17-year-old America Singer lives in a future world where the United States has become known as Illéa. The kingdom has a caste system – in other words, everybody belongs to a caste which defines their status. But now the gorgeous Prince Maxon has come of age and 35 girls will be selected at random to compete for his heart – and the crown.
For the selected girls it's a chance of a lifetime and they will stop at nothing to win Prince Maxon over. But for America Singer it's a nightmare – especially when she is forced to leave her secret lover Aspen and her family behind. She doesn't want to be swept up in a world of beautiful gowns and priceless jewels – let alone live in a palace that is constantly being attacked by rebels.
Then America meets Prince Maxon, and she begins to question her reluctance to take part in the competition. But when Aspen arrives at the palace as a guard, America is whisked into a series of winding paths through friendships, loyalty and love.
The reason I picked up this book is because I found the concept fascinating and I was too intrigued to not read it! It is a real page-turner, although the idea is almost too simple. This book is very gripping and eventful, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for a complicated read that will get you thinking. However, I did enjoy it and I might recommend you read it if you want to read something slightly less challenging and more relaxing, but also captivating and exciting.
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