Book Review: The Elite - Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)

Author: Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 23rd 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Age Group: Young Adult

Source: Bought

Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository

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 Illéa.

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.

The Elite was nothing if not confusing. Yes, it was even more addicting than the first book—I wouldn't have put it down if not for class—it was intense, shocking, and emotional, but it was absolutely confusing, above all else. It had me questioning myself as soon as I'd decided on something. Or, as America graciously summed up for me:

"Mostly how confused I get about them. Like how I'll think I understand what's happening to me, and then something shifts, and my feelings change."

So why was I confused, you ask? The goddamn romance. More specifically, the Maxon-America-Aspen love triangle. I've encountered numerous love triangles before, but none of those had me furiously pulling at my hair every few chapters or so as much as this one did, and I can attribute that to America's indecision that spanned the length of an entire book. Thinking about it now, it's actually hilarious in the way something frustrating can be. At first, it seemed like choosing between Maxon and Aspen was impossible because she liked them both equally, but eventually it became clear that America was just falling harder for Maxon. Still, America couldn't completely let go of Aspen, but to her defense, he practically begged for her to keep giving their love a chance. So then he ended up being her plan B, much like the other girls were Maxon's back-ups in case America decided to quit the Selection.

But despite her indecisiveness, I never got irritated with America, and that actually surprised me. She couldn't give up on the enchanting future she could have with Maxon, but she also couldn't let go of the possibility of continuing what she had with Aspen. Despite her romance troubles, though, America was still the same brave, loyal, loving redhead that her father was proud of. (Seriously. The bits with her dad made me teary-eyed.) Say what you will about her writing, but Kiera Cass has a way—at least for me—with making her characters relatable and understandable. 

Because it wasn't just America who could have ticked me off; Maxon did a lot worse. And that was another one of this book's surprises! I'd always thought of Maxon as this angelic prince who couldn't do wrong, but turns out he's probably the most complex character in this trilogy. Oh, he sure tempted me a lot of times to go over to Team Aspen. I mean, the way he flirted with the other girls when he kept on telling America that he loved her? Ugh. It was disgusting to watch at times, but I let that slide because America was doing the same to him without his knowing. Still... why, Maxon, why?

Bottomline: I still loved America and Maxon, and I still shipped them, but Aspen was the hero here.

If you're thinking that The Elite only has romance in it—you're wrong. There was also much to learn about Illea's history, the rebels and just what they want, and the secondary characters. The other Elite aren't just pretty girls vying for the crown, and in this sequel we see just how much they're willing to fight for Maxon's heart. Admittedly, the stakes weren't upped too much, but the tension went off the charts. A lot of new questions were raised and left unanswered, so just tell me how many future children I have to give up so I can read The One asap!

MY FAVORITE PART was Halloween! ♥  

RATING:

Book Review: The Selection - Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)

Author: Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 24th 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.

I'm not so sure anymore because I bought this last June, but I think I picked up The Selection because of that gorgeous cover. Perfect model for the main character, perfect shades of blue, and perfect dress. *drools* Seriously, though, kudos to the Harper team for that. 

But to those who heed the words "Don't judge a book by its cover", no need to worry because what's under that cover was equally mesmerizing. I read this in two sittings, and it became two only because I didn't want it to end yet. America's voice hooked me in from page one, and I didn't realize I'd already gone through almost the entire book until fifty pages from the last.

Now, for the girl with the cliched last name. Like a lot of fictional redheads, America was kind, brave, determined, honest, and bold, but at the same time, her fears and uncertainties made her a very real teenager, and I just loved her. Up until the last page, she remained true to herself while becoming fiercer and wiser. I can't wait to see how she progresses in the next books.

And, of course, I also can't wait to see what'll happen with the two equally charming boys vying for America's heart. At first, I totally rooted for her and Aspen, but I'd heard enough about this book to know that I would also love Maxon. Even though strong, courageous Aspen provided his fair share of feels and swoon, Maxon had the upperhand with his status as prince of Illea—not to mention how he was in, like, 70% of the book and Aspen was in 20%. And honestly, Maxon was written as a deeper character than Aspen. I also have to mention how this prince almost brought me to tears a number of times because of how adorable he was. 

The idea behind the Selection was very interesting—like The Bachelor but better—and it was fun to see how thirty-five girls from all walks of life, as in the different castes, faced each other in this competition. But being a post-apocalyptic dystopian book, I have to mention the world-building. Although that part was mixed seamlessly with the plot, I found it lacking. Illea's history was explained thoroughly with, well, a history lesson for the Selected girls—not the most unique method I can think of, yes—but the rest of the world's wasn't. Also, the writing wasn't exceptional, what with the tons of "telling" done, but it didn't bother me much because I was too engaged in the story to care.

I was planning to give this book a solid five out of five, but the ending was a letdown. The only resolution it gave was for America's confusion with the two boys, which she just admitted to them and to herself. I couldn't help but admire her, though, because in other books with love triangles, the girl usually made it even more painful for the three of them by refusing to recognize her feelings.

No, I'm not choosing him or you. I'm choosing me.

Atta girl.

MY FAVORITE PART was America and Maxon's lol-tastic first date XD

RATING:

(cover and blurb from Goodreads.com)