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Sapient Salvation #1
The Selection
Twice a year, the alien Lord Toric demands a selection of human women between the ages of 18 and 20 to compete for a place in his harem. Maya must get through just one more selection and then she can marry the man of her dreams. She should have been safe, but when a young woman who was supposed to compete dies the day of the selection, Maya is forced into the competition.
Thrown into the fight of her life with no preparation, Maya must shed her innocence and win Lord Toric’s favor. And there is only one winner in the competition. The losers will be sacrificed. Will she survive the first round, or will she pay the ultimate price for her inexperience?
Heat Level: Sweet to Mild
Thrown into the fight of her life with no preparation, Maya must shed her innocence and win Lord Toric’s favor. And there is only one winner in the competition. The losers will be sacrificed. Will she survive the first round, or will she pay the ultimate price for her inexperience?
Heat Level: Sweet to Mild
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
224 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Faith
37 books227 followersHi there! I'm Jayne Faith, author of the urban fantasy Ella Grey Series and paranormal romance Sapient Salvation Series. When I'm not tapping away at my keyboard while swilling coffee and tea, I'm playing with my dog; eating, flipping through recipes online, fantasizing about food, dreaming up my next meal (you get the idea); doing yoga or Pilates; or watching TV. Connect with me on Facebook, just search "Jayne Faith" or go to facebook.com/AuthorJayneFaith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 16, 2016
In exchange for peace for Earthfell, twice every year there is a selection in which sixteen young people between the ages of 18-20 are chosen to be offered to Lord Toric, the alien Lord of Calisto. They are to compete in a tournament in which the female winner will become a part of the Lord's harem and the male will become one of his servants.
Maya believes that she is safe from the selection as the clan she belongs to has already had a volunteer chosen that has been in training. But when the girl dies shortly before the selection it comes to a random draw in which Maya is chosen. Saying goodbye to her life and family Maya heads to Calisto to fight for her life in the games.
Sapient Salvation is very much like a sort of cross between the Hunger Games and the Selection series for a slightly older audience. Like in the Hunger Games the losers of the selected will not survive after the challenges. But like the Selection series a part of the competition is impressing Lord Toric. In this story though there are a lot more sexual situations involved although not overly graphic.
The book started off a little slow paced for me as we meet Maya and learn of the setting and her story but once involved in it I couldn't help enjoying the read as I did like both the Hunger Games and the Selection. Sapient Salvation definitely did a better job with the world building than the Selection series and was a lot deeper and darker in content more along lines of the Hunger Games.
With the idea that this is taking place on a distant planet and alien race during a battle for control of Earth this series has certainly set itself apart. When finished with this first book I was quite intrigued with where it was going and would definitely continue the story from here.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Maya believes that she is safe from the selection as the clan she belongs to has already had a volunteer chosen that has been in training. But when the girl dies shortly before the selection it comes to a random draw in which Maya is chosen. Saying goodbye to her life and family Maya heads to Calisto to fight for her life in the games.
Sapient Salvation is very much like a sort of cross between the Hunger Games and the Selection series for a slightly older audience. Like in the Hunger Games the losers of the selected will not survive after the challenges. But like the Selection series a part of the competition is impressing Lord Toric. In this story though there are a lot more sexual situations involved although not overly graphic.
The book started off a little slow paced for me as we meet Maya and learn of the setting and her story but once involved in it I couldn't help enjoying the read as I did like both the Hunger Games and the Selection. Sapient Salvation definitely did a better job with the world building than the Selection series and was a lot deeper and darker in content more along lines of the Hunger Games.
With the idea that this is taking place on a distant planet and alien race during a battle for control of Earth this series has certainly set itself apart. When finished with this first book I was quite intrigued with where it was going and would definitely continue the story from here.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 10, 2015
The Selection is an alien induced Hunger Game like plot that blew me away.
Humans are lined up every year to send their selected young to another planet as a sort of tribute to serve Lord Toric. But before they serve they must survive the “Tournament”, to find those who are worthy.
There is a religious element that leads the zealous traditions creating the strict adherence to laws set in motion.
Political machinations, life and death circumstances and electrifying sexual tension make this a riveting must read.
I received this copy of The Selection from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a honest review.
Humans are lined up every year to send their selected young to another planet as a sort of tribute to serve Lord Toric. But before they serve they must survive the “Tournament”, to find those who are worthy.
There is a religious element that leads the zealous traditions creating the strict adherence to laws set in motion.
Political machinations, life and death circumstances and electrifying sexual tension make this a riveting must read.
I received this copy of The Selection from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a honest review.
April 3, 2017
2.5/3 stars
Ok, so what can I say about this book.
It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either, it was just alright.
There were some good ideas going on and I will read the rest of the series at some point but it didn't enthral me enough to pick the next book up straight away.
Being the first book in the series I expected it to be a bit slow, you have to allow for the author to build the world around the story and introduce everything. But, it was really slow and not a lot happened for the majority of the book. On top of that there wasn't really a valid reason as to WHY The Selection was even necessary.
Add into that a Lord who has 2 or 3 different women in his bed daily and a naive heroine, my eyes were rolling. I'm just bored of that set up in books. But Lord Toric's ability to 'read' people was an interesting idea along with the challenges. Hopefully the next book will have more action now the foundation has been laid, because that's what I wanted more of.
There isn't anything else I can say about this really, I'm disappointed but hopeful for the next one.
Ok, so what can I say about this book.
It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either, it was just alright.
There were some good ideas going on and I will read the rest of the series at some point but it didn't enthral me enough to pick the next book up straight away.
Being the first book in the series I expected it to be a bit slow, you have to allow for the author to build the world around the story and introduce everything. But, it was really slow and not a lot happened for the majority of the book. On top of that there wasn't really a valid reason as to WHY The Selection was even necessary.
Add into that a Lord who has 2 or 3 different women in his bed daily and a naive heroine, my eyes were rolling. I'm just bored of that set up in books. But Lord Toric's ability to 'read' people was an interesting idea along with the challenges. Hopefully the next book will have more action now the foundation has been laid, because that's what I wanted more of.
There isn't anything else I can say about this really, I'm disappointed but hopeful for the next one.
February 16, 2016
I love me some sci-fi, futuristic romance novels that involve falling in love with other beings. I can't help it, it has to be the growing up with Star Wars. This book is set some years in the future when the Earth is no longer run by humans, religion no longer exists and offerings are given to an alien planet to compete in a game of survival where they are ranked with each test. The read is fascinating, enthralling, heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time which is why it gets 4 solid stars from me. The romance is subtle and no as overt as I would like which is most of the reason the book lost a star.
Lord Toric is one deliciously intriguing character. He's aware of his duties yet still is emotional enough to bend rules to his own whims. When he first spots Maya he views her as a dark angel due to her beauty, hair color and the slight darkness within her that he senses. He is observant, loyal, passionate, dangerous, and a bit fractured. In short, Toric is a redeemable hero with a gentle heart and strong sense of responsibility.
Maya is young, beautiful, innocent and passionate. She wasn't supposed to be an offering but Fate works in mysterious ways. Before becoming an offering to Lord Toric, Maya fancy herself in love with a young guy from where she lived until she caught him cheating on her. When she is sent to participate in the offering tournament she has one ally and he does his best to shield her.
Maya and Toric cannot help their attraction any more than Toric can hide his favoring of her. The two begin a dance that is anything but innocent. At every turn there is treachery, jealousy and malice. The allow themselves to feel towards one another what they shouldn't yet can't help. The slow burn between the two and the turning tides of the tournament lead you on a cliffhanger to read the second book in the series.
Lord Toric is one deliciously intriguing character. He's aware of his duties yet still is emotional enough to bend rules to his own whims. When he first spots Maya he views her as a dark angel due to her beauty, hair color and the slight darkness within her that he senses. He is observant, loyal, passionate, dangerous, and a bit fractured. In short, Toric is a redeemable hero with a gentle heart and strong sense of responsibility.
Maya is young, beautiful, innocent and passionate. She wasn't supposed to be an offering but Fate works in mysterious ways. Before becoming an offering to Lord Toric, Maya fancy herself in love with a young guy from where she lived until she caught him cheating on her. When she is sent to participate in the offering tournament she has one ally and he does his best to shield her.
Maya and Toric cannot help their attraction any more than Toric can hide his favoring of her. The two begin a dance that is anything but innocent. At every turn there is treachery, jealousy and malice. The allow themselves to feel towards one another what they shouldn't yet can't help. The slow burn between the two and the turning tides of the tournament lead you on a cliffhanger to read the second book in the series.
July 17, 2018
Did you read the Hunger Games and think, this book needs some instalove between Katniss and Snow? Come on, there’s some sexual tension there..... ok maybe not.
Or better yet, did you read the Selection series by Keira Cass and think, this book really needs more murder and mayhem. Actually I did think that at one point.
Well if you want the challenges of the hunger games with the romance of the selection series, and some aliens thrown in, this is the book for you.
Despite ripping off the both the hunger games and the selection series, which frankly I never thought I would see, this book wasn’t too bad. But it really is a rip off and hell, the name of this book is called the selection. It’s not even subtle about it.
So Maya lives on Earth, which has been attacked by aliens. There’s a group of aliens protecting Earth led by Lord Torric, and in tribute each tribe offers one boy and girl to him. The guys and girls complete in a completion similar to the hunger games where anyone can die, even though only a few minor characters who get no development do that.
