The Elite
discussion
What do you think the "devastating loss" will be in The Elite?
The most popular guess is that the King will die. However, my guess depends on who his loss would be devastating to. The characters or the reader? Reading the novella, The Prince (which i loved, and hope Kiera Cass writes more from Maxon's view in the future),I did not get a good impression from the King. I won't give anything away because any fan of The Selection should read The Prince. But, I will say that I would not be devastated if he croaked. Of course, it would be devastating to the people of Illea. Although, not really to Prince Maxon. Accept for the part where he has to inherit the throne along with all its responsibility and stress. He would be watched and scrutinized more than before since the people will look to him to make all the tough decisions even though he has not decided on a bride, yet. I would be devastated for Maxon because of all the stress he would have to go through. America would have to sort through her feelings quicker or else the public would get annoyed with Maxon's un ability to decide.
If the loss will be devastating to the reader, I think it would be Queen Amberly. Actually, her loss would affect the reader and the characters. She is loved by the King and Maxon, and I think that our view of her will grow more as she becomes closer to America. Also, I think that her loss will cause the King to take out his grief on Maxon by pressuring him to speed up his decision. Which will really pressure America to sort out her feelings, fast.
Whoever Kiera Cass kills off, and wherever the story line goes, I just cannot wait to find out!
I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen would be the most devastating for Maxon. The other buzz in the back of my mind is saying its America's dad, because for her, he understands and accepts her better than her mom. Although, America loves May and Gerad too. I don't think it would be her mom, I just don't.If its Maxon or even Aspen, I'd be shocked. If it isn't family that gets killed off, I'm thinking it would be Marlee. With America never having a girlfriend, Marlee is like a best friend to her.
So, now that I've read The Prince I'm off to mull that through obsessively. Because I think I've changed my mind. The other thing that doesn't add up is if the Queen dies and the King is still alive, the King can still rule without the Queen right? But if the King died then wouldn't Maxon have to step in? I know it isn't discussed fully in the book, but where the Princes stay the royal and the Princesses are "sold off", it would seem in this society that Queen Amberly wouldn't rule without the King. Maybe they both die and Maxon and one of the Elite will have to figure it out all on their own. That would be devastating for the reader, for Maxon, for Illea, even for America I think. Curse you elusive plot twist!! This release date is killing me!!
**BTW if you buy The Prince the first 2 chapters of The Elite are in the back. That also changed my train of thought...yeah I'm still not sure, dang it!!
Catharina wrote: "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 ..."The way I see it, KC wouldn't have created Aspen unless he has some major part to play in The Elite. He was actually shunted out of the story pretty early, only to be brought back near the end. So he will be a big story arc, no question.
If things really are kicking off, would the selection of a princess, even with the remaining six, be a priority for the ruling monarchy? I can't see that. Honestly, like everyone, I have no idea what will happen. As you say, 'curse you elusive plot twist' :D
Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen would be the most devastating for Maxon. The other buzz in the..."Catharina...so the paper back version of The Prince does not exist? (I have The Selection paper back, you see) is it only on Kindle? Should I read it before The Elite, or is it not worth bothering with? Thank you :)
John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen would be the most devastating for Maxon. The..."The Prince is a novella in an e-format, it doesn't come as a paperback. If you don't have a reader/Kindle or the apps you can read it online (after purchase) on the Kindle Cloud reader from Amazon. You can use the Kindle or Nook app from a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Its listed on both Barnes & Noble and Amazon for $1.99. I say its well worth it. You get to see from Maxon's POV from right before the Selection to the first day he meets the girls during their etiquette lessons before breakfast. So, YES you even get to see Maxon's POV when America has her meltdown and wants to go outside to the gardens. Plus the conversations with some of the girls before he asks others to stay and tells them they won't be moving forward.
The paperback of The Selection printed after a certain date has only chapter 1 of The Elite. I bought the e-format of The Selection only two days ago and there are no chapters for The Elite.
If you buy The Prince its short, only 6 chapters, but you get to see more of how the King and Queen are "behind the scenes". I also think it give some great details and insight about the Selection process itself, Maxon's feelings about it, and you get to see it from Maxon's POV.
Links from Kiera Cass' website...
Here is the link about The Prince with The Elite "goodies" as she calls them...
http://www.kieracass.com/home/2013/1/...
Here are some deleted scenes from The Selection. I liked them and you get to see more humor from America and other characters...
http://www.kieracass.com/the-selectio...
The Selection Extras (other than deleted scenes) ...
http://www.kieracass.com/the-selection/
The Elite Teasers...
http://www.kieracass.com/faq/the-elit...
Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen would be the most devastating f..."Hi Catharina
Wow, I really appreciate all that information! I have a kindle, I just prefer the paper copies of ones for the most part. I just wonder why Keira didn't put these bits in the books in the first place...anyway I will read them and maybe make a decision about The Prince (the cover is not cool compared to TS and TE, but never mind!) Thanks Catharina!
John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen would be the ..."Your welcome and I agree the cover is nothing like The Selection or The Elite.
Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept thinking the Queen ..."Will you be sad when this series is over and you will know all the answers Catharina?
Would this make a good TV series, or even a film? I wonder if there is one in the offing!
John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my mind I kept t..."I will be sad, but I DO want to know the answers LOL! Oh and on KC website it said The CW DID pick up The Selection for a TV series. Here it is...
http://www.kieracass.com/home/categor...
Oh and start with the second page first, then you'll see it in order.
Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", in the back of my ..."That's cool. I hope we get to see it in the UK. I'd like Saorise Ronan to play Mer though...any thoughts on who should play the main girls?
I thought that America would be leaning towards Maxon when May dies. And then America would fall back into Aspens stupid undeserving arms.
John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing my "theory", ..."Sorrel wrote: "I thought that America would be leaning towards Maxon when May dies. And then America would fall back into Aspens stupid undeserving arms."
John: I have my own opinions on who should play Mer and it doesn't fit with who they're leaning towards. I'm going to have to mull that over too, hmm...who will be Marlee?
Sorrel: Ha ha, they ARE undeserving arms!!
Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "John wrote: "Catharina wrote: "I just read The Prince and now I'm not so sure either. When I was typing ..."Hi Catharina - If she was younger, Marlee could have been played by Reese Witherspoon...I haven't heard who is up to play Mer, but it could kill the series if she is cast wrong. Casting the right one is so important. Can you imagine anyone else playing Katniss in the Hunger Games apart from Jennifer Lawrence?
I'd love to know what you know, if you would like to share :)
I think it will be either someone that shes close to will die or something idk or Maxon will find out that Aspen is there
Macy wrote: "I think it will be either someone that shes close to will die or something idk or Maxon will find out that Aspen is there"I think you are right Macy. It has to be a family member, right? I'm not sure getting rid of Maxon's parents would make sense right now, as we don't know a lot about them, nor are we heavily invested in them. But Mer's family is important to her...I think it would resonate if they were hurt. I'll be interested to see what happens, I just worry that a sequel is usually poorer than the first story...
I thought one of her parents or little brother or sister dies and Maxon or Aspen will act unsupportive of the sort... So yeah I agree with Macy, and John made a good support.
Catharina wrote: "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 ..."-- Your suggestion does make perfect sense to tell yu the truth idc how it works out i jus want her to end up with Maxon
I heard that the cw made a pilot for the tv series, The Selection, but then decided to change it in order to attract more grown up audiences. I have been tracking news for the series ever since i heard there was going to be one. Apparently, most of the cast was re-caste which i have to admit, was relieving. Now America Singer is going to be played by Yael Groblas. Unfortunately, the characters are going to be different from those in the book. For instance, Maxon will not be as shy , and he'll have a brother! I'm a little disapointed for the series but i am going to watch it anyways.
Mary wrote: "I heard that the cw made a pilot for the tv series, The Selection, but then decided to change it in order to attract more grown up audiences. I have been tracking news for the series ever since i ..."I read the script somewhere and Maxon's character is so changed. He sounds like a bit of a creep. It was quite annoying because the Maxon in the book is so nice!
this is part of the script. It's... ugh. [America, disturbed after her conversation with Sylvan, enters to
find Maxon, casually lounging on her bed. She’s surprised,
confused.
AMERICA
Sorry, I must be in the wrong room-- But she sees a nightgown laid out on the bed, her old clothes hanging in the wardrobe... and puts the pieces together.
AMERICA (CONT’D)
Or you are.
MAXON
I’d introduce myself, but... why state the obvious?
AMERICA
Prince Maxon... what’re you doing here?
MAXON
(grins)
Or maybe I should state the obvious.
It’s all just too much. Despite Sylvan’s warning not to make
enemies, America takes a deep breath, and --
AMERICA
I want you to leave.
Maxon raises a skeptical eyebrow. He gets off the bed, approaches America.
MAXON
Really?
AMERICA
Definitely.
MAXON
Interesting.
Not the response she expected.
AMERICA
Really?
MAXON
Definitely.
AMERICA
Why?
He’s got her backed against a wall now.
MAXON
To start with, women don’t usually talk to me like that. Men either,
for that matter. And from a Labor classer, no less. I’m impressed.
(beat, leans in)
The question is... what am I going to do about -- OUCH!
America’s foot has just connected with Maxon’s shin.
