The Elite (The Selection, 2)

[...] You know you have a good book in your hands when it just sticks to your fingers like glue. I started reading "The Elite", the sequel to Kiera Cass's riveting "The Selection", only a couple nights ago, and finished it last night! I read "The Selection" when it came out last year, and, much to my surprise, my sister devoured it on her own Kindle as well--and that's when you know you have an exceptionally interesting read in your hands. Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection, to win over Prince Maxon's heart. Just six remain. And only one will be chosen as the crown princess of Illea. Seventeen-year-old America still isn't sure where her heart lies. Her new and exciting romance with Maxon sweeps her off her feet, but when she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, she can't help but be overcome with memories of her childhood sweetheart and the future they planned together. But the stakes are higher than before. The rebels' attacks are growing more frequent and destructive, and a devastating loss makes America question whether this is what she really wants. And with the clock ticking, America knows that a happy ending might be harder to achieve than she thought. One of the most significant aspects in "The Elite" is the romance--that swoon-worthy, heart-stopping romance. I finished "The Selection" in a state of indecision like America. Sure, Maxon's the handsome, charming prince, but Aspen's her ever-loyal childhood sweetheart! What's even more interesting in "The Elite" is that Ms. Cass never makes it obvious who America's going to end up with, something that a lot of YA novels tend to do from the beginning. As the story progresses, however, we're most definitely left to our own judgments of the characters, since every single one of them has their individual flaws and personalities. I don't want to taint your own judgment about Maxon, Aspen and America with my own, but let me just say that I'm definitely leaning towards one of the boys now! Another thing is that there's some great potential danger in having your heroine fence-sit so much over two boys, but I think Ms. Cass did a good job in not letting me hate on America for being a bit of a player. As for America herself, I definitely grow to like her even more in "The Elite". There's some great character development going on throughout the novel, and at the end of it, I got the picture of a strong, passionate heroine who still retains her seventeen-year-old-ness. What I mean by that is that while America is determined and well-meaning, she still makes rash mistakes and has a lot to learn about the world around her, especially since Illea is in a state of war. I also love the fact that she's just an overall kind person, who's compassionate and loyal to her family and friends, no matter what caste they're in. I especially loved her relationship with her dad--they're more like friends than anything, and that kind of reminded me of my own relationship with my dad. The plot of "The Elite" was no less intense than that of "The Selection", and it had me flipping through the pages like a madman. When I wrote in the synopsis earlier that the stakes are higher than before, I wasn't kidding. The tension is really up there throughout the novel, not only with the rebellion and the war, but also emotionally with the whole Selection and the pressure it puts on you as a contender. There are so many twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, and it just makes me all the more excited to see how everything ends in the final book of the trilogy. Overall, "The Elite" is an exciting, engaging sequel with wonderfully dreamy romances, a strong and believable heroine and a gripping storyline. I highly recommend "The Selection Trilogy" for anyone who loves exciting stories--I've seen so many statements and reviews of the book making similarities with reality TV shows. Definitely worth a read! Rating: 4.5/5

If you haven't read The Selection, the series is set in the not-so-distant future when North America has gone through two more world wars and is now known as Ilea and has a royal family instead of a president. We're not quite sure exactly how all of this came about because America, the heroine, isn't sure herself. No one is really taught history like we're taught history today - and they history that they are taught is very selective. A very dystopian monarchy. Because a monarchy isn't something that most people would be amenable to, the royal family appease the people by marrying a commoner and that commoner is chosen by a process known as 'the selection.' Through a series of fights with her secret boyfriend, America ends up in the selection process and vying for the heart of Prince Maxon. Now we've reached the top 6 contenders and 'the elite' stage of the selection and America is still in the running! Not only does America have feelings for Prince Maxon, which she never expected, but her ex-boyfriend is now a palace guard and isn't going away without a fight. Add to that, there are rebels from both the North and the South attacking the palace for reasons that America is slowly starting to understand. As her feelings for Maxon grow, so do her doubts about her abilities to be the princess and future queen of Ilea. Not only is the selection a competition for Maxon's affection, it's a competition to see who can be the next queen of the country. I mean - can you imagine? I can't imagine being Kate Middleton (sigh...luff her) who endured years of trial by fire with the British royal family, but to be put through an actual competition against other girls? That's absolutely awful. All this internal turmoil is happening while America is still competing against five other girls. Some of the girls are her friends - Marlee is one of her best friends - while others will do anything for the crown and when I say anything, I mean anything. They're forced to work and learn how to be princesses together, while still being pitted against each other. Each girl is there for a specific reason and America knows that the only person keeping her in the selection is Maxon himself. The other girls have connections overseas, strong connections within the country or are simply favorites with the public. Politically, there are many reasons for them to be in the selection but America has nothing to bring to the table except that she's from one of the lower castes. I've left out the caste system too, haven't I? It's pretty much what it sounds like although there are some details that you'll read about in the book that are pretty interesting. Without spoiling anything, there's a lot that happens in this book both plot-wise and character-wise. We learn a great deal more about Ilea and its royal family as well as the rebels that seek to overthrow them. America grows right in front of our eyes as she learns more, grows up and is forced to deal with more than most other 16-year-olds her age do. There were a few moments when I was a bit nervous about where things were going, but Cass definitely knew what she was doing from the beginning. There are reasons for everything that happens and a lot is explained in the end, before even more questions are raised. It wasn't the middle novel of the series that I was expecting and I was happily surprised with the events that took place. I'm looking forward to the last in the series, The One, next year!

