Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass (ARC)

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
Harper Teen, 336 pages
Expected US Release Date: April 23, 2013
Format: Print ARC
Source: Around the World ARC Tours - thank you!

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.
----------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"But," she continued to Gavril, "if there's one thing I've learned from being in The Selection, it's that some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don't let the ball gowns fool you," she finished with a smile.

If you don’t follow me on GoodReads, you really should because you would have been treated to these gems:

And if you do follow me, a big thank you and you’re welcome.

If I thought I was frustrated after reading The Selection (for which you can read that entertainment here), the frustration after reading The Elite laughs in my face. It scoffs, even. I was so young, so naïve.

Basically, I found The Elite to be every bit as terribly riveting as The Selection, only a little bit more so since I carried over all my feelings already. There’s so much I can’t stand about Aspen and America, and none of it went away. It grew, even. And there were things added, and I just can’t even talk about it without getting worked up how idiotic I think they are and are being.

Maxon is the only one who saves me from DNF-ing the shit out of this book, and even that had its moments of weakness. He didn’t really grow to me in the novel, but it’s something I overlook since I love him so much anyway. Even though I don’t really agree with some of the things he did in this book, I get it, and I found it interesting enough where I still want to know what’s going to happen in Book 3.

Something I was very happy with in The Elite was how surprising it was to me in terms of plot and action. Nothing completely from left field comes through knocking you off your feet, but it doesn’t quite follow the line you thought it might. I knew generally what would have to happen, but it’s the how and the who that was unexpected and made the story all the better.

I enjoy how we get a little more of a look into the world they live in, and all the civic lessons going on as the girls are made to learn policy and politics, but I still wish there were a little more in terms of the rebels and their environment. Book 1 was definitely lacking in real Dystopian elements, and I have to say the same for Book 2. It tried, and it gets a little better, but it’s just not there. I sincerely hope Book 3, when everything comes to the culmination, finally goes there.

I know that having already stated how much I can’t stand Aspen will probably discredit what I’m about to say, but I had major issues with all his parts because I felt like the author was trying to manipulate me into liking him finally. She was selling him way too hard and explaining how brilliant/sweet/amazing he is, and I hated it. It came down to my usual “show not tell” complaint, in that she needed to make his actions speak louder, rather than a small thing and extend it into something America explained into how it made him a perfect boy. Would it have sold me on Aspen? No, but I would have at least been a lot less annoyed.

I’m going to end this on a happy note: continually the best parts to this series? America’s maids. I love them. And I know they’re one single function, but they do it fantastically and I really like the relationship between themselves as well as with America. There’s one scene with America’s sister May and one of the maids that just made my heart happy, and even though it was a miniscule, vaguely-unimportant one, that’s what stuck with me most.

If you hated The Selection, I don’t think The Elite will change your mind. It’s every bit as frustrating and lacking as the first one. But in the same vain, it has the same drama and intrigue and bad-reality-tv vibe that just makes you care and need to know. No matter how much I gripe and whine about Aspen and America and all the decisions they make, I can’t deny that I fly through the pages and am absolutely DYING for book 3 now. And maybe that doesn’t make it the next great literature legacy, but it does make it something.

3.5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday: The Harper Teen Sequel Edition

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine
meant to highlight an upcoming release we're excited for!

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi
Harper Teen, 400 Pages
Expected US Release Date: January 8, 2013

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.
------------Goodreads summary

Seriously, who can I bribe out there for an ARC of this? Because I don't think I can wait any longer! I adored Under the Never Sky so much (read my review here!), it is easily one of my favourites and a go-to recommendation. I have to know how Aria and Peregrine are faring, and truthfully? Roar. I love him. (Also, I gushed about the cover here.)

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Harper Teen, 336 Pages

Expected US Release Date: April 23, 2013

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.

-------------------Goodreads summary

I know The Selection got some mixed reviews anyway, and even in my own (read it here!) I was a bit torn since I can't stand America and Aspen, but adore Maxon so much. But that doesn't mean I'm not dying to know about The Elite! What is happening with the rebels? Who is Maxon going to pick? Will America ever stop being a flaky bitch and commit to someone? Must know!

What book are you eagerly awaiting?

Leave your link in the comments!