MAXON (CONT’D)
What the hell?
America realizes what she’s done.
AMERICA
I’m sorry. I know you’re the Prince, but... will you just go?
MAXON
You’re serious. Fascinating.
AMERICA
Or... you could send me home.
Maxon assesses her, truly assesses her, for the first time.
MAXON
No... I don’t think so.
(beat)
I haven’t had this much fun with a girl who wasn’t naked in... ever.
Imagine how much fun we’ll have when I finally get you into bed.
AMERICA
That’s not gonna happen.
Maxon tucks a stray hair behind America’s ear.
MAXON
Your certainty is adorable.
AMERICA
And you, Prince Maxon, have no
shame. ]
Sorrel wrote: "this is part of the script. It's... ugh. [America, disturbed after her conversation with Sylvan, enters to
find Maxon, casually lounging on her bed. She’s surprised,
confused.
AMERICA
Sorry, I mu..."
Ew, total creeper!! Don't like that, where is the humility...sounds like a creeper!
This is who they cast as America. I had to scroll through the other photos to find one that I thought, "Yeah, I can kinda see it." Others, yeah not so much.http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4141803/?r...
Better photo where I can kinda see it...
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm759938048..., http://www.imdb.com/media/rm541834240..., and http://www.imdb.com/media/rm364555366...
With the right colorist coloring her hair red, I could see it. I am a cosmetologist and I swear if they color her hair and don't color her eyebrows I'm going to scream!! I hate it when they do that, the brows need to blend with the hair for it to look natural. Example: The new movie coming out "The Mortal Instruments", the girl playing Clary, they colored her hair and her eyebrows are black...seriously?!
Catharina wrote: "This is who they cast as America. I had to scroll through the other photos to find one that I thought, "Yeah, I can kinda see it." Others, yeah not so much.http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4141803/?ref..."
You are so right, head hair and eyebrow hair has to match, otherwise it looks a bit off. Then again, I kind of liked Gwen Stefani's blonde hair / black eyebrow combo....but not sure it works for most women.
I'm not sold yet on the actress set to play Mer...we'll just have to see!
If someone gets sick/dies i bet it will be her lil sister
Macy wrote: "If someone gets sick/dies i bet it will be her lil sister"Oh...I hope not, reminds me too much of another famous book!
I think she'll lean towards Aspen, and then the rebels will attack or something. Maybe Maxon will try to save her and get wounded or something, and then there's this period when she thinks he's dead she realizes he's perfect? I have no idea, but I hope Aspen goes somewhere far, far away.
Kaitlin wrote: "I think she'll lean towards Aspen, and then the rebels will attack or something. Maybe Maxon will try to save her and get wounded or something, and then there's this period when she thinks he's dea..."I'm with you on aspen going far far away
John wrote: "Macy wrote: "If someone gets sick/dies i bet it will be her lil sister"Oh...I hope not, reminds me too much of another famous book!"
Me too but it'll be someone we know well enough and that America loves deeply and she's the only one that she loves that we know enough about her in her family but that's just my guess I will happily be wrong when I read the book if I'm not right
Macy wrote: "Kaitlin wrote: "I think she'll lean towards Aspen, and then the rebels will attack or something. Maybe Maxon will try to save her and get wounded or something, and then there's this period when she..."Ditto. Far away as in forever. xD
Is it bad I wish that Aspen goes to the front line and die and that I don't feel bad about it
Macy wrote: "Is it bad I wish that Aspen goes to the front line and die and that I don't feel bad about it"Bahahahahahaha kind of but I can't argue as that wouldn't bother me much....
Macy wrote: "Is it bad I wish that Aspen goes to the front line and die and that I don't feel bad about it"A little but I feel the exact same way :-)
I think Marlee is eliminated from the competition because this would be devastating to America, Marlee being her only real friend other than Aspen or Maxon
Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?
Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?
Night wrote: "Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?"-- I dont think Aspens a rebel i think Marlee is thou cause she jus seems like she has some big secret why shes stayin in the selection cause she doesnt even like Maxon
Alexia wrote: "Night wrote: "Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?"-- I dont think Aspens a rebel i think Marlee is thou cause she jus seems like she has some big secret why shes stayin in the selec..."
Marlee a rebel? No way.
Kaitlin wrote: "Alexia wrote: "Night wrote: "Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?"-- I dont think Aspens a rebel i think Marlee is thou cause she jus seems like she has some big secret why shes stay..."
