The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Release date: April 23, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Source: Trade
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

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.

For me, The Selection and The Elite are like the trashy tv of books. There's not a whole ton of quality, but you get sucked in and can't look away. You get a sick sense of satisfaction after reading it. You feel a little bit guilty after reading it, but you so enjoy it. I have no qualms about admitting how much I enjoy these books. They're dramatic and frothy and suck away hours of your life before you know it. There is little better than spending the night curled up reading a book like The Elite, in my opinion.

The Elite picks up very quickly after the end of The Selection. America is still vacillating between Maxon and Aspen, and for much of the book I was so frustrated with her, because I just KNEW exactly who she should pick. The great thing is, though, there are events in The Elite than make you question your opinion over and over again. One moment I was happy and the next I was angry. I honestly got as confused as American in who to pick.

At the same time, there's a raising of the stakes. No spoilers, but America is under pressure to make her decision for more than one reason. The rebels are getting restless, though no one can really tell why. There's still little plot, just the Selection going on with things happening all around. That being said, there's some game-changing events.

Without including spoilers, which I know you don't want if you want to read this book, it's hard to review in much detail. But I can say, I enjoyed The Elite quite a bit more than The Selection. There are some great twists and turns and you are kept on the edge of your seat throughout. If taken for the light fare it is, The Elite is great fun to read and if you loved the first book, you'll love The Elite even more!

If you just can't stand the wait till The Elite, Kiera is releasing a novella set before The Selection tomorrow called The Prince!