PS. Have you entered my Holiday Book Giveaway yet? It's international! Ends 11/28

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection (Selection #1) by Kiera Cass
HarperTeen, 327 Pages
US Release Date: April 24, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge, Debut Author Challenge

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
----------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

In my experience, true love is usually the most inconvenient kind.

This book kept me up at night. No lie. First I stayed up way late to finish it just so I could find out what happened, and then at the end I was so freakin' frustrated that I tossed and turned at 6am trying to figure out my feelings about it. On one hand, it means it's a decent book to affect me like that; but also, BOO HISS I NEED SLEEP!

Obviously, I had expectations going into this book. There's been such a hype for it all year that there was no way I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried. I mean, I've heard every opinion under the sun about this book. My expectations were hesitant because the things I knew about it weren't really appealing: I can't stand the Bachelor shows (some of the worst brain rotting television, in my opinion) and I'm not generally a fan of the CW - so for them to not even pick up the pilot...well. That says something.

Though I am a fan of Ethan Peck. Yes ma'am I am.

So let's go the easy route and go with a pro/con list. Start with the bad!

Cons:

• America. I know, the main damn character! She was largely a reason why I was kept up at night. She just pisses me off so much, and I get so frustrated with her choices and opinions. I find her to be selfish for a large part of the novel, which is terribly complicated since she's in the Selection to provide for her family! It seems like an unselfish reason (and it is), but that she's using the royal contest when there are millions of other girls who would die to be in her place for its actual function? Selfish.
• Aspen. I hate him.
• America and Aspen's relationship. I just did not see any value to it. I know we're supposed to assume it's a great relationship for having sustained in secret for 2 years, and he was sweet in the opening, but I just could not stand it after awhile. He was horrible and mean and to just let it go the way he did? Unacceptable. And for the record, she fell and he caught her?! I call massive shenanigans. Get your head out of your ass, America.

Pros:

• Prince Maxon. I fell for him so much faster than I thought I would. The commanding voice telling the guards to let her into the gardens? BE STILL MY HEART.
• It's a fast read. Some of the beginning is a bit weird for some reason (couldn't quite pinpoint why), but less than 50 pages in and I was sucked in entirely. It really is like watching bad reality TV: I just couldn't turn away, I had to know!
• Handling a cast of 35 girls in writing is tough, but done well here. Just enough were highlighted to really be like a contest, but still manageable to a reader.
• The history lesson. While most of the world-building was lacking, the history lesson was a smart move on the writer's part. I thought that was helpful and enabled me to understand the world they live in. 
• The Singer family. America's family isn't perfect, but they love each other and understand the sacrifices they need to make for each other. I like their relationship.
• The peeks into the Dystopian world. Like the rebel divisions that Maxon thinks exist, and how it seems they're searching for something specific. Even though it's all cliff-hanger-y goodness, I'm quite intrigued!
• America's ladies in waiting. I love that they're a respectable part of the novel, that they play a larger part than just the girls who dress America. They each have stories and strength, which I appreciated.
• Prince Maxon and America's relationship. Even though I don't really like America, I do like hers and Maxon's friendship/relationship hybrid. They're good together, and I liked their interactions and secret ear tugs and smiles together.

So, the pros outweigh the cons to me; but the cons are such large parts to the story! I ate up this novel, but there were strong flares of irritation through all of it. Prince Maxon and how utterly eager and cute he is did its best to simmer the annoyance, but still...it's there. I can't wait for book 2 though, just because I need to know what's going to happen! Especially after that ending, when I'm just so damn pissed at America and what she's doing within the castle. I just...I can't. I just can't. UGH.

I think the big thing someone has to know when going into this book is that it's not some tough, hardcore Dystopian. It has a set-up to be, but it's largely a romance book. Its focus is the love story and Prince Maxon finding a future wife and Queen; not on the war and attacks and Ilea's imminent doom. I do think it'll come in Book 2 though - at least, I hope so! I want to know about these attacks and rebels! As far as I'm concerned, this is a romance contemporary book masquerading as a Dystopian.

To further show my indecision, The Selection made me make a whole new rating. While I enjoyed it immensely and want to enter into the Selection myself to win Prince Maxon's heart, I'm just so damn bothered by America and Aspen I can't overlook it. I'm too dang torn!

4.25 Stars

(So what is that, like 4 and a point and a half of a star? Yeesh.)