The Queen: A The Selection Novella

I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed "The Selection" series. This romance was very well written but a bit disappointing. I expected a longer book and it lasted me hardly two hours. It still fails to explain how the couple got where they did but does give the reader a better understanding of both Queen Amberly and the King.

The Queen gave a very nice back story on Queen Amberly but I would have liked it to be a bit longer, because the ending was kind of abrupt. Overall I highly recommend this books to those who have read the Selection Series.

It felt like half way through the book...and it was the end. It seriously was incomplete and if you pay more than 50 cents for half of a novella....you got ripped off! Save your money,don't buy this. Very disappointed.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! I TOTALY FORGOT I EVEN OWNED THIS BUT IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO FINALLY BE IN MAXON'S HEAD THAT I HAVE LOST SENSE OF HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW, CAN YOU TELL?

But seriously.. this book was epic (okay is not really a book more of a novella but still it was nice to view the selection from Maxon's POV and his first encounter with America (who would later on become the love of his life...shhhhh don't tell Maxon!).

I loved how Kiera Cass had done this from before the selection even started, she showed us a glimpse of Maxon's friendship with Daphne and gave us the subtle hint of how there could have been more and maybe she is the one? But it was nothing like that and it was more than I could have imagined. I really loved this short novella so much, I kind of wish now that the Selection series had been a dual POV it would have been so much more fun to read.

Maxon is such a sweetheart, he has a heart full of gold. I am not sure if Kiera intended this but I did think some times Maxon was oblivious and naive to certain things? Or maybe that's just me...? Although I might think that, he does always try to see what he has done wrong and then correct it (seriously can he get more adorable than that?)

I debated between a 3 and 4 for this because I did actually really enjoy the story. However I wasn't really sure if I considered the relationship between Amberley and Clarkson to be exactly healthy.

First of all she's sweet, but she definitely a fan girl of his. She idolizes him and places him on a pedestal above all others, incapable of seeing any flaws in the boy. Even as she finds herself spending more time with him, he doesn't become more human to her, more flawed. That alone would be something I'd consider unhealthy in a relationship, but that's not my only issue.

Clarkson himself has an unhealthy and ferocious temper. No he doesn't hit her during his fit about his parents but he destroyed an entire room in front of her. If someone did that in front of me I'd be wondering how long before breaking things wasn't enough to calm their anger and they started breaking people. Additionally I don't get the impression he has a respect for or values human life. Sure he worries about Amberley when she's sick, but then he threatened to have the doctor sent before a firing squad if he revealed anything about Amberley's medical history.

And besides the fact that she has little respect or value for herself as is evidenced when she doesn't report the queen slapping her, my main reason for considering the relationship unhealthy is him choosing her because she'll do anything he asks. That is simply not healthy or a good relationship model for teens to have.

That said I started with this before reading the Selection Trilogy, so maybe the relationship is supposed to be portrayed as unhealthy because of who the characters become later. Honestly I don't know. I liked the story but just have trouble giving it a higher rating when I considered the relationship between the main characters to be so unhealthy.

This Novella was only 61 pages with a preview of The Favorite another Novella coming out this year. The Queen is about Queen Amberly and a little bit about how her love started with King Clarkson. Honestly with only 61 pages there isn’t too much to review but I will try my best!

I LOVE Queen Amberly, she is so sweet, helping to calm people down and care for those close to her. In The Selection series, she was the same, kind, caring, awesome. In The Queen I felt the same way about her, except I felt like…this is going to sound super rude… she was kind of like a puppy to King Clarkson. Amberly did whatever he said with out question, she loved him with out really knowing him and this bothered me.

My problems mostly started when he told Amberly she would look prettier with shorter hair, and she went and cut it, no questions asked! Okay, she let him control how she looked! I can’t stand Clarkson, unlike Maxon he isn’t super sweet, or very nice at all. Clarkson to me was controlling, rude, and I don’t see how she fell in love with him. I know, this is a mini rant it’s just I couldn’t stand how he did that, and how she willingly let him control everything she did! Yes, I don’t like Clarkson one bit.

