If you’re a fan of romance, drama, and dystopian worlds, The Selection series by Kiera Cass is a must-read. This captivating young adult series blends fairy-tale romance with high-stakes competition, set in a richly imagined future. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan looking to revisit the books, this guide will walk you through The Selection books in order, including main novels and companion stories, to help you dive into the world of Iléa without missing a beat.
Why Read The Selection Series?
The Selection series follows America Singer, a young woman navigating love, duty, and identity in a dystopian society divided by caste. The story begins with a royal competition where 35 girls vie for the heart of Prince Maxon and a chance to become queen. With its mix of romance, political intrigue, and relatable characters, the series has captured millions of readers worldwide. It’s perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Bachelor, or Cinder.
Ready to start reading? Below is the complete list of The Selection books in order, including the main series, novellas, and companion collections.
The Selection Series: All Books in Order of Release Date
Below is a complete list of all books in The Selection series by Kiera Cass, including main novels, novellas, and the companion collection, arranged in order of their original publication date.
| Title | Type | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Selection | Main Novel | April 24, 2012 | America Singer enters the Selection to compete for Prince Maxon’s heart and the crown of Iléa. |
| The Prince | Novella | March 5, 2013 | A prequel novella from Prince Maxon’s perspective, set before and during The Selection. |
| The Elite | Main Novel | April 23, 2013 | The competition narrows to six girls, with America torn between Maxon and Aspen. |
| The Guard | Novella | February 4, 2014 | A novella from Aspen’s perspective as a palace guard during The Elite. |
| The Queen | Novella | December 2, 2014 | A prequel novella about Queen Amberly’s Selection, Maxon’s mother. |
| The One | Main Novel | May 6, 2014 | The conclusion of America’s journey in the original trilogy. |
| The Favorite | Novella | October 13, 2015 | A novella about Marlee’s secret romance during The Selection. |
| Happily Ever After | Companion Collection | October 13, 2015 | Includes The Prince, The Guard, The Queen, The Favorite, plus bonus content like The Maid and After The One. |
| The Heir | Main Novel | May 5, 2015 | Follows Princess Eadlyn, America’s daughter, in her own Selection. |
| The Crown | Main Novel | May 3, 2016 | The final book, concluding Eadlyn’s Selection and her journey as a leader. |
Notes:
- For the best reading experience, follow the publication order, though novellas can be read after the main novels for additional context.
- Happily Ever After is a collection that compiles all novellas and includes exclusive bonus content, making it a great option for fans wanting extra stories.
The Selection Books in Publication Order
To fully enjoy the story, it’s best to read the books in publication order, as the narrative builds on previous events and character arcs. The series consists of five main novels and several novellas, which add depth to the world and side characters.
1. The Selection (2012)
The first book introduces America Singer, a talented musician from a lower caste, who is unexpectedly chosen to compete in the Selection—a contest to win Prince Maxon’s hand and the crown of Iléa. Torn between her secret love for childhood friend Aspen and her growing feelings for Maxon, America must navigate palace politics, rival contestants, and her own heart. This book sets the stage for the series with its swoon-worthy romance and gripping drama.
Why You’ll Love It: A perfect blend of romance and rebellion, with a strong-willed heroine who challenges societal norms.
2. The Elite (2013)
In the second book, the competition narrows, and America is one of the final six girls vying for Maxon’s heart. As pressure mounts, she faces tough choices between her past with Aspen and a potential future with Maxon. Meanwhile, rebel attacks threaten the palace, revealing cracks in Iléa’s rigid caste system. The stakes are higher, and the romance is more intense than ever.
Why You’ll Love It: The love triangle heats up, and the political intrigue deepens, keeping you hooked.
3. The One (2014)
The third book brings the Selection to its thrilling conclusion. America must make her final choice while facing increasing danger from rebels and palace rivals. With secrets unraveling and alliances shifting, this book delivers a satisfying end to America’s journey in the original trilogy.
Why You’ll Love It: Emotional, action-packed, and full of romantic resolution, it’s a finale that ties up loose ends beautifully.
