Publishing Date: April 23rd, 2013
Page Count: 323
Source: Local Library
Format: Hardcover
Description from Goodreads.com:
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The 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.
Review:
I am still very much in love with this series, but The Elite is probably not going to be a my favorite book in the series. It was a very depressing second book, and since I was already in a pretty crappy mood it definitely just fueled the fire. I do not recommend reading this when you are already in a depressing mood, because the book will be almost suffocating. I really loved the story until the holiday party. I won't tell you what holiday or what happens, because I don't want to ruin the fun, but it just gets really depressing from there.
I also really wish that there was more of a resolve at the end. I feel like American and I are still in the same mindset that we were at by the end of the first book. A lot happens with the guys, but in the end I feel like nothing big enough happened to help sway American on who she will choose. I am also very wishy washy on who she should choose as well. I thought I knew, but now I feel like I don't want her to choose either of them. Isn't that awful? I really hope things will change in book three, I mean they have to since its the last book, but I hope I like the outcome. I am just really kind of sick of this whole love triangle and want it to end.
I have always wanted Maxon to win, but my views on him have changed a lot with book two. It turns out he isn't the sweet guy we all thought he was. A lot happens to show Maxon's true colors and I really don't know how to feel about him. I just hope that he will go back to the guy I liked in book three. No matter what, though, I do not want her with Aspen.
On the positive side of the book America is realizing her potential and I absolutely love that. She is finally figuring out who she is and what she wants. She is becoming so much more confident in her abilities and is seeing that she is so much more than just a number.
Overall:
The Elite is a very emotionally draining book. This is not a happy-go-lucky edition to the series at all, and I would not suggest reading it while you are already in a crappy mood unless you want to add to your already bad mood. I am kind of glad that there is only one more book left in the series, because I really want this love triangle to end. I don't like love triangles already, but this one is just dragging on with no hint of it being resolved. My feelings on Maxon have changed a lot and he isn't the sweet guy I thought he was. Regardless I still don't want America with Aspen, so Maxon better shape up. On the positive side America is finally gaining self confidence and is realizing her potential. I thought that was a really great thing that came out of book two.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 3/5
**The books cover, description, and info was all found on Goodreads. A link back has been provided. All other work and ideas are of my own creation. This book was borrowed from my local library.**
