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Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Selection in Books

Dec 7, 2018  
The Selection
The Selection
Kiera Cass | 2012 | Children
8
7.9 (48 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Selection</i> is the first book in a girly dystopian novel by Kiera Cass set far in the future in a new country called Illéa. After two more world wars society has a place where people are labeled depending on their family history and wealth. Castes from one to eight, where one is the royal family, are assigned to every family in the country, which also determines their job prospects.

America Singer is a five and helps her family to earn money by performing, singing and playing music. But her life changes when it is announced that Prince Maxon is searching for a wife. Thirty-five girls from around the country are going to be selected to spend time with the prince at the palace where eventually one will be chosen to be his bride. Most girls would jump at the chance to be selected, but when America’s name is chosen she could not be more horrified.

America has a dilemma. She is already in love with someone else. Marrying Aspen, a six, is all America has ever dreamed about. Despite the fact that marrying into a caste below your own is frowned upon, the two of them were hoping to find a way around it. Now America has no choice but to leave Aspen behind. But what if the prince wants to choose her as his bride? Could she ever love him or would her feelings for Aspen hold her back?

It is easy to grow attached to America’s character and personality. She remains herself in a place where most girls would put on an act to get noticed. America also cares a lot about other people and they way they are treated, even though she is from one of the lower castes. Likewise with America, the reader is torn between wishing she could create a life with Aspen, but also hoping something will happen between her and the prince.

Overall it is a well-written book however it does not feel completely original. The castes felt similar to the district idea in <i>The Hunger Games</i>, however <i>The Selection</i> focuses on a more positive storyline. The outcome of the selection process is not resolved within this book, so if you enjoy reading this novel you will definitely want to read the next one!
  
Gold In My Veins - Single by Kid Pharaoh
Gold In My Veins - Single by Kid Pharaoh
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Kid Pharaoh is a rapper with Egyptian and Australian roots. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his self-produced single, entitled, “Gold In My Veins”.

“Gold on your neck, but I got gold in my brown skin. See yeah with your frontin’ ways. Your stunting chains and big face hundreds man. You hustling, but tell me what you covering? I never needed all that ‘cause I come from kings. So, what I need a Rollie for? It’s my time. I don’t need no gold to show how I shine. You can quit all that talking and lying.” – lyrics

Shot by Shaq Azhar in Wollongong, NSW, the audiovisual features Kid Pharaoh as the lead protagonist.

He plays an accountant in the office environment of Pharaoh Financial. The accountant comically analyses the expenses of a lavish rapper’s lifestyle. Also, he questions its worth and dismisses its relevance.

“Celebrating my Egyptian heritage and its rich history has always been at the forefront of what I do. But ‘Gold In My Veins’ allowed me to do so in a way that let me explore a new lane of sounds I was yet to touch. Inspired by the bounce and grooves of early 2000s Pharrell and Neptunes produced music I grew up with.” – Kid Pharaoh

‘Gold In My Veins’ tells an interesting tale from Kid Pharaoh’s point of view which claims his hip-hop kingship based on his royal ancestry.

Apparently, the savvy emcee’s soul is made of gold, and he is from a lineage of pharaohs who sat on thrones in the Valley of the Kings.

Later, Kid Pharaoh reveals that no one is messing with him because he’s the best in his city, state, and country.

‘Gold In My Veins’ contains a relatable storyline, braggadocious raps, and lush instrumentation scented with a hip-hop fragrance.

“You can tell these rappers I don’t need to stunt. You can tell these rappers they don’t need to front. With your false claims and your gold chains, I was born from the kings, one thing. You can tell ‘em keep the gold in your chain ’cause yeah I got gold in my veins.” – lyrics

Kid Pharaoh provides a raw and unique voice for an underrepresented Arabic community in Australia.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kid-pharaoh-gold-in-my-veins/