Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The 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 thoughts... 

*Review copy was provided by the publisher* (Thank you Sarah)

35 girls came to the palace, but only 6 remain. America is still as confuse as ever. She thought she could finally forget about her ex back home, but here he was again claiming her heart once more. With Maxon dating 5 other girls 6 including her will she be able to watch on the sidelines as Maxon continues his search for his next queen or will she realize where her heart belongs? Ticktock...Time is running out.

Cliches are by far the worst thing that ever happens in a book, but Kiera Cass makes it more grand. Creating a cliche and fun story with bits of twists was brilliant. I was suddenly gasping for more. Losing oxygen because my emotions were starting to flood. I felt so very emotional as I read through the story that I thought I was going to break the spine. Kiera's writing style has a fun fashion in it. The way she wrote cruel and gentle words were breathtaking.  

I admit that America was more infuriating in this book. She was indecisive  about her feelings for Maxon and Aspen. I wanted her to be tougher and more solid about herself, but she was so fragile like glass that she always shattered into pieces. My favorite character in this story has to be Maxon, I love him more in the second book. He thought less for himself and more for America which I thought she didn't deserve since she was indecisive. She planted Maxon in the equation and not the solution. She distanced herself further away from him, but she did not intend to. I know for a fact that her relationship with Maxon has surpassed friendship.

In the sequel I expected Kiera to write more about the Northern and Southern Rebels, but she left us hanging again. Sure there were attacks and deaths, but it was still mystifying. The sequel basically focused more on the The Elite program. I've read many reviews about The Elite and we all justify this. I would have given The Elite a perfect rating unfortunately I cannot. The story was engaging, but it carved even deeper holes in the story. It was already cliche, but I don't adore stories that focuses its strength on cliches. Cliches are cliches because they continue to bring smiles to there readers no matter how they are repeated. 

The story needs to improve its plot and characters. America became incredibly selfish and irrational. She became distrusting when I knew that the only person deserving of her trust was Maxon yet she distrusted him the most. I'd also like to talk about Marlee too, she had a lot of spotlight in the story and it was on her very scene that I burst into tears. I am still as sensitive as before. I couldn't care less that I was reading the book and crying in public. So far the character that touched me the most was Marlee and Maxon.  

So I'm hoping on The One it will be more enticing. Even though the errors in this sequel were unavoidable and very noticable the story deserves 4.5. I think Kiera deserves it, I couldn't stop reading no matter how irritating America has become. I still loved the book. I'm hoping to see more of her story and more about the rebels next time. :)