Thoughts after "The Elite": Team Maxon or Team Aspen?

[Dee/ bookworm]

Team Maxon! Aspen is a jerk that exploits every fear she has in order to keep her. He even said he didn't care how he got her.

[Lauryn]

I really like Aspen. I think America should be with Aspen. I don't think I know why exactly. Maybe I'm just a romantic. You know, meeting secretly at midnight in a treehouse. Loving each other secretly. Then what I think was America thinking irrationally and thinking Aspen didn't love her anymore. I also don't like Maxon that much. I think that's because I really dislike stereotypes, like everyone likes a prince. Yep.

[Erin]

Can't wait till 3rd book even more because now I have a $30 indigo card

[Lydia]

Personally, after much careful consideration, I choose Team Maxon (but NOT because I think he's better, because I don't). For one thing, i think multiple people have made some excellent points about Maxon and America, if they were to be together; that America could help change the country for together. And while Maxon DID cheat on America with Celeste (yuckers), and is dating Kriss, it's not like America has been very fair to him. Because of her, a lot of people (including his abusive father) are furious at Maxon. And, he doesn't know about Aspen. Maxon is hanging on a thread, begging America, and she can't make up her mind (not that I blame, because I don't). Also, America is meeting up with Aspen and having a SECRET AFFAIR with him. So basically, America and Maxon are cheating ON EACH OTHER. Which brings me to my next point. Yes, Aspen is inviting America to secret meetings with him. But it's HER CHOICE whether she meets up with him or not, and she KNOWS the consequences. He loves her with all his heart, and while he was devoted to her for two years, always seeking the best for her, and while he had nothing to give her, he still managed to PAY her every time she sang one song for him, despite he extreme poverty. And finally, he's a Two, and can offer her a better life, when some prince, (this is from Aspen's point of view, keep in mind) just SWOOPS in, and after two years of Aspen's love, Maxon manages to steal America's heart, offering her queenship, and gifts and riches beyond her wildest dreams. While we can all agree that America is certainly not as shallow as a girl like Celeste to only go for a guy because of his money, it's definitely an upside of ending up with Maxon. And THINK about Marlee's caning. I couldn't mad at Maxon for that. While he is the prince, keep in mind he says next to NO SAY WHATSOEVER in how the country is run, because of his power-hungry father, who lays down the law, not Maxon. And, it's because of Maxon that Marlee even SURVIVED, and even got a job and a house and got to see her old friend. (Which, for the record, is ALSO risking America's safety, JUST LIKE ASPEN DID. I'm not saying the situations were exactly the same, but they BOTH put America in danger out of love for her, and I don't know about you people, but that's enough for me).
In my final example, Lucy and Aspen are perfect for each other, while he and America would admittedly be awesome, he Lucy would rock also. And if he and America go together, there'll be no story. Kriss will probably end up as queen, and she'll just follow Maxon around and do whatever he tells her, not questioning how he is running the country, maybe even letting him one day become as cold-hearted as his father. America wouldn't let that happen. In my personal opinion, it's for the best of the country that America and Maxon end up together, for her to show all her devotion to Maxon and become the best princess to be, to show that this is what she wants. Maybe they'll BOTH die or fall in love with other girls, and America will ned up falling in love with a completely different guy. I have no idea. But if it comes down to it, I think that Maxon and America will be the winning couple, and Aspen and Lucy will find love as Twos together someday.
(I love arguments, but who else is ecstatic to finally see the ending in "The One" on May 6th?? They should make a movie about these books. Can you say "pre-order"...?)

[411Junkie]

I here with you 100% Maggie! I think America and Maxon are good for each other and the country. I also agree that while America and Aspen would be good together, I feel Lucy and him will be better. Well said.

[Lydia]

Awesome, thanks Jei-Nhy.

[Lavi]

Maxon . i dont hate aspen but he really isnt doing her any favors by being so careless, so yes I'm rooting for Maxon.

[Christy]

Maxom

[Lydia]

I just noticed after rereading my paragraph that i made about a million grammar mistakes! I hope you guys can understand me okay?

