HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Kiera Cass

“America’s story wasn’t the only one with a happy ending… Before Amberly came to the palace… She was a Four in love with a One. Before Maxon met the girl of his dreams… He was the boy of someone else’s. Before Aspen opened his heart to someone new… He was determined to fight for his first love. And before Marlee could fall for a prince… She was swept off her feet by a guard. Four stories to fall in love with! Plus exclusive scenes, lush illustrations, bonus epilogue to The One, and more!

What is the book about?

Not only America and Maxon ended up with their own happily ever after… Meet the young destined to become queen, endlessly in love with a prince she has only admired from afar and confident that she will be perfect for a life of luxury and stress. She was only a Four in love with a One, but she had a regal air around her and was made for royalty. See part of the Selection through the eyes of Prince Maxon, and watch him fall in love with a wild Five determined to stay and enjoy the food as long as possible. Discover how, before Maxon met his soulmate, he was once the man of someone else’s dreams and he broke a heart without even realising it was his. Hopeless with romance but ready to do anything to convince the crazy red-headed girl he met at night that they were perfect for each other. Watch as Aspen fights for his first love while struggling to open his heart to someone new. It might be hopeless, but Aspen is determined not to give up on the girl he once imagine a future with, and still wants to be with. He can’t give up on her until he is sure that there is no hope, or until he is sure his heart is elsewhere. And admire Marlee as she sacrifices everything for a romance she never imagined. She entered the palace for the prince’s heart and found herself in love with a guard that literally swept her off her feet. She knows the risks, but loves him anyway and is ready to face death if it means she can spend some time with the man of her dreams. Beautiful illustrations, exclusive scenes, a bonus epilogue, and more about the extraordinary characters from The Selection series. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Once I finished The Crown, I was terribly upset at the fact that there were no more books to read and no more stories to fall in love with, but as soon as I discovered that there was this book, filled with short stories and bonus scenes, I was just as excited as I was when I was ready to begin any of the five books in The Selection series. I was very interested in reading the short stories, especially when I found out that there was one in Maxon’s point of view and another in Aspen’s. When I was reading The Selection, The Elite and The One, the only thing that I thought could have made the books better would be if there were Maxon’s and Aspen’s perspectives included alongside America’s. They were both really important characters in the book and I would have liked to see things through their eyes, to understand better what they thought of America and their reason to fight for her heart. The Selection turned into a fight over America instead of Maxon and I would have like to see things though the boy’s eyes so that I could have had a stronger opinion on which one was best for America. I was very excited to get to finally heart from Maxon and Aspen, as well as Marlee and Amberly, because they had all been such amazing characters. I had lots of questions about wat happened to Marlee and mainly how an amazing person like Queen Amberly ended up in love with a cruel husband like King Clarkson. I was very glad I would get some answers and also that I would be able to see a little more of America and Maxon after The One, because they were one of the best couples ever. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

It was much harder to choose a favourite character in this book because I got to see things through quite a few really amazing characters eyes and I didn’t favour anyone just because their point of view was the only one I got. I obviously liked all the characters and they all had unique qualities that made them stand out, but there were 2 characters that I liked more than the others. The first was Queen Amberly. There was a lot I liked about her when I was reading the other books in The Selection series, but I had also questioned her for ending up with such a cruel and horrible husband when she was the complete opposite. I know now why she loved him and married him and that is one of the reasons I like her so much. She always looked for the good in people and thought that everyone had some good in them. It is alway7s difficult to try and be nice to someone who has done nothing but be mean to you, however Amberly thought that it was possible for everyone to be kind so she managed to be sweet to everyone no matter how they treated her. She was loyal and sweet and was able to highlight the good in King Clarkson, whenever they were together, he was a better person and I am sure that she did that to a lot of people. When I read her story, The Queen, and also Maxon’s story, The Prince, I could tell what a special person she was and how she was definitely perfect for the role of queen. She sacrificed herself for her husband, even if he was less than worthy of her love, and protected and loved him with her last breath. The other character that I also liked and admired for her bravery and sacrifice was Marlee. She risked everything for a forbidden romance and when she was discovered, all she could think about was the time she had spent with her soulmate. She thought she would die but, although she was scared, she wasn’t too worried because she knew she wold rather die than end up without the one person she loved. She was strong enough to get through the suffering and what got her through it was the fact that she would have her love by her side. What she did was admirable and she deserved every bit of happiness that came after. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The book was filled with short stories and scenes so, to make things simpler, I will choose a favourite story instead of a favourite part. This is still a very hard choice because every story special in some way, but there were 2 stories that stood out from the others. One was The Queen, because of how interested I had been about Amberly’s story and how much I wanted to know about her. She had been such a great queen and everyone in the books admired her. When I learnt about what the king was really like, I was surprised that they were together, but I guess opposites attract. When I read about Clarkson’s Selection, I knew there was no one there better than Amberly and I was also sure that there was no one there that would have loved him more than she would have. Her story was really interesting, and there was a little foreshadowing about the future in there, and once in read it I knew for sure that Amberly was the kindest, bravest and most loyal queen ever. The other story that I liked was The Prince. I had wanted so badly to get to hear Maxon’s point of view that as soon as I knew that I would finally get to see his perspective I was already overly excited to read it. The best thing about his story was getting to relive some of the scenes from The Selection – the first book in the series. I loved getting to see America through Maxon’s eyes and how much I learnt about what Maxon thought of her. After a shocking event in the gardens, Maxon was angry and embarrassed, but after thinking things through he knew he had to let America stay and it was hilarious seeing ow his mind worked and how much he loved her from the very start. I had loved all the stories, but The Queen and The Prince were definitely the ones that most interested me and that answered the most questions.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book was really amazing and I enjoyed every story and scene that was included. One thing that I liked about the book was how I got information about the remaining Elite girls who had gone home without winning the heart of Prince Maxon. It was very interesting to see how each of them got their own happy ending and, even though one of them definitely did not get what she deserved, I was glad for how things ended. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the bonus epilogue from The One. The One was my favourite book in the series so I was very glad that I got to have a little extra information about the characters and how their happily ever after was working out. I enjoyed seeing Maxon and America as a married couple and how happy they were together, they were definitely made for each other. I also liked that I got to see a lot of other characters enjoying their own happy endings, like for example, Aspen and Lucy, and Marlee and Carter. All the character deserved to be happy and, although a lot of them lost their lives at the, I think most people got the best endings they could ever have wished for. The book was perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the characters again and getting to see some scenes from the books in The Selection series through different eyes. There were a lot of happy people and I can’t believe that a series could end so perfectly for so many characters. I really loved reading The Selection series and I know for sure that I will never forget any of the books. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I recommend this book for anyone who has already read the five books in The Selection series. I suggest this series for readers over 13 and if you enjoy romance, drama and a happily ever after then I can confidently say that you will enjoy reading these books. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Stories full of sacrifice and romance, and admirable characters that will do anything for the people they care about.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE CROWN by Kiera Cass

