The Elite (The Selection, 2)

I really like the concept and the direction this story is taking, and the struggle of indecision that the main character goes through is the equivalent of an Olympic gymnast on the uneven bars. I have but one issue with this, and I'm hoping it's resolved in the next book or two. The "Rebels" drive me absolutely bonkers. I don't understand what purpose they serve in the series, other than to interrupt what's going on. I don't understand how the guards are so incompetent at the palace that they can't keep random people from running in and destroying everything. Build a fence! Something to keep them out! Don't just sit there and let them run all over the place. Seems like common sense. I know that the characters don't understand the rebels and we are limited to their knowledge, but at the same time, the rebels aren't doing a very good job of rebelling either. They seem more like terrorists than rebels. Potato potahto I guess? Hopefully it gets all wrapped up nicely in the next book.

I’m personally not sold on Maxon and America, but I’m in it to see how this ends. On the one hand, I like him, hit there’s history with Aspen, and I don’t think the misunderstanding in the first book is worth ditching him over. Hoping it all works out in the end!

I thought this book was much better than the 1st one.I think it had more intensity in it.There were a lot of choices that threw you for a loop. Just when you think you have things figured out, something happened to change everything. From America getting heart broken to breaking hearts. Tough decisions are made, and true colors are finally coming out. Who will she end up with? Will she go home? Does she turn on the others?

This review may contain mild, very vague spoilers. You've been warned.Emotional rollercoaster—that’s what this was for me. I loved the first book in this series, and so when I picked up the second book in the series, I was ready to dive in feet first, no shoes, not even a toe to check the temperature of the water… and I hit concrete. I expected the second book in the series to further the steadily-growing-hotter relationship between America and Maxon, but instead, I found her world, and mine, flipped upside down. This is one of those books you’re either going to hate with a passion, or love equally as much.As far as the technical side of things goes: The formatting, grammar, punctuation, and spelling were flawless. From the first 10 seconds into the book I was hooked and I never felt jarred out of the narrative. No, I dare say that I was so enraptured with the story that when the characters starting misbehaving, I had a look akin to horror on my face. I both loved and hated all of the characters this time around. America was idealistic, strong-willed, and very, very confused. She made a lot of really bad mistakes this time around, and I visibly cringed. It wasn’t that she acted air-headed like most teen female leads. She made choices that, at the time, seemed logical to me. I was routing for her every decision and cheering her on as the story went, and so when her choices backfired (as they inevitably had to) I was devastated every bit as much as she was. I didn’t realize how bad her situation could get until she was in it, and by that time it was too late. Brilliant writing on the author’s part.As for Aspen… I hated him every bit as much as I did in the first book. I’m sorry, but there’s something so…. pushy about his relationship with America that it really sets my nerves on edge. He made the decision to dump her in the first book, and then here he comes, forcing himself into her presence every chance he gets… making her doubt herself and attempting to wheedle his way into her good graces again. It made me want to scream at him to back off and leave the poor girl alone. I understand that she loved him once, and he loved her, but at some point he crossed the line from genuinely loving her into this situation where it felt like he wanted to possess her. I’m not sure that was the intention, but that’s how it came across.However, that doesn’t mean Maxon’s in the clear. I loved Maxon in the first book. He was a bit timid and naïve, but he genuinely loved America. I had no doubt about it. In this book, the author threw me for a loop. Suddenly it wasn’t so clear what Maxon wanted or who’s side he was on. He did a lot of things that made me want to slap him (just as America wanted to do). At times he seemed cruel, heartless… like he’d given up on America, and it set my blood to boil. Other times he was just as sweet as he’d seemed in the first book, and like America, I couldn’t decide where he stood. It was frustrating and exhausting to try and figure out what was going on with the boy.So where does that leave me? I didn’t enjoy the book. I know that isn’t what you probably expected me to say. There was so much politics, sneaking around, secrets, and backstabbing in this book that it genuinely stressed me out. I don’t feel good about where Maxon and America stand in the end, and I’m sincerely irritated with most of the characters. So why did I give it five stars? Because it was a good book. I may not have liked how the characters chose to act, or how they treated each other (and believe me, America is NOT in the clear for her sneaking around with Aspen behind Maxon’s back. I could kick her), but I can sit back, take in the big picture and say that the book was well written. For a few short hours I lived in the world of America Singer. I felt her frustration, her confusion, and her giddiness. The author sucked me into the story so deeply that I felt what America felt—and that is no easy thing to do.Am I happy with how the story turned out? No. I’m livid. I want to slap every one of the characters and scream—but I am infinitely glad that I read the book. It’s not every day you have an experience with a book that makes you forget the real world. I’m excited to move on to the third book in the series. I hope it all works out in the end, but even if it doesn’t, I know I’m in for a wild ride. If you enjoy YA fiction, I sincerely urge you to pick up this series.

