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The Elite (The Selection #2)

by Kiera Cass (Goodreads Author)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 15,962 ratings · 3,052 reviews

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 Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, an...more

Paperback, International, 323 pages

Published April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen

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Community Reviews

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Nov 25, 2012 Monica :) marked it as to-read

Edit 11/25/12
So I think all of us have been focusing on America, Maxon and Aspen that we forget about everyone else.
Now, I've been thinking ...Maxon's parents. Her mom lost a child. Her sister told America that once they got down to The Elite that she would start getting closer to them. As for Maxon's father ..in every movie I've seen or show (ahem. Merlin)the King is always a jerk. Like a-hole material. Perhaps we shall see this in The Elite?
(Thanks to Jie Yu for remembering about Queen Amberly...more

267 likes · like · see review

Jun 15, 2013 Julie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-books

So, you see my rating, and you're probably like, ONE STAR? And my answer is yes, one star. I spent a good hour thinking about a reason, any reason to rate it two, but I can't. This was just one books of those books that was not my cup of tea. Which, by the way, is extremely disappointing, considering that I really did like the first book. *sigh*

I don't like to bash books and insult the author, but I will say why I did give it such a low rating, in a hopefully non-rude way.

*My Opinion. Just a r...more

180 likes · like · see review

May 09, 2013 Stacia rated it 4 of 5 stars

7-1-2012: 3:48 PM. Yay! It has a name! I'm so excited for this book!

8-7-2012: 4:19 PM. Why does this have likes?! Haha. I can't wait for the cover! I heard Cass has seen it!

Of course, I'd prefer to have a male on the cover. Not JUST a male, maybe a well-dressed Maxon (with his face concealed [I hate when publishers put non-concealed faces... It makes me feel like I have to picture the characters like on the covers]) with America in his arms.

Or maybe the Elite girls in pretty dresses....more

137 likes · like · see review

Apr 23, 2013 Mitch rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 0-star-cesspool, no-just-no

For what it's worth, I actually liked The Selection. Sure, it suffered from a major bout of shoddy world building and desperately needed a plot beyond just the game show slash dating elements, but if I had to blurb it, I'd go with something like this: "Frivolous and silly, The Selection is nonetheless an enjoyable timekiller with its Bachelor-like elements and inability to take itself too seriously."

The Elite on the other hand... ugh how do I even begin to describe this mess? Let's see...

America...more

105 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2013 Pang rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, dreamy-fairy-tale, sweet-beta-hero, outwit-revenge-playing-game, tortured-soul, i-wish-this-happen-real-to-me, f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e-storyline, enigmatic-complicated-hero, wanna-tear-my-hair-out, wish-you-were-real, self-sacrificing-guy-i-die-for, oh-ho-high-society, special-couple-because-of-hero, when-beta-turn-bad-boy

Reading this book felt like Gossip Girl on royal caste. lol!

The Elite has many things, drama, dark secrets, intense competition, betrayal, treason, and annoying girls issue..

Firstly, I started reading this book with fun. The Halloween party! and Maxon is so sweet as usual! *dream up* description

Later on... everything started to roll down the hill. description

Every. Main. Characters. change from the first one.

It’s so hard to decide who the boy I want America to end up with. I’m team Maxon since the first one but in t...more

45 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Roxanne Gillies marked it as soon

Shelves: really-want-to-read, hurry-up-and-come-out-already, 2013-sequel-challenge

OMFG IT FINALLY HAS A COVER!!!!

First off I must say that that is a stunning dress! Hmm which dress would you say is better?

Oh gosh, I can't choose! There both so pretty! Although I do like the red colour more.

Now on to the real thing I want to talk about. I'm so freaking excited for this book! I really loved the first one, in fact I loved it so much that I read it while I was at an amusement park. In fact I was so sucked in that I started reading it in the line-ups and I kept wanting to read it...more

73 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2013 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: only-if-its-free-baby, coulda-been-worse, romance, young-adult

24 Apr. '13
Bad news: I didn't like it
Good news: I finished it in one day to relieve me of my boredom at work
Better news: I liked it more than The Selection. Or maybe that's simply because I knew what to expect, so my hopes weren't high to begin with?

