The Elite (The Selection, #2) in Addicted to YA

May 28, 2013 Renuka rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, romance, young-adult, reviewed, dystopia, cliff-hangers, owned, triangles-of-love, mind-blown, ohmygod-cover

This is so frustrating, I think I have more questions that after the first book! Not that it's an awful thing, honestly it's just insanely complicated unraveling my own feelings next to America! Normally (and this is probably just me) after the love triangle gets introduced, I figure it out quickly. It's easy to predict who she will end up with, and it's also very simple for me to figure out whether I'm on board with it or not. Take one of the most debated (and lamest) love triangles in YA liter This is so frustrating, I think I have more questions that after the first book! Not that it's an awful thing, honestly it's just insanely complicated unraveling my own feelings next to America! Normally (and this is probably just me) after the love triangle gets introduced, I figure it out quickly. It's easy to predict who she will end up with, and it's also very simple for me to figure out whether I'm on board with it or not. Take one of the most debated (and lamest) love triangles in YA literature, Jacob or Edward. Yeah it was obvious she would end up with Edward, and the majority of people were either Team Edward or Team Jacob. It was one or the other.

The Selection and the Elite are MUCH more complicated, love-trianglewise. The books themselves do focus a large amount on the love triangle, so even if there are all sorts of political shenanigans and rebellions going on, it's mainly about the romance. Maxon is in the spotlight for the majority of the Selection, which is why it seems like he could be America's choice, but she also is having difficulty reconciling her feelings about becoming Queen, as well as him dating 5 other girls (yeah talk about weird). Although he has promised he loves her, she can't be sure he isn't telling every girl the same thing. But Maxon is sweet, kind, knows exactly what he needs, and he can make her laugh and feel comfortable. Then there's Aspen, he is basically her history. He knows America inside and out, and is a compass with his love for her. (So who? Who is it? Total speculation here so it doesn't count as spoilers (right?) but just because of the large amount of Maxon we've been seeing, I think it might be him. Aspen's a cutie pie though.)

Other than those relationships, there are the relationships between the other girls and America which at times were downright sweet. I loved Marlee and was even liking Kriss. The others.....were fun to hate ;) Her family remains incredibly supportive, and it's easy to see where America get's her lively, vivacious nature. I loved how she made mistakes too and did stupid things, she's not a perfect person, but she always stands up for what's right.

Finally, the action stuff. The rebellions are worsening, and there are some secrets revealed from the past. There is increasing amounts of political intrigue, but a lot of the novel is again still focused on the romance aspect. I still loved it overall, and the characters especially are really pulling me in, but avoid it if you don't like a lot of indecisive romance. IF YOU DO (and you want to be just as indecisive) I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. Just saying. ...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Courtney rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-a-z-titles

I found myself at times cheering America on and then at others wanting to smack her. She gets all upset when Maxon is carrying on with other girls, yet she is doing the same thing with Aspen. I know she is confused about how she feels about Maxon, her ability/desire to be a princess, and her unfinished business with Aspen. I'm glad she finally started figuring stuff out and decided to fight. I loved when she protested Marlee's punishment. My dislike for the king grew throughout the book as he re ...more

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