-- If yu actaully think about the way she acts it is possible
Alexia wrote: "Kaitlin wrote: "Alexia wrote: "Night wrote: "Now that's cruel. Aspen a rebel? Anyone see that?"-- I dont think Aspens a rebel i think Marlee is thou cause she jus seems like she has some big secr..."
well that's true but remember Aspen said "That suit" it is derogatory. I have a strong feeling its both Aspen and Marlee
-- Im not sure how Mer would take that if Aspen really was a rebel and she ended up with Maxon
Alexia wrote: "-- Im not sure how Mer would take that if Aspen really was a rebel and she ended up with Maxon"I think it would crush her.
Alexia wrote: "-- Im not sure how Mer would take that if Aspen really was a rebel and she ended up with Maxon"I think it would crush her.
I don't really think Aspen is a rebel. I don't see any motivation. Also if you think as to what the rebels are like, what they did to Lucy, neither Aspen (as much as I don't like him) or Marlee seem um... rebelish
I thought Marlee had problems at home and that's why she didn't want to go back.
Sorrel wrote: "I thought Marlee had problems at home and that's why she didn't want to go back."Oh that could be it.
Okay, I reread the book, and the first two chapters of The Elite that are at the end of The Prince, that's right I'm crazy!! Now that I have there are 2 things that keep standing out. First is Marlee's distance...
Excerpt from The Selection:
Marlee went on in her typical enthusiastic way. I still wondered what her secret was, but I trusted her enough to bring up the subject if she really needed to talk about it. We spoke of little nothings for a few minutes until we heard a general clamor at the front end of the room. Marlee and I both turned, and while she remained calm, I was completely deflated. Kriss’s dress choice had been incredibly strategic. Here we all were in day dresses— short, girlish things— and she was in a floor-length gown...“She looks really pretty,” Marlee commented wistfully. “Better than pretty,” I replied.
The Selection (pg. 281-282)
1)Marlee has been quiet after saying she didn't feel a connection with Maxon. She's withdrawing, but hasn't told America why. Marlee said she wanted to talk to America, but it didn't end up happening, there is something going on there that will come into play in The Elite. Plus, she's not interested in Maxon and not jealous about any competition. So, is she interested in someone else? Hmm...
Second is this random tidbit...
Excerpt from The Elite: (not a spoiler, its from Chapter 2 that is in the back of The Prince)
I left the Women’s Room, taking my time walking down the gorgeous hallway. I wasn’t sure I would ever get over how spectacular it was here. I was so distracted that I ran smack into a guard as I turned the corner. “Oh!” I said. “Pardon me, miss. Hope I didn’t startle you.” He held me by my elbows, helping me regain my footing. “No,” I said, giggling. “It’s fine. I should have been watching where I was going. Thanks for catching me. Officer . . .” “Woodwork,” he answered, giving me a quick bow. “I’m America.” “I know.” I smiled and rolled my eyes. Of course he knew. “Well, I hope the next time I run into you, it won’t be quite so literal,” I joked. He chuckled. “Agreed. Have a nice day, miss.” “You, too.” I told Marlee about my embarrassing run-in with Officer Woodwork when I got back and warned her to watch her step. She laughed at me and shook her head. We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the windows, chatting about home and the other girls as we drank in the sunshine."
2)How random is that? So random that it doesn't make sense unless it has something to do with the story. America ran into the solider in the hall, speaks with him briefly, and that is it? No way, something is going to come back around about that soldier. Its been eating at me and there has to be something there, it just doesn't add up. There is something with the soldier in the hall, its too random and weird...what the heck?
Catharina wrote: "Okay, I reread the book, and the first two chapters of The Elite that are at the end of The Prince, that's right I'm crazy!! Now that I have there are 2 things that keep standing out. First is Ma..."
I bet something will come back with the soldier I don't know but whenever I read a book and a main character bumps into someone they come back later somehow I don't know that's my guess.
all discussions on this book
|
post a new topic
Okay, so what does that mean to you? I have my version, but I'm dying for the next book to come out, so I need some discussion!!
Here is my guess...
I think she'll start to lean towards Aspen because he is safe and familiar, she thinks she'll just wait it out and be with Aspen when its over. UNTIL the King is killed. Then I think the loss of the King will create a situation where America will grow closer to Maxon. As Maxon leans on America to deal with this loss, this will help her realize her feelings are stronger and deeper than she thought (not the new/fast/first-love/lust type, but the REAL THING). After that realization, she will have to decide if she can accept being with Maxon, if it means: dealing with the rebels that threaten her Prince and Country, thrust straight into marriage, and ruling with Maxon right away. She'll have to decide if being with Maxon is worth taking on all the new responsibility as acting Queen. Especially if it means declaring war and sending Aspen to his death... if only they would kill off Aspen lol (I'm sorry I don't like him)! That's my guess, but who knows? What's yours? Also, will anyone else cry if she ends up picking Aspen?