The Heir (The Selection, #4)

by Kiera Cass

Kiera Cass's Number 1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection - and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illea's royal family into a whole new Selection-and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Eighteen years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon's heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn't expect her Selection to be anything like her parents' fairy-tale love story...but as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

A new generation of swoonworthy characters and captivating romance awaits in the fourth book of the Selection series!

• ISBN10: 0062349864
• ISBN13: 9780062349866
• Publish Date: 3 May 2016 (first published 5 May 2015)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[ashycandle]

it was ok, the first three books are good but not the rest

[Cocktails and Books]

I liked the other books in this series, but Eadlyn is such a bitchy brat that I had to stop reading this 50% of the way in.

[Chelsea]

What I Loved

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I thought the first part of this series was ok but I think I liked this book a little bit more than the others. I thought it was cool seeing the selection in the point of view of the person who was doing the selecting. I can tell being on either end is hard but this was a different perspective.

I really liked seeing the characters from the other books grown up. I thought it was really fun seeing them all a little older though it was frustrating because they all still acted like children.

I’m really liking a few of our bachelors. I honestly can’t tell who is going to be chosen! I think that’s part of the appeal for this book. I really don’t know what’s going to happen but I have some favourites that I’m hoping will go far!

What I Didn't Love

I really didn’t like Eadlyn for about the first half of this book. I thought she was a real snob and hated her with a passion. Closer to the end I started to tolerate her a little more but I still wouldn’t say that I liked her. She was too focused on the little things which I guess since she’s a teenager is pretty accurate. She acted like one that’s for sure. She probably could have used a slap to the face a few times because she really was pretty horrible.

I also wasn’t blown away by the plot line. It was interesting and not too bad but there’s not really much going on besides the selection. There’s supposed to be some people rebelling against the new system but it’s only ever mentioned in passing kind of like in the first book about the rebels. I think this author isn’t too great at writing the bigger picture.

Who I'd Recommend To

I think that if you liked the first books in The Selection series then you’d like this one too. It has the same feel and writing style but it also has the same plot holes and a lack of developed characters.

[liz089]

Finished at last !! It took me a while to get back into this one but now I'm ready for The Crown!!

[Sam@WLABB]

I was worried about this one. I had read a few meh reviews, and I was worried that Cass was just trying to milk the series. But she didn't. I loved the way we got to spend time with old characters from the previous books, and getting to find out what happened to them. But they aren't just there for a check-in, they are an integral part of the story. I really liked the family aspect. There was so many times that the strong family bonds were put on display, and that made me all warm and fuzzy. The biggest part of the story, is obviously, Eadlyn. I know a lot of people have found her annoying, but she is actually dealing with a lot of changes in her life, and she grows a great deal during the book. I thought Cass did a great job of setting up several favorites (and I am still sort of rooting for the other guy -- read it, you will understand), and there was a great balance of swoon, angst, and humor. A fine addition to a series I love.

[stefu1]

I tried to like this book, I really really did, but I just didn't like Princess Eadlyn. She was too ugh. I didn't like her ignorance, her snobby attitude, and most of the things that she does. I really only gave it 2 starts because i likes the references to the selection, and now that I looked back on it, I only liked the selection because of Maxon. Infant, I only liked this book because of him. disappointed, but because of the ending, I will most likely read the next book.

[jesstheaudiobookworm]

4.5
So. Freaking. Good.
But the ending was rather abrupt (setting up for the next installment, I'm sure). Can't wait!

[girlinthepages]

I’m actually quite surprised that I really, really enjoyed reading The Heir. I found Eadlyn to be a much more interesting protagonist than America. I’d read a lot of reviews citing that she’s spoiled and entitled, but honestly, she’s a princess and a teenager…not a surprise. I liked that she had a chip on her shoulder and struggled between making selfish choices and choices that were for the “greater good” of the monarchy and country. I liked that she’s extremely reluctant to partake in a selection, and doesn’t understand why having a king consort by her side should make her any more successful as a leader (which is what her whole family tells her..and while she rebels against this mentality, the issue of her mother and father forcing her into it is a whole different rant I’ll save for another day…)

It was also interesting to see the male suitors partake in a selection. While there was a rather heavy handed attempt at almost-assault in one instance that I think could’ve been handled better, I enjoy seeing the way the boys befriend and betray each other, as it shows that it’s not just the stereotypical reality-tv show female stereotype that can be catty or manipulative; the males can be just as cunning and cruel. I especially love the love-hate relationship she has going on with Kyle, and I’m quite intrigued by Ean (I think that’s his name? It’s been a few months since I read this…) as well.