[Hannah Peterson]

Team Maxon all the way. I didn't let myself get attached to Aspen from the very beginning because I knew the prince was coming along. I was a little frustrated when Mer found Maxon with Celeste, I actually wanted to deck him. But then they had their little raid room bonding time and that made everything better. I can't wait for The One, like I really can't even. All hail Queen America!

[Kaci]

Team Maxon! Is there even another team? Yes, Maxon has made some stupid mistakes but so has America. Aspen is so selfish to continue to pursue America. Seriously can we just put a crown on Americas head and a ring on her finger, it's really that easy!

[Sarah]

In the selection I was Team Aspen...
Then when I finished The Elite I was Team Maxon

[Michele]

After reading The Selection, The Elite, as well as the novellas The Prince & The Guard I am completely team Maxon! My students that have read them since I have are all team Maxon as well! We love the banter & comfortableness that seems to exsist between Maxon & America.

[Faith]

Sarah wrote: "I used to be Maxon 100% (I personally don't like Aspen). But I'm hesitant to trust him due to how unexpected his little fling with Kriss began. I really love how bold America is, I hope she stays t..."

i completely agree with you! after reading the sneek peak to The One i might just change sides.

[Mary]

Team maxon all the way!!!!!! I used to like Aspen ONLY during the first 40 pages of the selection but I AM IN LOVE WITH MAXON!!! BTW: is it possible to marry fictional characters?

[Sabrien]

Mary wrote: "Team maxon all the way!!!!!! I used to like Aspen ONLY during the first 40 pages of the selection but I AM IN LOVE WITH MAXON!!! BTW: is it possible to marry fictional characters?"

I don't think so, but boys in books seem to always be better than in reality. I don't have a side, im fifty fifty.

[Evridiki]

I am team Maxon all the way. I understand how some people changed from team Maxon to team Aspen because of his fling with Kriss or because he "let" Marlee be caned but I don't agree. Aspen broke America's heart and the only reason she was in a position to choose between him and Maxon is because he happened to be placed in the palace, the only reason he is trying to get her back. I get that he stills loves her but I do believe it's an obvious choice for America. Maxon only turned to Kriss because America shut him out. Yes, Maxon loves America but he is also the prince, the future king. He needs someone that loves him, is there for him, someone to count on. And when he was alone Kriss was there. It's like what they say that love isn't enough for a relationship to even be if there is no trust, no comunication. Maxon isn't just looking for a wife, he is looking for a strong companion, one that can be diplomatic and not just stubborn, one that is there for him when he needs her, a future queen prepared to deal with all what comes with it. His first choice is America because he loves her but he needs to choose someone that will be helpful to running a country.
About the choice America has to make is pretty simple "When you love someone but start having feeling for another person, choose the latter because if you loved the first person enough there would never be a dilemma." ... I saw the book trailer for the one and I hope I am wrong about what I am going to say but I get the feeling that America will choose neither... (hoping I am wrong) Can't wait for next month!!!

[Mary]

Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspen still loves America. In The Selection Stories- The Guard, Aspen is head over heels in love with America, he would do anything for her. Maxon, on the other hand is IMO still shaky about his feelings for America. So, I'm Team Aspen.

[Sabrien]

Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspen still loves America. In The..."

Yeah, I don't think that many people are on Team Aspen- you're the only person i've seen take claim to Team Aspen. I think people jump too strongly to team maxon. Im shaky on both sides.

[Mary]

Sabrien wrote: "Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspen still loves Am..."

I agree with you. Maxon isn't that terrible, so I'm still halfway on his team, but it's not fair that Aspen doesn't get a chance.

[C]

I really can't decide which side to be on. Because in the second book Maxon did things that if I was America I would be upset. And Aspen is more of her first love, she will always love him no matter what. But with Maxon the idiotic things he's done. I just want America to make up her mind. I think she would be good with both guys but in the end I think she will pick Maxon but will always love Aspen. I'm on neither side because I can see how she can love them in equal ways.

[Lydia]

Mary wrote: "Sabrien wrote: "Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspe..."

I totally agree- At least if America chooses Aspen, Maxon can choose any of the other girls who would each give anything to marry him. And while Aspen can turn to Lucy, a lot more will have to happen between them for it to be true love.

[Sabrien]

Mary wrote: "Sabrien wrote: "Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspe..."

My point exactly!