Still want that tiara.

I've ~~full on ranted~~ discussed about characterization in my review of the first book, and since the special cookie that is America still suffers from the same problems, I won't be going into characterization in this review. If a...more

33 likes · like · see review

May 06, 2013 Jessie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-publication, 2013, annoying-main-character, triangle-of-love, won-t-order, reviewed, disappointment, series-went-downhill, angsty-main-character

Warning: Mild Spoilers Ahead. Do not read if you don't want to be spoiled. Please read at your own risk.

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

This is not a dystopian, This is a book centered on a love triangle.

Believe it or not, I did like The Selection, but this book, unfortunately, did not live up to its predecessor. The reason why I enjoyed The Selection so much was because of the similarities to the TV show The Bachelor(which I watch, occasionally). I personally think adapting the competition into a book...more

55 likes · like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 YAL Book Briefs marked it as namby-pamby

Shelves: anti-feminist, bullying, author-stuck-her-foot-in-mouth-and, crappy-book-anyway

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

42 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2013 Nessa marked it as non

Cover reveal! And the dress isn't exactly very nice. It looks like designer wound up with loads of swatches of the dress fabric and had to think on the spot to make something.

But cover aside (since hey, that's not the most important part of the book), I didn't enjoy the first one very much, it spent far too much time dilly-dallying before building up to 'hey, something's going to happen if you stick around!'. The characterisation was poor, the world-building wasn't great. Count me uninterested.

17 likes · like · see review

May 08, 2013 Pollyana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Well, it is too bad. I was looking forward to reading this book however I ended up disappointed with how silly America became and how judgmental. She acts without thinking and i spend most of the time wanting to hit my head on the wall.

21 likes · like · see review

May 16, 2013 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kiera, I love you, but I hope you know how much pain this is causing me. I NEED the the Elite to come out faster! You can't just leave us hanging! I want Maxon! I know, I sound so pathetic, but I am not a patient person! (but honestly, I am going to have some major problems if America doesn't end up with Maxon. Aspen just needs to stick a straw in his juice box and suck it, he had his chance, and he failed miserably.)

Update 5/16/13
I finished the Elite and completely fell in love. Thank you Kiera...more

14 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2013 Brittana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed "The Selection"--"The Elite" was on my 'midnight release' reading list. "The Selection" had fun characters, an interestingly laid out dystopian caste system and a burgeoning rebellion as a strong background to the very heavy love triangle.

In "The Elite" I was looking forward to seeing more of the rebellion, seeing the characters develop and make strong decisions and stick with them--deal with the consequences of those decisions. I expected mo...more Let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed "The Selection"--"The Elite" was on my 'midnight release' reading list. "The Selection" had fun characters, an interestingly laid out dystopian caste system and a burgeoning rebellion as a strong background to the very heavy love triangle.

In "The Elite" I was looking forward to seeing more of the rebellion, seeing the characters develop and make strong decisions and stick with them--deal with the consequences of those decisions. I expected more of the background story to develop with the maturity of the characters. What we got was a simpering America who ended almost every plot movement with "I just don't know who I should pick", which was so narrow-minded and contrary to the 'girl-power' and social awareness she demonstrated in the first book.

I was very disappointed in that "The Elite" seemed to cater to its very young readers focusing on a 'he loves me, he loves me not' love story that was quite artificial. The plot was reduced wholly to America's misunderstandings of other's intentions, childish, selfish, and naive misunderstandings to which only those of a very young readers group could possibly relate, and her very foolish reactions to those misunderstandings. I couldn't believe the number of rhetorical questions America asks, without any answers offered.

From chapter four and continued throughout the whole novel...

It was impossible. I had to choose. Aspen or Maxon.
But how was I supposed to decide between two good possibilities? How could I make a choice that would leave some part of me devastated either way? I comforted myself with the thought that I still had time. I still had time.

Cynic warning--the only reason she has or even needs time is to sell more books.

While in "The Selection" the story was interesting enough to keep me captivated and to see past the cliched and generally non-dimensional plot construction, "The Elite", if it was possible, becomes even more cliched and even less original.

