Thursday, April 25, 2013

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
Author:Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
The Selection Book #2
ISBN:  0062059963
ISBN13: 9780062059963
Genre: Young Adult/ Dystopian
Review Copy Source: Publisher

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.

America is still torn between her love for Aspen and her growing feelings for Maxon. The group of girls is getting smaller and America might not be the focus of Maxon's attention anymore. As time runs out America is left searching her feelings and deciding what she wants out of life. 

America has grown a lot since she was selected. I really like her views on how things should be and the way she fights for what is right even though her views are not well liked. She has legitimate concerns about what kind of queen she would be and is really confused about what she should do. The king is a real piece of work. I hope that she can rise above him in book 3. Although I like both of the men in this series I was starting to get sick of the back and forth between Aspen and Maxon. America was playing with feelings and it was getting old. I was really happy with America's decision at the end and I completely understood Maxon's decision but it made me want to kick him just the same. Some crazy stuff happens with the girls in THE ELITE and some people really surprised me. I love Marlee and hope we will get more of her in the last book.

Like book one, THE ELITE was an easy read. I love Kiera's writing style and the ever suspenseful plot. The character growth was great and the stakes are high. AH how will it all end. The last book entitled THE ONE (I think, Goodreads says it is at least) won't be out until spring 2014 *pout*

I gave it 4/5 stars