Selection (4) - The Heir by Kiera Cass
And the next part of the series around Illéa, now with America's daughter Eadlyn: The Heir (in German Die Kronprinzessin, L'Héritière). I heard it as an English unabridged audio book. Originally published 2015. Same addressees as The Selection (Die Selection)
Eadlyn Schreave is one of the mightiest women in the world and will write history. She has known that her entire life. Vulnerability is a no-go, the loss of control equals suicide. So you can imagine how angry she gets when her family forces a selection on her. Even if it was to appease the public, to save the monarchy and the peace of the country: Eadlyn does not want to fall in love, and she does not want to fall in love in front of the entire world! As Eady tries to do everything in her power to get rid of the 35 – actually 36 – young men, she discovers things about her and her country that are disturbing. And, suddenly, she finds herself – while loosing so much more in the process.
I actually liked that book. Sure, Eady is absolutely horrible in the beginning. She's arrogant, egoistic and ignorant. Not easy to love. But one of the things that made her this way is that she doesn't want to fail, but wants to do the right thing and become a good queen. And I think, another reason for her behaviour towards the selected is simply fear. I mean, c'mon, 35 -36- possibilities to get her heart broken and make a fool of herself. If you are a control-freak and perfectionist like her, that's the most terrifying thing ever. And even if you're not, you'd probably try to protect your heart with all your power.
But the other characters make up for Eady. I love the twin brother, as well as the youngest member of the family (sorry, since I've heard instead of read it, I don't know how to spell the names). They are pretty cool. Then, of course, there are Maxon and his wife. The latter one is all grown-up now and stops using Maxon. I totally approve. She's a different person now than in the previous series, she's more gentle and not as fiery. She shows her love for her husband. I'll explain it with the age.
Of course, it was surprising that she of all the people would force her daughter into a Selection, but as you read (or listen) on, you begin to understand how bad the situation in Illéa is and how much Maxon's wife loves the country. And she's right, a selection really is the best for her daughter. What I actually didn't understand is why she didn't tell her daughter her own story. About her mistakes and how much she struggled. First of all, Eady would have gotten a different perspective on everything in life if she actually heard her mother's view on some subjects. And second, she wouldn't feel as alone – because she feels like she's the only one who dislikes the idea of such a competition.
The other adults are interesting as well. I'm sorry that Lucy has these problems… I like her. And I grow to like her husband as well. Even though I don't understand why Maxon lets him stay in the palace. Maybe that makes me a bad person, but I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't try to make his life miserable, but I wouldn't want him anywhere around me or my wife.
I wonder why the queen's little sister hasn't fallen in love and married – there has to be a story behind that. Maybe, someday, we'll know. But she is and stays a wonderful person.
Marlee has turned out nicely, too. I like her children. I'm sorry for her daughter and how much she has to suffer from Eady, but I'm a big fan of Kyle. I'm sorry that he has to be part of the Selection – and I understand but disapprove of the way he was forced into this. Kyle is a decent boy. He's down-to-earth and funny and he doesn't shy away from telling Eadlyn she screws up. That's rather nice.
The other suitors are interesting as well. Especially Henry. He's so, so sweet! I like how Eadlyn opens up to him and helps him, in front of all cameras. This is actually the first time she does something for someone else in public, but, like her mother, she doesn't even think twice. She just does what she believes is right. And, fortunately, in this case it is.
But my favourite suitor is Eric. He's a good and practical person. Wouldn't be surprised, if he won. He's cool.
What I like best is the contrast between the 35-girls-for-one-man and the 36-boys-for-one-girl situation. How the guys are simply a lot more open about their hostilities… the open arrogance… and all of that.
As for the story itself, it is tense (as always) and the style is as usual. I like especially the different dates and how they grow on Eady.
The cliffhanger at the end of the book is really mean. Really, really mean. If you don't like slow torture, you should probably wait until you have the final part of the series before you read The Heir (Die Kronprinzessin). As for the ideas... they get a little stretched. It's still okay, but a little more freshness wouldn't have hurt.
In brief:
Okay, this means: Half a star for the side characters, half a star for the development of Eady and stars for content and style.
Prequel: