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

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Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)

Author: Kiera Cass
Published: April 23rd, 2013 by HarperTeen

Book Description:

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 thoughts:

I was looking forward in reading The Elite, who will America, choose? I was curious if America will be able to set her mind in one of the boys, Maxon or Aspen? So may questions and I want answers.

    The story starts where The Selection has ended, from 35 girls to 6. America is now Elite. Her newly status is not something she rejoiced…. Well, because her dilemma has just begun. She is still torn between the two boys and she needs to make a decision quick before it’s too late. The Royal family is threatened by the rebels, her competitors are fiercer then ever and Maxon is not truthful as she thought he is.

     The world-building is the same as the first book, easy to grasp and unique. Kiera explained what caused the last World War and how Illea was formed. How come there’s a caste system? Who made it and why? You will know here as America finds out the truth. In addition, the Elite is much more dystopian than the first book.  You will really feel the division and mentality of the people who are above the caste system.

     The character-building is okay. I love books especially series, with maturing characters. I was happy to see America turned into a woman. She makes decisions with no haste. As for Aspen, he has more presence in this book that the first one. He was able to find a way to be closer to America. His presence not only gives her comfort, but she is more confused towards her feelings between the two boys. Maxon suddenly became more distant. He gave America some space to think about her feelings. I have a love and hate relationship with him. I understand that he’s courting other girls too. And I hate seeing America hurt. Well, if America picks Aspen then Maxon has a fall back J

      The love-angle is sugar and spice. It was innocent yet there were some scenes full of hormones. Kiera made sure to make it for the general audience. So if you’re looking for R-13, then this book has none.

      Overall, The Elite is a great sophomore book and America hasn’t decided yet between the two boys (Bummer). I can’t wait for The One.

      I give this 3.5 Elite Whales