Heads up: this may be a little spoiler-y, but I'm not hiding anything, so maybe don't read this until you've read the book. 
 This rating is much more a comparison to the rest of the books and novellas of The Selection series than a comparison to other books in general. I feel a need to mention that because this series, despite it perhaps being a guilty pleasure of mine, is really not that good. It lacks in a multitude of ways. But if I'm thinking about what I've read thus far in this series, I would say The One is probably my favorite book. 
 And let me just reiterate this once more. This series is still bad. So even though this review may seem shining and wonderful, it's only comparative to the fact that all the other books are SO much worse. Not because this book is actually a good novel. Okay... 
 We finally see some growth and maturing in the characters, so no one was nearly as insufferable this time around. I've always liked Maxon's character, but I've felt like his potential was held back due to the immaturity and whiny attitudes of everyone else. Now that the characters are growing out of that, Maxon is becoming even more appealing. 
 America was indecisive, selfish, and impulsive before. Now, she has started to find her voice and is developing into the heroine you'd imagine for a story like this. She's also FINALLY made up her mind about Maxon and Aspen, and it was so refreshing to see her stick to her choice throughout The One. The God awful love triangle is over!!! 
 And because America finally got a grip, Aspen was consequently so much more tolerable. His arrogance and ego were kept at bay because America was finally decided on the path she wanted to pursue, so all of his annoying habits were subdued. 
 As always, there were major issues with world building and practicality. I mean honestly, how does a palace get broken into all the time by the same people? But I've accepted that Kiera Cass is just terrible at this aspect of writing, and I'm trying to ignore the major issues in the series because of her inability to create a believable world. 
 Anyway, I'm now more interested in finishing this series because The One was better than its predecessors. I'm hoping The Heir and The Crown will follow this trend.