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!

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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selections
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Pages: 327
Rating:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

"I'm not so stupid as to believe that you've completely forgotten about your former boyfriend. I know you think there are others here more suited for me and this life, and I wouldn't want you to rush into trying to be happy with any of this. I just...I just want to know if it's possible..."

THE SELECTION was one of the best books I have ever read! I don't think I quite expected that once I flipped the first page that I couldn't stop! But guess what it happened! I am constantly thinking about this book and I am 100% in "WOW" mode! Everything about this book I absolutely loved and I have no freaking clue how I am going to wait more than a year for the second book to come out. Such torture!

THE SELECTION is a dystopian novel, but it didn't seem so much like one to me, more like a Cinderella story. But they have a caste system in this world that goes from one to eight. One being very rich and eight being very poor. The Selection gets held for the prince where out of 35 woman he gets to narrow it down to one girl he picks as his princess. So notices gets sent to all the girls to the age of 16 to 20 and all the girls go crazy submitting their entries for THE SELECTION.

Since The Selection started, I'd been worrying that it was something that was going to ruin my life. But in this moment, I couldn't think of a time that felt more right.

As for America Singer our heroine of the story who is a five in the caste system, she doesn't want anything to do with THE SELECTION. Her mother is very needy and begging her because it is a wonderful opportunity. Even if you don't get chosen as the princess your life changes forever, you will be higher up in the caste system, and it would help America's family.

America doesn't care about any of that though, and plus she has a secret boyfriend, Aspen. It is sort of forbidden too for her to be with him. Later on, Aspen feels America should at least try for The Selection and she gets picked as one of 35 girls. And some problems happen between Aspen and America before she leaves.

He leaned in even closer to whisper. "You say you're here by mistake, so I'm assuming you don't want to be here.. Is there any possibility of you having any sort of...of loving feelings towards me?"

I liked America. I felt like she as a very strong heroine. And she is very unselfish. She is doing THE SELECTION for her family to help them, but also she wants some distance from Aspen. When we meet Prince Maxon he is everything America thought he wouldn't be. he is absolutely swoon worthy. I mean, come on. he is a prince. Maxon has very cute qualities that make my heart flutter. He has a cute reaction to crying ladies and it is funny. I love how he uses the term, "my dear", which America hates. Haha!

Prince Maxon is very sweet and kind and all her wants is to find a girl among the 35 girls that are at his palace that he could love. That girl may end up to be America though. But the question becomes is America even interested? Is she over Aspen yet? There seems to be a lot going on between Maxon and America without anything actually happening and it becomes clear in my opinion at least that America does like Maxon, but there are things she has to figure out first.

I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head against his chest. Maxon seemed both comforted and surprised by the gesture. I took only a second for him to wrap his arms securely around me. "Maxon, I'm not completely sure what we are, but we're definitely more than friends."

No surprise that I like Maxon more than Aspen, but Aspen definitely has his moments and it makes you feel a little sorry for him. But I most definitely want America and Maxon together. THE SELECTION was one absolutely amazing and my only complaint would be why this book isn't longer. It felt so short. I wish the book was like 500 pages long. I loved it that much! It will be complete torture waiting for the next book in the series.

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