This is basically everything I wanted The Selection to be. 
 I absolutely loved Mare. Okay, I know I'm not that fussy with YA heroines anyways. But I did love how complex she was, brave in some ways, selfish in others. It worked, and made her character really believable. 
 The story moved fast, too fast maybe, but remained deeply enthralling. Mare's world is carefully crafted, its characters and struggles fascinating. I feel that the author achieved the right balance between politics and action, both equally entertaining. 
 I was bracing myself for the inevitable love triangle, and I still sense it looming, but overall I was okay with the way that was handled. 
 I'm really looking forward to reading Sword of Glass!!