The Queen

The Selection #0.4

by Kiera Cass

Before America Singer's story began, another girl came to the palace to compete for the hand of a different prince….

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series. This prequel story takes place before the events of The Selection and is told from the point of view of Prince Maxon's mother, Amberly. Discover a whole new Selection with this inside look at how Maxon's parents met—and how an ordinary girl named Amberly became a beloved queen.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Dystopia, Fantasy, Novella, Fiction, Short Stories

72 pages, ebook

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the main series, Queen Amberly is the epitome of poise, grace and love...

BUT back in her day, she was quite the feisty girl (well, kind of) (okok, not really)

I mean, she did shock the entire world when she (a lowly Four) won the Selection and was granted the honor of marrying Prince Clarkson.

But as far as being fiesty (or at the very least...interesting)? Nope. Nada. Zilch.

When we read her own story, every bit of magic and love fizzled out - like a firework on the fifth of July. Nothing special, nothing wondrous and ultimately, a bit sad.

"For as harsh as his words were, his voice seemed to caress my name."

It was depressing to watch this young girl so easily fall prey to the manipulative, cruel prince. When he finds out that Amberly was poisoned in her home country (air quality, etc) - he recoils in horror at her infertility and her diseased body.

And yet, as much of a victim Amberly is...I still couldn't stand her. She chose her life. She lets Clarkson be her everything right away - no independent thinking, no attempt to assert herself.

“His world looked like a storm. I was going to be its center.”

She's chosen not for her love, or for her looks...merely because she's willing to obey Prince Clarkson's every whim. He swears her to secrecy? She doesn't tell a soul. He tells her to cut her hair? She lobs off nearly a foot.

He says to jump, and she's already jumping.

"Because if it was a choice between him or me, I didn't think I'd be able not to put him first. He was the prince, and his life was invaluable to the country. But more than that, it was invaluable to me."

Thank goodness this one was short - I don't think I could've handled much more of it.

Audiobook Comments
Okay, in Book 1 - Queen Amberly didn't have an accent but her sister had a strong southern twang (since they were Fours from the south).

In this one, Amberly is said to be from Honduragua and has a fittingly strong native accent from that area. So, how did Amberly have a native Honduraguan accent while her sister is a southern belle? Somebody didn't plan out the audiobook too wellllllll.....

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[Bookaholic (reads every mortal thing) · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the shit is this?

This was supposed to be a heartfelt tale of how Maxon's mom, Amberly, went on to win the Selection and become Queen. Keyword: supposed .

This is not a love story; its a portrayal of an unhealthy relationship. Maxon's dad (he shall hereby be referred to as M'sD as I didnt bother to remember his name and I don't care enough to check) is one of the most assholic son of a bitches I have ever read about and Amberly is not only a human doormat, but also the most naïve idiot I have ever come across-

"From now on your only job is to show up, be a lady, sit there, and smile."
[M'sD's mom] eyes met with mine as she ended her speech, and, stupidly, I thought that was a command. So I smiled. The queen was not amused...

Really, Amberly? Really?

And I mean it when I say they had an unhealthy relationship comment. M'sD shrivels up his face in disgust when he hears about the deformities people get in Amberly's hometown, and makes Amberly's feel extremely shitty when she finds out that she is infertile. And Amberly, naturally, curls up in a corner, weeps about how ruined her life is now that she can't make little demons with M'sD and laments about how it's all her fault. And I wish I was kidding, but that's exactly how it went.

[♥ℂĦℝΪՖƬΪℕÅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy read with my girl, Desireé :)

4 Queen, Wife, Adore. ★'s

“You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine. And I will put you on a pedestal so high, it will be impossible for anyone not to adore you.”

This novella was surprisingly a very delightful read. I have never liked Clarkson because he was always shown as a mean hurtful tyrant and although I still don't exactly like him I got to see him through different eyes. Amberly's eyes. She is such a sweet and caring person though if you've read all the other books then you already know this about her. I didn't love the fact that she was so damn submissive, whatever he told her to do she would jump. But whatever if it worked for them then so be it! Amberly got what shes always wanted- Clarkson and a whole new life. And Clarkson got a little peace.

“You’ve kept my secrets, and I assure you, if you marry me, there will be scores more to keep. You don’t judge me or seem startled by much. You’re soothing.” His gaze traveled up to my eyes. “I’m desperate for peace. I think you might be the only chance I have at that.” I smiled. “The center of your storm?” He exhaled, looking relieved. “Yes.”

