The Elite by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (bk. 2)

Genera: Dystopian sci-fi/Romance

Subjects: contests, love, royalty, caste systems, politics, resistance to government

Setting: California (Angeles is clearly Los Angeles) 

POV/Tense: 1st person POV (America) 

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 323 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary/ product description: “The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

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 Review: I love this series. I can’t believe it’s not going to be a TV show now. It could have been perfect, or they could have ruined it. At least we have the books and The One to look forward to. I hate that I waited over six months to finally read this, but TBR pile are so big. I think this was a great sequel. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was awesome and full of many twists. I kind of mad at some thing that happened, but they added to the story.

I started to doubt whether I was still Team Maxon. I like Aspen too. If I was America, it would be difficult for me to choose. I liked that we got to see more of what the world was and how it got to be that way. This dystopian is so unlike other dystopian because it’s not about survival. It is about a messed up government and one of the main characters is the prince. I just love how interesting the plot and the characters are.

I felt so emotional reading this book. I was really felt what America was feeling through her narration. She’s such a realistic and believable protagonist. She’s funny, awkward and creative. She’s kind of like me, except a musician instead of an artist. We get to meet her family again and see how much they care for her. Her maids are also really awesome and caring. May, America’s sister, got along well with them.

I really happy I read this. I don’t really understand all the bad reviews out there. Sure, The Selection, the 1^st book, was better. But, the Elite was pretty awesome too. I really feel like this a is a driven story with great characters. Sequels are always harder. I enjoyed all the way and really want The One (or at least The Guard novella) now. If you haven’t read the Selection series, I recommend it if you liked Pawn by Aimee Carter, Crewel by Gennifer Albin or if the idea of royalty and dystopian put together sound interesting. This is a very unique series and all teen girl out there should read it.

Cover Art Review: I love this cover. The color’s okay, but I just love the whole photo-shoot they did for this series. The dress and the mirrors and tinsel. It’s so gorgeous.