“A Selection can only have one winner. A princess only has one heart. When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. But as events at the palace force her even further into the spotlight, Eadlyn realizes that she might not be content remaining alone. Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairy-tale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…”

What is the book about?

Princess Eadlyn never wanted to have a Selection, but to make her family happy and to calm her people; she chose to have the first female-led Selection. When she agreed, she was confident that she would never find a single boy out of the thirty-five suitors that entered the competition, she was sure that it would be impossible to find her soulmate in a small group of people. After a while she started to realise that every boy would forever hold a special part of her heart, and that her choice would be a lot harder than she thought it would be. And, because clearly that problem wasn’t big enough, event at the palace force Eadlyn further into the spotlight and the issues force her to make her choice before she is ready. Eadlyn knows that her life isn’t truly her own, but until now she always believed that her heart could be her own. Eadlyn realises that she will never be happy remaining alone, but she also knows that she can’t give her heart what it really wants. She never believed that she would find her own fairy tale ending and she never thought she needed romance to make her life complete. Now she is sure that she will never have it, because of course her heart loves the one person she is not allowed to be with. But life is full of surprises and with the right choice; Eadlyn might just find her happily ever after, after all.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Shocked and worried after the ending of The Heir, I picked up The Crown prepared to get my answers and hopefully another perfect fairy tale ending. I had lots of questions and suspicions, so I was very anxious to get answers and have things properly confirmed. After reading the blurb I was sure there would be a beautiful ending just like in The One, but I didn’t know how easily she would get it and what problems, other than that her love was forbidden, would stand in her way. I opened the book as quickly as I could and I was not at all surprised to find how quickly I fell in love with another book in The Selection series. The book started almost immediately where The Heir had left off and I was very glad for that because I was worried that I would miss something important. It was such a quick and captivating start that I barely remembered that the story had been spilt between two books. It was a very interesting start and I had lots of questions that I really wanted answers to so I found myself nearing the end of the book without even realising that I had been reading for hours. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

When I read The Heir there was one character that made me smile every time he was in a scene, but there wasn’t much to say about him other than that he is sweet and funny so I didn’t choose him as my favourite character. Now, after reading The Crown, I cannot just discard him and I know for sure that he is my favourite character. His name is Henri and he was one of the Elite in the Selection. I was sure that he was a great choice for Eadlyn if she decided to go through with picking a husband, but there was one thing that made it seem like a bad idea. Henri was from Swendway and didn’t know how to speak English very well, so Eadlyn struggled to communicate with him without his translator there to explain. Even though there was the language barrier to think about, Henri was the sweetest and the most enthusiastic contestant and every time he spoke he brought a smile to my face. You could tell immediately that it was him speaking because of the interesting way he greeted people, Eadlyn in particular. I am not kidding when I say that he literally made me laugh and cry because of how kind-hearted he was, every time he said “Good, good” was music to my ears and the way he smiled even though he had no clue what was going on was the cutest thing. He tried so hard to master more English and he managed to communicate how much he liked Eadlyn. When I read the letter he wrote to Eadlyn all by himself, I was crying from how sweet it was. He was so innocent and sweet that, even though Eadlyn knew that the language barrier would be a struggle, she couldn’t send him away because she didn’t want to hurt him. It was so cute to see how he spoke and see him struggle but still be so confident and optimistic. The best thing about him was that he was the one that gave Eadlyn the confidence and the chance to do something for herself and not for her country. He told her and the man she loved: “You being together. I make you cake!” which was the funniest thing ever and also the sweetest. She almost made what would have been the worst mistake of her life, which would have ruined not just her life but two others, but Henri could see clearly what was happening and, although he lost something, he still remained the happiest, sweetest and most optimistic boy in the world. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were a lot of parts of the book that I liked but the ones that really stood out to me were near the end of the book. I know I have said lots of time that the ending has been my favourite and I have been unable to tell you a specific part, but this time I will explain 3 parts that I absolutely loved. The first was when Henri recited a letter he wrote to Eadlyn all by himself. It was so sweet to hear him explain what he thought of her, especially because he struggled a lot with his English, and I loved how cute it was. In that moment, I knew for sure that Henri was the best boy that entered the Selection and I couldn’t believe how amazing he was. The next part that stood out to me was Eadlyn’s announcement. It was not what I was expecting, both the husband and the change in government, but it was perfect all the same. I always had hoped that Eadlyn would be able to choose who she loved but as I got to the last 2 chapters and found her still undecided, I was not so confident anymore. I was glad to see she would get to be happy and that she would get to see that she did need romance to be happy after all. The third and final part of the book that I loved was the epilogue. It wasn’t at all the sort of epilogue I was expecting, I had wanted one like in The One, but it was so beautiful that once I read it I completely forgot how upset I had been. It might have been short, but in that one simple page, I learnt so much and I had so much confidence in fairy tale endings. America got hers and Eadlyn too, and I know that they are fictional characters in a book, but maybe happily ever after are possible in the real world too. If you are looking for a book to make you believe that life isn’t all bad and that there is a chance you can be happy, The Selection series is definitely one you should try, it changed my world. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, The Crown was a really wonderful book and I cannot believe that it is the last book in the series. I guess that is my fault because I powered through the books as if my life depended on it, and technically it did because I don’t know what I would do without books. However, even though I didn’t want the book to end because it was the last one, I read it rather quickly and really loved it. One thing that I liked about the book was, obviously, the ending. It was happy and perfect and I can’t believe I got another happily ever after. Eadlyn’s story was a bit like America’s in the way that I was a bit frustrated when reading it. America and Maxon annoyed me because they were always fighting when they could just have said that they loved each other and gotten married in the first book. Eadlyn annoyed me because she didn’t have any arguments with her lover and they both said they loved each other, but they couldn’t be together because of the fact that the romance was against the rules. Eadlyn’s romance seemed impossible while also being possible and, although that makes no sense if you haven’t read the books, I was so annoyed that she couldn’t just be with the one she loved. Another thing that I liked about the book was the characters. The last few boys left in the Selection all had something amazing about them and they made the book so much better because of how sweet and kind they were. In some ways, Eadlyn didn’t deserve any of them because technically she had never wanted them and had planned to make their lives miserable, but she had such a hard life that they made things easier while also harder for her. The boys were the main reason for why I laughed and cried when I was reading and their personalities would have been sorely missed if the book hadn’t included them. I enjoyed every part where one of the Elite was included and I loved the books because of them. Although The Crown was perfect, there was only one thing that I didn’t really like and that was the fact that so much was happening that I sort of got a little lost. The main thing in the book should have been the Selection but there was so much happening that I felt that it trailed off from the main plot. I know that everything that happened was important so I wouldn’t necessarily want to change anything, but I think it would have been better if the events of Eadlyn’s Selection happened in 3 books instead of only having 2 books. Other than that everything in the book was really great and I loved reading it, I can’t wait to have a look at some of the short stories there are.