4. The Heir (2015)
Set 20 years after The One, this fourth book shifts focus to Princess Eadlyn, the daughter of America and her chosen love. As the first female heir to the throne, Eadlyn faces pressure to hold her own Selection to find a husband. But Eadlyn is fiercely independent and skeptical of love, making her journey both relatable and compelling.
Why You’ll Love It: A fresh perspective with a strong, modern heroine and a new take on the Selection process.
5. The Crown (2016)
The final book in the main series follows Eadlyn as she navigates her Selection, political turmoil, and personal growth. With the kingdom in upheaval, Eadlyn must prove herself as a leader while opening her heart to love. This book wraps up the series with a heartfelt and empowering conclusion.
Why You’ll Love It: Eadlyn’s growth from a reluctant princess to a confident queen is inspiring, with plenty of romance to keep you swooning.
The Selection Novellas and Companion Stories
In addition to the main novels, Kiera Cass wrote several novellas that explore side characters and provide extra context to the main story. These can be read alongside the main series or after completing the novels.
1. The Prince (Novella, 2013)
This novella is told from Prince Maxon’s perspective, offering insight into his thoughts and feelings before and during the early stages of The Selection. It’s a great companion to the first book.
Read It After: The Selection or The Elite.
2. The Guard (Novella, 2014)
This novella follows Aspen, America’s first love, and his life as a palace guard during The Elite. It adds depth to his character and his side of the love triangle.
Read It After: The Elite.
3. The Queen (Novella, 2014)
This prequel novella explores the Selection of Queen Amberly, Maxon’s mother, giving readers a glimpse into the previous generation’s romance and palace life.
Read It After: The One or anytime for backstory.
4. The Favorite (Novella, 2015)
This novella focuses on Marlee, America’s friend from The Selection, and her secret romance during the competition. It’s a touching side story that adds emotional depth.
Read It After: The One.
Happily Ever After (Companion Collection, 2015)
This collection includes all four novellas (The Prince, The Guard, The Queen, and The Favorite), plus exclusive bonus content like short stories, scenes from other characters’ perspectives, and illustrations. It also includes The Maid, a short story about America’s maid Lucy, and After The One, an epilogue to the original trilogy.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for fans who want more of Iléa’s world and its beloved characters.
Reading Order Tips
For the best experience, follow this reading order:
- The Selection
- The Prince (optional, for Maxon’s perspective)
- The Elite
- The Guard (optional, for Aspen’s perspective)
- The One
- The Queen (optional, for backstory)
- The Favorite (optional, for Marlee’s story)
- The Heir
- The Crown
- Happily Ever After (for all novellas and bonus content)
If you prefer a streamlined experience, you can skip the novellas and stick to the main novels (The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Heir, The Crown). However, the novellas add rich details and are highly recommended for die-hard fans.
Where to Start Reading The Selection Series
New readers should begin with The Selection to follow America’s story from the start. The books are available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Check your local library, bookstore, or online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository. For a budget-friendly option, consider borrowing eBooks through services like Libby or Kindle Unlimited.
Why The Selection Series Stands Out
- Relatable Characters: America’s fiery spirit and Eadlyn’s independence make them unforgettable heroines.
- Romantic Tension: The love triangles and heartfelt moments keep readers invested.
- Dystopian World-Building: The caste system and rebel conflicts add depth to the fairy-tale setting.
- Quick Reads: Each book is fast-paced and easy to binge, perfect for YA readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in The Selection series?
There are five main novels and four novellas, plus the Happily Ever After collection.
Do I need to read the novellas?
No, but they enhance the experience by providing backstories and alternate perspectives.
Is The Selection series appropriate for younger readers?
The series is suitable for ages 13+ (YA), with mild romance and some violence but no explicit content.
Is there a The Selection movie or TV show?
As of September 2025, a Netflix adaptation is in development, but no release date has been confirmed. Stay tuned for updates!
Final Thoughts
The Selection series by Kiera Cass is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and dystopian intrigue that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re rooting for America’s love story or cheering for Eadlyn’s journey, this series offers something for everyone. Start with The Selection and work your way through the books in order for an unforgettable reading experience.
Have you read The Selection series yet? Which book or character is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and happy reading!