Other than that I liked The Queen, for 61 pages I felt like it went by fast, not too much happened other than Amberly trying to get Clarkson’s attention. As far as Novellas go, this is the first on I read on my Nook! I love getting insight on the characters we know and love, and the sneak peak of The Favorite about Marlee blew my mind! I LOVE MARLEE she was my favorite character and I am so excited to read about her love with Carter. The first chapter made me want to cry, gosh I love her and Carter together, I love their story, SO EXCITED!!!

Well, there is my tiny review for this tiny book! Have you read any of The Selection Novellas? I’ve read them all so far (except The Favorite which isn’t out) so if you have any questions feel free to ask

"I'm not used to any of this. The food is strange. The clothes are strange. It even smells different here, but I can't quite pinpoint what it is."

After I read the prince I was really intrigued to see what his mother was like and if we could get some insight into why his dad was such a difficult man to deal with. This book delivered just that, not only did it show why he had no other siblings, but why the King and Queen acted the way they did.

The king was so controlling because his own parents had been an awful match for each other. His way of counteracting their awful parenting was to control everything as much as he could. While it did work and his bride did understand. You can see exactly why his son had a problem with it.
We also got to see why the Queen herself was so calm and so loyal to the King, and that she wasn’t so different from America either. I loved this story and I hope we get to see more of the queen in future books, because she is a caring person who just wants the best for her son.

Now I finally get to read the Elite!

"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 started by much. You're soothing. I'm desperate
for peace. I think you might be the only chance I have at that."

I liked reading from the POV of the Queen Amberly. In the Selection series, she was always just the background. She didn't say much so i didn't know what to think of her. But everyone has a story and she was once part of the selection. She was once a quiet shy girl, so its cool reading how she went from that to a Queen that the people loved.

I forgot, I don't know how The King became who he is. He seemed like a regular guy, so what happened? how did he become so hateful, greedy, and violent. I don't remember if any of that was explained. Its sad though, too see how they went from being a cute young couple to a troubled one. Well it was mostly because of the king. It also was sad that she was sick,,, but,,, but,, Clarkson still looked out for her and wanted her there. :-)

The only reason I gave this book 3 stars was because, I like reading about confident, strong, smart, brave characters, because I'm completely the opposite of all that, so I like it, makes me want to be better. But in this case Amberly doesn't really think for herself. She does what Clarkson tells her to do, and that's why he likes her, because she's obedient, he says so himself. Non of the other girls listened and passed his obedient test. They didn't get many one on one time, it was like the third time they saw each other and they start making out, not because he knows her, really cares for, but because he liked how she looked in the dress, oh man. The guy wants to marry her cus she's obedient and looks good..... not good.

I like reading prequels like these. Reminds you that there's always a beginning to every great story. :-) :-)

I should start by saying, I've not read any of the rest of the Selection series yet. I prefer to read books in chronological order, so I tend to read the novellas/prequels prior to reading the main story. So, this review is just based on The Queen and my not having any knowledge of how the rest of the series will play out.

I found it an interesting introduction into the series. There is a lot of information about Amberly and Clarkson, who I hope will continue to be central to the story. There is also some insight into Clarkson's parents which I assume will be good to know as I continue with the series. It also sheds some light as to the type of dystopian world I'll be getting into. Some kind of caste system in place, and a selection process to choose the next queen. I found this prequel to be more intense and longer than most prequels in series like this and I really enjoyed the length and depth of the story.

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...Nope! 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?"

This novella is about Queen Amberly before she became queen and how her selection went. I was hesitant to read it, I like Queen Amberly so much and do not favor the King AT. ALL. I was afraid that it'd be terrible. I'm not sure how to feel about it once I completed it, but I know that her devotion to him has always been present her entire life. I wish it were a complete novel (or a series) and not just a brief glimpse into her life, because I'm left on edge, hoping that her life ended up (early on, what we don't know) well. The way Prince Clarkson acted...and his parents acted...I wanted to take her out of the palace and keep her someplace safe with someone who's never "almost" hurt her. While the trilogy I gave a 5 star review to, this novella is a 3 at best. The writing was done well, but the story, I wish it was more complete.