Which is your favourite book in The Selection series? (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)

I know that I always say that I loved all the books I have read equally, and then I go ahead and pick a favourite, but I am not lying when I say that all five books in The Selection series have changed my life for the better. They all have something special and they have all given me hope that a happily ever after is possible, even when you least expect it, but there is still one book that pops into my head when I try to choose a favourite. Once again, The One is my favourite book and I am sure that it is the best one in the series. There are a lot of good things in The One, but the best thing about it is the happy ending and the shock I got when I thought that the characters were going to lose it. I have never been so tense and anxious in my life, and I couldn’t believe how angry and frustrated I was that America and Maxon were almost going to lose each other because of another stupid argument. I was sure they would end up together from the very start but the last twist at the very last second almost made me lose all hope. This also kind of happened in The Crown, but it was so much more heart-breaking in The One. There were other things that made me love The One, like sweet Maxon and his amazing declaration of love and the letters he wrote for America, or the deaths in the book that made me cry my eyes out, or the character developments that allowed me to see the worst characters in the best light, but there was nothing as magical as seeing a couple get to be together forever and get to have the best life they could have ever had. I had my doubts about The Selection series in the beginning, but right now I have no idea what I was thinking when I was worrying that it would be boring. I know this is the end but I am definitely not ready to say goodbye. A lot of book series that I have read have left me heartbroken and waiting for more, and The Selection series was not an exception. It left me with the feeling that I was losing a part of myself, but also a feeling happiness. The series gave me, not just one perfect fairy tale ending, but two, and I am so glad that I chose to go on this adventure. There were quite a few bumps along the road, but I cannot believe what an extraordinary series this turned out to be. I will miss America, Maxon and Eadlyn, and so many other characters, but I know that I will always remember them. This was just such an amazing story and I cannot believe that I got to be a part of it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I recommend you read The Crown, particularly if you are over 13 and enjoy reading romance and drama novels. You must read the first four books in the series before this one, not just because you will be confused, but also because there are all amazing and I am sure you will love them.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Romance, drama and fantasy all wrapped up into one happily ever after.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE HEIR by Kiera Cass

“Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon – and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her own story to end in romance – she has no interest in repeating the fairy tale. But a princess’s life is never entirely her own – and Eadlyn cannot escape her very own Selection, and one particular entry who may just capture her heart…”

What is the book about?