The guys are competing to become servants in Torric’s palace, and the girls are completing for a spot in his harem. And this book has no bedroom scenes - it’s pretty clean for the premise.
Maya’s tribe has preselected a girl to be given in tribute. Unfortunately she dies the day before the selection and Maya is chosen by lottery. Most of the girls have been trained but Maya has the special powers of being the main character and so Torric has some instalove for her that guides her through the plot.
The book ends without really resolving anything and I didn’t get invested enough to buy this series.
Or better yet, did you read the Selection series by Keira Cass and think, this book really needs more murder and mayhem. Actually I did think that at one point.
Well if you want the challenges of the hunger games with the romance of the selection series, and some aliens thrown in, this is the book for you.
Despite ripping off the both the hunger games and the selection series, which frankly I never thought I would see, this book wasn’t too bad. But it really is a rip off and hell, the name of this book is called the selection. It’s not even subtle about it.
So Maya lives on Earth, which has been attacked by aliens. There’s a group of aliens protecting Earth led by Lord Torric, and in tribute each tribe offers one boy and girl to him. The guys and girls complete in a completion similar to the hunger games where anyone can die, even though only a few minor characters who get no development do that.
The guys are competing to become servants in Torric’s palace, and the girls are completing for a spot in his harem. And this book has no bedroom scenes - it’s pretty clean for the premise.
Maya’s tribe has preselected a girl to be given in tribute. Unfortunately she dies the day before the selection and Maya is chosen by lottery. Most of the girls have been trained but Maya has the special powers of being the main character and so Torric has some instalove for her that guides her through the plot.
The book ends without really resolving anything and I didn’t get invested enough to buy this series.
November 18, 2019
Rating: 2.5 stars
Originally I rated this book 3.5 stars but after having some time to think I've lowered my rating to 2.5 stars. The only thing I liked about this book was the main character, Maya was a character I could relate to because of some of the choices she made but there were also some times I thought he was very naïve. I didn't like the plot of this story, I thought it was quite boring, overused and was trying so hard to be like the hunger games series and I really didn't like that. The first half of this book was really boring and I had to push myself to keep going, the second half was only slightly better. Overall I didn't really enjoy this book and I probably wont read the rest of the series anytime soon.
Originally I rated this book 3.5 stars but after having some time to think I've lowered my rating to 2.5 stars. The only thing I liked about this book was the main character, Maya was a character I could relate to because of some of the choices she made but there were also some times I thought he was very naïve. I didn't like the plot of this story, I thought it was quite boring, overused and was trying so hard to be like the hunger games series and I really didn't like that. The first half of this book was really boring and I had to push myself to keep going, the second half was only slightly better. Overall I didn't really enjoy this book and I probably wont read the rest of the series anytime soon.
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January 6, 2020Freebie on amazon, 6th Jan 2020
June 7, 2019
This author has a spellbinding ability to capture a reader from the start. Exceptional ability for world-building. Opening scene is a deadly snare that keeps you hooked. Beautiful phrases, unique and extraordinary characters lure you in from the first page. However reminded me of The Hunger games way too much, but the SF/alien element set a slight difference. I will definitely keep her in my automatic to read pile. Why only 3 stars? Half way through the book felt cliche, rushed and the cliffhanger was a let down. What does keep the author on my very interested and highly fascinated radar is her ability to create a vivid escape.
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July 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2020)! 🎁
September 24, 2018
Sorry, but I'm sick and tired of Hunger Games wannabes. There were just too many things that were wrong with this book.
First and foremost, the pacing. It kept dragging throughout the first half, and I kept waiting and waiting for the actual contest to start. Sadly, things got only marginally better after that. I'm not sure how many trials this competition is supposed to consists of, but a whole book later, and they've passed only the first one? Sorry, but I just don't have THAT much patience. Not to mention, we were forced to experience half the scenes twice through the eyes of different characters, without any real need for that -- except to puff up the volume, I guess.
Second, the characters were simply boring. I couldn't make myself care about Maya, her narrative voice was just too plain and ordinary to pique my interest and encourage me to relate to her.
Third, the science fiction element is way out of place. Why on Earth do they need ALIEN overlords? Why couldn't the oppressors be a foreign warrior race or something? But no, there has to be alien masters who simultaneously protect poor Earthens from intergalactic enemies and suppress them, totally controlling their society and "preserving" the planet for future use. *eyeroll*
Third, it could totally go without the explicit sexual element. The alien lord is building a harem -- ok, I can live with that. But no, he has to have a hidden sado-mazochistic obsession. Excuse me! If I wanted to read Fifty Shades of Gray, I would have already done so.
