In a dystopian world, thirty-five girls are chosen to participate in the "Selection", live in the palace, and compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being selected is a true nightmare.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering crowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her., leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want, and living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. In spite of that America meets Prince Maxon and gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself - and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she's never imagined.—Kiera Cass (book summary)