20 years after America and Maxon's Selection, their daughter, Princess Eadlyn, prepares for her own. She is the eldest with three younger brothers but her parents didn't want her to lose the right to rule the country just because of her gender, so she is next in line for the throne. Eadlyn has never wanted to find love, never believed she needed it or it was possible for her, because no one is as powerful as her and she doesn't need a man in her life to help her. Eadlyn has spent her whole life hearing her parents fairy tale and how they are still very much in love after so many years, but Eadlyn has never been interested in repeating the story or finding her own happily ever after. However, the Selection has a bigger effect on her than she thought it would and she feels her heart begin to change. Her life is never her own and she always has to put a wall around her for the cameras around the palace. Eadlyn cannot escape her Selection, even though she never wanted it in the first place, and she may just find one person who she can stay with for the rest of her life, if only she learns to open up and let her heart lead instead of her head.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first bought the five book series, I had believed that they were all about the same main people, so initially I thought that The Heir would be more about Maxon and America. Obviously I was disappointed that the story was about their daughter and not about them, but I was also very happy because it meant that their story really was a happily ever after fairy tale and that I didn't have to be worried that there would be any more break ups or anything like that. I was also a bit upset that it was skipping to 20 years later because I would have liked to have read more about Maxon and America, but I know there are some short stories that I am sure will give me a little more information. Once I had discovered what The Heir was truly about and I had read the blurb, I was even more intrigued to watch another beautiful couple fall in love and hopefully stay together forever. The beginning of the book was very interesting and I liked the strange first sentence of the book and how it caught my attention and soon I had felt as if I had known Princess Eadlyn my whole life. I read so fast, taking in every detail and living through Eadlyn's Selection with her, helping her decide if any of the boys would be suitable husbands. I was attached to the story from the very start and I knew it would turn out to be a really great book.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that my favourite character would be Princess Eadlyn because of her strength and confidence. She was the first female heir to the throne and, from seeing things through her point of view; I could see how much pressure it was. Even though she was constantly under surveillance and any wrong glace could be used against her, she managed not to crack (at least not in public) and she was able to put on a brave face to make her family happy. She never believed she would need to find love, or that she ever could, but she still agreed to have a Selection and to properly consider her options, even if she hated the idea. The thing I liked best about her was that, no matter how stubborn she might have been, she was able to admit to herself that maybe love was worth it and that maybe it would be nice to have someone that would be there for you no matter what. There was one other character that I liked: Ahren, Eadlyn's twin brother. The thing that made him stand out to me was how different he was from his sister, especially with his opinions about romance, but how they still had such a great bond. He knew what it was like to be in love and he was sure Eadlyn would regret not properly taking part in the Selection, and he was right about it. I really liked reading about the relationship that Eadlyn and Ahren had and I thought it was really sweet that she knew she could always depend on him. They were both really great characters and I can't wait to read more about them in The Crown.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were a lot of really great parts in the book, and I consider a lot of them to be my favourite, but there were two that I thought to be really special. One of them was the secret date in the kitchen. I will not mention the names or anything like that so I do not ruin anything for those who have not read it, but it was a really sweet moment. The boy was one of the sweetest there was and what I liked about it was how innocent it was. It wasn't a planned date or anything so the boy wasn't trying to be impressive but he still was. One of the best things about it was that it was one of the times when the princess thought that the Selection wasn't all bad and that there were some good options and I thought it was one of the moments when Eadlyn realised that her heart was actually in it. The second part of the book that I thought to be one of my favourite was the baseball game. I won't say much about it because it happened nearer the end of the book, but it was a very happy part. The main reason I thought it to be such a great part was because it was one of the times that Eadlyn forgot all the strains and worries hanging over her family and when she almost forgot that she lived, not just for herself, but for the whole country and that her life was not her own. It was nice to see how the royals acted when they forgot they were royalty and I liked seeing them enjoy the good parts in life. Both these parts of the book were really great and I cannot wait to finish the last book in the series and, hopefully, get another fairy tale ending.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall The Heir was a really wonderful book and I am very glad that Kiera Cass decided to write another two books to add to The Selection series. I loved everything about the books but there were a few things that made it unique. One thing that I liked about the book was how against love the main character – Eadlyn – was, even though she is participating in a Selection where she must choose a husband. It was funny seeing her dismiss the feeling of falling in love as something different or just ignoring it. She was so sure that she would never find someone to love that it was almost funny to see her actually fall for some of the boys and have some part of her worry about losing them. I don't know for sure who she will end up with, but I am sure that the Selection will not end how she planned and she will have a ring on her finger by the end. The ending – which was another thing that I liked about the book – basically, admits this as the truth and it showed me that she was starting to see the point of romance after all. One last thing that I really loved about the book was getting to see the process of the Selection from the other side. I was very disappointed that I didn't get to see Maxon's point of view but I am very happy I got to understand the stress through Eadlyn's. It was clearly very different for Maxon because one, he is a boy, and two, he was already in love from the very start, but I still got to see a small part of the pressure on him and I got to understand him a little more. The Heir was a really incredible book and I am so excited to read the next book and see the end of Eadlyn's story.

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3 or 4?

All the books I have read in The Selection series so far have all been extremely interesting and I have loved them all. The first three were about America and Maxon's Selection and how they fell in love and then this fourth book and the fifth and final book are based on their daughter Eadlyn's Selection. Of course it is very difficult to compare books when they have different main characters and plots, but I think that, for now, The One remains my favourite book so far. There are obviously lots of reasons for my choice but the main one is simply because it ends happily. I have read lots of books that haven't ended happily and have instead ended with the couple separated by death and it was so refreshing to have a literal Disney Princess ending. One other reason why I think The One is my favourite is because I prefer Maxon and America's story to Eadlyn's. I don't exactly know why this is, but I think that it's mainly because I don't yet know who the romantic interest is, I have my suspicions but I am not yet 100% sure and I won't be until Eadlyn admits it. The best thing about Maxon and America was that Maxon claimed his love for her from the very start so I was pretty confident that it would end in the two of them getting married, especially since America was the main character and the one I heard from chapter after chapter. The weird thing about the Selection in The Heir was that the person I was hearing from was the Selector not one of the Selected. It was exciting to have a new point of view but I preferred Maxon and America. One last thing to mention about The One is the following quote that I have committed to memory (which is a bit silly since I have my GCSEs soon and I should be memorising educational things not book quotes): “Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.” This quote is what Maxon says to America to propose to her and tell her that she is the only one for him and I think it is one of the sweetest things I have ever read, and I only memorise really good quotes so this is a special one. There are quite a few other quotes in the book that I think are really sweet and the whole time I was reading them all I was thinking was how much I want something like that. The beautiful parts make The One stand apart from the others and I am very confident in my choice to have it as my favourite when I look back on them. Obviously I loved all the books and I am sure I am going to love the last book – The Crown – just as much.

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend you read The Heir because it is a very good book and I am sure that if you enjoy romance and drama books you will like this one very much. I suggest this book particularly for readers over 13 and I also recommend you read the first three books – The Selection, The Elite and The One – before reading this one because it will show you the first story.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A magical and entertaining novel that will catch your attention and keep you dreaming from the very second you open it.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE ONE by Kiera Cass

“When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.”

What is the book about?

The Selection continues as Maxon and America still puzzle at their emotions and they doubt that the other truly loves them. They both wait for the other to take the lead and say the three most important words that will end the competition once and for all. While Maxon and America grow closer, America begins to realise who she really loves and to what lengths she will go to get him and keep him forever. But while they remain confused about their feelings, they are confident about one thing: the Southern rebels must be stopped before any more bloodshed occurs. Maxon and America manage to find friends on the outside ready and prepared to do anything to keep the royal family on the throne and stop all the murders. All the remaining girls – the Elite – are ready to fight for Maxon and America must too if she expects to hold on to the heart she knows is already hers. The Selection is coming to an end, but will Maxon make the right decision and will America finally be able to make a choice...

