. It continues the story of America Singer in the competition to win Prince Maxon's hand in marriage. The novel has romantic scenes, including kissing and caressing. There's some violence (hand-to-hand combat, fighting with guns). A character gets shot, two characters die. There's also verbal humiliation and put-downs, but no swearing other than "hell."

Community Reviews

iwolfv18
iwolfv18 Adult
June 12, 2019
age 13+

Great Conclution

And here, we're back again as you can see. HAha. Anyways, yes, if you've seen my last two reviews, you'll understand that I loved this book from start to finish and this one too, took me about two days to finish because it was THAT good that I couldn't put it down and yes, this last book made me cry so much. That letter reading was quite heartbreaking for me and I balled my eyes out so much for that next three days as I was reading the story. I love the way it ended. It was a nice conclusion to the first two books.
April R.
April R. Adult
February 17, 2016
age 13+

Great series for a teen girl

Overall I liked the series, although there were times I wanted to smack both lead characters. They both grew throughout the trilogy, but at times I became frustrated with their behaviors. I guess that's the teen for you. Overall this book is pretty safe read for 13+. Some rebel violence, some kissing. America is wishy washy about her romantic feelings, but she is a great example in many ways in how she feels the people of the country should be treated.

This title has:

Great messages
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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

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