Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 2)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 23, 2013

Synopsis:

The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in a longing for the life they'd planned to share.

America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want--and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

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.

Review:

Why did Maxon have to go and ruin it?

If you read my review of The Selection, you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in the Selection series. Maxon was sweet and naive and head over heels for America.

Well think again, because every aspect of The Bachelor TV show that I despise showed up in The Elite. I'm disappointed in both America and Maxon. America was upfront with Maxon at the beginning of the series in letting him know that she had feelings for someone else. I commend her for that. But Maxon grows impatient and starts flirting with all the other girls, while still claiming to be in love with America. Even though America was stupid and let her past feelings for Aspen cloud her judgment, at least she was clear with Maxon on her feelings.

So why did Maxon run off to "make out" with the other girls? Because he's a douche bag, that why. He was such a jerk. I have read reviews of The One, but I have no desire to read the rest of the books in the series. I hate it when people cheat on each other in real life, so why would I enjoy reading about it? Not gonna happen. You don't tell someone you love them and then go be intimate with a bunch of other girls. 

LIES! 

In terms of the plot, there was some good development. I really like how America truly wants to help the people, not just show off for them. Cass has some great potential political discord going on that I enjoyed, but I wished there had been a little bit more emphasis. I think it would have helped the story for the better. 

I feel conflicted. When Maxon explained his poor behavior, I could understand it. When America finally realizes how much she really cares for Maxon, I rolled my eyes and scoffed. In theory, I liked the development of the sub-plot, but I just kept getting distracted by how badly all the characters were acting. Ugh! Why can't you just be honest with each other and love each other and get married and live happily ever after? I understand the need for drama to draw the reader in, but this was ridiculous.

I'm giving The Elite 3 out of 5 owls simply because I saw so much potential. The reviews I read confirm that Maxon and America get together in the end, but I'm too mad at the both of them to want to finish the series. My friend who finished the series loves it, so you should at least give it a read. The situation didn't suit my tastes, but there was nothing at all wrong with the writing style.



Rating: 3 out of 5 owls



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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection (Book 1)

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Dystopian | Teen Romance

Date of Publication: April 24, 2012

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

I picked this book up because of the cover. It's gorgeous! I'm a sucker for a great cover, and this one takes the cake. In fact, every cover in this series is beautiful. It was also the super pretty, super girly cover that made me put it back on the shelf. I have learned over the years that you can usually judge a book by it's cover. This one made me hesitate. Some time later, I came back to this book because of my friend. She highly recommended it, and, being the trusting friend that I am, I read it.

And liked it.

I will be the first to say that I hate The Bachelor TV show with the passion of a thousand burning suns. I hate The Bachelorette even more. So, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Maybe it was the fact that it was no secret that these girls wanted Maxon for money, power, and social status. And don't forget the food. I loved the jealous back biting and the vindictive character of some of the girls. I was charmed at how some of the girls became very close friends.

I felt bad for the handsome prince who was so overwhelmed by suddenly having so many beautiful girls all vying for his affection (did you catch my sarcasm?) when he had never been around women before. I was happy when America suggested that they be friends. What a mature decision! How about marry a friend that you will like for life, and not some fake plastic Barbie with horns and a pitchfork? I loved it. I knew, of course, that they would fall in love. Maxon makes it obvious. He became so endearing with how he sought America out and made sure that she knew where he stood in regards to her.

The only down side--which I knew based on the summary there would be one--is the love triangle. I guess I've just gotten bored with them. Why can't we just have two people who fall in love, and the speed bumps that try to separate them aren't other lovers? Wishful thinking.

This series has great potential, so I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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