This review may contain mild, very vague spoilers. You've been warned. Emotional rollercoaster—that’s what this was for me. I loved the first book in this series, and so when I picked up the second book in the series, I was ready to dive in feet first, no shoes, not even a toe to check the temperature of the water… and I hit concrete. I expected the second book in the series to further the steadily-growing-hotter relationship between America and Maxon, but instead, I found her world, and mine, flipped upside down. This is one of those books you’re either going to hate with a passion, or love equally as much. As far as the technical side of things goes: The formatting, grammar, punctuation, and spelling were flawless. From the first 10 seconds into the book I was hooked and I never felt jarred out of the narrative. No, I dare say that I was so enraptured with the story that when the characters starting misbehaving, I had a look akin to horror on my face. I both loved and hated all of the characters this time around. America was idealistic, strong-willed, and very, very confused. She made a lot of really bad mistakes this time around, and I visibly cringed. It wasn’t that she acted air-headed like most teen female leads. She made choices that, at the time, seemed logical to me. I was routing for her every decision and cheering her on as the story went, and so when her choices backfired (as they inevitably had to) I was devastated every bit as much as she was. I didn’t realize how bad her situation could get until she was in it, and by that time it was too late. Brilliant writing on the author’s part. As for Aspen… I hated him every bit as much as I did in the first book. I’m sorry, but there’s something so…. pushy about his relationship with America that it really sets my nerves on edge. He made the decision to dump her in the first book, and then here he comes, forcing himself into her presence every chance he gets… making her doubt herself and attempting to wheedle his way into her good graces again. It made me want to scream at him to back off and leave the poor girl alone. I understand that she loved him once, and he loved her, but at some point he crossed the line from genuinely loving her into this situation where it felt like he wanted to possess her. I’m not sure that was the intention, but that’s how it came across. However, that doesn’t mean Maxon’s in the clear. I loved Maxon in the first book. He was a bit timid and naïve, but he genuinely loved America. I had no doubt about it. In this book, the author threw me for a loop. Suddenly it wasn’t so clear what Maxon wanted or who’s side he was on. He did a lot of things that made me want to slap him (just as America wanted to do). At times he seemed cruel, heartless… like he’d given up on America, and it set my blood to boil. Other times he was just as sweet as he’d seemed in the first book, and like America, I couldn’t decide where he stood. It was frustrating and exhausting to try and figure out what was going on with the boy. So where does that leave me? I didn’t enjoy the book. I know that isn’t what you probably expected me to say. There was so much politics, sneaking around, secrets, and backstabbing in this book that it genuinely stressed me out. I don’t feel good about where Maxon and America stand in the end, and I’m sincerely irritated with most of the characters. So why did I give it five stars? Because it was a good book. I may not have liked how the characters chose to act, or how they treated each other (and believe me, America is NOT in the clear for her sneaking around with Aspen behind Maxon’s back. I could kick her), but I can sit back, take in the big picture and say that the book was well written. For a few short hours I lived in the world of America Singer. I felt her frustration, her confusion, and her giddiness. The author sucked me into the story so deeply that I felt what America felt—and that is no easy thing to do. Am I happy with how the story turned out? No. I’m livid. I want to slap every one of the characters and scream—but I am infinitely glad that I read the book. It’s not every day you have an experience with a book that makes you forget the real world. I’m excited to move on to the third book in the series. I hope it all works out in the end, but even if it doesn’t, I know I’m in for a wild ride. If you enjoy YA fiction, I sincerely urge you to pick up this series.

America Singer is living every teenage girl's dream; she is in the running to become a princess! Not to mention she holds the prince's heart in the palm of her hand. In the second book of Kiera Cass's Selection trilogy, The Elite, America Singer continues on her journey to hopefully become the princess of Illea. As you have learned from the first book in the trilogy, the Selection is a contest between thirty-five of the most eligible women in the world to become the Prince's wife. Once the women are narrowed down to a remaining six they are known as the Elite, hints the name of the book. With less women in the palace, there is more pressure on America to figure out her true feelings for Prince Maxon and sort through unfinished business from home. America Singer is different from any other girl in the Selection because she is from a lower caste. She's not the stereotypical teenage girl that signed up to become a princess; she signed up to get money for her family. Although Maxon knows America's true intentions for participating in the Selection, he can't help but be taken by her; so he is doing everything in his power to give her time. As America begins to fall for Maxon she can't help but dwell on a relationship from the past, especially because he is now a guard at the palace. America is presented with various tasks throughout the Selection to be judged by the King and the people. These tasks could make or break her chances based on whether or not she possesses princess-like qualities. However, she always seems to rebel in someway while doing something she feels is justified. She may be the Prince's favorite girl in the palace, but she certainly isn't the King's. One reason that I would recommend this book is because it never gets boring. Many times when I read a book series, there is one book that slows down and the content isn't as rich. This is typically one of the middle books, but in this case, the plot continued to be unpredictable. I feel that much of this is due to character development. From the beginning of the series to the end of the second book, America has become more open minded to the possibility of being a princess. She sees that she could have the power to make a change by the side of a man that she has come to care deeply for. The other girls in the Selection are very unpredictable, especially a girl named Celeste. Celeste comes off very snobby and standoffish, as if she is only there for the crown; but you can't help but wonder if there is something more to her. Maxon is very kind and cares about the people that he will one day rule over. The King and Queen could not be on more opposite sides of the spectrum. The Queen is very quiet and kindhearted, which balances the stone cold heart of the King who will do anything to keep control over his people. Another reason why I would recommend this book is because there is drama and scandal. On many occasions, you could say that this book series is similar to the television show The Bachelor. But to compare the magnitude of the scandals to The Bachelor would be an insult because they deal with the well-being of a country. For example, rebels continue to invade the palace in search of information and the girls and royal family are forced into hiding each time. This is not always made known to the public, but puts much stress in the life of America and the other girls. The girls are also held to very strict standards in the Selection and one slip up (maybe being caught communicating with a certain guard) could lead to harsh punishments. I would recommend this book because it possesses a dystopian theme while containing fairy-tale-like qualities. Because of this I would recommend this book to an audience with an age range from around thirteen to twenty-five. I chose this range because there is a sense of "fairy tale" love story for the younger readers while involving more advanced concepts for older readers to infer and think about. One example of this is the caste system. Younger readers will see that America came out of a lower caste and can compare this to Cinderella meeting Prince Charming. Older readers, however, can see that the caste systems divide the country and cause tension that the royal family is ignorant towards. Both views on the story create a lesson for the reader, whether it is rags to riches or a romanticized yet corrupted monarchy. I feel as though Kiera Cass would prefer the readers to see more of the latter. Overall this book was a great connecting book to the introduction and conclusion of the Selection.