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Seconds after finishing The Elite, I already had The One in my hands ready to start reading. I was extremely excited to see Maxon make his choice, and I was hopeful it would be America. I was ready for the Selection to finally end because I was very interested in reading the next few books that I knew would not be following Maxon and America's story. I was a bit upset that their story would be over but I was also ready to start a new story and hopefully see the couple that I knew was made for each other together forever. As usual, I read the blurb before starting the book and I was so intrigued to see how everything would end up. I wanted to see how America tried to finally succeed in taking Maxon’s heart forever but I was also dad because I knew it was the end. When I started the book I was already ecstatic and I was so hooked into the story that I barely realised that I wasn't actually taking part in the Selection and I was really just reading in my room. It was such an incredible start and I knew from the very second I began to read that it would be a perfect end to such an amazing story.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that, once again, America is my favourite character but there were a few others who I really liked. America was just so normal and relatable that it was easy to understand what it was like in her place. She was also really funny and I loved how, when she finally knew who she couldn't live without, she was as ready as any of the other girls and was prepared to do everything she had to in order to win over her love. I also liked how she stopped playing with the boys hearts and didn't just rely on the fact that they would be there for her no matter what. It was horrible to think that she only kept then both around because they made her feel loved in different ways and I really liked knowing that she was no longer going to do that. One of the other characters I liked was Queen Amberly. I really liked her in all the other books because of how all the girls in the Selection looked up to her and I could clearly see why but I didn't see the happier more motherly side of her until the third book. In The One, Queen Amberly was more present in the lives of the Elite and was trying to get to know them more. She gave America some really good advice and I could see what a really good character she was. The final character that stood out to me was Maxon because of how sweet he was. In The One I was able to see Maxon's pain a lot easier and I could tell it was just as hard for him to say I love you as it was for America. Obviously I understood America a lot more because I got only her perspective, but I could also tell he was confused and was struggling like America. The reason he was definitely a character to consider as a favourite was because of everything he was able to forgive just because of love. America had hurt him so much but he knew he would never be able to live without her, so he was strong enough to look past everything that happened and just focus on America. It was so sweet and what he said to her near the end of the book was just the more romantic thing in the world and I want my own Maxon. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I know that my favourite part is the end. Many people might have been missing, and there were obviously much more meaningful and important parts of the book, but to me the ending was undoubtedly the more special part of the book and it literally almost made me cry tears of joy. I can't say much without ruining anything but it was the perfect finish to a great story. There was another part of the book that actually, no joke, made me cry with joy. I can't really say what it was because it will also spoil some things but I can say that it gave me hope for the ending that actually happened. I was so happy and excited during that part that I was squealing and giggling like a crazy fangirl, which is pretty much what I am, and I had to physical telly myself to stop and calm myself or people would have thought there was a dying hyena in the room. The part afterwards really killed the mood and I almost flung the book across the mood but I was still hopeful and optimistic for the future I had always imagined since America arrived at the castle. I am so glad I got my happily ever after but I loved everything else in the book as well. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall The One was another perfect book in a perfect book series and I can barely explain how amazing it was. There is only one thing I didn't like about the book and that was how long it took to get the perfect ending I knew would happen. I got so frustrated that I almost threw the book across the room at least twice because of the absurd fights and arguments that the couple had. However I will have to ignore this because there were too many amazing things in the book to fuss about one small thing, especially when everything was resolved in the end anyway. One thing that I liked about the book, but also felt sad about, was the upsetting and sort of depressing parts of the book. The amount of times this book made me feel like crying was astronomical and even though to some people this may seem like a bad thing, to me it gave me just what I needed to add The Selection series to one of the top ten I have read. It might have been sad but it made the book unique and left me with a connection to the characters that no one can ever break. I will never forget America and Maxon's story and I can wait to reread it. One last thing I would like to mention that I loved about the book was the ending. There is no word to describe just how perfect it was and I cannot begin to explain how much I adored it. I absolutely loved my happily ever after ending and I am almost too happy to start reading the next book in the series because I do not want to be let down. However I am far too curious to find out what happens next and I am desperate to get a few more glimpses of Maxon and America. 

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

The Selection, The Elite and The One were all great books that led me through Maxon and America's story to perfection. I find it so hard to choose a favourite because I loved them all and they all have something unique about them. However I think that, in my opinion, The One was the better book. There are many reasons surrounding this decision but the main one is the ending because it was just so absolutely, undoubtedly perfect. I cannot imagine a more amazing ending than the one I was given and if I had it any other way I would probably throw the book out the window and hunt Kiera Cass down until I could get the happy ending I wanted. Luckily that did not happen because clearly the author doesn't want angry readers at her door and she is obviously very smart. There are other things that made the book special like how many characters I had previously hated were seen in a new light and became some of my favourite characters. I cannot begin to explain how surprised I was at one of the character developments in the book but I'm glad it happened because it let me see this person in a whole new light and the ending wouldn't have had the same effect on me otherwise. One other thing that made The One more unique was the emotional connection I had to the books and how much it was tested and shown during this one. I know that all the books made me feel something but I was so wild while reading The One that you would probably thing I was crazy if I even told you a tiny portion of how I reacted. All three books in The Selection series have been really good and, even though they have a new plot, I am very excited to read the two books left. 

Would you recommend this book?  

Read this book!!! I know you will love it if you enjoy romance and drama and are at least 13 or older. I definitely recommend it but you much read the first and second books in the series – The Selection and The Elite – before reading the this one. You can also find their reviews on my blog so don't hesitate to check them out. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A fairy tale ending to an indescribable story that shattered my heart and slowly pieced it back together.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE ELITE by Kiera Cass

“America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her. If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down. Yet as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

What is the book about?

