The Elite

The Elite (The Selection, Book 2) by Kiera Cass

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. (Goodreads)

This is book two in The Selection series. If you’ve not read book one, what are you doing? Get on it!

The Story:

America is still living in the castle as part of The Bachelor the Selection.  And Maxon? He’s still freaking adorbs ( I love him). Then there’s Aspen. Oh, he’s still lurking in the hallways, just hoping to make out with America at random intervals (and this makes me hate him a little).

America makes a decision. Finally, finally, she believes Maxon is her man. Yes! And he wants her. We already knew that, but in a very un-Maxon like moment he explains to her how he must send the others home slowly so that the two of them can become properly engaged. Swoon, swoon, swoon over his absolutely awkward, sweet, cuteness.

Except, Houston, we have a problem. This happens fairly early in the book. We know this isn’t going to go smoothly. (I simultaneously love and hate this truth).

And yes, something goes horribly awry. I’m sorry, I can’t say what because it would be quite spoilery. Suffice it to say that this incident makes America question who Maxon is. And worse, it makes her question her desire and ability to fill the Queen’s shoes one day (and they’re probably gorgeous shoes!). Even when Maxon tries to explain and ask for some time (let’s face it: he’s cute, but communication isn’t his strong suit), she wavers. And so begins the high school drama.

Maxon thinks America has lost interest. America thinks Maxon has probably moved on too because he’s really beginning to enjoy being fawned over by all these ladies (the horror!). It’s a big fat mess. But don’t worry. Aspen’s waiting in the wings, ready to confirm that indeed, Maxon is probably not as great as America thought. If he happens to kiss her and tell her he loves her, that’s purely beside the point. He just wants the ex-girlfriend he still desperately pines for to be happy.

Grrrr. He bugs me.

My Thoughts:

Am I making you think I didn’t like this book because oh no, I freaking loved it! I could not put that business down. I love books like that.

Yes, there is some frustrating drama between Maxon and America, but honestly, Maxon is able to explain all his issues. America, on the other hand, just does so many incredibly stupid things.  Stupid stupid. I mean, stoooooooopid. But she’s also ballsy, so I still like her. I think her intentions are good; she’s just confused. The one I struggled the most with was Aspen. Creepy, lurking in the hallways, sticking pennies in the jar, Aspen. I get that he’s all “don’t know what you got ’till it’s gone” and all that, but he needs to leave the girl alone. Constantly encouraging her to go back to him, asking her to meet him for secret rendezvous, well it’s just ridiculous, especially in light of certain events that take place.

All things considered, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. These books are fun, with the right amount of romance, the right amount of intrigue, and good characters who are flawed and human in every way, but who live in a strange world we can only imagine.

Crush Intensity: 4.5/5

Thank you to my lovely friend Mackenzie for loaning me her copy of The Elite! I thought it was awesome. 🙂