Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
The Selection #2
Author: Kiera Cass
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Release Date: April 23rd 2013
Review Source: Harper Teen
Available: Amazon
Review: The Selection (#1)

Summary: (from goodreads) 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 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.

Wow! I can honestly say that I totally loved this book. After I read The Selection, the first book in the series, I felt like there was a lot that was left out and I felt like something was missing. Well, Kiera Cass hit a homerun with The Elite. I will be honest, I was a little hesitant when I first started reading it because I didn’t really like The Selection, but I am SOOOO glad I did!!

America (Mer) is still in the Selection to be chosen to become Prince Maxon’s bride. She and six other girls are left out of the 35 that were first brought to the palace to compete. The six girls are now called The Elite. America is still torn between her first love, Aspen and the prince, Maxon. Both whom you could tell really care about her, but it's going to be a hard decision for her to make. You will also discover a lot about Prince Maxon. Things you never expected and some that will make the way you truly look at him – some good, some bad and some really sad. What I am trying to say is that your feelings toward him will be all over the place. You will truly feel the emotions America is going through and sympathize with her. There were more attacks by the rebels on the palace. Although more is revealed about the Rebels, I still feel a little lost when it comes to their reasons for the attacks. I just wished Kiera would have elaborated more on them. Hopefully everything will be revealed in the next book.

 
Unlike the Selection, The Elite will bring out your emotions. You will cry, laugh and will have a strong desire to slap someone. LOL There were times where I just wanted to slap some of the characters because of the things they said or did. If you read The Selection and didn’t really think it liked up to the hype, well you MUST read The Elite. I am so glad I did.