I enjoyed this little story. I'm not generally a fan of the mid-series short story, but this one was good. It gives more perspective into Queen Amberly's character and it's nice to see some of her back story as well as her experience in the Selection.

I couldn't make myself become even remotely fond of Clarkson, even though Amberly was completely in love with him throughout this story. I had in my mind his depiction from this series' novels. But it wasn't only that. Clarkson seemed controlling to me. I mean, the way he decided to choose Amberly - his reasons annoyed and offended me. Sure, I'll marry you, because you do anything I ask you to and you put me first no matter what. Well, that's not romantic at all, nor is it right to expect that of a spouse.

Anyway, overall the story was good. I cannot freaking wait for The Heir!!

Side note: This author sure seems to like the odd/awkward/embarrassing girl meets boy story. I predict another awkward meeting in the fourth book! But then I will know which boy Eadlyn chooses. Oh no, I hope I didn't just ruin it by figuring out Cass's secret!

I've really loved the Selection Series overall. But this novella left a sour taste in my mouth. I despise the fact that Amberly is so weak and that Clarkson chooses her for that reason. He "tests" several of the women to see if they will cut their hair. Only Amberly does, and while she likes the end result, her willingness to just throw aside the hair she loves for a man she barely knows makes her weak and pathetic.

I liked Queen Amberly far better before I read this novella. After reading it, it's hardly surprising that her son was treated so poorly at the hands of his father, and even if she'd been aware, there's no way she'd have intervened to stop it.

Kiera Cass's other female characters have mostly been strong. I'd hoped this novella would offer some insight into how Amberly could've ever loved a man like Clarkson. But she just comes across as silly and malleable and easily manipulated.

I really enjoyed getting a look at Queen Amberly before she became Queen. She kind of reminded me of America, but less independent . One of the downsides, though, is the length, since it could have included much more content. For example, I wish Clarkson 's proposal to Amberly would have been included, instead of how they just ended it at him promising her that she would be the one in a couple of weeks. It would have been interesting to see them actually married and how they acted later in life, but before Maxon came along( I was kept wondering how the man in this novella ended up being the cruel monster we saw in "The Selection" books). I also didn't really like how Amberly just kind of rolled over to Clarkson 's requests- she seemed a bit weak/submissive at times. For example, he made a comment that she should cut her hair and she cut off a lot of it within the day. He later tells her it was a test he gave all the girls and she was the only one who gave him more than an inch. He says this to her seemingly like a reason why he wants her to be the one, as if her ability to roll over and give him what he wants is her best attribute. It bothered me how her weakness of mind seemed to be celebrated. Other than these few details, the story was really enjoyable. Since we never got to hear much about how Amberly came to be Queen in the Selection books, this short story was a great opportunity for that. I'd say it's a definite read for anyone interested in the backstory behind some of the things that happened in "The Selection".

Admittedly, I was a little curious as to how someone like Amberly could not only fall in love with someone like Clarkson, but how he fell in love with her. Their story is hardly romantic though. Amberly had been in love with him since she was 7, I think it said, and that seemed to give her tunnel vision around him. I am glad that over the years her personality didn't change much though when we see her as the queen. Clarkson himself, was not that big of a prize. Perhaps because it was a novella and we just didn't get a lot, but he hardly seemed worthy of any swoon. Yes, he was sweet every now and then but he just didn't seem worth a fight. I also couldn't accept being picked for passing his tests and doing everything he said without question or trouble. Basically, it came across as he picked her because she would obey him, not because he loved her.

What was a little shocking was his own parents. Not the greatest of monarchs to be sure. And with the way he felt about them, it only made how he treated Maxon more surprising.

