Review: The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Published: April 23, 2013 HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Dystopia
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

“It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.”

The Good

The Elite dives deeper into the family members of America and Maxon. America's dad I quite enjoyed in this one. Maxon's dad, not so much. Maxon's mom, however, is a gem. We also get more information into Maxon himself and the other girls that are a part of the selection.

In addition to the deeper look in the characters, we got a better view of the rebels, a little more information in how the world around America works, and the consequences that befalls stepping out of line.

America feels like she couldn't make a good princess, but in her actions she shows how much she truly cares about the people, the system, and justice. She also does care about everyone around her in the palace, and treats her maids with so much respect that it's admirable.

The Bad

Bah! This love triangle (square?) is so frustrating. America is swinging back and forth between Maxon and Aspen faster than a kitten toying with a string. I was so dizzy reading why one guy was better than the other, then, wait, NO that one's better. On top of that, due to America's fickle nature, Maxon has to give the other girls more of a chance so he's becoming quite the little charmer to the other girls in the competition. So annoying.

The Romance

Well, I guess I really summed that up in the Bad section so I'll leave it there. Suffice to say that Aspen doesn't really have any redeeming qualities for me since he broke up with America in the beginning of the first book. I'm completely behind Maxon. I also don't blame him for moving on since she can't make a decision and stick with it. Though, by the end it seems that America has at least made a choice so I look very forward to better developments in this department.

Conclusion

Overall, the characters are fantastic. I just love Maxon. Some of the side characters truly shine as well. The writing is well paced and smooth. I read The Elite very quickly. The action is more prevalent in this one, and much more information is provided about the world. With the way it ended, I have high hopes that the romance aspect will pick up in a better direction. Recommended.

Excerpts

“It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.” 

“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.”

“It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn’t some explosion; it wasn’t fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out.” 

“He must love you very much," Gavril said once I had my footing.

I couldn't look at him. "What makes you say that?" Gavril sighed. "I've known Maxon since he was a child. He's never stood up to his father like that.”