In short, it seems that it was fully a money-making filler to extend a simple series. I have no doubt that anyone could skip this book in its entirety and pick up the third without missing a step. Of course, I'm stubborn and have been sucked into the trashy love-triangle, so I will read the third (hence why I said this book was "OK" rather than I hated it), but I was still scratching my head wondering if there were any other redeeming qualities to reading it besides my innate curiosity of how the story finishes. There aren't. (less)

17 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2013 Nunu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another year of waiting! I love the title its a perfect fit. I can't wait tell the story comes out! and I wish there would be spoilers.
Expectations:
- A love triangle( OF COURSE)
- Maxon wins America's heart
- Aspen would fight (physically or mentally) to win America
- Rebels from the north or south would kidnapped America
- Maxon would ask America to marry, but she will have cold feet

The book didn't have many conflicts, it just concentrated on one: America's personal life! so we don't have someth...more

14 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2013 Antoinette rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't wait for this book to come out, Kiera don't let all those haters get you down. I loved this book and I didn't really see it as a reality show book but a story, and one worth reading, it didn't even make me think about tv just about a wonderful story about America Singer and Prince Maxon and Aspen. I can't wait for the second!

12 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2013 Stephanie ♥Loves Adrian Ivashkov and Warner!♥ rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: april-release, 2013-release

This is going to be a tough review for me, be warned.
Last summer I read The Selection and I loved it. I thought the whole idea of a story like this was really original. I loved that it was like The Bachelor put into a dystopian book. I saw a lot of positive reviews about it so I figured it would be positive for me too. So I had to read The Elite also of course and I must say (obviously) I'm rather disappointed by it. Actually a whole lot disappointed.

I really wanted to like this book, more so t...more This is going to be a tough review for me, be warned.
Last summer I read The Selection and I loved it. I thought the whole idea of a story like this was really original. I loved that it was like The Bachelor put into a dystopian book. I saw a lot of positive reviews about it so I figured it would be positive for me too. So I had to read The Elite also of course and I must say (obviously) I'm rather disappointed by it. Actually a whole lot disappointed.

I really wanted to like this book, more so than some others because The Selection was so good for me. Maybe I had to high hopes but I wanted to enjoy this. The fact that I didn't was a big disappointment because I just wanted this book to be done and over. And that's just never good with any book.

I was so frustrated with pretty much everything and every character in The Elite. First of all, America. What was up with her? She kept running back and forth between Maxon and Aspen. It was literally one page she was loving on Maxon and the next she was crawling back to Aspen. Girl, no, just no. The whole book was like this. All about that stupid love triangle. I can like love triangles if they are done well but in this book it has got to be one of the most terrible I've ever read about. And what was up with her decision making? I could hardly follow her train of thought. Doesn't she think at all? At least the one thing that I didn't totally hate was how America was able to read Gregory Illea's diary. What a jackass he was. That's the only thing I want to know more about. Is the diary what the rebels are after or is it something else?
I used to love Maxon to bits and pieces but this book ruined him for me. I didn't like him one bit. I guess that The Selection is some sort of game and Maxon has to be sure that he makes the right decision but please, I can't stand the whole thing. Dating all these girls, messing around with him. Ugh! No wonder America got so jealous. And really, Maxon, Celeste? REALLY? The only thing that's not totally awful is that I can sort of understand him a bit, with everything his father (who is a totally pyscho by the way) puts him through he wants distractions but there are other ways. I did feel sorry for what America witnessed at some point...
Aspen still is some sort of vague character for me. He wasn't that much in the book but also not totally absent. He did some pretty nice things for America but after what happened to Marlee I can't understand why both him and America would take such huge risks. They are asking to get caught! And no, it doesn't mean that when I'm no longer team Maxon that I'm suddenly team Aspen. I can't pick any teams in this book because they both suck. I'm team America, get the hell out of there and work on yourself, please.
The remaining girls in The Selection are definitely on my black list. Especially Kriss. I can't stand her. I get that America messed up and that suddenly Kriss and Maxon got close but it was all so awful to read about. And Celeste, I need her to leave already.
There were some rebel attacks again. Wonder what that's about. It's awful but I'd rather read about them attacking the palace and have some action at least than America going back and forth with her two guys. Seriously. But even with the few attacks, we don't know anything.
So yeah, frustration everywhere for every character.