In book two of The Selection, Keira Cass continues America's adventures in the royal dystopian world in The Elite. Following up where book one ended, the girls are now narrowed down to the top six - the Elite - amid world turmoil and rebel attacks. Assuming you've read the first book, you probably already know that this is not a top tier dystopian series. The writing quality, world development, and story plot are not up to par with "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent," and the love triangle is relatively weak. The story combines the popular dystopian atmosphere with ideas from "The Princess Diaries" series and "The Bachelor" reality show. While the ideas are not new, I do find the combination of them all appealing, and the story entertaining. I read both of the books in about three days each, so they are addicting, but I more find them amusing as fulfillment of my dystopian need while waiting for the next "Hunger Games" movie, or the third "Divergent" book. The story has both strong and weak spots. Cass does a great job of leaving you wanting more at the end of each book. You want to know the ending. You want to what these rebels want. You want to know how this world came to be this messed up. While we got glimpses of that in book one, we still don't really know how it all ties together. That said, while you do learn more of it in this book, it is still brief. I would really like to see this world tied together more completely in the third book. In addition to the incomplete knowledge of the world outside the palace, the love triangle grows incredibly tiresome in this book. I found myself on more than one occasion saying to myself, "Oh my gosh, how silly are you? Just pick one!" I felt like the book focused so much on going back and forth between Maxon and Aspen that the story didn't progress very much. Maybe I'm just a little biased against love triangles, as they have become such a required thing in novels now so that these books have a Team So-and-So... But I feel like it's worn out. There were sometimes in the book that in the span of just a page or two, America would say things like, "Oh, Aspen is the one. How could I forget? He's the most true to me," and then turn around a page later and say, "No, I was wrong. Maxon is the one. How could I forget? He's the most true to me." It seemed really silly, and made her character seem so weak. Which is odd, because the author tries to build America up into this strong, independent woman. But in this novel, she seems very weak and fickle. Despite all these things, the story is not bad. Yes, these negative things are present and somewhat annoying, but the book is still enjoyable. Would I reread it again? Probably not. Would I recommend it to someone else, though? Sure. With the market so flooded with these types of stories right now, I do feel like it holds it's own enough, and it is a good in-between read while waiting for the next in another series. I found it more enjoyable than other popular novels like "Matched" or "The Chemical Gardens." I suppose because the story, while dystopian, is more lighthearted than the others. It focuses more on the Bachelor-esque side of the story than the dark dystopian side most of the time. Sometimes, that's nice to have. All in all, if you read the first one and liked it, you should read this one as well. If you didn't like the first one, but want to see what happens next, I might go ahead and skip it. The story doesn't progress enough, so you'll just stay frustrated with the series. Read the spoilers instead. This book is decent, neither good nor bad, and thus my middle-of-the-road rating with three stars. However, you'll still find me reading the next one!

As an adult, I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit how much I loved this trilogy; aaahhh, but how I adore beguiling an entire weekend with a captivating series! Although I’m sadly way past my teenage years, I found myself asking a friend, “Team Aspen or Team Maxon?”. Of course, there’s only one true answer to that question, but I’ll let you decide for yourself. Think of this series as Cinderella meets The Bachelor: sweet and subdued at its core, fierce and cut-throat behind the scenes, and wickedly alluring. I’ve rated the three novels based solely on my enjoyment of them, and not on the technical aspects of the writing (which were mildly lacking, in order to appeal to a younger audience). However, what’s life without a few guilty pleasures? And exciting dystopian novels are mine! The author does a tremendous job with her cliffhangers; once you start, you just can’t stop! The main characters are so irresistible! Initially, I must say, there were just a few too many princess names thrown around to keep track of. Once they were dwindled down, I really got a better idea of their endearing personalities. I must also admit that the first novel didn’t fully engage me until the second quarter, at which point, I literally couldn’t put it down. The novellas were also a fun addition to the series, though, of course, I’d rate them more as fluff, rather than the true meat of the story. However, it was fun to read the different POV’s. I also got a kick out of the author’s acknowledgements at the end. She made the readers feel as if they were old friends, and expressed her gratitude in a witty and hilarious way, “Well, hello there, sassy reader! I hope it made you have unbearable feelings that you find yourself tweeting about at 3:00 am. That’s what it does to me…”. Dare I admit it, Ms. Cass, you succeeded! Thank you for creating a series that both teens and adults can enjoy, without all of the gratuitous violence that so many of these dystopian authors have resorted to. So now, I must ask, when do the movies come out?!