America Singer is one of the Elite, one of the six girls remaining in the competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart. She may be only a Five, the lowest caste remaining in the Selection, but she has the advantage because Maxon only has eyes for her. If she wins, she will leave behind the struggling life she always thought she would end up with for a luxurious world of gowns and jewels. However the outcome is still uncertain with the threat of rebels looming over the royal family and rivals ready to do anything to take her down and keep Maxon for themselves. America’s feelings for Maxon begin to grow but she remains as confused as ever with her ex-boyfriend Aspen waiting for her and wanting to fight for her heart. She had believed that the Selection was just the prince picking the girl he would spend the rest of his life with, but for America it has turned into a battle over her heart, a choice of which boy she wants more. America must choose: Aspen or Maxon? The life she always imagined or the life she never dreamed of? And above all she must decide if she is ready to become a princess, and later the queen, because the fate of the entire country depends on her choice…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Immediately after finishing The Selection I was already desperate to start the next book, wanting to know America’s, and Maxon’s, decision. The ending of the first book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, because I had believed that the Selection would end in that book, but I was glad that I was wrong because it would have been a very short and simple decision. Once I read the blurb, I was anxious to see what America would choose, but I also saw that this would put a lot of pressure on her and I was worried it would make her crack. The start of the book was perfect and I already felt myself slipping back into America’s world, ready to make a choice with her. However, there was one thing about the start that let me down a little, and that was the small explanations about things that had happened in the previous book. There wasn’t enough to annoy me but I was still a little irritated because if someone had read the first book they wouldn’t need that. As soon as I got over that, I knew the book was going to be as amazing as the first and I found myself nearing the end much quicker than I thought possible.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that America is my favourite character again just because she is so real. She had a life changing decision to make and she didn’t stay strong the whole time. She might have put up a wall when in public but as soon as she felt safe, as soon as she was alone; she broke down and did exactly what I would have done in her position: cry. This made her such a relatable character and also a lot more likable because I could understand her a lot more and see the pressure that was put on her by everyone. Another thing that made her really likable was her relationship with her maids. I know that she was a Five and that her maids were Sixes so she shouldn’t have been horrible to them, but she didn’t have to be as sweet and kind-hearted as she was. I really admired her for that because she was strong enough to make sure that being in the palace had no effect on her personality and she didn’t take advantage of everything that the palace provided for her. There was only one thing that put me off my choice of America as my favourite character and that was her indecisiveness. That seems a little hypocritical seeing as I am probably one of the most indecisive people alive, but it really bugged me how she changed her mind so much and she played with Aspen and Maxon’s hearts. I know that it wasn’t fair that America had to pick because she had feelings for both of them, but neither boy deserved to have her promise to be theirs forever and then have her change her mind within a few days. I understand how hard it must be for her but it wasn’t right for her to play around like that and when they got angry at her there was always an element of truth in their argument. Finally at the end she made her choice, but she hadn’t made either one aware of it, which still wasn’t fair to the one that would remain heartbroken. Apart from that America was a great character, and I am definitely rooting for her to win. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was definitely when America made her choice at the end. I had no doubts about this decision because it was the part that left me the most excited. That could have just been because of the fact that it was the end of the book and that it was a cliff-hanger but I am pretty sure it is because America had finally made her choice and was going to do everything in her power to make share she didn’t lose the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I wasn’t yet sure if I was happy about her choice or not because Aspen and Maxon both had qualities that made me think that she should chose them. However, I was sure that I would warm up to the idea and that in the end I would be as happy as her. This part showed me the true America, the one that would do anything for her friends and family, the one that would never stop fighting for them. There was also another part of the book that showed me America’s true personality and that she hadn’t changed during her time at the palace, but this was a much happier part of the book and didn’t leave me feeling shocked or sad. I enjoyed almost everything in the book but this one stood out to me because it was literally the answer to the main question I had on my mind during the whole book: Aspen or Maxon?

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book was unbelievably amazing and I loved it so much. There were so many good things about the book and I liked pretty much everything about it. The ending was another cliff-hanger which was a little annoying, but I have the next book right next to me so it wasn’t such a bad thing. I really liked how excited the ending left me and how much I wanted to start reading the next book so I could find out what happened next. Another thing that I really liked about the book was that the characters didn’t change much in the book. I was worried that the characters would change and I would end up disliking them but I was glad to see that they were still themselves and that they, America especially, didn’t let being in the palace competing change their personality. One thing I would have liked to make the book even better would be if there was more than just America’s point of view included in the book. I would have liked to hear from Maxon and Aspen to understand them a bit more and maybe have more reasons to pick one over the other, but not having their views didn’t ruin the book or make me dislike it, it would have just made the book even more perfect. I really enjoyed The Elite and loved every single second of it, I just can’t wait to read the next book and find out the final choice in the Selection.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Both the first book, The Selection, and the second book, The Elite, were really wonderful books and I cannot begin to explain how much I loved reading them. However I think that I do have a favourite book out of the two of them: The Elite. There isn’t much that made it stand out to me next to the first book but there are a few things that made the book just a little better. One thing that made The Elite the better book was that it was a lot more connected to my emotions. There weren’t really that many sad and heart-breaking moments in The Selection but there were a few parts in The Elite that almost made me cry. I really liked this because it made the book seem a lot more real and also made the characters seem a lot more human, because they also showed that they had feelings and emotions that even they couldn’t cover up with a mask. They might have been sad parts but they made the book feel a lot more complete and without them everything would have been different. Another thing that made me choose the second book as my favourite one was because America finally made her choice. The shock of Aspens arrival in the first book had made me realise that America would have to choose and seeing how complicated it was and how she still managed to make a choice because she realised that she didn’t want to give one of them up. This made me really happy because in the next book America wouldn’t be that confused and would be spending her time fighting for the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with, which makes everything a lot more exciting. One last reason why I prefer The Elite to The Selection is because the second book is closer to the end of the competition and I am really, really impatient so I am desperately waiting to find out who Maxon chooses as his wife. The books in The Selection series have both been amazing so far and I cannot wait to read the third book: The One.

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend you read this book if you have already read the first one and are waiting for some answers. I you haven’t read The Selection then I suggest you do because you definitely don’t want to miss out. If you are 13 or over and love some drama and romance then I suggest you read it because I am sure you will love it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Two amazing boys, bitter rivals and a choice that will change everything. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

“In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want. Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?”

What is the book about?

