The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass
Publication: April 23, 2013
By: Harper Teen
4.5 Stars!

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.

Thank you YABC and Harper Teen for this ARC.

What I Loved: I was so excited to read this, especially having just read The Prince (novella) and The Selection days before but I'll be honest, this was one of the most stressful books I've read in a long time. The Elite picks up right where The Selection leaves off and we find America still struggling with her feelings for both Aspen and Prince Maxon (as was I) as tension among the other girls continues to rise and the danger the rebels pose becomes more real.  

Like it's predecessors, this is beautifully written and Kiera Cass has done a fabulous job of creating a world that looks modern but employs some rather old and at times, barbaric practices and the predicament the three main characters are in is the epitome of "love triangle".  *whimpers*

I like that consequences are shown even if the severity of those consequences seemed harsh at times. The romance between America and Prince Maxon feels relateable because it's not an easy one. There are other people's feelings to consider as well as insecurities on both sides and my heart broke for both of them.  I really wanted them to make different choices because I really JUST WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY!  

With all that is going on, America begins to realize that there's more to the Selection then just winning Maxon or a crown, and she'll have to decide how best to use the position she's been put in, even if it means losing. 

What left me wanting: I like both of these male characters but I also wanted to grab them and shake them quite a few times.  I love Prince Maxon and I realize the whole process is new to him but I still wish he'd made better choices, been more open with America. He talks about trust but trust works both ways. And Aspen, we all know that you screwed up in the tree house, but these things take time to fix - a simple apology just won't cut it.

Final verdict: Excellent sequel and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Review also posted at YABC.