I really do believe their love for one another was genuine at least :) Overall this was really charming and such a cute short story. I loved getting a chance to see how Maxon's parents met, I just wish I knew how Clarkson went from this kind-ish boy to be such a cruel and hateful man. Everyone who loves The Selection should really take the time to read this.

Illustration of Queen Amberly & What I picture she'd look like.

Illustration of King Clarkson & What I picture he'd look like.


“It’s a strange thing to discover how much you matter to people you didn’t really know you mattered too.”

“This was joy. This was love. So many words you hear about or read about and now...now I knew them.”

[julia ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conclusion: King Clarkson has always been a huge asshole and Queen Amberly has always been a sweetheart.

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 3.0 stars ||

Oh… This was actually quite sad. Depressing even. Definitely tragic.

Amberly was clearly such an insecure, naive, desperate and dumb girl, but the most awful thing about that was that Clarkson chose her exactly because of this. He wanted someone he could control and would blindly adore him no matter what, so that’s the only reason why he decided Amberly, as the biggest doormat imaginable, was perfect for him.

It was truly heartbreaking to see Clarkson propose to her with words that only portrayed calculation and manipulation from his side, yet having Amberly receive it with nothing but heart-eyes and love.

I really just witnessed the beginning of an abusive relationship, and the most painful part about it is that Amberly was so incredibly happy and grateful to be in one.


'The Selection' series:
1. The Selection - 3.0 stars
2. The Elite - 2.5 stars
3. The One - 3.0 stars

Novellas:
0.4. The Queen - 3.0 stars
0.5. The Prince - 2.0 stars
2.5. The Guard - 2.5 stars

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen is #0.4 in The Selection series by Kiera Cass. It’s no secret how much I am in love with this series. I have been from the start. This little novella explains so much as to what made King Clarkson the man we know him as. It is the story of the previous Selection, when Queen Amberly met Clarkson while he was a Prince choosing his own future bride.



Even though we get a good look at Clarkson’s own parents, the current King and Queen and their very dysfunctional relationship, I still have a little trouble putting that Clarkson together with the one that so brutally beat Maxon.

“This was joy. This was love. So many words you hear about or read about, and now…now I knew them.”

Amberly was clearly smittened with Clarkson before she even met him. But were the reasons Clarkson chose her for love, or just because she was submissive to him?

“You’re soothing. I’m desperate for peace. I think you might be the only chance I have at that.”,/i>

The Amberly we meet, though, is every bit the poised woman and future Queen we know her as.

“You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine. And I will put you on a pedestal so high, it will be impossible for anyone not to adore you.”

[Veronika · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPDATE:

Well, I kept putting this aside because I was afraid of it, as I mentioned. I mean Clarkson is a terrible person and how could I like someone who I know will hurt his son in the future? Here's the answer: I couldn't. And Queen Amberly creeped me out a bit too. I mean with America and Maxon the whole Selection didn't feel this... gross. Queen Amberly seemed like such a lady in The Selection but now I can't help seeing her like a submissive little girl. I have no idea why anyone would find a control freak crush worthy... no, just no.



Oh my god we could see how Queen Amberly was before she became the Queen of Illéa she was so amazing in the books and I can't let go of this series just yet.

But... what if the king wasn't an ass back then what if I actually start to like him?



(sigh) No matter what I'm still going to read it, I can't let go of this series just yet...



UPDATE: It says december 2nd which means... we have to wait 6 months to read this!



I can't... I just can't.

[Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia corta es... extraña. Vamos, todos los que hemos leído The Selection sabemos qué clase de persona y de rey es Clarkson. Y muchísimas veces nos preguntamos cómo alguien tan dulce como Amberly llegó a ganar la Selección y destinar el resto de su vida a ser la esposa de un hombre como Clarkson.

The Queen nos muestra todo eso. Conocemos el origen humilde de Amberly, su profundo enamoramiento en el príncipe desde que tenía siete años, su personalidad calmada, sus problemas de salud, su temple. Además, también conocemos a un Clarkson joven, lleno de ideas y de energía para dirigir a un país; pero también conocemos a un Clarkson perturbado por la horrorosa relación de sus padres, obligado a ser fuerte, mentir y tener todos sus movimientos absolutamente calculados.

