Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
By Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Series: The Selection #2

Description:
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:
The first book was really captivating, and I'd have to say this book had me captivated as well.  The continuation of the Selection, it's so much more than this game show of who will marry the prince.  It's about America and her relationship to her family and friends, her feelings for Aspen and Maxon.  The different situations that occur with all the contestants that are remaining.  There is just so much more to this book and it even bought me to elation and tears right after.

We are back with America and Maxon, there is a struggle between the two whether America is sure she wants to be a Princess and marry Maxon.  There are obvious feelings between the two and it's exciting to see them grow and disappointing to seem the dissipate throughout the selection.  but I am a HOPEful person as that plays a big role in this book.  The idea of hope.  What are the rebels after? In due time all will be revealed I'm sure but how intriguing it all is, throughout the selection to constantly be attacked by people trying to bring the selection down. 

The relationship between America and Aspen is still very much in secret which is a good thing because apparently there are some very dire consequences to such forbidden relationships as is shown in this book, all very heart wrenching when I read through it.  But there is definitely a slight shift in their relationship, it's almost as if one wants things to go back to where they were before while the other is ready to move on in one way or another, but either way they are definitely not on the same page, thanks to Maxon. 

The plot thickens as Maxon starts spending more and more time with the other girls making America realize just exactly what it is that she wants, even though it's very back and forth with her I think I have a good feeling of where her heart lies and I can't wait to finally be there.  Maxon's character is also tested in this book, his integrity is questioned and it's intriguing to see how he really feels as opposed to the way he has been acting throughout the book.  We also learn a little more about the rebels which is also good, but I have a feeling they will be discovered in depth in the next book which I cannot wait to read.

Again this book bought thoughts of wonderful glamorous ball gowns of a time when things seemed more simple even though I know this is more in the future even though they've fallen into the past with the caste systems and all, what will happen now.  Will there be an uproar and who will take the lead?  Who will be the one?  I can't wait to find out how this story progresses.  The scenery, lavish lifestyle is all so fascinating, but it's the feelings that are withheld deep down each character that matter the most.  Even in the maids, what will happen to them and will they find happiness as I hope America does as well.

Go Team Maxon! And yet another beautiful cover as well.  What color will the next gown be, you know I've seen a lot of red heads on covers lately, makes you wonder if they are the ones who have the most fun!  On to the next one, can't come out soon enough.