To be honest, things get going a little bit faster towards the end, but not enough to make me pick up the sequel. It just needs a much tighter plot, and a much more intriguing MC ... and honestly, at least SOME originality. Definitely NOT for fans of either The Hunger Games or Kiera Cass's Selection trilogy. They'll all fall asleep.
First and foremost, the pacing. It kept dragging throughout the first half, and I kept waiting and waiting for the actual contest to start. Sadly, things got only marginally better after that. I'm not sure how many trials this competition is supposed to consists of, but a whole book later, and they've passed only the first one? Sorry, but I just don't have THAT much patience. Not to mention, we were forced to experience half the scenes twice through the eyes of different characters, without any real need for that -- except to puff up the volume, I guess.
Second, the characters were simply boring. I couldn't make myself care about Maya, her narrative voice was just too plain and ordinary to pique my interest and encourage me to relate to her.
Third, the science fiction element is way out of place. Why on Earth do they need ALIEN overlords? Why couldn't the oppressors be a foreign warrior race or something? But no, there has to be alien masters who simultaneously protect poor Earthens from intergalactic enemies and suppress them, totally controlling their society and "preserving" the planet for future use. *eyeroll*
Third, it could totally go without the explicit sexual element. The alien lord is building a harem -- ok, I can live with that. But no, he has to have a hidden sado-mazochistic obsession. Excuse me! If I wanted to read Fifty Shades of Gray, I would have already done so.
To be honest, things get going a little bit faster towards the end, but not enough to make me pick up the sequel. It just needs a much tighter plot, and a much more intriguing MC ... and honestly, at least SOME originality. Definitely NOT for fans of either The Hunger Games or Kiera Cass's Selection trilogy. They'll all fall asleep.
February 7, 2016
Title: Sapient Salvation 1: The Selection
Author: Jayne Faith
Series: Sapient Salvation #1
Publication Date: October 2015
Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction
My Rating: 4 Stars
Summary:
Twice a year, the alien Lord Toric demands a selection of human women between the ages of 18 and 20 to compete for a place in his harem. Maya must get through just one more selection and then she can marry the man of her dreams. She should have been safe, but when a young woman who was supposed to compete dies the day of the selection, Maya is forced into the competition.
My Review:
I absolutely devoured this book! I read it in one sitting and I was left wishing it hadn't ended.
This book is probably one of the best recipes that takes ideas from some other books and comes out of the oven even better than its predecessors! Think hunger games plus 'The Selection" minus the crappy reality T.V. angle (thank God!) plus just enough spicy originality and you've got yourself one freaking awesome book.
I absolutely could not get enough of this story! The characters definitely had to grow on me but the rest of the story made it easier to bear. I say this, because at first, the characters seemed young, dumb, and immature. Wow, that sounded harsh! I just meant that I wasn't too fond of them. I remember rolling my eyes around chapter two and thinking to myself that it was going to be another one of 'those' books. You know, cookie-cutter-paranormal-teenage-angst. Fortunately for me, this was so not the case. The characters actually drastically improved as the story built and I found myself hooked.
The world that the author sets up gets my geeky little book loving heart pumping and I swear, I'm like a middle school girl squealing and jumping up and down in my head. I absolutely can't wait to see how this is going to turn out. This book was such a tease. I am left wanting so much more!
Trust me when I say that you want to read this book! You won't be disappointed.
Author: Jayne Faith
Series: Sapient Salvation #1
Publication Date: October 2015
Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction
My Rating: 4 Stars
Summary:
Twice a year, the alien Lord Toric demands a selection of human women between the ages of 18 and 20 to compete for a place in his harem. Maya must get through just one more selection and then she can marry the man of her dreams. She should have been safe, but when a young woman who was supposed to compete dies the day of the selection, Maya is forced into the competition.
My Review:
I absolutely devoured this book! I read it in one sitting and I was left wishing it hadn't ended.
This book is probably one of the best recipes that takes ideas from some other books and comes out of the oven even better than its predecessors! Think hunger games plus 'The Selection" minus the crappy reality T.V. angle (thank God!) plus just enough spicy originality and you've got yourself one freaking awesome book.
I absolutely could not get enough of this story! The characters definitely had to grow on me but the rest of the story made it easier to bear. I say this, because at first, the characters seemed young, dumb, and immature. Wow, that sounded harsh! I just meant that I wasn't too fond of them. I remember rolling my eyes around chapter two and thinking to myself that it was going to be another one of 'those' books. You know, cookie-cutter-paranormal-teenage-angst. Fortunately for me, this was so not the case. The characters actually drastically improved as the story built and I found myself hooked.
The world that the author sets up gets my geeky little book loving heart pumping and I swear, I'm like a middle school girl squealing and jumping up and down in my head. I absolutely can't wait to see how this is going to turn out. This book was such a tease. I am left wanting so much more!