Es extrañísimo leer este relato y ver que Amberly, aún entendiendo y siendo partícipe de las explosiones en el carácter de Clarkson, haya querido ser su princesa, su reina, y estar a su lado. Es un relato duro de leer porque se desmorona un poco la idea que teníamos de la Reina Amberly gracias a los libros de The Selection, pero tampoco creo que debamos juzgar rápidamente. No todas las parejas son perfectas y, como en la realidad, los libros tampoco pueden escapar de eso. Y, más importante aún, el que un escritor plasme relaciones abusivas en un relato o libro, no quiere decir que las condone.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good short novella told from Queen Amberly’s point of view whilst she herself was part of the selection. I liked finding out what happened to Queen Amberly, and how King Clarkson asked her to marry him. It was also nice seeing things from their point of view rather than from America’s point of view, as there were obviously things about Amberly and Clarkson that American had no idea about.

The only sad part of this story was (spoiler for The One) reading it knowing that Amberly and Clarkson are both now dead ☹
8 out of 10

[Steysha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the suckest book I`ve read in a year. It`s only 72 pages long and almost each one of them made me scream internally.



We get a glimpse of the life of Maxon`s parents: Queen Amberly and King Clarkson. Only she`s not a Queen yet and he`s just a Prince, looking for a wife. Amberly is a part of the Selection. She barely knows Clarkson (only thanks to TV) but he was the love of her life since before she could walk. Every night she prayed on his photo and picked names for their future babies.
The story starts some time after she started to live in a palace as a Selected. Their first interaction with the Prince went somewhat like that:

- Cut your hair.
- You don`t like it?
- Meh, I think you`ll look better with a short hair.
- Well, even though I like my long hair, I would go bald if you asked to.

So, my first expression was that Amberly is a naïve, boneless fool and Clarkson is a son of a bitch (which turned out to be true, but I won`t even start with his mother, this is a complete shit). My expression only grows stronger after he starts to treat her like trash because of her caste, and she continues to see him as God.

«You are never to tell anyone what you do. If anyone asks, your family owns a coffee plantation, and you help run it. Be vague and never, ever let on that you do manual labor. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
He eyed me a moment longer, as if to reinforce the point. But his command was all I needed. I’d never not do anything he asked me to.»



He`s a controlling jerk who can compete with Mr. Gray with his 50 shades, only without BDSM factor. His parents are constantly fighting and, because he doesn`t want to be like them, he`s looking for a wife that won`t ever say “no” to him. Yay, problem solved, no fighting! A husband everyone`s been dreaming for!
His character can be described by one quote:

«I’m the prince, and one day I will be king. My word is law.»

Moreover, Amberly turned out to be infertile. How do you think he should`ve reacted? Obviously not by ignoring her while she felt depressed and needed his help. But everything ends fine – Clarkson doesn`t like kids anyway.

If you thought The Selection was awful – try this one. Just for fun. Okay, seriously, don`t read it. I was pleased by the first book, but this novel only spoiled everything, especially my opinion about Maxon`s parents. And I thought I liked Queen Amberly.

[stu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Updated

I liked this book, kinda I guess

I didn't really like the character I guess,
In the series, Amberly's nice, but she's lover, as in she's just like all the other girls, she want's King/Prince Clarkson, while in the books
America doesn't want Maxon, until later...

This book didn't change how I feel/felt for King/Prince Clarkson. He’s still a mean jerk

I would say this is True Love but I don't feel like...

Nobody likes King/Prince Clarkson, while Amberly is like all the other girls

Plus King/Prince Clarkson, doesn't want to help anyone, like when Amberly told him that she was a 4 but did the work of a 7, he wanted to hide it, he didn't want to make it right

Overall...
This book gave me an overview of what happened before the Selection, it also kinda changed my opinion about Amberly, and it made me distaste King/Prince Clarkson even MORE!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

|3.8 stars|

This is going to a be a really short review.

Overall I really enjoyed this novella and I was so curious about Queen Amberly but I just didn't feel like the book gave her the credit she deserved. Or maybe she didn't deserve so much after all and everything was in our heads? See? That's not right, so the book didn't do it for me. I wanted to know more about her.



But can we talk about how Amberly was so like America? I mean, that makes it all worse because America was literally the little girl she could never have. Man, that was pretty hard.

And if we're going to talk about freaking sad moments in this novella:
“I respect him,” I defended. “He’s the prince.”
“It’s more than that. You’d take a bullet for him if you had to.”
I didn’t answer.




Bad Kiera, bad.

I still don't know what to make out of Clarkson, really. I mean, in this story he didn't seem to be that bad at all and yeah, I could see where he was coming from but still. He was way too much of an asshole to me to just forgive him like that.

Anyhow, Amberly, you deserved so much more, darling. A lot more.

