[2] The book takes place 300 years in the future in a country called Illéa (formerly the United States) that has a strict caste system.

Prince Maxon has narrowed down his selection candidates to an Elite of six girls: America, Kriss, Celeste, Elise, Natalie, and Marlee.

At the ball, Maxon and America dance, and he tells her that he will propose to her after the Selection at the right time so that it is easy for her to say yes.

Then, the girls must plan an event and are split into two teams: America and Kriss, and Natalie, Celeste, and Elise.

He shows her the Princess's suite and reveals her best friend, Marlee whom he had hidden without the king's knowledge.

The two girls talk about Marlee's new life, where she cooks in the kitchen and has married Carter Woodwork, the former guard.

America, after reading the secret diaries of Gregory Illéa, the first king, presents the idea that the castes should be eliminated.

Immediately, the outraged king shuts down the report, takes the diary from her, and demands she returns home.

The Southern Rebels then attack the palace, and America runs into Maxon leaving the hospital wing on her way to the gardens.

Once America thinks she is going home, she realizes how much Maxon means to her and that she is going to fight for him and his love once he convinces his father to give her one last chance to behave.