Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection, #2
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Pages: 323
Rating:

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 Iléa.

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.

My brow folded together. He couldn't still think I wanted that now? Apparently, he did. As he slowly took in my expression, he fell into absolute shock. "America, I know you're upset, but please? I told you; you're the only one. Please don't do this.

I have been very excited to read THE ELITE ever since I finished the previous book, The Selection. I fell in love with the whole concept and I was eager to see what was to happen in the next installment. America has fallen for Prince Maxon and she is in the middle of Maxon or Aspen and she has to decide. And if she chooses Maxon, she gets the crown and responsibilities that go with it.

There is an terrifying incident early on in the book (which has nothing to do with Aspen or Maxon), that makes America question everything about becoming the prince, parts of the job that she doesn't want or thinks that there is no way that she could possibly do. She begins having doubts and Maxon doesn't make it easy or reassuring for her either.

Marlee laughed. "You're so ridiculous. If Maxon didn't have feelings for you, he'd have sent you home a long time ago. The reason you're still here is because he refuses to lose hope."

This is where my rant comes in. America is having doubts. Aspen doesn't think she can do it, the princess thing. First of all, why the hell are you talking to Aspen, of course he's going to say no. He wants you to pick him, The public see America in last place, don't worry about what they say. Just have faith in yourself, okay? And how can you not know Maxon has the hots for you, huh? Does he have to come and see you every freaking day for you to feel secure. I have no idea why you are having doubts. He's kept you at the palace this long. And he has told you his thoughts.

America just seemed like a weak heroine this time around and it was incredibly irritating. I wanted to knock some sense into her. And she does something incredibly stupid near the end of the book just because she is mad at Maxon and she only thinks of the consequences after she does it. I mean, seriously, what did you expect? I really hated how since she was mad at Maxon near the end, she decides Aspen is the better choice. You cannot base that on a stupid fight you had and had not really talked about with Maxon?! Are you stupid or what?

"I need to know that I can depend on you. I need to know that you can keep my secrets, trust my judgement, and not hold things back from me. I need you to be completely honest with me and to stop questioning every decision I make. I need you to have faith in me, America."

Maxon had some mistakes, but not like America. I feel like America really betrayed Maxon's trust and she needs to earn it back. Maxon is down to the wire and needs to make decisions about these girls, about choosing his wife and he needs America to come to a decision if she wants him or not. There are other girls who deserve to be there. And I agree with him. I think both characters went through a lot through this book with discovering what they want and things about each other.

Overall, I loved THE ELITE, but because of the little problems I had with America, I had to drop a star, but it was still great! I couldn't put the book down, just like with The Selection. I think Kiera Cass is freaking amazing and Oh, my god! I can't wait to see the cover of the next book, the synopsis and just get my hands on the actual next book in this outstanding trilogy!