Review: The Elite (The Selection, #2)

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection, #2
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release: April 23rd 2013
Source: Purchased
Pages: 323 (hardcover)
( Amazon | Goodreads )

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.

The Elite is the sequel to the #1 New York Times Bestselling novel The Selection by Kiera Cass. The series is set in a dystopian world and focuses mainly around the romantic relationships of the protagonist, America Singer, and the overall selection competition where the future queen of the country is chosen.

The Elite starts off shortly after the end of the first book where the selection pool has been eliminated down to only six girls. Although America is still struggling to pick between Prince Maxon and Aspen, she has grown closer and closer to Maxon day by day. When she is finally ready to admit her true feelings, tragedies and sufferings of those she holds dear make being the future queen an almost impossible task. Her stance is shaken once again. While she is questioning her relationship with Maxon, the frequent and violent rebel attacks have become stronger than ever. Time is quickly running out as America tries to decide what kind of future she wants.

First of all, I want to point out that I'm extremely in love with the covers of this series. I'm very picky when it comes to book covers and I have to admit that these two have really outdone themselves! Move on to the actual story, I enjoyed reading The Elite for the most part. I was a little annoyed by America in the beginning of the book when she keeps flipping back and forth between Maxon and Aspen with nothing else happening. It gets better later on as the plot picks up and other conflicts and issues are uncovered in America's relationship with Maxon. In addition, I really liked the world-building bits and pieces regarding Illea's history and how the castes were created. I wish Cass has spent more time developing this part and the rebel attacks. Overall, I'm happy with the character development in this sequel and I'm excited to see the series conclude in the last book The One.

My Rating: ★★★☆ (3 and 1/2 stars)