In a world divided by numbers, where there barely any opportunities for anyone to move up a caste, the Selection is a chance of a lifetime to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and become a princess, no matter who you are. Every girl invited to submit themselves for the competition is beyond excited, but for America Singer this competition is a curse keeping he away from her family and her secret love to win something she doesn’t even want. Despite her worries, she turns in the form to make her family happy because she strongly believes that she will never be chosen out of all the other thousands of beautiful girls competing. However, against all odds, America becomes one of the 35 girls in the Selection and leaves her home to live in the palace until Maxon chooses her bride. America arrives at the palace determined to survive as long as possible to help her family, but as soon as she lays eyes on the prince her plans start to crumble. She never believed she would win and she never thought she would like Prince Maxon because he is a One and she is a Five, he is destined for a crown and she is destined to entertain. But Maxon wasn’t anything like she thought he would be and she starts to see that maybe life as a princess and his wife wouldn’t be that bad after all. But can she throw away the life she always dreamed of for the one she never imagined would be possible? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Until I heard someone mention it, I never knew that The Selection existed and I had never considered reading it. However, I heard a lot of good things about the series and I was very interested in seeing if the series was really as good as people thought it was. When I first looked at it, I thought it was rather interesting and I always enjoy a book with royalty and hopefully a happily ever after but I also had a few doubts. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the book that much because I was concerned that it would be boring compared to the books I had previously read, which were as action-packed as possible, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. The book is a lot more romance centred than most of the books that I read but I liked that I would be stepping a little outside my comfort zone and trying out a popular book. The blurb was rather interesting, and I obviously wanted to know everything and see what the results the Selection would be, so as soon as I finished reading it I opened the book to the first page and immediately all thoughts of being disappointed disappeared. The first few chapters were amazing and were definitely perfect at hooking me to the book because before I knew it I had already finished reading and I was desperate to start the next one. I was so tense during the first part of the book, waiting impatiently too get the results for the Selection, even though I already knew what would happen. The book was far too short for my liking but I think it was just because I reached the ending far quicker that I had expected because the book was just too good to put down. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character would have to be America and not just because she is the main character and the perspective that I am reading, but because of how real she is. Obviously America being the main character had some influence on my decision because her thoughts and emotions were the ones I was reading and you always grow closer to the people who open up to you much quicker than those who don’t. However there were a lot of other reasons why I liked her, like her bravery and strength to give up her dreams. America could have never signed up and maybe she could have had the perfect life she always dreamed of with the person she loved, but she submitted her form for her family and risked it all just to make them happy. She then did everything she could to stay in the Selection for as long as she could, so that she could keep providing money for her family and giving them a chance to live in luxury for a little while. One other thing that made me like her was how she was pretty much only in the competition for the money and the food. The money might have made her seem a little shallow but she truly needed it, and the food was actually rather hilarious seeing as she thought the only good thing in a palace with magical gowns, millions of pounds worth of jewels and a gorgeous prince was indeed the food. She was a really amazing character and she stood out, not just to me, but to every character she met. She was different than all the other girls because she didn't take advantage of all the riches that the palace provided and she didn't try to change her image just to impress a prince, she did everything she could to make sure she stayed like she had when she arrived and tried to make her life at the palace feel like home. She didn't try and win the prince's heart and that made her the best girl there. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book would most likely be when the girls competing in the Selection were announced. I already knew that America was going to be picked because that was the whole point of the book and it would be one strange story if the main character was not involved in the competition that is the namesake of the book; however I was still very anxious to hear the results. I have read quite a few books that have really made me feel what the characters were feeling and made me really believe that I was part of the story, but I have never in my life felt so nervous and tense and I really felt as if I were the one entering the Selection. That is the main reason I picked this part as my favourite because I love how the author made me truly feel like I was there, but I also liked this part because it was the beginning of America’s adventure. There is always one part in the book that if it never happened, then the story wouldn’t even exist, and this is that part for The Selection. This is probably the most important part of the book and without the announcement of America’s name then this book would have never happened and I wouldn’t have lived through it with her. I really enjoyed reading this part and every other part of the book; I can’t wait to carry on reading more about America’s adventure in the palace.

What was your overall impression of the book?

The Selection was a really great book and I loved reading it. There isn’t a single thing in the book that I didn’t like and I absolutely believe that the book was perfect, maybe a little short but still perfect. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the ups and downs. Some parts of the book were happy and sweet and left me also feeling as happy as the characters, but others were sad and disappointing and left me feeling sad and angry for or at the characters. However I enjoyed both the happy and the sad because the book couldn’t have been complete without a few upsetting moments. It also made the book feel more real because not even a fairy tale is without a few bad moments were the characters lose everything and start to believe there is no hope. Another thing that I enjoyed about the books was that I could actually relate to the main character and I could understand what she was feeling. There are some characters that never feel like real people but America and some of the others were as real as can be. That made the book so much more enjoyable because I could feel like I was actually there much easier than most books and I could actually step into the characters shoes and sympathise with them. One last thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how it was simple without being boring. It was easy to understand and the author didn't stray far from the main plot making it much more interesting than the crazy books with so many twists that you forget what you are reading. It might not have had tons of twists but it was still really interesting and I enjoyed it immensely. I really loved reading The Selection and I am so excited to start the second book. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend you read this book and I confident that anyone who tries it will enjoy it. I think it is best for readers aged 13 and over and if you enjoy dystopian fiction, romance and some drama then I suggest you try this book out. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A romantic competition to win the price and the crown, 35 fierce and beautiful girls, only one can win.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

HEROES OF OLYMPUS – THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS by Rick Riordan

“Seven heroic demigods. One final quest. The greatest sacrifice yet. ‘The ruins are up there,’ Piper promised. ‘I saw them in Katoptris’s blade. And you heard what Hazel said. “The biggest –”’ ‘“The biggest gathering of evil spirits I’ve ever sensed,”’ Jason recalled. ‘Yeah, sounds awesome.’ After surviving many deadly quests, Percy, Jason, Annabeth and their friends face one final challenge: defeat an army of giants before the Earth Mother, Gaia, finally awakes and brings about the end of the world…”

What is the book about?

