The Crown by Kiera Cass
The Crown by Kiera Cass is the final book in
the Selection trilogy turned series. Let me start with a quick side note: I did
not go into this book with high expectations yet, somehow, Kiera Cass has
managed to disappoint me. Hence, if you are a HUGE fan of the Selection series
I suggest that this review is probably not for you. Please also understand that
everything discussed here are my own personal opinions and are, by no means,
yours. If you love this book/series, please go on doing so. All books deserve
love and I am happy you have found enjoyment in this particular novel. My
thoughts and opinions are, by no means to offend or hurt anyone and everything
included in this review is completely honest. That being said, if you’re still
reading, let the review begin!
The reason I
continued reading this series is because (a) I wanted to see the final result
and (b) I have several friends who want to borrow my copy of The Crown after me. The plot was the
main element of this novel that was keeping me entertained. However, I found
that the thin plot was propped up on a crutch of melodramatic clichés and
anti-feminist stereotypes. Everything that occurred in this novel was
stereotypical and predictable. The worst element of the plot, however, was the
fact that every single event occurring prior to the decision of the selection
winner was filler, meaning that the events were simply filling in the book so
the reader would be forced to wait before the final reveal, thus if any or all
of the events prior to the big reveal had been deleted or changed, the end
result would stay exactly the same. The plot also did a poor job of holding the
reader’s interest as the reader felt disconnected and apathetic to the
protagonist’s fate and emotions.
The main
protagonist, Eadlyn, was one dimensional, stereotypical and completely
manipulated by the plot. Either Eadlyn was suffering from some sort of unknown
bipolar disorder or Kiera Cass had bent her to every whim and cliché she
desired. Not only could Eadlyn be replaced by any other female literary
character but, at times, she enraged the reader so much that she instantly
became the antagonist of the book. Other than Eadlyn, there is no antagonist of
note in this series. This means that the book is lacking a crucial element and
has a weak and poorly developed array of characters.
The setting
was poorly established but, as this was the final book in the series, I will
not be discussing this element as it should have been vastly covered in the
previous novels.
The writing
style, if I am to be completely honest, read like fan fiction. I thought Kiera
Cass was growing out of her basic, dreary style when she produced the novella The Queen as a spin-off to her main
series. The Queen was both enjoyable
and a significant improvement for Kiera Cass. However, Cass has reverted to old
habits as not only did The Crown
break simple literary rules, such as show don’t tell, but it read in a very
simple and disappointing fashion. Told from Eadlyn’s perspective, the simple writing
retold the events of the novel without any flavour or emotional insight.
Overall, I
did not enjoy reading The Crown by
Kiera Cass but if you did or, if you intend to read this novel, do so with my
best wishes. Books are meant to be loved and if you love this book/series, good
on you!
Overall
Rating: 1/5 stars
~Jess