Trust me when I say that you want to read this book! You won't be disappointed.
December 6, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. My issue is that it is another version of The Hunger Games. That is why I deducted a star. To me this book read Hunger Games with an alien twist. For this reason I was disappointed in the story. I felt like I had read this story before. This book left me wanting so much more.
Maya is the heroine of the story. She is on Earthenfall planning out the rest of her life. Her colony already has an Offered to send to Callista so she has nothing to worry about. Until the planned offered passed away the day of selection. This leaves Maya to take her place. Maya must travel to Callista and compete in a tournament to earn her place in Lord Toric's harem. There will only be one winner among the women. Does Maya survive? Will she ever be able to return to Earthenfall and see her twin sister ever again? What does Maya learn once she reaches Callista?
I dont know if I would recommend this book to others as I am still torn about it.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This was a good book. I enjoyed reading it. My issue is that it is another version of The Hunger Games. That is why I deducted a star. To me this book read Hunger Games with an alien twist. For this reason I was disappointed in the story. I felt like I had read this story before. This book left me wanting so much more.
Maya is the heroine of the story. She is on Earthenfall planning out the rest of her life. Her colony already has an Offered to send to Callista so she has nothing to worry about. Until the planned offered passed away the day of selection. This leaves Maya to take her place. Maya must travel to Callista and compete in a tournament to earn her place in Lord Toric's harem. There will only be one winner among the women. Does Maya survive? Will she ever be able to return to Earthenfall and see her twin sister ever again? What does Maya learn once she reaches Callista?
I dont know if I would recommend this book to others as I am still torn about it.
March 3, 2016
Wow. So, I'm a HUGE fan of both the Hunger Games & Selection series. Throw in a small nod to Falling Skies, and I'm hooked!
Certainly not a new premise, but the author does a nice job setting up this alternate reality, a future Earth (Earthenfell) that is protected by the Lord Toric and Calistans that previously inhabited Earth and are fighting for the ability to return while keeping those there on Earth (essentially their descendents) safe. Of course, there's a catch and they require the Offered to go through a series of challenges.
This seems like just a small taste (less than 200 pages), but it's certainly enough to intrigue me to see how this goes.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Certainly not a new premise, but the author does a nice job setting up this alternate reality, a future Earth (Earthenfell) that is protected by the Lord Toric and Calistans that previously inhabited Earth and are fighting for the ability to return while keeping those there on Earth (essentially their descendents) safe. Of course, there's a catch and they require the Offered to go through a series of challenges.
This seems like just a small taste (less than 200 pages), but it's certainly enough to intrigue me to see how this goes.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
November 5, 2015
Hunger Games meets scifi. In this thrilling scifi adventure every two years a group of selected humans are forced to compete in a series of competitions where everything you say or do is being judged and you're constantly watched to gain the alien lord's favor and survive.
The plot played out nicely but left you in anticipation of the next book. The characters were enjoyable to read and their layers of depth made interesting and real. Maya's character definitely reminded me of Katiness with her strong determination and courage.
I look forward to the adventure continuing in the next book.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot played out nicely but left you in anticipation of the next book. The characters were enjoyable to read and their layers of depth made interesting and real. Maya's character definitely reminded me of Katiness with her strong determination and courage.
I look forward to the adventure continuing in the next book.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2019
The Selection (Sapient Salvation #1) by Jayne Faith is the first book to surprise me this year. I won't lie... when I downloaded it, I fully expected it to be a half-assed rip-off of Kiera Cass's The Selection. While there are similarities (even the covers have similar feels), Jayne Faith's The Selection is a darker, more enjoyable read (with less sniveling.)
The story follows Maya who, like the other occupants of Earthenfell, labors to serve her alien overlords. The overlords protect Earthenfell from the constant barrage of attacks from other aliens who want to claim the planet in exchange for a tiny sacrifice: twice a year, sixteen young people are chosen to compete for the chance to serve the Callistan, Lord Toric. The sacrifices can be either male or female, with the winners from each sex becoming Lord Toric's servant or concubine, respectively.
And the losers? You do NOT want to be a loser...
Maya and Lord Toric have an instant connection, despite the fact that he's not allowed to marry her and she was a last minute sacrifice for her clan when the sacrifice they had trained died unexpectedly on Selection Day.
The story switches from Maya's point-of-view to Lord Toric's every few chapters which, because it's written in 1st person, can be a little awkward. Things get really interesting the first time we get a peek inside Lord Toric's mind because we learn that he has some... unusual sexual preferences.
Wait. Aliens, a life-or-death competition, and a little kink?
Count me in!
The thing that sets The Selection apart is its maturity. Although Maya is (groan) a virgin, she's not completely sexually inexperienced, and doesn't moon over the guy who screwed her over (by, well, screwing everyone else.) She just gets on with things, which makes her an extremely likeable character.
