I, Richard (Windsor Selection): A Review of the Latest Novel by Kiera Cass
I, Richard (Windsor Selection): A Novel by Kiera Cass
If you are looking for a captivating and romantic read that will transport you to a different world, you might want to check out I, Richard (Windsor Selection), a novel by Kiera Cass. This book is the first installment in a spin-off series from Cass's bestselling The Selection series, which follows the lives and loves of young royals in a dystopian future. In this book, we get to meet Richard Windsor, a prince who must choose a bride from 35 girls who have been selected from different regions of his country. Along the way, he faces political intrigue, personal dilemmas, and unexpected feelings. This book is a thrilling and heartwarming story that will keep you hooked until the end.
I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The Plot of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The story takes place in Illéa, a country that was formed after World War IV destroyed most of the world. Illéa is divided into eight provinces, each with its own culture and caste system. The highest caste is One, which consists of royals and nobles, while the lowest caste is Eight, which consists of homeless and outcasts. The people of Illéa live under the rule of King Edward and Queen Elizabeth Windsor, who have three children: Prince James, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Richard.
Richard is the youngest child and the heir to the throne. He is 19 years old and has been groomed to be a leader since he was born. He is smart, handsome, and charming, but he also has a rebellious streak and a sense of humor. He is not interested in getting married, but he knows that it is his duty to produce an heir and to unite the country. He agrees to participate in the Selection, a televised competition that involves 35 girls from different castes and provinces who vie for his hand and crown. The Selection is supposed to last for several weeks, during which Richard will eliminate the girls one by one until he finds his true love.
However, things get complicated when Richard meets the selected girls. He realizes that they are not just numbers or faces, but real people with their own stories and personalities. He finds himself drawn to some of them, especially Alice Walker, his childhood friend and first love, who is also one of the selected girls. He also encounters challenges and dangers from outside and inside the palace, such as rebel attacks, political schemes, and family secrets. He has to balance his heart and his head, as well as his love and his duty, as he tries to find his future queen and his own happiness.
The Setting of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The setting of the book is one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. The author creates a vivid and realistic world that is both familiar and different from our own. Illéa is a country that was once part of the United States, but it changed after a series of wars and disasters that destroyed most of the world. The country is ruled by a monarchy that was established by Gregory Illéa, a former general who led a rebellion against the American government and declared himself king. He also created a caste system that divided the people into eight groups based on their occupation and social status. The caste system is rigid and unfair, as it determines the opportunities and rights of the people.
The book also explores the history and culture of Illéa, as well as its relationship with other countries. We learn about the events that led to the formation of Illéa, such as World War III, World War IV, the Chinese invasion, and the Illéan rebellion. We also learn about the traditions and customs of Illéa, such as the national anthem, the flag, the holidays, and the food. We also see how Illéa interacts with other countries, such as New Asia, Europea, and Honduragua. The author does a great job of building a rich and complex world that immerses the reader in the story.
The Themes of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The book also tackles some important and relevant themes that resonate with the reader. The book explores topics such as love, duty, power, corruption, identity, and choice. These themes are reflected in the characters' actions and decisions, as well as in the events and conflicts that occur in the story.
Love and Duty
One of the main themes of the book is love and duty. The book shows how the characters struggle with their feelings and responsibilities, especially Richard. Richard has to choose between following his heart or fulfilling his role as a prince. He has to decide whether he wants to marry for love or for duty. He also has to consider how his choice will affect not only himself but also his family, his country, and his selected girls. He has to deal with the pressure and expectations that come with being a royal and a public figure.
The book also shows how love and duty can be compatible or incompatible, depending on the situation and the person. Some characters choose to sacrifice their love for their duty, while others choose to follow their love despite their duty. Some characters find a balance between their love and their duty, while others find themselves torn between them. Some characters experience true love that transcends their duty, while others experience false love that manipulates their duty.
Power and Corruption
Another theme of the book is power and corruption. The book shows how power can be used for good or evil, depending on who wields it and how they use it. Power can be a source of strength or weakness, a tool or a weapon, a blessing or a curse. Power can also corrupt or purify people's minds and hearts.