I was also quite disappointed with the author's writing. And I'm not saying this to bash her or anything. I don't even like giving a book this low a rating because I barely do that. But I couldn't get over it. I didn't like the writing at all. It felt rushed and I can't remember I hated it this much with The Selection. What happened I wondered. I missed action. A lot of them. You'd think because there are rebels, they should've been more of that than there was. Sadly enough it wasn't so. And I really disliked the ending. Literally nothing happened throughout this book. Nothing. I am so disappointed! At least the cover is beautiful and it was a fast read.

Overall, The Elite by Kiera Cass was a huge disappointment. Everything from the frustrating characters to the lame plot to the weak writing, it all felt rushed. I wished I had liked it a lot more, but sadly enough I didn't. But I decided I will read the third book once it comes out because I want to know the ending. I hope it won't disappoint me again.(less)

20 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Kate Weber rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, owned-books-read

Check out my full review of The Elite here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M5Ts4...

One day guys. ONE DAY! I haven't read a book in one sitting in what feels like an eternity. Actually, I'm pretty sure the last book I read in one sitting was The Selection.

Guys. This book. Whoa. I think my brain just exploded. Whoa. Again.

Full review coming so soon! Trust me, it's one of the very next ones!

24 likes · like · see review

May 05, 2013 Tabatha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who read The Selection

Shelves: i-want-this-now, ebooks, 5-star-books, favorites, 2013-challenge-120-books, audiobooks, need-physical-copies

A highly frustrating and yet wonderfully breathtaking read.

OFFICIAL REVIEW:
(Short but ~~sweet~~ probably utterly mindboggling.)

Our story began in The Selection when 35 girls moved to the palace hoping to someday marry Prince Maxon; however, by the beginning of The Elite, only 6 girls remain.

For our dear America, this means only five girls left to compete with.

Natalie, Elise, Celeste, Kriss and Marlee.

Only 5 other girls, and Maxon has already expressed his feelings for America. Should be a piece of...more

17 likes · like · see review

May 11, 2013 Lauren ~School's back so I might be less active~ added it

EDIT #3: GUYS I JUST READ THE PRINCE and it was perfect and then there was the two chapters of the Elite and NOW I'M SO EXCITED OH MY GOD IT'S SO CLOSE I CAN SMELL IT

EDIT #2: Ok, the description: "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 c...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Katy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Despite the controversy over the author/publicist, I kinda liked the first book... This one, however, just pissed me off.

1. What happened to America? I miss the strong, determined, self-confident girl she used to be. She cries - a lot! I understand insecurities can make you second-guess yourself, but damnit, she was so freaking wishy-washy. I want Maxon. No, I want Aspen. I want to leave. No, I need to stay. I won't make a good queen. Actually, I could make a different. Oh wait, I just did somet...more Despite the controversy over the author/publicist, I kinda liked the first book... This one, however, just pissed me off.

1. What happened to America? I miss the strong, determined, self-confident girl she used to be. She cries - a lot! I understand insecurities can make you second-guess yourself, but damnit, she was so freaking wishy-washy. I want Maxon. No, I want Aspen. I want to leave. No, I need to stay. I won't make a good queen. Actually, I could make a different. Oh wait, I just did something stupid. Speaking of stupid, America's irrationality was a bit too much. I know her heart, though she won't admit it, is now at stake, but she pulled herself together after Aspen. Sometimes strong emotions can get the best of us, but I had expected so much more from her. One or two things, fine. But she made me so mad throughout the entire book.

2. What happened to the plot? The first book was more about the competition and the gradual elimination process. In this book, the first elimination was a given that you could guessed way ahead of time from book 1. The only other one was just more a default kind thrown in there - you're staying so let's get rid of her instead. I wasn't drawn to the individual missions or tasks they had to do because contestants weren't eliminated as a result of how well they did.

