Challenge Corner discussion

Sounds good! You can always scroll back up and see our thoughts too. We started at book one too. Kim’s done besides maybe the novellas if she’s reading them. I’m going to be reading book five next month.
It’s been a fun BR :-)

Jammin Jenny was in it too for a bit

I haven't read this series since like 2017.. and I think I only got to book 3.1? Not sure. Might have to dive into this series in June. Trying to knock off books from my TBR and series that I've started and never finished.

Alaina wrote: "I haven't read this series since like 2017.. and I think I only got to book 3.1? Not sure. Might have to dive into this series in June. Trying to knock off books from my TBR and series that I've st..."

I’ve been doing the same thing with trying to complete more series I already started this year. Otherwise I end up feeling like I need extensive rereads and though I enjoy rereads, then that just puts me more behind on everything else lol

This BR starting out with Kim was my first read of this series and I’ve found it so addictive for whatever reason so I’m excited to start book 5 today. And I also have the novella bind up too.

Ch.1-10
(view spoiler)[I’m as usual flying through this addicted. I’m liking Eadlyn better than last book. I’m super nervous about Marid, I feel like he has some ulterior motive popping in as soon as she’s in charge like he’s going to take advantage of her being new to get something done differently after finding out that Maxon and August had a falling out. Also, he better not add in as a candidate in the selection or for her heart in general. That would be super annoying after investing in so many of her actual selected from the whole last book.
I’m still pro Kile the most. I also like Erik even though he’s not a candidate. And I would feel bad for Henri if she ended up with Erik.
I’m so curious to see what happens! Also VERY glad America is recovering, I would not handle her dying well :/ (hide spoiler)]

Ch.11-21
(view spoiler)[I KNEW she had feelings for Erik. Now she’s going to avoid them but hopefully not create a mess.
I was surprised that Hale and Ean were gay but so happy for them. And now it makes sense why Ean wasn’t super invested in her romantically but was willing to be there if she wanted just a partner. I love the close friendship Eadlyn and Hale have still kept since and how she’s handling their situation overall.
I’m still team Kile but I think they could really adjust and be super close friends.
I really cannot stand Josie and wonder how she came from Marlee and how Marlee seems oblivious to how she acts. It cracked me up when even Kile said Josie’s only aware of herself.
The coronation seems nice and I like that it seems like Eadlyn is growing up. (hide spoiler)]

Ch.22&23
(view spoiler)[Ugh, I had a bad feeling about Marid. What a jerk. He’s so manipulative and all he cares about is getting himself on the crown. I hope Eadlyn is able to take him down somehow and expose him. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
(view spoiler)[I really liked the way Eadlyn’s story ended up playing out. I feel like she grew up and finally found love and it made sense how all the boys in her selection ended up helping her out of her self centered shell.
Even Josie became likable by the end. I like how she ended up seeing all the stress that really goes on to wake her up to how ridiculous she was always being...tho it did seem like an overnight change for her.
I did think the Maxon reveal about his first beating and Lady Brice being his fathers illegitimate child was random and unnecessary...and kind of weird, but otherwise I enjoyed the story and how things ended up. (hide spoiler)]

I’m hoping to start the final book in this series soon and can’t wait for all the novellas for more in this world and with these characters :-)

The Queen Ch. 1-4
I’m finally starting this and so far it feels so weird reading about Amberly as one of the selected in Clarkson’s selection!
(view spoiler)[It’s really bothering me how submissive she seems when I think of Queen Amberly as very strong. Clarkson told her basically to cut her hair, and she instantly goes to do it! At least she ends up liking it, but it really isn’t a good message to set. Also she even comments there’s nothing he would ask her that she wouldn’t do!! (hide spoiler)]

End of ‘The Prince’
(view spoiler)[I ended up really liking The Queen novella and seeing how Amberly fell for Clarkson by the end of the story, while also seeing how Clarkson becomes who he is. Also, it was interesting to learn the background of Amberly’s headaches.