Lord Toric's borther, Sir Jeric, is manipulative while his brother's lover (and person in charge of the competition), Akantha, is straight-up spiteful. It's pretty obvious where their hatred comes from but I'm a little worried that it might be a little over-the-top as the series goes on. We'll have to see. Because, yes, I went in search of the second book straight away - something I rarely do. It usually bothers me when there are so many books in a series but this time, at least, I'm glad there's more.
The Selection is a sexy, smart, engaging, sci-fi dystopia that's absolutely worth a read for fans of YA and NA literature. It's free on Amazon Kindle, too, so there's no reason not to give it a try right now!
The story follows Maya who, like the other occupants of Earthenfell, labors to serve her alien overlords. The overlords protect Earthenfell from the constant barrage of attacks from other aliens who want to claim the planet in exchange for a tiny sacrifice: twice a year, sixteen young people are chosen to compete for the chance to serve the Callistan, Lord Toric. The sacrifices can be either male or female, with the winners from each sex becoming Lord Toric's servant or concubine, respectively.
And the losers? You do NOT want to be a loser...
Maya and Lord Toric have an instant connection, despite the fact that he's not allowed to marry her and she was a last minute sacrifice for her clan when the sacrifice they had trained died unexpectedly on Selection Day.
The story switches from Maya's point-of-view to Lord Toric's every few chapters which, because it's written in 1st person, can be a little awkward. Things get really interesting the first time we get a peek inside Lord Toric's mind because we learn that he has some... unusual sexual preferences.
Wait. Aliens, a life-or-death competition, and a little kink?
Count me in!
The thing that sets The Selection apart is its maturity. Although Maya is (groan) a virgin, she's not completely sexually inexperienced, and doesn't moon over the guy who screwed her over (by, well, screwing everyone else.) She just gets on with things, which makes her an extremely likeable character.
Lord Toric's borther, Sir Jeric, is manipulative while his brother's lover (and person in charge of the competition), Akantha, is straight-up spiteful. It's pretty obvious where their hatred comes from but I'm a little worried that it might be a little over-the-top as the series goes on. We'll have to see. Because, yes, I went in search of the second book straight away - something I rarely do. It usually bothers me when there are so many books in a series but this time, at least, I'm glad there's more.
The Selection is a sexy, smart, engaging, sci-fi dystopia that's absolutely worth a read for fans of YA and NA literature. It's free on Amazon Kindle, too, so there's no reason not to give it a try right now!
June 1, 2018
I’m giving this book three stars solely because the writing style was engaging. As other reviewers have pointed out, this story has similar themes to Kiera Cass’s The Selection series but with an added mix of The Hunger Games. It made for an addictive page turning experience—though one I didn’t necessarily love.
My main issues with Jayne Faith’s The Selection was that Lord Toric’s “feelings” for Maya was too unbelievable for me. They talked one on one maybe two or three times?
Boy, you don’t know her.
The instalove was intense and I don’t understand his whole sensing thing (iffy on reader interpretation). Lord Toric does tell readers straight up about his feelings and at one scene pretended a harem woman was Maya and satisfied his lust with her.
And secondly, I found Lord Toric to be so creepy. His flippant disregard for his harem women wasn’t that great either. I don’t see why he needs a harem if their real purpose isn’t going to be fulfilled until after the destruction of their enemies. Maybe I would have liked the story better if not for the harem being a thing.
I read the synopses of the other books (and reviews) in this series and I really don’t like the direction this series is going, so I won’t be continuing.
My main issues with Jayne Faith’s The Selection was that Lord Toric’s “feelings” for Maya was too unbelievable for me. They talked one on one maybe two or three times?
Boy, you don’t know her.
The instalove was intense and I don’t understand his whole sensing thing (iffy on reader interpretation). Lord Toric does tell readers straight up about his feelings and at one scene pretended a harem woman was Maya and satisfied his lust with her.
And secondly, I found Lord Toric to be so creepy. His flippant disregard for his harem women wasn’t that great either. I don’t see why he needs a harem if their real purpose isn’t going to be fulfilled until after the destruction of their enemies. Maybe I would have liked the story better if not for the harem being a thing.
I read the synopses of the other books (and reviews) in this series and I really don’t like the direction this series is going, so I won’t be continuing.
April 24, 2019
It's an interesting read that has heroine maya, being chosen to go fight for a place at her Lord's side. It is never expressly said, so this is my speculation, but it seems that the losers will be killed so if she wants to live she has to keep on her toes. It isn't about fighting each other so much as surviving the trials set forth for them (such as getting dumped on another world and surfing through the night, having decorum and manners, etc). Lord toric is immediately drawn to her essence and It's plain to see that they'll have some special connection. She is already a target by some unknown assailant just from him having let his eyes linger a tad too long.
