The Elite (The Selection #2) - Kiera Cass

Review: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Dystopia, romance

Recommend To: fans of Throne of Glass

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.

Foretelling Fridays - The Elite (Selection #2)

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Expected Release Date: April 23, 2013

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestsellerThe 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 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 can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

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 overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Reaction: 

Well now. I hate love triangles don't I? I do. With a passion. Yet this one caught my attention and really wouldn't let me go. On this one, I can't decide. Predicting who the protagonist will end with is usually easy. Yet on this one, I actually can'f figure it out. Throw in an ending for the previous book where nothing is sure, and all of a sudden getting my hands on this book is of the uttermost importance. There are times when the first book felt like a season of The Bachelor, but there is a lot more at stake here. And who can forget the beautiful covers. All of that together, makes this a book to remember, because to sum it up, we have a fight to be princess, beautiful dresses, a handsome prince, a gorgeous old friend/guard, and a full-scale rebellion. The palace is full of secrets and I can't wait to learn them all in this next release.