[[deleted user]]

MAXON

[Sophie]

Ok i think he is a bit stupid(he should have proposed) but i'm team Maxon.Ok he is cute and i personally don't like Aspen.Actually i hated him so much in the first book when he broke up with America that i cannot forgive him.

[Sofs]

If I was America I mwould be upset with Maxon because of what he did but then what was so wrong? They aren't dating? She ignored him for so long and he needs to pick someone at the end? Really, what's so wrong with Maxon when America kissed Aspen 13232434 times? Why couldn't she think about Maxon and how pressure he must be feeling? It's funny how you judge Maxon and don't judge America and Aspen. I'm sure if you were Maxon you would stay quiet waiting for a decision while the boy was kissing other girl because he wasn't sure who to choose.

[Lydia]

Andresa wrote: "If I was America I mwould be upset with Maxon because of what he did but then what was so wrong? They aren't dating? She ignored him for so long and he needs to pick someone at the end? Really, wha..."
I totally agree! America gets all heartbroken when he kisses other girls while she's doing the same thing, and he's feeling serious pressure not only by his country but by (view spoiler)[ his abusive father (hide spoiler)]

[Edelyn]

I'm really on Team Aspen. I really like Maxon but, I don't know. Sometimes, I don't feel it :/
But I think who she ends up with is obvious in Book Two.

[Lydia]

Just finished The One during lunch today! LLOOVVEEDDD IT! (view spoiler)[ Did Celeste die in The One? -to anyone who read it- It said America missed her, so I assumed, but I think I must have read over that part. So sad about Queen Amberly, nver knew she could be so selfless for such an awful man, from she said I guess he was kind to her, so much that she would give her life for him. I wondered if he would do the same for her, cruel and twisted man or not, love is still love. Reading what Maxon said to America after he chose Kriss tore me apart just as it did to her, and I feel bad for her that he chose her then rechose America. Was it she that told Maxon about Aspen and America? I read much to quickly for my own good, I'm afraid I tend to miss important details. I would go back and look, but I lent it to a friend. So happy she chose Maxon and relieved that Aspen and America decided together that the love between them just wasn't there, I feel like if they hadn't, the break would have been much harder on both sides. And when Aspen caught the two of them in bed, it took my breath away! And why wasn't Kenna a bridesmaid, why only Marlee? She promised that Marlee would be a bridesmaid at her wedding, but she never said the ONLY bridesmaid at her wedding, did she? Happy the way it turned out, but I want another novella about how their lives all turned out! The royal children, May and Gerad's lives, did they stop the southerners, did they welcome the northerners, in which ways did they change the country and was deleting the castes hard? How did America act as queen? Did the country get more allies?, and eventually become strong again? Did they stop the selection? SO MANY QUESTIONS, SO FEW ANSWERS. Is there going to be an epilogue book? This can't be the end, it'll kill me, I'll write the author so many letters with so many questions if it is! (hide spoiler)]

[Lydia]

I know this discussion isn't about the One, but I think the topic can vary a bit

[Violet]

I think anyone who read The One would be happy (or Ecstatic- like myself) about the outcome regarding who America chooses to love.
Even if you were vouching for the other guy, The One raps this matter up nicely. You can't help but see the truth and glaring intensity and familiarity in their love, and sacrifices are made,trials thrust apone them, and they still make it through.
(view spoiler)[ Its Maxon BTW :) (hide spoiler)]

[Hallie]

Violet wrote: "I think anyone who read The One would be happy (or Ecstatic- like myself) about the outcome regarding who America chooses to love.
Even if you were vouching for the other guy, The One raps this ma..."

TOTALLY AGREE!!! I got really upset when things went south there for a few pages...... I was up till 1:30 in the morning reading the book, trying to finish it and a couple of times I about threw the book across the room (which would not have been good since my parents would have been woken up....). Anyway, since I finished the book I can't stop thinking about it. I think I'm going to have to reread the series just for the details, which I am OK with because I want to live in America's life for a while again..... =D

[Hannah]

Hallie wrote: "Violet wrote: "I think anyone who read The One would be happy (or Ecstatic- like myself) about the outcome regarding who America chooses to love.
Even if you were vouching for the other guy, The O..."

thats really funny i was up till the same time reading it and i ended up finishing it in a day. but i so agree i loved putting myself in as america and living her life. i will probably have to reread them

[Hallie]

Hannah wrote: "Hallie wrote: "Violet wrote: "I think anyone who read The One would be happy (or Ecstatic- like myself) about the outcome regarding who America chooses to love.
Even if you were vouching for the o..."