[Francisca Viegas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment. I ended up loathing the one character that I actually liked in the Selection series, Queen Amberly.
She turned out to be a shallow and totally deprived of self-respect little twit.
I don't even think I can explain it. Just please, don't read this.

[Mia Anti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really hope this one wasn’t meant to be romantic… because this is like: I selected you because you obey all of my commands without hesitation or question. And well… that ain’t it miss. *cringe*

[Sofi (sofi.bookshelf) 🩷✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este relato me parece necesario para entender en un futuro la relación de los reyes.

Amberly es muy sumisa, desde que empieza el relato te demuestran que ella se desvive por el príncipe Clarkson. Aquí se muestra otro lado de estos personajes que conocemos ya siendo adultos y padres. Es impresionante ver al padre de Maxon desde los ojos de Amberly, ella es tan buena persona siempre, la amé en la trilogía de la selección.

Se nota en este relato que Clarkson no es un buen hombre, endulzó a Amberly para tenerla en sus garras hasta que la convenció que la amaba, cuando claramente solo la eligió por su sumisión hacia él. Dice que le puso pruebas en las cuales lo hacía comprobar que ella haría lo que sea por él.

Me duele mucho leerla tan ilusionada sabiendo como termina su historia. Clarkson es un asco de persona, este relato me hizo odiarlo más de lo que ya lo hacía, pero logré entender como Amberly calló y que le vio, porque incluso en los libros de la trilogía se ve que lo ama, a pesar de que él no a ella. Yo tenía la esperanza de que el rey la hubiese amado en algún momento, pero no. Simplemente le interesaba una esposa que no fuese un "estorbo".

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG WE GET TO READ THIS ABOUT OUR ADORED QUEEN AMBERLY!?!??!?!?!?!?!????!!!!!!!!!!!!?!?!??!!???!?!?!




I WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!


KIERA I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!

EDIT: MAY 16



DID THAT JUST FREAKING SAY DECEMBER 2!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!


WTF!!?!??!??!?!?!??!


NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WANT IT NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like Clarkson, but he reads as a misogynistic douche.

[Carmen de la Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

No es una mala historia. Fue muy interesante ver a la Reina Amberly y al Rey Clarkson antes de casarse, en su selección. Ambos no son muy agradables en especial el Rey Clarkson, ambos tienen muchos defectos. En cierto modo los comprendo a los dos más ahora, pero todavía no me agrada ninguno, especialmente Clarkson.

[ambsreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I can agree on anything with anyone, it's that Clarkson is a grade A creep and awful human being. Even during his own selection.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen is a prequel novella in Kiera Cass's young adult, dystopian series titled: The Selection Series. This short story features Maxon's father and mother, King Clarkson and Queen Amberly, and includes the story of how they met through their generation's selection process.

I think most readers don't like King Clarkson in The Selection Series, so I was curious if he would be portrayed any differently during his younger years as prince.

The answer is...


I have to admit though, Ms. Cass was much more subtle in her character development of Clarkson, but his need to control and his hard-handed threats are still shown through his interactions with others in this prequel. The cycle of violence rings loud and clear within the portrait of this royal family, but any suggestion that Clarkson is a victim rang on deaf ears with me. Amberly is the perfect little submissive, which is something I didn't really view her as in the series, but maybe I just forgot. Through Amberly's point of view, the two of them have a very promising future together, and they may very well be just what each other needs. The Queen gives quite a bit of insight into these two characters, and when compared to the series, does a great job of reinforcing the fairytale aspect of Maxon and America's love story. This novella is a wonderful addition to the series and I would recommend it to fans.

My favorite quote:
“But shouldn't there be a least? Shouldn't there be a bare minimum that life should give you?"

[Kezia Duah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So basically Clarkson has been shitty since he was a prince? Why did Amberly still love him though? I would have been turned off after meeting him, but then I remember that I’m not a fictional character and I can actually notice someone’s shittyness. I guess he loved her in his own messed up way. Anyways, I liked getting part of their story.

[Coco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Estoy totalmente fuera de contexto pero el padre de Maxon me ha parecido un controlador y su madre una marioneta.

[Chelsey with a y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing Queen Amberly go through the Selection and loved seeing how King Clarkson treated her and how he told her she was the one

[Yoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked to start The Selection series with this one, it's nice to know more about the King and Queen before jumping in with the first book.