I would say the heat level in this book is quite mild to moderate but I have a feeling it will ramp up as the character grows and becomes more sure of herself or embraces the darkness that toric mentions seeing in her vibrancy. Be forewarned that this book ends on a serious cliffhanger (like literally you're reading about how she needs to make the next trial and it cuts out) - if I did not get this first book free I would have felt cheated. I would finish this series if she puts it on KU but as it stands I'm not headed on to the next one as this one cut off so abruptly im a little peeved and don't want to pay if they aren't a full book. I enjoyed the writing and the world building; I'm sure it'll be a good story.
I would say the heat level in this book is quite mild to moderate but I have a feeling it will ramp up as the character grows and becomes more sure of herself or embraces the darkness that toric mentions seeing in her vibrancy. Be forewarned that this book ends on a serious cliffhanger (like literally you're reading about how she needs to make the next trial and it cuts out) - if I did not get this first book free I would have felt cheated. I would finish this series if she puts it on KU but as it stands I'm not headed on to the next one as this one cut off so abruptly im a little peeved and don't want to pay if they aren't a full book. I enjoyed the writing and the world building; I'm sure it'll be a good story.
January 28, 2017
I have previously read The Selection by Kiera Cass and absolutely loved it! I found that both books are extremely similar, except Faith's is geared towards a more mature audience and includes aliens. In addition to Cass' series, this book also tends to incorporate some elements from The Hunger Games as well. Overall, I would say that Jayne Faith's novel is The Hunger Games meets The Selection (Cass) meets aliens (sounds like a "walk into a bar joke" I know...).
It may seem like there is a lot of different elements being thrown into this book, but somehow Faith manages to make it all mesh seamlessly. I really enjoyed how their is a bi-annual culling of both men and women, who then must compete in various survival scenarios. However, the real competition is within both groups, for there can only be one male victor and one female victor. This makes for an interesting dynamic between "obligates."
The story was really enjoyable, but ended too abruptly. I hate when books do that! I felt like after such a slow start (background stuff) that the story was finally getting to some action, and then "wham!" The end. I just wasn't prepared for the story to end, even though the status bar at the bottom of my kindle indicated it's upcoming end.
It may seem like there is a lot of different elements being thrown into this book, but somehow Faith manages to make it all mesh seamlessly. I really enjoyed how their is a bi-annual culling of both men and women, who then must compete in various survival scenarios. However, the real competition is within both groups, for there can only be one male victor and one female victor. This makes for an interesting dynamic between "obligates."
The story was really enjoyable, but ended too abruptly. I hate when books do that! I felt like after such a slow start (background stuff) that the story was finally getting to some action, and then "wham!" The end. I just wasn't prepared for the story to end, even though the status bar at the bottom of my kindle indicated it's upcoming end.
February 13, 2020
I didn't expect to love this one as much as I did! I really didn't.
Though I don't know why I didn't. I read the blurb and thought "ok, so this is Hunger Games. I'll read that." I liked Hunger Games.
As I started it, I thought "Well, now it's Hunger Games crossed with Kiera Cass' The Selection series. I dig it." I also like Kiera Cass' books, for the most part. Especially that series.
So I guess it was meant to be, I just hadn't seen it coming!
I was hooked pretty much from the start. Somewhere around the middle I started flailing because I knew I was going to need the second book. True to that, this is the first series in a very long time to make me NEED the second book and have me immediately add it to my TBR.
I honestly cannot think of a bad thing to say about this. Sure, there's eye rolling moments, and times when I maybe didn't love that character quite as much as I wanted to, but... that's what makes it all feel real, and what makes me love it so much more.
Though I don't know why I didn't. I read the blurb and thought "ok, so this is Hunger Games. I'll read that." I liked Hunger Games.
As I started it, I thought "Well, now it's Hunger Games crossed with Kiera Cass' The Selection series. I dig it." I also like Kiera Cass' books, for the most part. Especially that series.
So I guess it was meant to be, I just hadn't seen it coming!
I was hooked pretty much from the start. Somewhere around the middle I started flailing because I knew I was going to need the second book. True to that, this is the first series in a very long time to make me NEED the second book and have me immediately add it to my TBR.
I honestly cannot think of a bad thing to say about this. Sure, there's eye rolling moments, and times when I maybe didn't love that character quite as much as I wanted to, but... that's what makes it all feel real, and what makes me love it so much more.
August 17, 2024
Stuff Your Earbuds Find!