[...]Rating: 4.5 Stars So when we left off we had just went from a large group of girls down to the Elite, and only six to boot as Maxon didn’t want to keep anyone around and in danger unnecessarily. Things heat up in the competition for Maxon’s heart as he girls are now expected to learn and do more of what a princess would. America has to figure out where her heart is, with her first love Aspen who broke her heart but came back for her. Or Prince Maxon, whom she has real feelings for but isn’t sure of everything that comes with him, like the crown. She wants time to try and make her decision but as things progress time may be against her and she may lose her ability to choose. In book one I was not very fond of her interactions with Aspen once he came to the palace. I was happy that he got out of where he was and it turned out well for him and I even understand in some part his reasons for breaking her heart. I was even happy that it might give her closure but instead it opened up a new can of worms. While she was developing real feelings for Maxon she now had her first love waiting in the wings which wasn’t fair to either to either guy even if Aspen was aware and Maxon was technically dating many girls at once. Morality aside it was risky and stupid to keep talking with him like that and sneaking moments. As we move forward though and things happen outside of the control and understanding of America she is forced to see the not so pleasant side of ruling and she isn’t pleased. Upset and pulling away from Maxon and the crown leads him to waver in his certainty of her and look more seriously at the other girls. Which adds even more flames to the fire that is the mess of emotions. Character wise I still really liked Maxon though he had some moments where I was with America in being uncertain. His reasons make sense and paired with his inexperience they are almost sweet but he expects her to understand his faults and missteps in that area but doesn’t always offer the same with her in regards to the other girls and politics. Still I was firmly Team Maxon. Aspen on the other hand I enjoyed as a character and I loved his support and loyalty to his country and America but I didn’t approve of what he was doing in trying to win her while she was in the selection. It is against the rules and the risks are much too high. America was still nervous and unsure and relatable if not a bit indecisive which got to me a bit more on reflection than it did in the moment. With the girls being so few now we really got to dive more into them and who they are, along with what they were there for. Some suspicions were confirmed others enlightened. Also can I say how much I still love Marley! The bond forged between her and America was on point for me and something I think that was needed in the otherwise cattiness that occurs in the situation. Special note also to America's maid, Ann, Mary, and Lucy were also so much fun. The way America interacts with them and they are with her, true confidents who would do anything for her and she for them seeing them as people. It kind of helps keep her grounded in the opulence of the palace. I really liked the aspect of including the rebels and learning more about the country as a whole. I always suspected something was off but this did kind of catch me by surprise. Maybe because of how insane it was and how honestly I think it could have played out. How this way of life really happened. We also get to know more about other countries as well from the dignitaries coming over to visit and interact, each group unique with their different customs and preferences on being handled. Also seeing the girls step up and have more responsibility was good to see who shined and who failed. Still really enjoying the series and I'm excited to continue on in the series, I have them all (accept the newest one) waiting for me on my shelf. I'm excited to have finally started this series. While I wish I had been up on the series before hand so I could have enjoyed all the talk of them I also like not having to wait so there is that!