I loved The Prince story, and getting everything from Maxon’s perspective. Even though we could guess before, I liked actually reading how he reacted finding out his father hand picked most of his selected, his reactions to initial interactions to America, and how nervous he was about the selection and his future. (hide spoiler)]

End of ‘The Guard’
(view spoiler)[Well that was disappointing. I couldn’t wait to read this story—I was hoping for some insight on how Aspen and Lucy fell in love, and we got zero of that.
Instead it was all about Aspen pining over America and them sneaking around which was the main thing I disliked about the Selection series! I felt like this story took away from Aspen and Lucy’s love which I actually care about. To be honest, I kind of wish I hadn’t read it because it took me back to not being a big fan of Aspen when I left the series really liking him. VERY unneccessary story if you ask me—and I’m STILL left missing out on Aspen and Lucy’s love story which woukd’ve been so much more rewarding :/ (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I am now thoroughly annoyed with Mare. I understand that I don't always get what I want, but it shouldn't be this hard to watch everything go up in flames or for Mare to make a Pros and Cons List. Maxon has his status, a nice name, money (to provide for the family), and he's cuter than a tree could ever be. There is something wrong with Aspen, and I intend to figure out what it is. Even though Mare has been annoying, Aspen needs to understand that Mare has a big choice to make. At 51% to 49% and Aspen on the losing side, he shouldn't be having petty arguments with Mare. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ This was bound to happen. I really think they should revise the competition rules. Marlee is amazing and smart! So smart, she realized that Maxon was not the dude for her and fell in love with a gaurd. Why is that so awful? Then after Marlee and Castor got caned, Mare decides it is safe to continue sneaking around with Aspen. Is this not cheating behind Maxon's back? The same Maxon who snuck Marlee into the castle so Mare and her would have some time together? THAT Maxon is who you are cheating on? Shame on you America Singer, shame on you. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ The new setting of the Selection is far more intimidating. With only six people, I would be a paranoid wreck. I would question my friendships and alliances. I definitely would not be making new ones. Mare decided becoming buddies with someone else Maxon likes would be a great idea. I definitely did not see the troubles this would bring. *eye roll* (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Good for Maxon! He is finally standing up for himself. By the end of the book, we had gone from, "Maxon, I love you," to ,"Aspen, you are my rock," back to, "I will fight for you, Maxon!" And Maxon is tired of it and so am I. Maxon brought Mare back down to earth and explained that now she needs to work. Mare completely ruined the trust Maxon and her had built. Mare deserves the suffering she will get. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[Mare needs to stop. She is an annoying character, but I doubt she is entitled to spying on people during personal moments. At least she didn't get caught when she was spying on Kriss. But someone has to tell her it isn't right. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[Did I believe it? No. Will I? Probably not. Mare says she is over Aspen. I don't know why this was so difficult, but she decided she wants Maxon. Not Aspen...Sure...Mare is going to find a way to ruin what she has anyway. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I don't mind Celeste's full 180. When she's your friend, you love it. I love Celeste more than America. Who doesn't?! I don't think the death of America's dad was necessary. It only showed us that he was a rebel, but when you think about it, it makes total sense. America would talk about how her dad hated the castes, and SHOCKER, he is a part of the rebel group trying to destroy the castes. Should I be shocked? (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[This book was all about the rebels. Now we know that the North rebels are the good guys because they helped us fight when the Southerners invaded the palace. And does no one else find it convenient that Maxon became king that day as well? Because his parents died?! That IS believable right?!!! RIGHT!!! Yeah, I know. (hide spoiler)]

