Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Selection
- Author: Kiera Cass
- Narrator: Amy Rubinate
- Length: 0.338888889
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 24-Apr
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Genre: Teen, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Romance
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
From the moment Amy Rubinate’s voice filled my headphones, I knew *Selection* by Kiera Cass would be an audiobook experience unlike any other. Narrated with a balance of lightness and gravitas that felt both intimate and regal, Rubinate’s performance draws you into a world of glittering gowns, royal intrigue, and the timeless question of how love and identity entwine. Listening to it reminded me of an evening spent under the stars in Oaxaca, where a grandmother’s storytelling held us spellbound. Rubinate’s narration captures that same magic—the sense that this story is being told just for you.
The premise of *Selection* feels like a fairy tale with a twist: a dystopian, class-divided kingdom invites thirty-five young women to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. For protagonist America Singer, this chance at a crown clashes with her heart’s loyalty to a boy from her past. What unfolds is a story that’s equal parts romance, rebellion, and self-discovery—a mix that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt torn between duty and desire.
As a travel writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the cultural underpinnings of love and power. Cass’s fictional world of Illéa is richly imagined, blending futuristic elements with echoes of historical monarchies. It reminded me of wandering through the castles of Sintra, Portugal, where the air seems thick with the whispers of courtly intrigue. The vivid descriptions of the palace, the hierarchy of its society, and America’s own struggles to navigate this unfamiliar terrain made me feel like I was right there beside her, caught in the intoxicating swirl of ball gowns and whispered secrets.
Rubinate’s narration is a masterclass in vocal storytelling. She imbues America with warmth and determination, while giving Prince Maxon a voice that’s equal parts commanding and vulnerable. Each character is distinct, brought to life with subtle shifts in tone and pacing. Listening to Rubinate, I was reminded of driving through the Atacama Desert, where the vast, surreal landscape was the perfect backdrop for García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as that narrator’s voice felt like an inseparable part of the story, Rubinate’s performance here feels like an extension of Cass’s prose—a seamless blend of text and voice.
What truly sets *Selection* apart is its exploration of choice. America must navigate not only the competition but also her own heart—deciding who she wants to be in a world that constantly tries to define her. It’s a theme that resonates universally, but especially with anyone who has ever felt the pull of conflicting paths. As I listened, I thought of my younger self, standing on a beach in Brazil, trying to decide whether to pursue a traditional career or chase the freedom of storytelling. That same tension—the fear and exhilaration of choice—is woven into every moment of America’s journey.
Of course, no story is without its flaws. The love triangle at the heart of *Selection* may feel familiar to fans of YA romance, and some of the secondary characters lack the depth that America and Maxon possess. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enchanting tale. Cass’s writing, paired with Rubinate’s narration, creates a listening experience that’s both immersive and emotionally engaging.
For fans of series like *The Hunger Games* or *The Bachelor* (yes, the comparison is apt!), *Selection* offers a blend of high-stakes drama and heartfelt moments. It’s a story that feels both escapist and grounded—a fairy tale with enough grit to keep you hooked.
If you’re looking for an audiobook that will sweep you off your feet, transport you to a world of sparkling romance and simmering tension, and leave you pondering the nature of love and identity, *Selection* is a must-listen. Rubinate’s narration elevates an already captivating story, making it an experience that lingers long after the final chapter.
So, grab your headphones, press play, and let yourself be drawn into the world of Illéa. Just like the best journeys—whether through books or across continents—it’s one you won’t soon forget.
With warmth and wanderlust, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