This novella is a great quick read! It focuses on Amberly, the future Queen Amberly from the Selection trilogy, in the few weeks before she is picked by Prince Clarkson. The novella gives details about Amberly's life, as well as Prince Clarkson's, that help explain their characters from the Selection series.

While this piece will be interesting mainly to readers of Cass' Selection series, it could also be a fun read for fans of the Bachelor or Bachelorette. The Selection is mainly a dating competition to find the future ruler's wife (minus the Bachelor partying and sleeping around).

Note: The novel mentions girls as numbers, like Fours or Sevens, which correspond to their jobs from back home (Sevens being manual labor type jobs and Twos being jobs like acting (lower job numbers are seen as better)). There are some other references to the world of the Selection series that might not make sense to someone who hasn't read at least the first book in the Selection series, but most of the references will be explained through the characters' dialogue or actions or are not essential to understanding the story.

It is interesting getting this glimpse of the past of Queen Amberly and King Clarkson, and nice to see that he did not always have a stick up his butt!

Seeing a bit about how Clarkson grew up and the way his parents were does kind of explain some things, though. But if I had been Amberly, the scene after their clandestine desert date would have scared the crap out of me.

I can kind of understand the negative reviews, but then again, why would someone read books in a series out of order.

I really enjoyed this story. It was nice to see Clarkson carefree for once. Makes you wonder what must have happened to turn him so -- different in his later years.

Once again, the author paints a brilliant picture. I felt like I was in the room with these girls, experiencing all that they experienced. When The Queen ended, I felt a wide range of emotions all at once. I cannot wait to continue the series.

Each book in this series gets worse. I don't want my daughter chosen for marriage based on her pliability (actually, I don't want her "chosen" at all, it should be a mutual attraction). I don't want her to worship someone as a celebrity and decide he is for her without looking a little closer when she gets a chance, a la Katie Holmes. We didn't hear of Amberly working for social change as queen, so she obviously played her role as the little wife her whole life.
There are so many things wrong with this series I can't even list them all.
Luckily, I got this book from the library.

I truly enjoyed reading this novella. It told Queen or rather Lady Amberlys side of how she met and fell for then Prince Clarkson. How she had to deal with the then Evil and drunken Queen Abby. She learned the reason for her headaches and the grave consequences of her caste is not being able to have children. It almost destroyed Amberlys, and during all of that she found out what was causing Clarkson all his pain and she love him so much she wanted to help comfort and be there. She was determined to be not just one of the Selected, but act like a Queen. And in the end it paid off!

This was a novella about Queen Amberly and when she went through the selection process with King Clarkson.

Here are my thoughts...I enjoyed this novella, getting to know two characters we have limited and slightly one sided information about. Queen Amberly clearly has always been a kind and compassionate person, and seemingly was always in love with Clarkson. Clarkson still kind of comes off as a jerk, even as a young prince, especially when listing his reasons of hwo he knew Amberly was going to be the one he would marry. Could it have something to do with his parents? Yes, but I think you can make a choice about the type of person you want to be and strive to be that way and Clarkson clearly was set on being King and the power that would bring. Recommend for fans of the series, just gives more insight!

I really loved reading about future Queen Amberly's perspective about her selection process. Clarkson is way different from the man we have come to know in the Selection Series. But in this Novella, you can see these little signs of him becoming his older self. In this book he has already begun his manipulative ways...he goes up to every girl in the selection and suggest they would look better with shorter hair--Amberly is the only one to obey his order. It's kind of sad in a way that it seems like Clarkson only wanted Amberly because she obeyed him but I do think that he had to care on some level for her (he finds out some information that should make him rethink Amberly as a wife-but he doesn't care and gets with her). I really wish we would find out why Clarkson abuses Maxon but I guess it is something we may never know. In the novella, you do feel kind of bad for Clarkson--his parents are a nightmare.
Anyway this is worth the read! But maybe wait until October of this year because they are releasing a book with all the Novella's and with some new material. I heard there is a Celeste perspective scene.