[ray ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 or 3 ⭐️//wh0re and b!tch used in the novella

👑

PS: do not read this review without reading The Selection !! I also recommend reading this novella after reading the first book in the series :)

Amberly is Maxon’s mom. This novella is told from her pov. In The Selection it is mentioned that she is a four. Because of that, she is sick, so she’s supposed to be frail, BOO-HOO. Go cry about it. The only thing that was a little sad is that she can’t have children, which is revealed in The Selection so the dragged on scene about it was unnecessary. She’s had a crush on Clarkson since she was little, obsessing over him. She was sooooo annoying. She’s supposed to be sweet and kind in The Selection and in The Prince, supposed to be Maxon’s fav parent, but she was unbearable. She was a symbol of poise, kindness, and beauty, but was she before she was a queen? Did becoming queen make her all-mighty or something?

Also, do NOT listen to the audiobook. It is said in The Selection that she has a lovely accent from where she lived like her sister, so I imagined it as a British accent. The accent used sounded made up. Words cannot describe how bad it was, but maybe emojis can. Me after listening to 5 seconds of the audiobook: 👁️👄👁️


I have mixed feelings about Clarkson. Just in case you don’t know, he’s Maxon’s father. He was fake and annoying, but sometimes I felt hate pity for him. Which is probably what Kiera, the author, wanted. Create a dumb, annoying, idiotic character and add a scene where he had some sympathy and then you feel pity, which made me feel stupid. At the end of the novella, it is revealed why Clarkson chose Amberly, and I thought the reason was one of the most selfish, idiotic, jerkish reasons ever.

Is it actually a love story? In my opinion, Clarkson wasn’t in love with Amberly (at least in this novella). He just wanted someone to do his bidding. Amberly had a crush on Clarkson since she was little, just like probably any other girl in the country of Illea. Therefore, no romance or chemistry whatsoever throughout the whole entire book besides Amberly being googly-eyed for Clarkson for no reason. This book was advertised as The Selection but with Amberly and Clarkson, and this was nothing like it.

I understand that this a novella but we barely get any content. It’s just Amberly all by herself until she goes on one date.

After reading The One I can confirm that I hate Clarkson. He’s so controlling, even over Amberly who he supposedly “loves.” Yet, Amberly supports her toxic husband. A perfect example of an unhealthy relationship—ugh 🚩

Edit: After reading The Heir I don’t even want to think about Clarkson (iykyk)

My overall thoughts: Tbh, I only read novellas in series bc I need to know every. single. detail. So unless you’re like me, I wouldn’t recommend.

[rubie (kenji’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

my queen :,)


3.25⭐️

[♡ Amanda Love ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to see how Maxon’s parents met and Queen Amberly go through the selection.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like a backstory and reading about characters or things that have only been touched upon in the main series and this was a nice little additive and insight into a Selection process prior to the one we know in the main books.

It was nice to see how Queen Amberley faired in her own selection and a glimpse into her character before she was the Queen although I’m glad this was a separate entity from the books as it does maintain the Queens character as a force to be reckoned with and in this she was vulnerable and fairly weak so it was interesting to see how she had grown from that. And her burgeoning relationship to Clarkson was a nice behind the scenes and feel like I can go into the second book now with an added bit of extra knowledge and backstory.

Love this series so far so was happy to read an extra to the main books!

[Phoenix Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It was so so short. Only around 80 pages long. That was so quick to read but anyways that's not the point. It was fascinating to hear about Queen Amberly and King Clarkson and how they came to be. But I am also wondering why their relationship turned to pieces in the future? I was led to believe that Clarkson was an evil King. He hit Maxon and he had all those marks on his back. And he also had a mistress. I think that's what it's called and he even got her pregnant. So if he loved Amberly why would he do something like that? I guess he turned out to be more like his dad after all but it's sad knowing they once had something wonderful and it all changed. I would have enjoyed reading what their marriage was like in the future. I think that would be quite interesting.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely interesting :) So glad I read it! I was really surprised when Amberly and Clarkson came across his parents fighting, and the fact she couldn't have children. But I loved how he was testing them from the start, and he'd always had his eye on Amberly, right from when she cut her hair for him :) One thing I didn't like was the way I compared the whole time to America and Maxon, and how both of their first meetings were them being vulnerable and how Queen Abby's always drunk, and mistreating the girls! But I liked the way he said all of that stuff, and their first kiss was exceptional :) And while it's sad, it's also good to see that all stuff isn't what it seems at the start, what with during America's Selection, we see Clarkson and Amberly not too loving. I like the way Amberly knew she wanted the crown, as well as Clarkson, while that's what America thinks she doesn't want. One thing I didn't like too much was the fact that Amberly was obsessed with Clarkson growing up. That's slightly strange, but good for her, it all working out. Well, that was a lot longer than I expected :p So much to think about in this one!