3. I found it interesting that this book takes place in the future (after the fourth world war, right?), and Cass throws out concepts that are well-established in our society to give the girls individuality - like equal rights, or a drafted military, or even better yet, women in the military. I understand that a lot has changed, and some of that means going backwards in politics, but I just found the attempts annoying, especially since they were just tossed in there, glimpsed over and then left to flounder. Come on! Throw in some originality or just leave those comments out. By the way, did you know there's a sort-of revolution going on? North rebels? South rebels? Huh? Oh, I was too focused on being pissed off at America.

The only reason I did not give this book 1 star is because I actually liked the end. (view spoiler)

I'll read book 3 because it's the last book, but I really hope this was just a "middle book" or I will be so disappointed with this series.(less)

21 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2013 Ivana marked it as on-hold

TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
TEAM MAXON!
DOWN WITH ASPEN!
DOWN WITH ASPEN!
DOWN WITH ASPEN!
DOWN WITH ASPEN!
GRRR! 2013?!
*turns off caps lock*
omg, can't wait!

18 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 TheBookCrazyPurpleCheeta marked it as to-read

Shelves: books-i-have-to-wait-ages-for-to-co, i-love-you-author, now-you-will-witness-a-total-curse, why-won-t-it-come-out

Ok so I finished The Selection today and all I could think was:

Aspen or Maxon? Aspen or Maxon?

description

To be honest I think I am leaning towards Maxon because, let's all admit it; he is amazing

I think the cover to this is amazing and striking. I also think that it will have nothing to do with the book like the last cover did, but who knows?

GO MAXON! Looking forward to this!

description

And I kinda think she will choose Maxon but then someone related to Aspen or maybe May dies/gets hurt. (I don't want anyone to die!...more

40 likes · like · see review

Apr 17, 2013 Yasmin Kuhnert rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trilogys

America, America... I don't believe that you has done this. But, I'm very happy with the book, and mostly with Maxon. But America, really? You prove that hysteria by lack of trust can destroy a beautiful love. Or, at least, almost end up with everything... And that part about the begin of Illea? Very interesting. The diary, and all. But America, oh America...

Very, very eager for the last book. 2014? OMG...

My complete review: http://goo.gl/asD6e

11 likes · like · see review

May 07, 2013 Joana ♥Team Dex ♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-or-egalley, dystopia, read-2013, young_adults

rating clarification : 3.5 stars

We no longer have 35 girls competing for Maxon's heart (or crown)...we have the Elite, the 6 remaining girls.
And well, now America have to share him with the other girls, while being torn apart between the choice of a lifetime, Maxon or Aspen.
Meanwhile, besides the fierce competition between the girls,the attacks from the rebels increases, putting all of their lives in danger, over and over again. Are they looking for something or they only want to create chaos...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 21, 2013 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

can twait to read it!!!! UGH she should just choose Maxon already since Aspen had his chance and broke up with her!!!! Maxon already said that he would choose her already so why cant she just accept that Aspen only thinks that they can be together now is because of the castes and how now that they're a 2 they can live happily. BUT NOOO!!!!!! Maxon seams to really like her since he wanted her to be his first kiss and how he was always cared about her and how he didnt kick her out from the beginin...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Donna {Book Passion for Life} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, e-galley, for-review, from-publishers, kindle, own, ya-dystopian-scifi-thriller, favorites, gifted

"All I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes It feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay."

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of The Elite and now, after reading it for 8 hours straight, I'm finished. I'm sad, I'm happy, I'm excited and I'm worried but, even with all my mixed feelings (and I say mixed feelings in a good way), nothing can overshadow the fact that Kiera Cass delivered a stunning sequel.

We all fell in love with America Singer in The S...more "All I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes It feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay."

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of The Elite and now, after reading it for 8 hours straight, I'm finished. I'm sad, I'm happy, I'm excited and I'm worried but, even with all my mixed feelings (and I say mixed feelings in a good way), nothing can overshadow the fact that Kiera Cass delivered a stunning sequel.