I love this book a lot, it lets you know what Maxon's parents were like during their selection. It lets you see King Clarkson's humanities. It is kind of ironic how he says he wants to be nothing like his father but in a way he is like him. Queen Amerbley is like the exact opposite of America except for the fact that they were both fives. Amberley was always in love with Clarkson even when she was little and America didn't know she loved Maxon till the end. The Queen seems sweet, kind, shy and calm while as America is stubborn and stands up to people (even knees the Prince).

I listened to the audio version of this story. Loved the narrator! This is a short Novella about when Prince Maxon's Mother, Queen Amberly, was in the Selection. I read this one after reading The Selection. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet Romance between the lovely Amberly and Prince Clarkson. He's so serious and so stiff, but Amberly brings about some changes in him. He smiles and relaxes when she is near him. This book was way to short for me. I was hoping for a little more romance at the end of the book but it was still good. Looking forward to more books in this series.

My full review can be found on my blog, Reader Rayna, as well as my Goodreads.

I actually really enjoyed this novella! It was nice to be able to see from Queen Amberly's perspective during her own Selection process and how absolutely in love with Clarkson she was. And to also see him so gentle with her was refreshing given how he is in the main story. It makes me wonder what happened, but I guess we'll never really know.

I liked Amberly's mannerisms: she was gentle and quiet, fiercely in love, loyal and caring. I really like her and I think it was well worth reading about her own story.

4/5 stars

The Queen by Kiera Cass is a novella from Queen Amberly's point of view during the time of her Selection. She is every bit as endearing when she was young as he is later in the series. Clarkson, on the other hand... while I think he really does love Amberly, you can already see his progression to becoming the future jerk of a king and father. This novella explains many things I wondered about regarding these two characters, like the Queen's health and the Kings attitude towards children, particularly his own. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their early life.

I love America singer's story. I did not like Eadlyn's story quite as much but I still enjoyed reading it. I would suggest that you read this book because it will explain about Clarkson and Amberly. But...This story made me mad. I didn't like king Clarkson when I read the selection but I absolutely hate him in this book. And the fact that Amberly worships him makes me not like her. I hate that she only sees the good in him and does not see his harsh side. I get upset about how blinded she is by her "love" for him. This is definitely not my favorite book. For me it explains things about Clarkson but that doesn't make me like him.

As I came late to The Selection Series, I don't quite know when these novellas were released. That being the case, I would strongly recommend reading The Queen in between Books One and Two. This tiny glimpse into the selection of Queen Amberly and the dynamics that play out in the series.
I have always been fond of back stories. This didn't disappoint. In fact, the only complaint I have is that it should have been longer.
Definitely worth the hour or two it takes to read the easy way Cass turns a story.

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.”

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.”

This is my favorite of the novella so far, it actually does given insight and new information. I love that the stereotypical peaceful queen has a deep backstory, and it makes me, just slightly, a little bit more understanding of the king and how he treats maxon.

I don't really feel I am better off having read this novella. It gives a tiny bit of backstory with the King's parents so for that it receives 2 stars. Otherwise it doesn't really add anything to the overarching story for me.

I really enjoyed this novella! I've really liked all of the Selection novellas except the Aspen one. No one cares about Aspen! I liked this glimpse of young Amberley and Clarkson though I wasn't a huge fan of the "reasons" Clarkson picked her. She does everything he tells her to without question? Uhhh nope. I'm excited for The Favorite though!

I'm sorry, but this just isn't very good. I enjoyed the first two books of the series because the idea was a fresh take on the whole princess/pauper romance genre. The third was ok, but sloppy. This, however, seems like a quick attempt to cash in on a popular series. The whole family is unlikeable. The Queen is a drunk. The King is barely heard from. Prince Clarkson is about as unlikeable as they come. Oh, sure, he has a few "tender" moments when he tries to pass for human, but this whole love story is so unbelievable. Our little heroine is in love with him, even though he comes across as meanspirited and callous. NATURALLY (heavy sarcasm), she can see through his shell and love the "real" him...even though she's only seen him on TV and had a few glances at a competition. And let's see..our heroine has waist-length hair (color unknown) and rough hands...and that's the total extent of knowing anything about her. Yet, magically (yark), she's everything the Prince ever wanted. REALLY????