The end has arrived. One final quest to defeat Gaia before she brings the end of the world. Now the seven brave demigods from the prophecy must fight and sacrifice more than ever before. Percy and Annabeth are back from hell, literally. Now they are heading once again towards their deaths, but they must have the strength to face the giants and defeat Mother Earth with their friends. While they face unknown challenges, Reyna and Nico head towards Camp Half-Blood, on a mission to deliver the Athena Parthenos, a forty foot tall statue destined to bring peace and unite the Greeks and Romans. But Gaia will do anything to stop them and they have monsters on their tail, tracking them and waiting to defeat them. The seven demigods must face the giants but one of them is destined to die. They must find a way to prevent this death and to keep Gaia from rising to destroy the world. Both Greeks and Romans must unite and join the fight or the giants will prevail and Gaia will awaken. Here comes the end, for better or worse…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I didn’t hesitate a second once I had finished the previous book. I knew this was the end and I was excited to see what it would bring. The ending of The House of Hades was alright but I was still very anxious to get answers and finally see the heroes win, or fail. The blurb was still a section of the book, but also a bit more, and I was interested in finding out what the blurb was talking about. I was sad to see that the series would end after this, but also impatient to discover what would happen. The second I opened the book, the second I read the first sentence, I was already back in the demigod world ready to defeat anything that stood in my way. The start was perfect as usual and full of questions and a few answers. It was very intriguing and the more I read the more amazing the book got. I didn’t have any doubts that this book wouldn’t be incredible and I was also fairly confident that it would be the best book in the series. From the very first page I was already anxious to reach the end but it came much quicker than I would have liked. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This choice was hard because every character did their best and showed how amazing they truly were, I even thought that Jason and Percy were great characters, however after thinking things through there is no doubt in my mind who my favourite characters is. Leo had always been a great character but he was always coming in second to the best character, but finally after reading The Blood of Olympus there is nothing stopping me from saying that Leo was my favourite character. He took sacrificing himself to a whole new level and he didn’t even tell that many people about his thoughts. He didn’t want the recognition that people get when they make those empty promises of sacrificing their lives for each other, he just wanted to actually do it and save his friends a lot of trouble. Even when he knew it was the end, he stayed happy and positive for his friends and still stayed the wacky, crazy Leo they loved. He didn’t doubt that this was the right thing and in the end he was able to actually do it without that much hesitation. He was never that confident but, in the end, he became the best version of himself and against all odds he succeeded in keeping his promise and I think that was the best thing about him, he never gave up in helping the person he loved. He was also such a broken character and was always alone when all of his friends had someone who loved them. He used humour and jokes to hide the pain and did everything he could to make himself a more likeable person, because he thought that no one would ever want a shattered heart. However, despite believing that he was nothing and that no one would ever love him, he loved with his whole heart and did everything he could to save his friends. His story and his thoughts completely broke my heart, and the only thing that I could think about when I finished the book was how badly I wanted to become a fictional character so I could give Leo a hug and tell him that he is not alone. I absolutely love him and if you are thinking about reading this book then be prepared to become Team Leo!

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was definitely the end chapter, but there were also a few other parts that I enjoyed. One part that was definitely a contender for my favourite was the plot twist during the fight against the giants. I can’t say much about it without spoiling everything but it was amazing and I loved it, it was definitely a great plot twist. Even though that part was great, the last chapter was by far 100 times better. One reason it was my favourite part was because it came as a huge relief. I had some hope that a certain thing was not true but I was also losing that hope the more I read, then the last chapter came along and I felt so much better knowing that I had been right all along. Another reason why I enjoyed it, and probably the main reason, was because a promise was completed and I was glad that there would finally be happiness for all. I know that most of this stuff makes no sense but I cannot explain the ending without ruining some things so it is best to just leave it all as a very confusing mess for anyone who reads this. I enjoyed the whole book but this ending left me both happy and sad and showed me that anything is possible if you never give up and you believe in what you are doing.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book was perfect and I cannot believe that this is the end. Everything about it was perfect, even the ending which I had been worried about, and I am so glad I got to go on this incredible adventure. One thing I liked was the addition of Reyna and Nico’s points of view. They had been important characters in The House of Hades and I was very happy that I got to hear from them in this book, especially Reyna who was a strange new character that I knew basically nothing about. Another reason why I really liked the book was because of how all the characters got involved a lot more. In the other four books there were certain characters that had more reason to be in the book and some had nothing to do during some parts of the books. However in this book, they were all involved and all of their special talents were important to defeat Gaia. One last thing that I really loved was the ending. It was not what I was expecting but it was perfect. It gave me the feeling that it was the end but also that there is more to come. I still have a few questions about the demigods’ futures and everything, but I think that I can survive with these questions for a while and maybe fill in the gaps myself. I know that the series sis over but I also feel like it’s not the end and that the characters stories will never truly be over. The book was seriously perfect and I loved the series so much, I just can’t believe that there are no more books and I will never learn anything more about the characters. 

Which is your favourite book in the Heroes of Olympus series? (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)

All books in the Heroes of Olympus series were amazing and they all had unique qualities that made them better than the others. As the series grew, the books kept getting better and better and I think that the best book was probably the last one, The Blood of Olympus. The first four books were great and I really enjoyed them but the last book had all my favourite things from those books all wrapped up into one. One reason why The Blood of Olympus is my favourite book in the series is because of the perspectives included. I got to hear from two of my favourite characters, one other character, and two new characters that had been important in the fourth book, The House of Hades. I was very interesting in learning more about those two characters and I didn’t know much about their backstories so, when I saw that I would be personally hearing from them, I was very excited. Another reason why this is my favourite book is because it is the fifth and final book of the series. I like getting a good conclusion to a series and, even though it is sad that the series is finished, I’m also excited to get a potentially happy ending for characters that have spent their whole lives suffering. The ending of The Blood of Olympus was great and left me knowing that it was the end, but that the characters stories weren’t yet over. I wish could learn more and still have adventure to go one but I am glad that the characters are getting some much needed rest. I really loved the Heroes of Olympus series and I am very glad that I chose to try it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book for readers 12 or over who enjoy crazy adventures and lots of action. Of course, I suggest you read the first four books in the Heroes of Olympus series first and also the Percy Jackson series before that because it will give you some more explanation and there is less of a chance of you being confused. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An epic conclusion to an incredible mythological adventure to defeat the most dangerous god of all. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego