Kelsey D
Written on Mar 11, 2020
The Selection gets fierce as rivals stake their claim on the Prince.
Six girls, one life-changing prize...America Singer will leave her pre-destined life for a world of glamour and luxury, if she wins...
But surviving The Selection is tough. Rivals are battling to become Prince Maxon's bride as the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls escalates into war.
Only six girls are left and sworn friendships are tested to breaking point. America's feelings for Maxon grow stronger, but she suspects darker mysteries in his royal past. With ex-lover Aspen waiting for her in the shadows, where do her loyalties truly lie?
- ISBN10 0062059971
- ISBN13 9780062059970
- Publish Date 6 May 2014 (first published 23 April 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint Collins
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 352
- Language English
Reviews
kymmiejournals
Written on Mar 6, 2019
readingwithwrin
Written on Aug 8, 2017
This is the second book in the selection series, sadly I read The Selection before I started blogging so I don't have my opinions of that one on here. (maybe I should do a re-read soon?)
America is still fighting for Maxon's affection, as well as dealing with her feelings for Aspen. I would have to say in the romance/feeling department this one is way more complicated. Not only do we know all of the characters more, we also start to see what the consequences her choices could cause.
As for her relationship with most of the other girls, it's non-existent except for one. That friendship is one that we see her being willing to fight for and protect at all costs even if it makes her own place in the competition disappear.
“You know that you’ve found something amazing, and you want to hold on to it forever; and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it.”
While entertaining this story, is also getting very repetitive when it comes to America stringing along Maxon and Aspen. Every time she almost makes a decision she suddenly changes her mind after talking to one of them and were back to square one. I personally would just wish she would choose and stop flip flopping (I'm probably frustrated with this part as well because we all know who she will end up with).
I would also love to see more of what the other people think and her to actually interact with someone besides Maxon, Aspen and her maids. If she is going to possibly be Queen she's going to start to have to care about others, and actually get out there and take charge for a change.
Overall I do enjoy these books because of how easy they are to read. Yes, there are things going on in the background when it comes to war etc, but we never really get to see any of that. I do think this will play a bigger part in the next book, or at least I'd like it to be, I don't know how much more I can take of it just being her going back and forth between the guys and her hating some of the other contestants.
“I don't know if I'm supposed to be holding on or letting go. I don't want to give up, but if there's nothing for me to hope for, then tell me.”
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Nicole Lynn
Written on Sep 11, 2016
Joséphine
Written on Jun 22, 2016
Berls
Written on Dec 20, 2014
Note: This review will have some minor spoilers for those who haven't read the first book in the series, The Selection.
Reading The Elite reminds me of why I've never been interested in watching The Bachelorette. It reminds me of why The Hunger Games made me swear off love triangles (however temporarily). And yet I devoured The Elite. I was excited and pissed off and anxious at all the right moments. I loved The Elite (and The Selection) despite it being essentially everything I tell myself I hate.
Maybe I've been lying to myself?
I absolutely hate the idea of women competing for a man, lowering themselves and their own self-esteem as the volley for his affection. But that's not exactly what's happening in The Elite. I mean, isn't America (the main character, from whose point of view The Elite is told) actually learning to value herself MORE because of the competition? She never believed that she could attract a prince, that she could be princess material... But now she's considering it. No, its not the same as The Bachelorette. Plus, real friendships are being formed between some of the remaining girls. And they're getting a real chance to be more than the number they were born with (their caste). Perhaps that's why it doesn't bother me?
Perhaps the reason is Maxon (the prince). He doesn't want a woman who doesn't love him. He knows its a competition for a crown as much as it is a competition for his affections, and he's trying to find his match - a person who can make him happy and be happy with him. Sure it makes my blood boil that Maxon has all but said he loves America, and yet he continues to SERIOUSLY date the other girls. But I do love the doubt it creates. Can I -and America - really trust him and what he claims to feel? And some things happened in The Elite that made me really start to question my initial impressions of him. Is he REALLY good and does he REALLY want to fix things? I think so, but I'm not completely sure. It's pure, perfect torture. And I'm devouring it.
And then there's America. Even though it's driving me crazy the way America can't seem to decide between Maxon and Aspen (the boy she fell in love with before all this), she's not some passive observer to all that's going on, just waiting for a decision to be made for her. America is trying, SO HARD. She's genuinely confused, and I don't think it's so much about the guys - I think deep down she knows which one she loves most - but about herself. What life is right for her? Life as a one or a two? Life in the limelight and able to make change (and seriously screw things up)? Or a quiet life?
That's indecision I can put up with. I still wish she would stop already (particularly because Aspen does NOTHING for me - seriously, if you're team Aspen, comment and tell me what I'm missing!) but I can at least deal with it. It helps that I otherwise adore her. I love how she treats people. I love that she has a moral compass and that she sticks to it, regardless of the consequences. I love that she screws up. She's so damn real.
And then there's just everything that's happening BEYOND the competition in The Elite. After reading The Selection, I said it felt like a light dystopian. Now, though, I've started to see the dark parts of this world more clearly. We're starting to see the corruption, power and pure evil - even though its still not DARK. Its dark enough to make me spitting mad though, which is a really good thing.
So yeah, The Elite is built around ideas I say I hate. But they're wrapped in different packaging, with different (better) characters, and some elements that piss me off so bad I can't book down - and I can't wait to see what's in store with The One. If, like me, you aren't a fan of the bachelorette-like scenario or the love triangles, but you do like solid characters and dystopia, I'd say give it a try. You might be surprised.
cornerfolds
Written on Dec 10, 2014
The Elite had a little bit of middle book syndrome. It definitely did drag more than The Selection. The majority of the book was focused on the politics of Illea, which was interesting, but definitely could have been summed up a lot quicker than it was.
I really enjoyed continuing to get to know the characters of The Selection. The storyline with Kriss was completely unexpected and heartbreaking! What completely blew my mind, though, was how America and Aspen behaved after! I mean, if you love someone, how can you put them in danger like Aspen continued to do throughout The Elite? FYI: That's not love.
The relationship between Maxon and America did become increasingly irritating, but remained believable. I couldn't imagine being in America's shoes as she watched Maxon date other people while she was falling in love with him. I'm not sure I could handle that process... In any case, the relationship between these two (and Aspen) was awesome to read!
As I did in my review of The Selection, I highly recommend this book to fans of YA romance! I love this series and I can't wait to see how it ends...
Angie
Written on Nov 18, 2014
Now that I have finally read The Elite, I can let out the breath I didn't realize I had been holding. Kidding! Kind of. I was antsy the entire time I was reading, because I knew stuff was going to happen! I was excited for and dreading stuff, but I didn't know what. Maxon has whittled down 35 girls to just 6, even though there's really only one girl he has his sights on. America is confused about her feelings for Maxon and the responsibilities that would come with loving him. But she's also not over Aspen, and having him as a back up plan is a bit comforting, but is that all he is now? While the love triangle does play a larger role in The Elite, there is actually a lot more world building and focus on the rebel attacks and civil unrest that was mostly just hinted at previously.
I loved The Elite. Not as much as The Selection, but this was still an amazing sequel. No filler material! Certainly no middle book syndrome! It was missing a little something for me though. A lot of major events happen, but nothing that really WOWed me. I think it was mostly the lack of romantic drama on America's part that let me down. I was totally expecting some huge blow out over Aspen, but it never came. However, America does cause quite the scandal near the end! Enough to get the attention of the king! Dang girl!
My favorite part of The Elite was probably getting to know Maxon better. I'm firmly on his team, and have been, since I think Aspen is a jerk. And I honestly believe, America is just keeping him close so she doesn't go back to nothing. They do have history and that's hard to let go of, especially since her life outside of the palace is going to be extremely different if she were eliminated. But, back to Maxon. I loved how he didn't put up with America's tantrums. He tells her things how they are, and makes his position very clear. He wants her and does not want to be played with! He's been very sweet and understanding up until this point, but this his life too, and probably his only shot at finding a partner. America needs to get her crap together! Although there were times I wanted to knee Maxon in the groin, because aaahhh! Why her?!?! No no no! Stop!
There's a lot more plotty goodness in The Elite, too. Who knew researching Halloween would cause so many problems? I'm not going to give anything away on that front, but I will say there was a lot more excitement than the first book. The rebels attack several times, which could have gotten repetitive, but each time was different. There were different threats and complications, and I was always worried. No one is safe! I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the history of Illea, which is of course, very different than what the citizens are told. It also has me highly suspicious of the king...
Basically, I adored The Elite. There's excitement and romance and danger! There was still some of the fun cattiness from The Selection, and I really wanted to be the one to punch Celeste in her gorgeous face. Seriously, that girl! Ahh! I cannot wait to see what comes next for the remaining girls.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
tweetybugshouse
Written on Nov 13, 2014
Sam@WLABB
Written on Nov 4, 2014
Our story continues as Maxon tries to find his bride and his country continues to unravel.
The Elite, to me, focused more on America's growing love for Maxon, and her growing belief in herself to assume the crown. They are many Rebel attacks and things happen which leave Maxon questioning Mer's place in his heart, but that is when she decides to dig in and fight for him. There is more action, passion, longing, and we learn so much more about this country's origins - a sordid history that is being hidden.
I loved the ending. I believe I even raised a fist. =)