The Main Selection Series: An Overview
The core of the Selection universe is centered around a series of dystopian romance novels that follow the journey of young women competing for the heart of a prince and, ultimately, the throne. The series is renowned for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and richly developed world.
Number of Books in the Main Series
The main Selection series consists of five primary novels, each focusing on different characters and timelines within the same overarching universe. These books are:
- The Selection (2012)
- The Elite (2013)
- The One (2014)
- The Heir (2015)
- The Crown (2016)
These novels follow the evolution of the dystopian society of Illéa, beginning with the original Selection process and expanding into the lives of the next generation of royals.
Brief Summary of Each Main Book
- The Selection: The story introduces America Singer, a girl from a lower caste who enters the selection process to win Prince Maxon’s heart. It combines themes of love, social class, and rebellion.
- The Elite: The competition intensifies as America navigates her feelings and the political intrigues surrounding the royal palace.
- The One: The climax of the original trilogy, where America faces her choice between love and duty.
- The Heir: Set several years later, this novel shifts focus to the next generation, particularly Prince Maxon’s son, Eadlyn, and introduces new characters and conflicts.
- The Crown: Continues Eadlyn's story as she navigates her role as queen and the challenges of leadership and love.
Spin-Offs and Related Works in the Selection Universe
Beyond the main series, Kiera Cass expanded the Selection universe with additional books and novellas that deepen the lore and explore different perspectives.
Prequel and Companion Novels
While the original series focuses on America and her subsequent generations, several companion works provide background stories and alternate viewpoints:
- The Queen (2016): A novella that offers insight into Queen Amberly’s perspective during the original Selection.
- The Favorite (2017): Focuses on Maxon’s perspective, providing readers with an insider look at the royal court.
Additional Novellas and Short Stories
Kiera Cass released a handful of short stories and novellas available through various platforms, which include:
- "The Prince" (The Selection 0.5): A prequel detailing Maxon’s life before the Selection.
- "The Guard" (The Selection 1.5): Focuses on Aspen and his experiences.
- "The Queen’s Secret" and other bonus stories that fill in gaps within the series' timeline.
How Many Books Are There in Total?
When considering all main novels, novellas, and companion works, the total number of books in the Selection series and its universe is as follows:
- Main Series: 5 novels
- Novellas and Short Stories: 4 to 6, depending on editions and collections
- Total Books: Approximately 9 to 11 works
The exact count can vary depending on whether you include all bonus stories, special editions, or collections that compile multiple novellas.
Future Plans and Additional Books
As of October 2023, Kiera Cass has expressed interest in expanding the Selection universe further, with hints about potential new stories or spin-offs. However, no official release dates or titles have been announced. Fans should stay tuned to official channels for updates.
Where to Start and How to Read the Series
For new readers, it’s recommended to start with the original trilogy—The Selection, The Elite, and The One—to understand the foundational story. After completing the main series, readers can explore the spin-offs, novellas, and companion works to enrich their understanding of the characters and world.
Reading Order Suggestions
- Start with the original trilogy:
- The Selection
- The Elite
- The One
- Proceed to the spin-offs and novellas:
- The Prince
- The Queen
- The Favorite
- The Guard
- Consider reading in chronological order based on the in-universe timeline for deeper immersion.
Conclusion
In summary, the Selection series how many books is a total of approximately 9 to 11 works, including the main novels, novellas, and companion stories. The core series alone comprises five novels that span the initial story arc and subsequent generations. If you are a fan of dystopian romances with royal intrigue, political drama, and compelling characters, the Selection universe offers plenty of reading material to enjoy. With ongoing interest from the author and fans alike, this series continues to be a beloved staple in young adult fiction collections. Whether you're just starting or looking to explore every corner of the universe, there’s a wealth of stories awaiting you in the Selection series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are there in the Selection series by Kiera Cass?
The Selection series consists of five main books and several novellas, making a total of seven titles.
What is the order of the books in the Selection series?
The main series order is: The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Heir, and The Crown. The novellas include The Queen, The Prince, and The Guard.
Are there upcoming books in the Selection series?
As of now, there are no announced upcoming books, but the author Kiera Cass has expressed interest in writing more stories within the series universe.
Is the Selection series complete with five books?
Yes, the main series is complete with five books, but additional novellas expand the story.
How many books are included in the entire Selection series collection?
Including the main books and novellas, the complete collection has seven titles.