3.5 Stars!
You miss the hierarchy world of 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass, the cut throat competition and parading around of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, but you want aliens? Well have I got the deal of a lifetime. Maybe not yours, but Maya's. Filled with hidden agendas, saving a race, and possible love from a wild perspective I bring to you 'The Selection' by Jayne Faith. When I say that I miss the dystopian era from a good number of years back, this is the melting pot-esk that I've kept my eye out for. Now is it only kind of wetting the appetite, yes. But I'm intrigued to see what the rest of the series will unveil as it has so much potential to scratch that itch. With a number of characters I'm rooting for (looking at you Orion) and others that I wish for the downfall for (you know who you are) I'm hopeful.
3.5 Stars!
You miss the hierarchy world of 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass, the cut throat competition and parading around of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, but you want aliens? Well have I got the deal of a lifetime. Maybe not yours, but Maya's. Filled with hidden agendas, saving a race, and possible love from a wild perspective I bring to you 'The Selection' by Jayne Faith. When I say that I miss the dystopian era from a good number of years back, this is the melting pot-esk that I've kept my eye out for. Now is it only kind of wetting the appetite, yes. But I'm intrigued to see what the rest of the series will unveil as it has so much potential to scratch that itch. With a number of characters I'm rooting for (looking at you Orion) and others that I wish for the downfall for (you know who you are) I'm hopeful.
November 1, 2018
Interesting. I saw comments such as Hunger Games. Indeed first you would think is Hunger Games, but is not. Indeed you see some stuff doubled...like twice per year, a girl and a boy, but many books might have similar ideas, hence depends how stuff evolves. After Hunger Games sent me also to Fifty Shades, but is just because many read the book. :), which again is not bad. You will see similar books with Fifty Shade. I liked the book, intriguing, easy to read, already started the second. I tend to believe Kalindi will have a word as well in here.
July 3, 2018
Journey begins
Have to say I’m loving the character of Maya - she’s Generous, quick thinking, and even a bit too forth right at times. Even so, I love how she is growing in spite of her fears and insecurities.
I definitely see shades of Hunger Games in this story - yet for me at least it’s evolving into its own story with a unique tale.
Have to say I’m loving the character of Maya - she’s Generous, quick thinking, and even a bit too forth right at times. Even so, I love how she is growing in spite of her fears and insecurities.
I definitely see shades of Hunger Games in this story - yet for me at least it’s evolving into its own story with a unique tale.
March 16, 2020
Slow and smutty
She spends too much time on vague details of the castle full of aliens waiting to get Earth (their hom land back?). Of course there is an instance connection between the girl that was chosen for her district full of loin throbbing and desperate want. Cleche rehash of all the 'choosing' books out there. Didn't even finish.
She spends too much time on vague details of the castle full of aliens waiting to get Earth (their hom land back?). Of course there is an instance connection between the girl that was chosen for her district full of loin throbbing and desperate want. Cleche rehash of all the 'choosing' books out there. Didn't even finish.
February 17, 2021
A very good book!
An excellent start to the series. I was looking for a good paranormal romance and this book did not disappoint. I was really engrossed I did not even realise I got to the end. I am glad that the other books in the series are out so I can continue as I hate to wait. Excellent read!
An excellent start to the series. I was looking for a good paranormal romance and this book did not disappoint. I was really engrossed I did not even realise I got to the end. I am glad that the other books in the series are out so I can continue as I hate to wait. Excellent read!
March 27, 2018
Good but expensive
Were not sure about the book but really enjoyed it. Got into it quickly. Could not put it down. Have bought the 2nd book but in terms of the cost on kindle expensive when comparef to other books i have read.
Were not sure about the book but really enjoyed it. Got into it quickly. Could not put it down. Have bought the 2nd book but in terms of the cost on kindle expensive when comparef to other books i have read.
July 13, 2018
Surprising
I was sure I was going to like this book, but to my surprise I loved it. I love how the story caught my attention..I read it in 1 day. I love Maya and Orion. On 2 the 2nd one. I highly recommend this.
I was sure I was going to like this book, but to my surprise I loved it. I love how the story caught my attention..I read it in 1 day. I love Maya and Orion. On 2 the 2nd one. I highly recommend this.
December 16, 2018
Maya is a lovable female lead. You get to see her journey from home to an alien planet. Everything she thinks she knows, is wrong. She has to walk a tightrope. Lord Toric is drawn to get her and tries to help her as much as he can. This book is building to an epic series.
February 13, 2019
The storyline was different but compelling. There was family love, love for your people, romance, fear and danger and not knowing what was going to happen. Well-written characters and location. I will be reading more by this author.
May 11, 2017
I absolutely loved these books, and they kept my attention right through to the end of the fifth book, which is rare for me! Highly recommended read. :)
April 1, 2018
3.5/4 stars! Very Hunger Games but with enough differences to stay interesting! Was a really fast pleasant read.
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