The Elite starts off right where The Selection finished with the six remaining girls still all attempting win over Prince Maxon. America is torn between the man she’s falling in love with and the her first love.The girls are focused on winning the prince’s heart, while around them from both the north and the south attacking the palace, who are both pushing to end the selection before Maxon makes his choice. As the attacks get more violent the King pushes Maxon to make his choice. As the Selection progress America and the rest of the girls are tested in more ways the can imagine some harsher than others.I love America, she’s strong and stubborn, and can act rather rashly. Yet she follows her head and her heart, even when it may not always be the best choice. I enjoy reading about her time in the Selection and she goes from wanting to be there for her family to really wanting to be the one. The one thing that annoyed me about her is that she can’t decide between Maxon and Aspen, she’s always bouncing back and forth, I don’t really like love triangles in general.With this sequel I enjoyed learning more about the Caste system, there’s a lot more information about the world they live in, than in the book than the first book. The rebels are attacking more than ever. We also learn a bit more about the characters. All I can say about King Clarkson is that he is a piece of work. And now that we are down to the final six girls we get to know them a bit better. I loved Marlee and something really bad happens to her, and America is more upset by it than Marlee was. America blames it all on Maxon, when he actually had nothing to do with it.The Elite is a great continuation of America’s journey through The Selection process. The Elite is a fast paced story just like the first book and I managed to read over two days, just didn’t want to put it down. I’m dying to get my hands on the next book so I see how it’s all going to end.

"Darling? The word, so tender and personal, enveloped me. In that moment, any desire I had to fight my feelings for Maxon disappeared."Now that is the first line that hit me in this book - it hit me kind of like a stroke of finality - that finally America has realised she actually wants Maxon, whether it's love or not, I couldn't tell. But I'm glad she's finally on her way to realising that Maxon is the way forward.When I originally read The Selection at the beginning of this year I thought that America was a typical teenage girl who was down in dumps with her lot in life and had no chance of ever being happy except with Aspen. Now my opinion has greatly changed. I feel her chances of being happy increase each time she sees Maxon and then either she, or he, makes an error in judgment and those chances blow to smithereens.What happened to Marlee was unexpected to say the least but I’m glad that Maxon managed in his own way to get the punishment reduced and that he got her a job.In the first book I didn’t really like any of the other girls except America and Marlee and to be honest, my opinion of them didn’t really change in any way – I still don’t like them and I still despise Celeste and I’m glad America got a punch in. America’s maids on the other hand, I adore – especially Lucy.I think my biggest issue with America is that she’s still so hung up on Aspen – just get over him already girlfriend. I ship Maxon and America not Aspen and America; don’t get me wrong, he’s a good character I just don’t think he’s the right person for America – he’s so hung up on his caste and his lot in life even though he’s now a Two.Another character I don’t like is the King. What a tyrant. He is an issue for me, didn’t really see much of him in the first book but now we have my opinion of him has gone down massively. I can’t believe he’d do what he did.On the flip side, I liked the writing style and the action with the rebels was great, it brought what could have been a tedious story on the cusp of Big Brother up to a story with a big ol’ twist to it. The rebels is something that interests me more than The Selection does as I want to know what they’re after – although it’s speculated they want to end The Selection, I want to know why.The prose and dialogue flowed well together with barely any jittery starts and stops and I liked how well Cass brought America’s feeling into it. Although my original feelings of her is not great, it is improving with each book and considering this is not my usual type of book that’s pretty darn good.I just wish that America would get over the whole "I need time" shtick and get with the program. Maxon loves you woman you can see it."There, lying in the hospital wing, my heart broke for the first time over Maxon Schreave."About time.I'm looking forward to seeing where The One takes the story.

There is no doubt that this book is a page turner, it forces you to read on to see what happens. That is one thing I thoroughly enjoyed. However, compared to the first book, my lasting opinion on this is more mixed.As I say, the pace is good, and the writing engaging. Cass knows how to make you want to keep reading. Again, I read this book in a couple of hours, in one sitting, and that is a testament to her writing abilities.However, whilst I enjoyed the dreamy story-line and engaging characters of the first book, I found myself having a few issues with the characters and plot of this one. I loved America in the first book, and although I still like her character, her inability to make decisions really began to grate on me. I love her sense of justice and her ability to stand up for the things that matter, I just wish she would do it with more conviction and not be deterred by the obstacles in her way - people, or events.The Prince also jarred me a fair bit in this book. He claims to love America yet he's 100% playing the field with the other girls. I understand he's trying to hedge his bets, but these are women, not poker chips.There was some intriguing character development in this book, which is commendable; I particularly enjoyed Marlee's storyline, and I hope she will feature more prominently in the next book. Furthermore, the King's character took an interesting turn, which I enjoyed. In terms of Celeste, I really hope her character gets more development in future novels, and that there's more going on internally there than just her classic-bitch demeanor.Continuing on with things I enjoyed slightly less in this novel - I was really not a fan of the general tendency of this book to focus more on the catty and superficial aspects of the girls. It really now feels like a competition, and with so few candidates left, it's very close. I am at a loss for how the characters focus on petty details when the palace and its inhabitants are literally attacked every other day by rebels. By this point, I wanted this element to be expanded on a little more, and although we are fed tidbits, we are relatively in the dark. I am definitely praying the rebel-forces and ~book mystery~ will be illuminated more in the following books. I'm sure that it is being saved for a big reveal, but still. It is at times frustrating to read segments about the girls vying for the Prince's affections, cemented between more deep and complex passages about war, inequality, and justice.Overall, this is definitely an engaging read, and I have high hopes that the issues that stopped me from connecting as much with this book will be resolved in future installments.

