**REVIEW** The Elite by Kiera Cass

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.

Release Date:  April 23, 2013

Published By:  Harper Teen

Review Copy:  Hardcover, 323 pages

*purchased 

Review

   The signature Kiera Cass writing is still alive as ever.  The Elite weaves a story just as riveting and enchanting as The Selection.  This installment however has a lot more deception and a few more rebel attacks.  Not to mention more twists, a much deeper glance into the hierarchy that has been designed in Illea and a glance behind the scenes in the palace.

  Coming into this one after reading The Selection I was expecting America to have devoted herself to Maxon because heck she said she was going to start trying.  Thing is I also knew somewhere in my gut it wasn't just going to be that simple, nothing ever is.  However when her mind faltered with her decision to a point I understood, there was some fairly heavy moments that did deserve pause.  Remember America is a very dedicated girl when it comes to her family and friends so when it comes to them there isn't much she would sacrifice or go out of her way for.

  The crown and all things that come with it scare the crap out of America and Aspen was not helping the case.  For a chunk of the novel I thought that she was going to let him go and stop messing with him.  I know that they have a past but when her heart speeds for Maxon there is nothing but fear making her keep him around.  Though I give the guy credit for his continued persistence, he has to realize the danger that he is putting America in each time he tries to get her.  I have never been a big fan of Aspen and this novel sealed his fate with me.  I believe he needs a girl but that girl should just never be America.

  Despite America's constant indecisive feelings towards Maxon, he is still hoping that she will decide to love him.  Admittedly some of his behaviour didn't point to that but as much as I did blame him for being an idiot at the time, I can't truly blame him.  He couldn't just hold his breath and hope that she came around, Maxon had to start giving the other girls a fair shot because if he didn't and America decide to walk away from him what would he be left with.  He isn't exactly who I thought he was but it is still painfully obvious that he wants America to be the one he ends up with, even if she does make everything more difficult then need be.

   I was majorly impressed with the events in this one.  Halloween being brought back was spectacular and Kiera's words brought out the beauty in every moment of it.  The costumes were spectacular and everyone seemed to light up.  It was a moment that everyone involved shone.  By far the most memorable event and my favourite one was the one Kriss and America planned for the Italians though.  I think there may be a little something behind the bonds that were formed with them and to be honest I loved the Princess and her cousins.  I would like to see more of those girls and whatever they may bring with them!

  There are reasons for everything and I am sure that Kiera has not made all of this build up for nothing.  Though my feelings were all kinds of frustrated/angry/happy as I read this in the end I realized that it is because I felt all these things that made this an enjoyable read.  It's when a book brings out intense emotions that you know you have become involved and while occasionally that backfires, The Elite managed to pull it off.  Admittedly I did not love it to the extent I did The Selection but I think it was a good second novel and have high hopes for the next book (that I have to not very patiently wait a year for)!  If you loved The Selection yo will enjoy this read.

Quotes

 I sighed softly.  She was absolutely right.Love is Beautiful fear.I didn't want to let myself think too much about losing things, so I walked inside.

I was overwhelmed.  He understood me so well, how nervous I was about making this commitment, how frightening it was for me to become a princess.  He was going to give me every last second he could and, in the meantime, lavish me with everything possible.

I nodded, still taking in her words.  It was obvious I wasn't as mentally in this as she was.  One more thing that made me doubt my ability to do this job.

In a way, it was strange to have him touch me like that again.  At the same time, it was so familiar that it would have seemed wrong if he hadn't.  Once the tears were gone, he left his hand there, cupping my face.