Overall: My favorite book in the Selection series so far, Eadlyn is a independent and intelligent, if at times bratty, protagonist who’s a lot less annoying than America. It showcases the country after her parents implement the abolishing of the caste system, and the repercussions of their idealistic plan. Also, there’s no aggravating love triangle so far, which was my main complaint about the previous three books in the series. It’s quite enjoyable for a light dystopian read, and I’m excited for the next installment.

[Katie King]

**2 Stars**

I'm so conflicted about this series. It's that exboyfriend you're entirely incompatible with, that you fought with often and treated each other terribly, yet whenever you see his cute face you get roped back into his arms for a brief period of time. I think this series is crap, yet I've read every book. WHY?

There isn't a whole lot to say that hasn't been said before. The writing, plot, pacing, etc is all still pretty rough, just like the rest of the series. Eadlyn is a spoiled, selfish brat and I wish I could slap her across the face. Kile has a dumb name and needs to give himself more credit. I don't blame Ahren for ditching Eadlyn after how she behaved over Camille. Best wishes to them on their Eadlyn-less life, I know they'll be happy now! And yet, even after he leaves Eadlyn doesn't take an ounce of responsibility.

At no point does she ever take responsibility for her own actions. Everything is someone else's fault or responsibility. She is a COMPLETELY unlikable character in every aspect. She talks down to her handmaiden and doesn't understand why she gets upset. She treats the Selected like crap and doesn't understand why their feelings are hurt. Maybe she's "just protecting herself" from her feelings, but nobody I know does that in such a way that they could be considered such a complete bitch 100% of the time.

The plot was pretty dumb. Instalove is everywhere. Cold-hearted one second, falling for seven guys at once the next. I would say thank god the terrible rebel subplot is gone but GUESS WHAT? IT'S HERE TO STAY. Good thing Eadlyn axed so many guys in the beginning to ensure that there isn't more than one remaining book in the series. Which we all know I will read.

[Angie]

I was sooo excited to get more of this series! While I don't like Eadlyn as much as her mother (more on why in a bit), I do think she has potential for a lot of growth that will make me love her. It's 20 years later, the caste system has been abolished, but the people still aren't happy. It's hard to let go of old prejudices, and King Maxon isn't sure what to do about it. In order to earn himself some time, he asks Eadlyn to host a Selection to distract the citizens and hopefully boost morale. She has no interest in getting married, but she's willing to do her duty for her father and her country. She has no idea what she just got herself into.

The premise of The Heir is kind of silly. I still totally love the whole idea of the Selection, but it felt forced here. At least all of the characters are aware that it's out of place and just a distraction, not a fix for the problem. But them noticing that almost made me feel like it was a cover up to make this new Selection make sense in spite of things. Like, there was no way to make it feel natural, since it's no longer a requirement of the royal family. It was weird, but once it got going, I was once again hooked! Eadlyn has a varied group of boys and they're all interesting, if not all likeable.

Eadlyn is a brat. There's really no other way to put it. She's spoiled and destined to be queen, and that bit of knowledge has gone straight to her head. It's not like she's completely awful, but that girl needs to get off her high horse. However, it's not like she's just this terrible character. It's very obvious that her main character arc is going to be her opening up to people and being more aware. Her whole family points out that she's very closed off and that the citizens feel like she's distant. Eadlyn thinks she's this strong, powerful woman who doesn't need anyone behind her, especially a man. That's great and all, but not if she doesn't treat people right. Half the time she doesn't even realize how she comes across, so this whole Selection is a learning process for her, since she's never had much interaction with people outside her family. Heck, she's even ignorant about the castle staff who she sees everyday! She's very entitled and caught up in her own little queendom, and she needs a reality check.

I know this all sounds quite negative, but I did really enjoy The Heir. It's the kind of fun, bookcandy that I adore. It wasn't nearly as good as the previous books, but I suspect it'll get better from here. It was just a shift in tone, I guess. I needed more time to warm up to Eadlyn and settle into her character, which is fine. I'm loving the actual Selection so far, since it's such a disaster! I do have a favorite, and I'm hoping he becomes a main love interest. I might be totally, way, super off, but I hope not!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.