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book, book review, books, Kiera Cass, review, reviews, romance, The Elite, The Selection, YA, young adult
The Elite
The Selection #2
by Kiera Cass
genre: YA, romance, dystopian
Synopsis from Goodreads
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.
Full Review
First, I have to say I’m really glad Cass explained Maxom’s actions and decisions near the end. There were times I was totally on America’s side while we both tried to figure out how the same person could act in two conflicting ways. Had it not been for that, I would have questioned whether she was writing a true character or if she was starting drama for the sake of the story. Once explained, it’s clear Cass knows and understands her characters on a far deeper level than me. In some respects, that’s a bad thing, because as a reader they need to leap off the page. On the other hand, it’s rare for me to feel as lost as the characters. I’m used to feeling like an observer looking down from the clouds and rolling my eyes.
The second book continues along the same lines as the first. Apparently I’m not the only person who compared it to The Bachelor taking place in a watered down Hunger Games. I didn’t read it right after The Selection because I didn’t want to finish it and then have to wait for the final book to be published. Somehow, I forgot that little detail and read it a few months ago. Ugh! I was right in my original plan; it ends in a semi-cliffhanger. As of me writing this, I’m almost through The One, but it was a long wait filled with eager anticipation.
If you enjoy romance, love triangles, and drama, you will love the second book as much as the first.
5 out of 5 stars
To see what other books we’ve reviewed, check out our book reviews page.
Ermilia 
I read the first one can you tell me the secret America’s friend had?
Which friend? I’m not sure which secret you are referring to as it’s been a while since I’ve read the first one.
Oh, Marley? I can tell you if you really want to know but it’s a somewhat major plot point that I don’t want to ruin unless you’re sure you want it spoiled.
I want it spoiled the books were not my cup of tea but I really want to know.
SPOILER ALERT
…
Marley fell in love with one of the guards. They are found out and beaten even though they could have been put to death. Maxim sneaks Marley into the kitchens under his father’s nose rather than making her an eight. The former guard is given a new position too, but I don’t remember what it was.