None of the characters have any depth. The competition, itself, isn't explained. The author, in her arrogance, just assumes that we've all read the series and will be blind to all the flaws of this book. Frankly, I think it was written during a drunk weekend in the woods with an eye at a quick and easy paycheck. It shows.

If you can even remotely accept this outlandish, poorly-written story as plausible, then do I have a bridge for you in Brooklyn!

It was very interesting to see the selection from Queen Amberley's perspective. I thought the book was very well written. I was able to understand King Clarkson and Queen Amberley in a new way. Overall, I would recommend this book to whoever likes the Selection series.

This was a good read. I liked seeing what the future Queen had to endure. It explains why the future king is the way he is with Maxon. I would like to see another novella about later in their life and what caused him to change. A must read for anyone who has read this series.

I didnt lik it OR loved it. It was confusing at the being. once I realized was the bases of the backgrounds, I was enjoying. BUT there is no ending or anything. It leaves you hanging with a bunch of question. Would I read more? I dont think so, which is sad because Me. Cass is a good writer.

I liked to see this side of amber leg, but more than that, ths is really about prince clarkson. This is so revealing of their relationship and the dynamic that exists between them in the later years (and earlier books).

I know this was a novella but I felt it left more unanswered questions than it answered. I love the serious the selection and was curious about queen Amberley and king Clarkson. I think the book just left me wondering how everything would work itself out we know it did but how did they get there.

I loved all three main books in "The Selection" series, but I absolutely hated this one. Clarkson came off as very controlling and Amberly seemed weak and willing to give in to everything he wanted. I loved her character in the main series, but was really disappointed in her in this one. The ending was rushed (and actually so was the beginning; we knew Amberly loved him from before she met him but there really wasn't much reason why beyond a young girl's crush).

It was such a staple to have something to hold me over until the next book! Holding my breath until then! So refreshing and enlightening to learn more about the queen we came to love in "the selection"

This was an amazing book and explains why they acted in the way that they did in the future I just wish that Clarkson had been faithful to his beloved as she was to him. And that she would have known about how he feared Maxon.

It was such a staple to have something to hold me over until the next book! Holding my breath until then! So refreshing and enlightening to learn more about the queen we came to love in "the selection"

This was an amazing book and explains why they acted in the way that they did in the future I just wish that Clarkson had been faithful to his beloved as she was to him. And that she would have known about how he feared Maxon.

I love the original novels so this one was a bit of a disappointment. It was too short for any real character development, plus I didn't really connect with Amberley. She seemed like she had no will of her own and the Prince seems very controlling/borderline abusive.

I love Kiera Cass and her novels make my heart sing. I read this book in one sitting. I seriously yelled, "That's it." At the end. This book really gives an interesting perspective of King Clarkson before he was king and how Queen Amberly, so in love with him, became his center of his storm, his wife, his queen. I love this novella, I wish there was more, I think you'll love it too.

I have always wanted to see Queen Amberly's start. She has always been a mystery to me. I didn't understand her unwavering loyalty to all her positions and was desperate to know more about her. I also enjoyed seeing the Selection through the two different perspectives- America's and Amberly's- because they have two entirely different personalities. This was by far my most favorite novella of the Selection series!!!

Kiera Cass, I just want to say I LOVE your books. I've read every single book of yours about three times each, and I know when each book comes out off the top of my head. I also loved this book. I think it's sad how Clarkson becomes somewhat like his father in the books. There's a bunch more I could say but it would take up my whole screen, so I'm going to say one simple word,Amazing.

I would never have guessed it was the same author by how terrible the writing is in this short story. Not to mention there was no need for a story about Amberly and Clarkson. I have enjoyed all the other books and novellas in the selection series but this one is awful!!