8 Books Like The Selection That You Need To Read

Have you just finished reading The Selection by Kiera Cass and looking to sink your teeth into something equally as satisfying as this series? Then you’ve come to the right place.

The Selection is a YA dystopian series that is set in the future. Here, the future Queen is chosen ‘bachelor-style’ – broadcast to the nation via television.

For many girls, being a part of ‘the selection’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So when our main character, America Singer, finds herself at the royal palace, she must make a decision between her heart and head – her first love, Aspen Ledger, and Prince Maxon.

As you delve further into the book, you learn about the dystopian world the characters live in and the rebels trying to overthrow the monarchy.

With this in mind, to help you find your next read, I have outlined 14 of the most addictive books that fans of The Selections need to read now.

If you couldn’t put down The Selection, then you’ll love The Red Queen, The Glittering Court, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and The Night Circus. Discover 8 books to read after finishing The Selection, below.

Themes In The Selection

Family

In The Selection, Illéa is a country founded on castes. The lower ones are forced to band together in order to survive, whereas the higher ones live in complete luxury.

Here, the characters consider themselves to be part of a wider collective – an extension of their caste.

In addition to this, it was America’s loyalty to her family and their well-being that helped her stay in the competition so long – since they received more money for her participation than they ever would as artists.

Poverty

The vast majority of the population in Illéa is suffering from poverty. In The Selection, the Six, Seven, and Eight castes are the ones that fall below the poverty line.

Even the Singer family, who are considered Fives, are restricted due to their financial status. This is most commonly depicted through food shortages.

This is highlighted in her relationship with Aspen who has suffered from food scarcity to a more severe degree than America – food becomes something that symbolizes their love.

A Woman’s Role

In the novel, women are presented as having no power over their lives. Even the queen – who was chosen through the selection process, too – doesn’t have nearly as much power as her son or husband. Essentially, her function is as a mother and wife.

Physical beauty is emphasized as a way in which girls can change their position in society – which, of course, complicates the feminist interpretation of the novel.

This is portrayed through her siblings’ ascendance in society. Her older sister was able to escape poverty by marrying up – as a result of her looks. Whereas, her brother was able to ascend due to his talent.

Political Propaganda

Propaganda is used as a means by the elite to exert their control and power over the masses. Since it is made clear that any sort of centralized power in Illéa is weak, the ruling structure works to maintain ignorance in the country.

This is achieved by hindering the spread of information and blaming any setbacks on the rebel force. Likewise, by promoting the Selection itself, too – which distracts the nation from the political process.

Books Like The Selection

The Belles By Dhonielle Clayton

This novel features a competition slightly different from The Selection, however, it will keep you on the edge of your seat all the same.

Here, in the world of Orleans, everyone is devoid of natural beauty, thus, they must use the power of The Belles to make them beautiful.

There is a competition where the most powerful Belles compete to work for the royal family. However, between a sick queen and a greedy princess, the fate of the ruling people is in jeopardy.

Pros

• A story with much depth and complexity.
• Fun descriptions.
• Interesting concept.

Cons

• Some readers thought the characters were bland.

Themes similar to The Selection: Appearance, strong female characters, poverty, and power.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses By Sarah J. Maas

There is a good reason why this book has gained a cult-like following. The first book in the series is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in the world of Prythian.

Here, humans, creatures, and fae are all prominent – albeit, without living in harmony together.

By the end of the book, you’ll be introduced to a jaw-dropping love triangle that will make you want to finish the book as soon as possible.

Pros

• Strong female heroine.
• Incredible world-building.
• Interesting story.

Cons

• Some readers didn’t like that the author changed some of the lore incorporated in the book.

Themes Similar To The Selection: Love, poverty, family, and sacrifice.

Caraval By Stephanie Garber

Every time you play caraval, the game changes. Packed with wonder and magic, the destination-based game is played by our main character, Scarlet, who tries to win their year’s prize – her sister, Tella – before it’s too late.

The longer Scarlet plays the game, the more stakes are at risk. This first book is part of a trilogy that only gets more complex and interesting as you continue reading.

Pros

• Compelling imagery.
• Unique plot.
• Provocative.

Cons

• Predictable ending.

Themes similar to The Selection: Game, family, love, and suspense.

Cinder By Marissa Meyer

This is a four-book series that is set in the future, where war and disease are prominent. It is part of sci-fi fantasy, fairy tale, and dystopia.

It takes a combination of elements from Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella and transforms them into something you have never imagined before.

Instead of being the damsels in distress, they are known to be, the books present us with strong, powerful women.

Pros

• Strong female characters.
• Interesting plot.
• Amazing world-building.

Cons

• Some readers have pointed out the novel lacked depth, especially in the main character herself.

Themes similar to The Selection: Strong female characters, fairy tale inspired, and love.

Red Queen By Victoria Aveyard

In this dystopian series, the Reds and rebelling against the oppressive Silver blooded characters.

In a world divided by the color of your blood, the Silvers have god-like powers, while the Reds don’t have any. Well… this is until Mare Barrow.

In an attempt to conceal her powers, Mare is swept into the royal household where a love triangle is formed between her and two princes.

Although, not everything is what it seems.

Pros

• Plenty of twists and turns.
• Interesting storyline.
• Compelling environment.

Cons

• Slow-moving novel.

Themes similar to The Selection: Family, love triangle, fantasy, underdog, and royalty.

The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern

The night circus sets the stage for a competition between two extremely powerful magicians. Here, the competitors are men and women.

However, there is a twist. The characters have no clue about the rules, how to win the game, or when the competition will even end.

As the competition progresses, the competitors begin to fall in love – which only complicates things further.

Pros

• Beautiful characters and imagery.
• Deep metaphors and symbolism.
• Great structure.

Cons

• Some readers have outlined that the first half of the novel is slow.

Themes similar to The Selection: Love, competition, conflicting characters, and power.

Royal Replicas By Michael Pierce

This story follows Victoria who has just found out she is a clone, along with six other girls, created to replace the royal heir, Amelia.

Now, not only does she have to compete with the other girls for her title but also the prince’s hand, too.

Pros

• Well-written.
• Interesting concept.
• Suspenseful.

Cons

• Some readers were disappointed that the novel ends with a cliffhanger.

Themes similar to The Selection: Competition, rivalry, royalty, love, and feminism.

The Glittering Court By Richelle Mead

This novel is a combination of historical fiction that resembles the worlds of England and colonial America.

Here, we follow the story of Adelaide, a countess, who is trying to escape an arranged marriage.

To do so, she impersonates her maid when she leaves her court and starts her own adventure.

Pros

• Unexpected ending – plenty of twists and turns.
• Plenty of romance.
• Many themes are seamlessly interwoven throughout the book.

Cons

• Some readers found the swap of genres and themes in the novel to be too much.

Themes similar to The Selection: Royalty, competition, appearance, romance, and courage.

Final Thoughts

The Selection is a one-of-a-kind novel that combines royalty and the bachelor all in one story. However, despite this, there are plenty of books with a similar theme.

If you couldn’t get enough of The Selection and were sad to see it finish, then don’t worry. There are plenty of other books that are sure to satisfy your curiosities.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next read.

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