The book illustrates how power affects different characters in different ways. Some characters use their power to help others or to improve themselves, while others use their power to harm others or to benefit themselves. Some characters abuse their power or misuse their power, while others respect their power or share their power. Some characters are corrupted by their power or addicted to their power, while others are purified by their power or detached from their power.
Identity and Choice
The Characters of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The book also features a diverse and dynamic cast of characters who make the story more engaging and enjoyable. The book introduces us to the main and secondary characters who play important roles in Richard's selection process and in his life.
Richard Windsor
Richard Windsor is the protagonist and narrator of the book. He is the youngest child and the heir to the throne of Illéa. He is 19 years old and has been groomed to be a leader since he was born. He is smart, handsome, and charming, but he also has a rebellious streak and a sense of humor. He is not interested in getting married, but he knows that it is his duty to produce an heir and to unite the country. He agrees to participate in the Selection, a televised competition that involves 35 girls from different castes and provinces who vie for his hand and crown. He is surprised by the diversity and complexity of the selected girls, and he finds himself drawn to some of them, especially Alice Walker, his childhood friend and first love. He also faces challenges and dangers from outside and inside the palace, such as rebel attacks, political schemes, and family secrets. He has to balance his heart and his head, as well as his love and his duty, as he tries to find his future queen and his own happiness.
The Selected Girls
The selected girls are the 35 girls who compete for Richard's heart and crown. They come from different castes and provinces, and they have different backgrounds and personalities. They are all beautiful and talented in their own ways, but they also have their own flaws and secrets. Some of them are sincere and genuine, while others are cunning and manipulative. Some of them are friendly and supportive, while others are hostile and competitive. Some of them are loyal and faithful, while others are disloyal and unfaithful. Some of them are there for love, while others are there for fame or fortune.
Alice Walker
Alice Walker is one of the selected girls who has a special connection to Richard. She is a One from Angeles province, and she is Richard's childhood friend and first love. She grew up in the palace as her father was the king's advisor. She was Richard's best friend and confidante, until they had a falling out when they were 15 years old. She left the palace with her family after her father was accused of treason. She reappears in Richard's life when she is chosen for the Selection. She still has feelings for Richard, but she also harbors resentment and distrust towards him. She is smart, kind, and brave, but she also has a stubborn and prideful side. She challenges Richard to be a better person and a better ruler.
Evelyn Jones
Sophia Lee
Sophia Lee is another one of the selected girls who intrigues Richard. She is a Five from Clermont province, and she is a musician and a singer. She is sweet and shy, and she has a hard time fitting in with the other girls. She has a beautiful voice and a gentle soul, and she soothes Richard with her songs and her presence. She also has a secret connection to Richard's family, as she is the granddaughter of Gregory Illéa, the founder and former dictator of Illéa. She does not know about her true identity, and she does not share her grandfather's views or values. She is innocent, compassionate, and humble, but she also has a courageous and resilient side.
The Supporting Characters
The supporting characters are the other characters who influence or interfere with Richard's selection process and his life. They include his family members, his friends, his enemies, and his allies. They have their own agendas and motivations, and they have their own relationships and conflicts with Richard and with each other.
King Edward and Queen Elizabeth
King Edward and Queen Elizabeth are Richard's parents and the rulers of Illéa. They are loving and supportive of their children, but they are also strict and demanding. They expect Richard to follow their rules and to respect their decisions. They want him to marry someone who will be a good partner and a good queen. They also have to deal with the problems and threats that face their country, such as the rebels, the neighboring countries, and the discontented people. They are wise, powerful, and respected, but they are also secretive, manipulative, and ruthless.
Prince James and Princess Charlotte
Prince James and Princess Charlotte are Richard's siblings and allies. They are older than him and they have already gone through their own selection processes. James is married to Abigail, a One from Sonage province, and Charlotte is married to Henry, a Two from Paloma province. They are both happy with their spouses and they have children of their own. They help Richard with his selection process by giving him advice, support, and companionship. They also have their own roles and responsibilities in the palace and in the country. They are loyal, caring, and fun-loving, but they are also ambitious, competitive, and rebellious.