We all fell in love with America Singer in The Selection, when she was picked along with 34 other girls, to fall in love with Prince Maxon, so one of them could become the next Princess of Illea. And now in The Elite, we see how intense things are getting when America is amongst the 6 remanding girls. Things are not easy for her though, because with the return of her first love; Aspen, America has to figure out who she really wants, and more importantly is she strong enough to take on all the responsibilities of possibly being a Princess means. All America knows for now, is she's not ready to leave and nor is she ready to make her choice, but time waits for no-one and America's running out of time.

I don't know how she's done it but Kiera Cass brings us a sequel that overthrows the predecessor, seriously The Elite is that good. I'm left dying though because I can't wait to see what happens next and as a reader, knowing that you have to whole year to wait for the finale is pure torture. I was wholeheartedly consumed by this novel and I just want more.

America is completely back and forth in this book, she's constantly confused about whom she should really be with, and then when she finally figures it out, something happens and takes everything she's worked out away. It did get a slightly frustrating at time but when you have two great guys battling for your heart - not forgetting one comes with some much more than love but managing a whole country too, can we really blame America for feeling how she does? I couldn't! I felt she handed everything naturally and very well, although at times rash, she still tries to do the best she can. She has feelings I think any girl would have, her heart constantly battles for her old love and her new love. How does she choose? It's not an easy journey, it's one that comes with a lot tears but she does get there in the end, but the journey isn't over just - yet!

Maxon and Aspen get so much time in the spot light this time around; it's just as hard for them as it is for America. Their two great guys - both who make mistakes along the way but no guy is perfect. You all know my hearts leans toward Maxon more than Aspen, and I'm hoping it all works out for them.

Not only is the love triangle a huge part of this book but the rebel's playing a bigger part. They're back and they're here to cause trouble. It was interested to learn more about them and we do, and I believe they will play a bigger part in the final book. I'm for one excited to see what this book will bring.

In all, The Elite has an intriguing and unique story line, a history that is frighteningly engaging, and a love triangle that works perfect. Kiera Cass should be proud of what she's achieved so far! (less)

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2013 P.d. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-boyfriend, books-i-adored, books-i-threw-across-the-room-and-c, books-tha-changed-my-mental-state, favorites, i-love-you-i-love-you-wait-what, its-so-sad-can-t-things-just-work, no-no-no-no-i-m-hyperventaling-now, strong-herion, that-pissed-me-off-noooooooo-why, why-you-do-this-to-us-lays-down-i, rebel

Holy crap! why did you do this to us Mrs. Cass? I fell like my heart has been torn from my chest and then put back in the wrong way. every chapter in the book was a plot twist or a change in events. Once it took a hold of my heart it didn't let go. I fell terrible now because I read this in a day and will have to wait another year and a half for the third book. I loved how stong America is and how even if they are in a castle and treated like royalty it's not and most of the time not just some f...more

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: re-read

I was so excited to receive an advance reader copy of this book to review! I have been eagerly anticipating it's release since I read The Selection back in April. I was a little concerned that the story might not have enough depth when I saw the size of the book, *only* 323 pages. But let me tell you, there is SO much action packed into this novel! This book was not what I was expecting at all!! It took about two pages and I was completely absorbed into America's world. I could not put this book...more

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May 02, 2013 Jessi Courier rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, if you have not read this book, you probably shouldn't read another sentence of this review because, seriously, it is like one spoiler after another. First, I want to say that I LOVED The Selection. It was probably one of my favorite books I read last year for several reasons including 1. When I first saw the book, I bought it thinking it was purely going to be chick-lit, and boy was a wrong (in a completely incredible way) 2. I loved the characters. America was the perfect combination of...more Okay, if you have not read this book, you probably shouldn't read another sentence of this review because, seriously, it is like one spoiler after another. First, I want to say that I LOVED The Selection. It was probably one of my favorite books I read last year for several reasons including 1. When I first saw the book, I bought it thinking it was purely going to be chick-lit, and boy was a wrong (in a completely incredible way) 2. I loved the characters. America was the perfect combination of sassy, smart, and normal and Prince Maxon was pretty dang perfect. Seriously, after I read The Selection, Maxon was my second favorite fictional character (after Noah Shaw from the Mara Dyer trilogy) 3. The story was dang good. The world building, the plot, the romance... seriously amazing, and 4. Kiera Cass wrote a fantastic story that still left a lot to be said in the seceding books...so many questions about the rebels, the country's true history (like why were there no history books?!?!?), and of course...will America pick Maxon to Aspen? So I've been freaking out about The Elite since I finished The Selection. Unfortunately, I feel like this book suffers from the Crossed Conundrum (from Allie Condie's Matched Trilogy): a fantastic first book and extremely disappointing sequel.

