Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 272pgs
The Story
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.
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.
The Review
Everyone should know by now with how much I loved Kiera Cass's The Selection book (cue angelic music right now) because I thought it was such a guilty pleasure of mine and not to mention I was totally surprised by the book considering its many critics were not so nice to begin with. So you can only imagine how excited I was to finally get to read it sequel and let's just say as soon as I opened the pages I was so . . . there with the story and I couldn't wait to find out more about America's next journey.
So as I read this book, I thought THE ELITE was most definitely a better sequel than most sequels I have read lately (which have disappointed me on so many levels cause the sequel always has to top the first book) so I applaud Kiera Cass for writing so many unexpected twists and little surprises in this book alone because it was a whole lot of fun to read. But in terms of comparing the first book to this sequel, I have to say . . . I'm on the fence with this one. It was really good for the most part, but then again it wasn't as good as the first book. I guess you can blame this on America herself and on . . . sadly . . . Maxon.
Don't get me wrong here, I still love America because she is still flippin' awesome in this book and I understand why America was switching back and forth between her lover boys, Aspen (gosh I hate you and I still hate you even though you slowly made my heart flutter but only for a moment or two in this book) and Maxon, but girl you seriously need to make your mind up asap! I mean, it took her forever to make her mind up on the two boys and it was just annoying to me. However, considering what happened and all the other drama that occurred with the other girl contestants, I will forgive her for her actions and for now whatever decision she has finally made in the end of this book, let's just hope she sticks to it in the third and final book, The One, because I don't know what I would do if she changed her mind yet again. Because I will be really angry.
But what was disappointing most of all was MAXON!!!!!! What happened to my beloved Prince Maxon?!?! Did he lose his heart or something along the way? I mean, why make me fall in love with him only to confuse and break my heart all over again? Oh Maxon. *Shakes head* What surprised me about this book was all the lies and deception Maxon carried and hid in this particular book. I actually thought he was a pretty amazing guy in the first book and that was due to the fact that he really took care of our America and wanted to support her in any way he could. But, even to my own surprise, readers will get to see a whole new side to Maxon and it's quite a shocker too, especially if you were Team Maxon all the way like I was.
But in saying that, what I hated the most was this girl named Kriss, another girl vying for Maxon's heart and honestly what does he see in her because let me tell you I hope she gets hurt or kidnapped or worse in the next book because she was on my nerves every single time she came onto the page. Just . . . argh. Poor America. I understand why Maxon is looking for other girls (since America is confusing to read at times) but oh Maxon Kriss is just too nice and that can be annoying because she is also a girl with a hidden agenda too. Just . . . argh. America you fight for your man in the next book . . . just fight for him so Kriss can go away forever. Please, just do something! Okay, my rant is over. For now at least.
But in saying that, what I hated the most was this girl named Kriss, another girl vying for Maxon's heart and honestly what does he see in her because let me tell you I hope she gets hurt or kidnapped or worse in the next book because she was on my nerves every single time she came onto the page. Just . . . argh. Poor America. I understand why Maxon is looking for other girls (since America is confusing to read at times) but oh Maxon Kriss is just too nice and that can be annoying because she is also a girl with a hidden agenda too. Just . . . argh. America you fight for your man in the next book . . . just fight for him so Kriss can go away forever. Please, just do something! Okay, my rant is over. For now at least.
Overall, while THE ELITE may not have a solid storyline nor did much really happen, but I'm still extremely excited (and scared) to read the last installment, The One, and let's hope America gets the man she desires the most and let's hope Kriss is out of the picture very soon so we can have our old Maxon back once more. Because I really miss the old Maxon in this book you guys, not the one we got in this book. Seriously Maxon . . . we need you back asap!
The Rating
3/5 stars
I'm not sure whether I should read this book... I wasn't a huge fan of The Selection but I liked Maxon well enough. Since he seems not to be as likeable in this book, I'm not sure what to think! I've heard a lot of people who agree with you on this and it sort of makes the series lose its appeal - especially since I absolutely detested Aspen in book one and wasn't that fond of America. Glad you're still excited for the third book though - hope Maxon is back to his old self! :) Great insightful review.
ReplyDeleteOh I hated Aspen. I really did. I mean he started to become likable to me in this book but then he disappointed me all over again. But no matter because it was MAXON that I was most upset about here. Still, I enjoyed the book which is the main thing here but I hope Maxon picks up his act in the last book. I really hope he does. :/
DeleteI HATE ASPEN TOO!
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest, I was NOT pleased at all with The Elite overall.
I'm still Team Maxon but, like you, I got some shockers. He's not as nice and innocent as we thought.
I actually quite like Kriss. She was the wake up call for America to realise that just because she's Maxon's favourite, she won't be forever.
America held herself in such high regard for most of the book as Maxon's favourite and thinking she's the only one, she annoyed me SO MUCH. How could she expect Maxon to wait when she can't make up her damn mind?
Yeah I just... this book just didn't do it for me.