The Elite
by Kiera Cass
by Kiera Cass
Genre: Young
Adult Dystopian
Publisher: HarperTeen
Expected
publication: April 23, 2013
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.
I was more than exuberant to read The Elite after closing
the pages of The Selection. However, after reading several reviews of the
second book, I was hesitant to read it (even if I purchased it already).
Gratefully, after putting it off for too long, it wasn’t as disappointing as I
worried it would be. The Elite was actually pretty nice, if not the tiniest bit
irritating at times.
AMERICA FTW! America continues to be likeable in this book.
She was more competitive, and I found myself joining Mer in her fights. Despite
being misinformed, she was still curious and perceptive with what's happening. I liked her skepticism
and her want for answers. She might be mislead and deceived, but she is at
least trying. Although sometimes Mer was hesitant to ask, which disturbed me.
Also, America’s tenderness and compassion towards the people
around her wasn’t the annoying-damsel-in-distress kind. It felt genuine and
really true. I never thought the expression “it moved my heart” could be this close
to literal. (And her humor wasn’t gone, thank God!)
LOVE TRIANGLE MESS. Maxon, Aspen, Maxon, Aspen. Oh well.
Sigh. To put this out of the way: I’m TEAM NO ONE. America was like a tennis
ball being passed from one side of the court to the other multiple times. It
felt a bit [sluttish] Celeste-ish, BUT don’t get me wrong, it was
understandable. It was exhausting, to be honest, but I tried to tolerate it as
much as I could. The reason behind this was that the guys were the confusing
ones! My discernment on Maxon drastically changed throughout the length of the book. I clearly
disapprove of him for America. Yet, I don’t root for Aspen as well. I couldn’t feel
the love for Mer that was supposed to be there.
CHARACTER IMPROVEMENT. Strategically planned or not, there
was great improvement on the part of the other characters. It’s probably since
less people are involved that the author was able to put more character on her characters.
I could only be either one to them: totally, completely aggravated or
absolutely affectionate. Well done, Cass.
ANTI-CLIMACTIC? However, the plot wasn’t as nail-biting and
edge-gripping as I wanted and hoped it to be. I could put it down, and I wasn’t
completely thrilled about what’s happening. It’s like only 2 out of my 50 questions
were answered. Where’s the justice?!
IN CONCLUSION. The Elite had both its charming and awful points. It was a fast read & a good book and I enjoyed it, but it didn’t just reach my favorites list.
It’s an okay sequel and/but it didn’t put an end to my love for Kiera Cass.
THE NUB AND GIST: 3.5 STARS