*********RESTARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, 2020***********

Finished!
(view spoiler)[I loved th e rest of these stories, it was so fun to see from other characters perspectives. And the where are they now was cool, just to see what happened to the other girls from America’s group. I really hate that I’m now completely done with this series because they were such addicting books for me and I loved every time I went back into this world. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8:(view spoiler)[ I really hate Eadlyn. She is a spoiled brat. When I imagined Mare's offspring, I never imagined such a conceited daughter. What happened? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16:(view spoiler)[ Nothing is happening so far. I am only reading about Eadlyn's complaints about her life. Most of the boys aren't interesting, and the ones that are interesting don't interest Eadlyn. My favorite boys are Harri and Erik. Kile is nice too, but I don't like how Eadlyn has been using Kyle to please the press. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24:(view spoiler)[ Finally! Something happened! Jack started coming on to Eadlyn and gave off some serious perverted vibes. Then, Fox (which is an amazing name) and Burke (which is not as amazing a name) got into a fight after cooking bad asparagus because "they're stressed." So am I, but I don't start throwing punches because of vegetables unless it's to the person who served them to me. Kidding! *wink wink* (hide spoiler)]

Finished:(view spoiler)[ Eadlyn definitely inherited her mother's ability to never make up her mind. And how does your mother having a heart attack make you want to do the Selection? I didn't really like this. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I like Marid. He seems cute and nice but I would not want him in the Selection. It would throw everything off since Eadlyn would be expected to somehow catch Marid up. And even though I like him, he seems weird somehow. Is it just incredibly convenient that he showed up and befriended EVERYONE, or is he planning something? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Why can't Eadlyn have one friend that she doesn't want to marry/kiss? I wanted Eadlyn and Erik to stay friends so badly. Books don't value friendship like they should these days. A girl can't have a friend who is a boy without thinking romantically about them! It makes me sad. I'm concerned about what this is going to mean for Henri though. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I am always wrong about everyone and everything. Marid was plotting the quickest ways to the crown and power right under my nose! I had the slightest premonition. The slightest. Also, Ean and Hale are gay! Didn't see that one coming. It definitely explains Ean's nature. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I found Josie's transformation unbelievable as in it made no sense considering it happened over night. I also did not see the need to add the things about Maxon and his father. It didn't really add anything to the story besides making us hate someone who already died. It also does not make sense to me that Maxon knew about Bryce before we did and started keeping an eye on her. It just seems strange. Overall, the book was ok and better than The Heir. (hide spoiler)]

Starting The Selection now!

Ch 7: (view spoiler)[Aw man, they didn't say their goodbye's to one another. I get that's she's upset with his decision but I feel like that might bite her in the ass? (hide spoiler)]

Ch 12: (view spoiler)[Omg I would've cried when I saw the pants. I'm not a big fan of dresses. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 16: (view spoiler)[Oh, if I could be a fly on the wall.. I would want to know what Celeste said in order to make Anna do that. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[I honestly thought Aspen was going to get caught. I mean they almost did but luckily the maids thought she was just sick.. I'm also wondering if someone inside the Castle is helping the rebels based off of how quickly they got into the castle. (hide spoiler)]

25% (view spoiler)[ So, it's like the Hunger Games meets the Bachelor? I hope that Maxon is as nice as he seems. Though I doubt this series would be popular if he used his princely privilege to take advantage of all of his possible princesses. Then it would just be a book about a jerk. (hide spoiler)]

Deanie wrote: "

25% [spoilers removed]"

LMAO hunger games meets the bachelor.. okay I could get behind this type of show.

Alaina wrote: "Deanie wrote: "

25% [spoilers removed]"

LMAO hunger games meets the bachelor.. okay I could get behind this type of show."

I've never actually watched an episode of The Bachelor, but somehow I think it would be more entertaining with weapons.

50% (view spoiler)[ An attack? Now we're getting into plotty bits. Maxon seems nice enough, but I'm thinking that the government has dark secrets that even he doesn't know. Maybe the rebels have a reason for attacking. Are they looking for proof that the royal family's origin story is a fake? (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[ America and Maxon are adorable. Too adorable. I love them together. And I like that he's trusting her more with things... of course, we know that she's trustworthy since she's the narrator of the book... I'm just hoping he's not also being fooled by someone else with ulterior motives. (hide spoiler)]

Deanie wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Deanie wrote: "

25% [spoilers removed]"

LMAO hunger games meets the bachelor.. okay I could get behind this type of show."

