The Elite (The Selection, #2)

by Kiera Cass

[Angie]

4.5★

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.