Review: THE ONE, by Kiera Cass

After reading THE SELECTION and THE ELITE, THE ONE was an overall disappointment. I didn't think it was possible for America to become an even weaker character, but this book proved me wrong. I saw no growth for her throughout the entire series, and oftentimes I considered giving up on reading because I was so frustrated with her. America changed from a strong-willed girl with conviction (in Book #1) to a wishy washy, flimsy girl in Book #3. When I started the first book, I never expected to hate the main character as much as I did by the end of the third.

As for the plot, it was quiet and predictable (with the exception of a slight surge near the end). The direction of each character's destiny--America, Aspen, Lucy, the king, etc.--was easy to see from a mile away, which was another reason I was constantly tempted to stop reading. There was a great buildup about the rebels (northern and southern) and the history of the country, but most of that fizzled out by the end of the story. Was any of that buildup necessary? I would have appreciated more about how the various rebel groups affected the palace, aside from the random explosion near the end that focused on America more than necessary and went generally unexplained.

Stars: 2.5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoyed the first two books in the series. However, be warned that it might not live up to your expectations.