I would have finished it in a day had I gotten the book early enough =/ sadly I ended up finishing it the next day...

[Hannah]

Hallie wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Hallie wrote: "Violet wrote: "I think anyone who read The One would be happy (or Ecstatic- like myself) about the outcome regarding who America chooses to love.
Even if you were vou..."

awww thats a bummer yeah i got home from school and two people had already said just finished and i was like when did u get the time to read it i havent even started

[Sabrien]

I have yet to get my hands on a copy.

[Hannah]

Sabrien wrote: "I have yet to get my hands on a copy."

oh u have to get one its such a good book

[Patrice]

team Maxon cuz i can and he is amazing and gorgeous and he deserves something good in his life

[Nymeria]

Jennifer wrote: "Me at the end of The Elite



GIFSoup"

My reaction was similar O____O

[Nymeria]

Team Maxon all the time at until the end!!!

[Shannon]

Stephanie wrote: "(Coming back out of my rock) Okay Anyone! ANYONe? Team Maxon :P Team Aspen! :D Yahhhhhhhh Please I just need another Aspen supporter. I'm begging!!!!! (Back under the rock, so you can't attack me) ..."

Finally some one who's team Aspen
I thought I was the only one, I don't get why everyone hates him so much yeh he may have broken up with America in the 1st book but he's stayed faithful and will always be there for her, if Maxon really loved america he wouldn't have done stuff with Celeste and Kriss, he wouldn't have acted they way he has etc..

[Hannah]

Shannon wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "(Coming back out of my rock) Okay Anyone! ANYONe? Team Maxon :P Team Aspen! :D Yahhhhhhhh Please I just need another Aspen supporter. I'm begging!!!!! (Back under the rock, so you..."
america was very indecisive so i don't think maxon should be blamed for doing things with celeste and kriss plus he never did that much with him but he had to see his other options if america chose to not marry him

[Lydia]

Hannah wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "(Coming back out of my rock) Okay Anyone! ANYONe? Team Maxon :P Team Aspen! :D Yahhhhhhhh Please I just need another Aspen supporter. I'm begging!!!!! (Back under ..."

Hannah I totally agree

[Hannah]

Maggie wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "(Coming back out of my rock) Okay Anyone! ANYONe? Team Maxon :P Team Aspen! :D Yahhhhhhhh Please I just need another Aspen supporter. I'm begging!!!..."

thanku maggie. i can see how people would see it that way but its not really his fault

[Elizabeth]

Krista the Bookaholic wrote: "So, after having read "The Elite", are you on team Maxon or team Aspen? Did you or didn't you jump ships aka switched teams after reading book 2?

Personally I am team Maxon all the way. I was on h..."

Yes! she should really think about her family, and her future. If she marrys Maxon, her family will never go hungry again!

[411Junkie]

Mary wrote: "Sabrien wrote: "Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with Kriss and Aspe..."

The thing is Aspen did have his chance and he let it go. I can see his reasoning, he loved America so much he wanted her to have a better life--better than what he could provide.

For me, I think he should help Maxon win America instead of competing with him. He wanted this for America so he needs to see it through.

[Belle]

I am 100% Team Maxon. I feel like Aspen is only there because she wants to add another twist to the story. If she didn't end up with Maxon the whole story would have no point. Plus Maxon is just too cute. I love them together. I think the Aspen parts are forced, they don't feel as natural as the Maxon parts. Like the author had to force them out of her.

[Cally]

I agree. also, you have to remember that some of what Aspen is focusing on is what he and America had BEFORE the selection. She's a different gal after the selection than before.

[Adinda]

Team Maxon. The way he treats America, the way he gazes at her, and of course, the way he protects her.

[Sabrien]

Jei-Nhy wrote: "Mary wrote: "Sabrien wrote: "Mary wrote: "Everyone is like "TEAM MAXON!!", but I still feel like Aspen and America are good together and that they deserve another chance. Maxon would be good with K..."

True.