I have been reading in the love story and romance books genre a lot lately. Dabbing in to all sorts of different types. This has been very different and yet interesting. No spoilers here, but I will be the first to say I don't like the bachelor like you see on TV. So I didn't think I would like this. But I began reading it and I liked it because of its depth. The author does not make her over-whining or over hard. She is very in between. Her situation is unique but very fun to follow. The main male leads, Aspen and Maxon are both very well made as well. The pro's for the book would be that it is very original and keeps you on your toes. Doesn't drag out, but doesn't miss those details that keep the story alive. The cons however would be that toward the second book I begin to feel a little annoyed with America. *Spoiler* there is a love triangle between American, Maxon and Aspen. I feel that one page she is telling us that she is falling for Maxon and then the next she is with Aspen and then it is like Maxon was just that boy she had a crush on. Toward the end of the book I do feel like she settles with her feelings. But at first it was like okay, she is confused but after she went back and forth about I don't know about-half a book I wanted to punch her l.i.k.e pick one. We are left a little hanging but with more of a clue of who she might end up with. However I do not want to lock that in. This girl may switch again-who knows? Other than the exhausting love triangle, I would say the only other negative would have to be that I do feel like even as the main character she is a little to safe. When people around her do something and then they get harshly punished.However just because she is a favorite among the prince she gets special treatment. I think that something to humble her and bring her back to down to earth would of made her more vunerable rather than we get the persona that she could set the damn palace on fire and Maxon would still excuse it. Hopes for the third book would be for not to see so much political stuff (that it stays like it is under wraps) and we see more of the love between America and Maxon. That her choice isn't drawn out. America's emotions pick an emotion and stick with it. She will stop flipping flopping every time she is with Maxon or Aspen. For others would are in the polls of who she will end up with. I am hoping Maxon. I recommend this series and hopefully will be able to say the same thing about the last book. Look forward to reading it!

I just... I... Ugh... After starting The Elite late last night (yes, I checked-checked-and-rechecked the Kindle app on my iPad, waiting for the novel to download [12:27am?!?!] and finshing at work this morning (shh... who needs to know?!), I feel a tremendous sense of relief along with an even bigger sense of anticipation (Spring 2014 for the next novel?! NO!!!!). To start, I feel Kiera Cass did a fantastic job of `nailing' the way many teenagers would have behaved if they were in the same situation as America: impulsive, hopeful, uncertain, unpredictable, jealous... it's all there. So the good news is: America's not perfect. In fact, if you want to experience some cringe-worthy moments, take a literary walk with America. I certainly had moments where I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her self-indulgent shoulders! Unfortunately, and as it happens all too often in reality, the protagonist, America, only has herself to blame for many of the trials she is about to face in the next novel that I am on the edge of my reading-seat waiting for. Despite the twists and turns of the predictable love triangle found within The Selection and The Elite, I believe Kiera Cass does another fantastic job of finishing this 2nd novel by giving the reader a clear understanding of what to expect on the horizon. If America finally begins to embrace her strengths and rises to the occasion of the opportunities that may still lie ahead of her (fingers crossed!), my reader-prayers will have been answered. I feel--- and hopefully I am reading the signs correctly--- that by the last few pages of The Elite, the reader should be moving away from the question of "who" and more toward the question of "how"? That leads me to an internal debate I am having about whether or not the original love triangle really needed to go on as long as it did, and my hope that it won't be a central focus in the next novel. For this relationship to work (and it has to work!), our two star-crossed characters won't have it easy. Delving into the dynamic of the two of them originating from vastly different castes, accepting how the society's structure came to be, surviving rebel attacks, understanding the rebels' motives (gotta cheer for rebels who are also book-lovers!), and becoming a united front for all to see... there's enough fuel there for a whole lot of emotional exploration regardless of love triangles and competition. Ultimately, our headstrong protagonist's powerful shoulder-shrugging response to Prince Maxon at the end of the novel had me hook, line, and sinker. America has had two novels to mess around within, so now it's time for her to grow up and show us all what she's made of. If I were to offer any suggestions for improvement, I would start by addressing the length of The Elite. Is it "short"? No, but The Selection was longer. In my mind, if I have to wait forever (it sure felt like forever!) to read a novel within a series, I want the next novel to be equally as long or longer(!) than the previous novel. That being said, I hope Kiera Cass will make the wait worthwhile for all of us by making sure the 3rd novel is at least as long as the 1st. Along those same lines, I think Kiera Cass would be wise to continue releasing novellas that offer the perspectives of different characters regarding some of the more powerful scenes found within this novel. For instance, who doesn't want to know the details of Prince Maxon's discussion with America's dad? Or how about some opportunities to see what the King and Queen are saying to each other privately about their son and the contestants? Why was the Queen so moved to try and offer America a bit of motherly advice after Halloween? Better yet, why not a glimpse into how the maids and guards feel about the Prince and the competition? As with all good stories, there are many layers here and I am hopeful that Kiera Cass will invite her readers even further into understanding the nuances of the world she is creating for America and Maxon.