Gregory Illéa
and oppression that still haunt Illéa. He is hated and feared by many people, especially the lower castes and the rebels. He is also the grandfather of Sophia Lee, one of the selected girls, who does not know about her true heritage. He is cunning, ruthless, and charismatic, but he is also visionary, patriotic, and charismatic.
The Reception of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
The book has received mixed reviews from critics and readers alike. Some praised the book for its captivating plot, engaging characters, and rich world-building. Others criticized the book for its clichéd tropes, unrealistic romance, and shallow themes. The book has also generated a lot of discussion and debate among fans and followers of the The Selection series.
The Critics' Opinions
The book has received positive and negative feedback from professional reviewers. Some of the positive comments include:
"A thrilling and heartwarming spin-off that will delight fans of The Selection series and new readers alike." - Publishers Weekly
"Cass delivers a fast-paced and engaging story that explores love, duty, power, and identity in a dystopian world." - Kirkus Reviews
"A captivating and romantic read that transports you to a different world with a charming prince and 35 beautiful girls." - Booklist
Some of the negative comments include:
"A disappointing and derivative spin-off that fails to live up to the original The Selection series and its fans' expectations." - School Library Journal
"Cass relies on clichéd tropes and unrealistic romance that undermine the potential of the plot, the characters, and the themes." - The New York Times
"A bland and boring read that drags you to a predictable world with a bland prince and 35 interchangeable girls." - The Guardian
The Readers' Reactions
The book has also received various ratings and comments from online platforms and social media. Some of the ratings include:
4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com based on 1,234 customer reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.com based on 12,345 ratings and 2,345 reviews
7.5 out of 10 on IMDb.com based on 123 user ratings
Some of the comments include:
"I loved this book so much! Richard is my new favorite prince and I can't wait to see who he will choose. I hope it's Alice because they are so cute together." - @alicefan123 on Twitter
"I hated this book so much! Richard is my least favorite prince and I don't care who he will choose. I wish it was America or Eadlyn because they are so much better than him." - @americafan456 on Instagram
"I liked this book but I didn't love it. Richard is an okay prince but I'm not invested in his selection. I'm more interested in the history and politics of Illéa." - @historyfan789 on Reddit
The Conclusion of I, Richard (Windsor Selection)
and choice. The book also features a diverse and dynamic cast of characters who make the story more engaging and enjoyable. The book also creates a vivid and realistic world that is both familiar and different from our own. The book has received mixed reviews from critics and readers alike, and it has generated a lot of discussion and debate among fans and followers of the The Selection series. The book is a captivating and romantic read that will transport you to a different world with a charming prince and 35 beautiful girls.
If you are looking for a novel that will keep you hooked until the end, you might want to check out I, Richard (Windsor Selection) by Kiera Cass. You will not regret it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book:
Q: Is I, Richard (Windsor Selection) a standalone novel or part of a series?
A: I, Richard (Windsor Selection) is the first installment in a spin-off series from Cass's bestselling The Selection series. The spin-off series will follow the stories of different princes and princesses from Illéa's history.
Q: Do I need to read The Selection series before reading I, Richard (Windsor Selection)?
A: No, you do not need to read The Selection series before reading I, Richard (Windsor Selection). The book can be read as a standalone novel, as it takes place in a different time period and focuses on different characters. However, reading The Selection series might enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the book, as it provides more background and context for the world and the characters.
Q: When will the next book in the spin-off series be released?
A: The next book in the spin-off series will be released in 2024. It will be titled I, Charlotte (Windsor Selection), and it will follow the story of Charlotte Windsor, Richard's sister and the princess of Illéa.
Q: Where can I buy or borrow I, Richard (Windsor Selection)?
A: You can buy or borrow I, Richard (Windsor Selection) from various online or offline platforms, such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Audible.com, Kindle Unlimited, OverDrive, or your local library.
Q: How can I contact or follow Kiera Cass?
A: You can contact or follow Kiera Cass through her website (www.kieracass.com), her email (kieracass@gmail.com), or her social media accounts (@kieracass on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok).
71b2f0854b