I've never actually wa..."

😂😂 it totally would. My sister loves that show

100% (view spoiler)[ "I’m not choosing him or you. I’m choosing me.” That's a very powerful line, especially in a book targeted towards teen and tween girls. And I'm very glad of that. This was a much better book than I had initially thought it was going to be. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Deanie, I got book 2 today from my library. Do you have the second one yet, or no?

Ch 8: (view spoiler)[I'm really happy that she got to see her family and that they are seeing what is going on in the castle with their own eyes. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 17: (view spoiler)[I have a bad feeling when it comes between Maxon and her right now. Which I don't want to happen because I like them together but Aspen being nearby makes things confusing.. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 24: (view spoiler)[Why can't she just say, hey - I really like you. Please forget about Aspen. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Now sure how I feel about the King's conversation with her but I'm excited with how this one ended. I'm intrigued to see what's going to happen in the next book! (hide spoiler)]

Starting the next one!

15%: (view spoiler)[Ugh, I really hate this whole push/pull thing they have.. it's frustrating. (hide spoiler)]
42%: (view spoiler)[Hmm.. who to ship Aspen with..?!? (hide spoiler)]

60%: (view spoiler)[Well, crap - tell him NOW! (hide spoiler)]
81%: (view spoiler)[Well, well.. Lu was right on who the rebel was. Glad someone was paying attention for me lol (hide spoiler)]
100%: (view spoiler)[Honestly, not bad for being the third book. Even if things were a bit predictable or cliché here and there. I just think things annoy me because I don't watch the bachelorette or bachelor shows and it seems like this is pretty similar to that. Just with less deaths and rebellions - ya know? (hide spoiler)]

Going to start the next book now!

30%: (view spoiler)[I knew this was going to be about their kid because of how the previous book ended.. and so far it's okay. (hide spoiler)]

50%: (view spoiler)[Even though I like the hunger games aspect of this.. I just despise the Bachelor/Bachelorette vibes. Meh. (hide spoiler)]

75%: (view spoiler)[I can see how the selection can have some benefits to it. You get to meet new people and form some bonds and alliances.. but the guys really bore me. I guess one can be a lucky winner but eh. (hide spoiler)]

100%: (view spoiler)[Oh come on. Hasn't America been through enough? Now she has a heart attack? Hot damn. Even though she annoyed me in her books she deserved happiness dammit. Ugh, now I need to see how it's all going to end. I hope she doesn't die. (hide spoiler)]

Starting the last book now!

28%: (view spoiler)[I'm so happy that America is good and getting better.. but this scene is all kinds of awkward. (hide spoiler)]

61%: (view spoiler)[Eh, I'm a little bored right now.. (hide spoiler)]

72%: (view spoiler)[I knew Maxon would become more likable.. eventually lol. I'm proud of him being a great dad and husband. Good for him. (hide spoiler)]

100%: (view spoiler)[Eh, the ending was kind of cute. (hide spoiler)]

This series has been on my list for a long time. I am hoping to start the first book in a couple of days.

Chapters 1-8 (view spoiler)[
I know Aspen wants what is best for America, but shouldn't she be included in that decision? I feel bad that they broke up already despite just meeting those two. I am hoping Maxon will at least me charming. (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 9-15 (view spoiler)[
The story is alright so far, but nothing exciting has really happened. I also hope Prince Maxon ends up being more interesting because I find him really dull. America is fine, I suppose. She at least has a bit of a background story. (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 16-19 (view spoiler)[
I knew it was going to happen, but I'm happy about that there is a chance between Maxon and America :) I know it is a little cliché, but I find it cute. Also, Maxon is seeming slightly less boring. (hide spoiler)]
Chapters 20-25 (view spoiler)[
Well Aspen arriving at the palace definitely mixes things up. I should have expected him to make another appearance and yet I kind of forgot about him. I think I prefer Maxon now, though. (hide spoiler)]