Let me first say that I didn't hate this book, but I did hate a lot of things about it. First, why, oh why, is this book only about the love triangle? There were so many other fantastic plot lines to pursue but instead we get like 250 pages of "America can't make up her mind...even though she keeps making her mind and then changing and saying she's confused...well guess what, I'm confused too!" and 80 or so pages of other stuff. Besides America being whiny and extremely fickle, Maxon was kind of a jerk. I mean, I really didn't like him for a lot of the book. If he loves America, and she chose him on page like 50 (at least the first time), why not end the ridiculous competition and be done with it? But no, for some reason we have to wade through the next 300 pages of angst and miscommunication and arguments. And I totally get that Maxon is frustrated with America, but why does he keep doing stupid things like hanging out with all of the other girls (without explaining why FIRST) or making out with Celeste (seriously, dude?)? He really made me want to scream. And don't get me started on Aspen (who I never liked in the first place).

Also, I feel like the plot lines for the rebels were just not as well thought out as in the first book. It seems like the solutions are almost too easy. Of course, they just happen to be looking for the one book that Maxon lends America and which she announces that she has on national television. I mean, really? And America's little speech about overthrowing the caste system? I'm all for social justice, but why not try to educate people first and let them conclude that changes need to happen. I really thought that maybe making the history of Illea (and the world) available to everyone or published in books or even truly taught in schools would have been a great project for America. But whatever.

Oh, and then Maxon is all like "well, I guess I'll marry Kriss..." Now I don't necessarily dislike Kriss, but I don't really like her either. Despite everything I'm still rooting for Maxon and America. But why would she or anyone be okay with being Maxon's second choice? And why would he just settle for marrying someone else when he truly loves America? I know his dad sucks like a lot...but seriously, if this is your decision, you need to man up and make it, Maxon. Like, screw the selection. Marry America if that's what you want! Sheesh!

Okay, it is now almost 2 in the morning so my rant needs to stop. But, despite what it may look like, I didn't hate this book. I was a little disappointed, but I am still so glad to know the next part of the story. And the best part of the Crossed Conundrum is that the third book totally redeemed the series in Ally Condie's case. I hope that holds true for Kiera Cass's Selection series as well!
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May 24, 2013 Varsha Ravi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gorgeous-covers, book-boyfriend, characters-i-wanna-bitch-slap, dytopian, horrible-love-triangles, made-me-cry, read-in-2013

3-3.5 stars
Despite the mixed reviews of the previous book, I actually liked Section but Elite just let me down. Big time
In Elite, I was looking forward to getting to know more about the rebels and what they’re after and yes there were more rebel attacks but nothing happened! Sure some nameless guards were killed but the main characters were never in danger. So what’s the point of these attacks? It was so harmless that the readers need not even worry about anyone important getting hurt. Althoug...more

3 likes · like · see review

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
The Selection Series: Book Covers	34	37	18 hours, 28 min ago
Thoughts after "The Elite": Team Maxon or Team Aspen?	140	291	Jun 17, 2013 12:11am
Who wouldve guessed the King had a mean streak?	4	22	Jun 16, 2013 04:47pm
only one person was eliminated this whole book...like come on.	17	84	Jun 15, 2013 11:43am
Word game starting with Maxon	4	10	Jun 14, 2013 12:40pm
How about that Ending?	25	170	Jun 14, 2013 12:54am
The One - guys and girls (avoiding title spoiler)	132	175	Jun 13, 2013 03:04pm

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About Kiera Cass

100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound...more

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“It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.” — 118 people liked it

“Sometimes I feel like we're a knot, too tangled to be taken apart.” — 82 people liked it

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The Elite (The Selection #2)

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