I’ve gotta say, I haven’t rated a book 5 stars in a long time. (well, it certainly feels that way.) First off, it has felt like a lifetime since The Selection came out, and I only read that a few months ago. So…yeah.I am in LOVE with Maxon. (But I will try not to be too biased…) Now, although he’s not perfect, and yes he may have done a few…things…that will not be spoiled but must still be taken into account, I feel he is still the strongest choice between him and Aspen.Aspen, to me, got very clingy. Impatient. And yet sweet in certain moments. He has America’s history, he is her past, the place she knew the most, and felt at home with, but things are changing. Maxon could be impatient too, but more toward the end, and to be fair, who could blame him? America did get on my nerves a little bit in a couple of parts, but that’s mainly because, a little like in book 1, she was going between the two guys like a yo yo and then she’d get jealous or moan when Maxon talked to another girl. I was like “Girl, you can’t be playing them both, it’s not fair!” but it turns out she couldn’t hear me. *sigh*The writing as usual in The Elite was great, just as good as The Selection, if not better, and each page sucked me in. There is so much going on, and where one moment I was aww’ing, the next moment I’d be cursing one of the characters. I love that it’s not clogged up with unneeded description and there’s plenty of dialogue – which is, what I prefer in a story. I don’t need to know what shade wall paper there is, or the pattern on the carpet. I want to know who’s walking that carpet and where they are going, or who’s talking to whom, you know what I’m saying? And Kiera Cass delivers this perfectly.The tension between the final selection of girls is palpable from start to finish and still I want to kill Celeste. I rather think that’s the point of writing her as a horrible person, but still, I’m clarifying my feelings towards her.It was nice to see more interaction between the other girls and America. Whereas in The Selection, you only really heard or saw them in passing, this time there are actual conversations, delving more into their personalities and just how they are competing. It turns out, America has more problems than she thought.Now, Marlee. Damn girl, what have you gone and done? We finally find out her secret and let me just say it’s scandalous; but the result, I felt was the epitome of how a Monarchy would react. Nothing goes unseen or unpunished, which is why I’m waiting for the ball to drop on the goings on between Aspen and America. (If they ended up getting married, they would be AA. *giggles*) Yeah bad joke. Anyway, there are many sweet moments and one in particular near the end nearly had me crying. I could feel my eyes welling up, but I willed the tears back in because no, I would not cry. Nope.There’s plenty of bitchiness, arguments, romance, tears, happiness, fear. Funny moments, too. I mean, the whole package. I didn’t ever want to stop reading, and I hoped the book wouldn’t end but sadly it did and all too soon. :( And now we wait for book 3, which apparently is titled “The One” and I am TRULY hoping it means what I think it means. But knowing Kiera it’s something different. *sigh*The problem with reading a book so soon after it’s released is you then have to wait forever for the next one.Definitely worth reading if you enjoyed The Selection, and even if you didn’t particularly like that, you’ll surely love this. I did. I really did. 😀

Immediately after finishing The Selection I downloaded the other 4 books in this series. I read this one in one sitting and really enjoyed it.This book continues the story extremely well. We get to know a lot more about the individual characters who form The Elite, as well as discovering why the monarchy are sitting on such a precarious pedestal. The characters have a lot to deal with in this book, and a lot to get through if they are to make it to the end.This continues the series extremely well, and gives us much more insight into the story as a whole. I really wished all the way through that America would decide once and for all who she wanted, rather than play both Maxon and Aspen off against each other. It was almost like she was waiting to see who was the easier choice at times.A great addition to a series quickly becoming a favourite of mine.