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REVIEW: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Summary from Goodreads

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.


A copy of this book was provided for review via Netgalley

To say that I loved The Elite would be the understatement of the century. I had my theories as to what would happen in this novel but there were so many surprises and so I was just so pleased with everything that had happened.
Sometimes in YA, sequels can be a bit of a disappointment but, in my opinion, this was miles better than The  Selection. There was more action, more character development and, most importantly, more Maxon.
It’s no secret that I was strictly Team Maxon when reading The Selection but in this novel we get to see more of Aspen and I actually grew to really like him. I’m actually really torn now between Aspen and Maxon because I think they’d both be perfect for America but I would like to keep Maxon for myself so I’m hoping that science will develop soon and it will be possible for book characters to travel to our world.
With the competition whittled down to six girls- the Elite- the book is a lot more focused on them and we get to see a lot more of the characters. There were quite a few scenes that were key to character development and we’re given subtle hints for the next book in the trilogy. 
My parents got very annoyed with me when I read this because I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to read through the night but sadly had school the next day so couldn’t. I would have done, though!
The Elite will make you gasp, shout at your book/Kindle and also cry. I know I had to pull myself together because I was about to go to school and didn’t want to be seen with a tear-stained face! I was also very close to throwing my Kindle out of the window because some scenes were so painful and sad. 
I have no idea how I’ll last a year without the third Selection book; I know it certainly won’t be easy! I love these books so much because they’re fun, refreshing and a really great read so I’ll be buying the third as soon as it comes out.

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Lectus
    17 April, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    I tried reading the first book but didn’t like it. I heard the series is being made into a tv series, though.

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:32 pm

      Yes, it is! As I’m in the UK, I don’t think I’ll be able to view it but it is exciting. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy The Selection. 🙁

  • Reply
    So Many Books, So Little Time
    17 April, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    I’m really looking forward to this one as I loved The Selection. I like the soun dof more Maxon as well!

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:32 pm

      Haha! I’ll never be able to get enough of Maxon! 🙂

  • Reply
    Zoe Crook
    17 April, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    Wow, wow, wow! I was aware that I needed to read The Selection but now I REALLY have to! This serious sounds amazing. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I know what you mean about how YA sequels can sometimes be disappointments. Not many sequels can live up to the amazing standards of the first book so it is great that this one is even better. And I love character developments! 🙂

    I feel your pain by not reading late on a school night. Yes.. you know which book I mean… CLOCKWORK PRINCESS!! D: During the 5 days of school, I have hardly any time for reading. I can’t wait for the weekend….

    Thanks for the great review, Lucy! As always!

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:42 pm

      You do, Zoe, because otherwise I may have to virtually poke you. 😉

      Clockwork Princess will do that to you but, really, what did you expect?!

  • Reply
    Ruby :)
    17 April, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    Would you kill me if I said I haven’t read this series yet? Well, um… I’ll read it soon… 😛

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      Maybe…but then you wouldn’t be able to update your blog and that would make me sad, so I’ll let you off this once!

  • Reply
    Pink Lady 631
    18 April, 2013 at 9:49 am

    Brilliant Review Lucy, if I wasn’t desperate enough to read this, then I am now. Maxon won me over in The Selection so I definatley looking forward to seeing more of him. This sounds so so great and I really need to read this.

    PS. I would love to know if you’d be interested in a button swap, let me know? 😀

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      I’ll email you about it soon. 🙂

      Maxon will win you over ten more times in The Elite, I promise you!

  • Reply
    aliceinreaderland.com
    18 April, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    I’m so excited to read this one (I love it when a sequel’s even better than the first book)! 🙂 Fantastic review!

    Alice @ Alice in Readerland

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      Thank you, Alice! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jess Hearts Books!
    18 April, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    I really enjoyed The Selection but I didn’t LOVE it, so I’m glad to hear you thought this one was better! I’m looking forward to more Maxon 😛

    • Reply
      Lucy
      18 April, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      I’m sorry to hear that! Personally, I loved it but can see why you might think that; it’s not for everyone’s tastes.

      Hope you enjoy this one! 🙂

  • Reply
    Rachel R. @ Say It With Books
    19 April, 2013 at 6:49 am

    I’ve been reading mixed reviews about this Lucy! But it’s nice to hear that this next book has more action and more character development 🙂

  • Reply
    Sophie Louise
    21 April, 2013 at 9:50 am

    I am so excited to read this! I loved The Selection(As you may know…?) and it’s great to know this is better. And more Maxon! Woo!

    -Sophie 🙂

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