The Elite by Kiera Cass [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

The Elite by Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1 
Genre: YA Dystopian
Release: April 23, 2013
Hardcover: 323 Pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

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. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts: 
1. What was your favorite part?
Julia: The ending, when America finally decides what she wants and grows a pair. Also, I love every time Maxon stands up to her.

 

Shannon: The ridiculousness?  HAHA.  I'm not even sure what exactly I like about this book!  It is very entertaining in the same sense reality tv is entertaining.  It is fluffy and easy to read.  Pure mind candy.

2. What was your least favorite part? 

Julia: Really, America was very whiny and hypocritical throughout the book. I felt like she didn't show much courage and uses Aspen as a safety net, which I hated. I absolutely adore this series and I can't figure out why because I'm not 100% an America fan.

Shannon: Ugh.  America.  She is the WORST!  She basically dinks around the whole time, leading Aspen and Maxon on and getting everyone in trouble because she doesn't ever think before she acts.  She is a bull in a china shop.  I don't get what everyone sees in her.    

 

3. Hate to love it or love to hate it? 

Julia: Can't it be both!? I don't even know how I feel! I am more confused than America.

Shannon: As much eye rolling as I do, I cannot deny that it is super entertaining.  But why don't I mind this book over similar books?  I have no idea what keeps me coming back for more because by all accounts I shouldn't like this series as much as I do.  

 

4. Aspen or Maxon?
Julia: M.A.X.O.N..... Maaaxxxon! I just love his little cutie self.

 

Shannon: Maxon all the way.  Mostly because he is the Perfect Boyfriend troupe.  How could you not love him?  Aspen redeems himself a bit in this book.  I really didn't like him in the first book, but he was better this time around.  I ALMOST started to feel sorry for him as America continued to lead him on.  

 

5. Who would you recommend this book to? 

Julia: Girls. Haha... Anyone who literally wants to squish The Hunger Games and The Bachelor together and read it.

Shannon: Anyone who's favorite channel is the E! Channel.  

 

6. What did you think of this book (and series) overall? 

Julia: I'm into it. I'm SO into it. Love it. I finished each book with one sitting. I just, I don't know why. It takes my breath away at some points and I feel like it is just SO FRUSTRATING but I love that it frustrates me. Don't ask.... sigh.

Julia: This series is not for everyone.  You cannot take this series seriously because it will just frustrate you.  But if you can get past some of the ridiculata and just read it for what it is, then it can be a very entertaining series.

Other books in this series in the order that they should be read:
1. The Selection
2. The Elite