The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2)

The Blurb: 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.




  3.5/5 Hearts

I enjoyed this book a little less than the first book, so I decided on 3.5 stars/

The story from the Selection continues in this book and it picks up where that book left off. I still enjoyed this book for the same reasons I liked the selection, 

However, as the story continues I sometimes found myself frustrated with America and at times I felt like throwing a book at Maxon - who does some very unlikeable things in this book. So the story got a little annoying now and then. But I still really enjoyed it and the story with America and Maxon and the thing with the rebels continued and I'm very curious how their story will end in the next book. Sadly, it's release date feels like a century from now. I really hope I'll still like this story by then, but I think I may have already begun to outgrown it (while I'm reposting this review as a blog at february 21st 2014).

Read in may 2013

The Selection by Kiera Cass (The Selection #1)

 

4/5 Hearts

 “If you don’t want me to be in love with you, you’re going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I’m having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you.” 

The Blurb:

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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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. 

I really enjoyed this book. Somehow the story drew me in and I was really curious to see what would happen. It's a nice quick read and I had fun reading it.

I liked America and her connection to prince Maxon and I was hoping that she would end up liking him too. Somehow Aspen didn't really do it for me. 

“America Singer, one day you will fall asleep in my arms every night. And you'll wake up to my kisses every morning.” 

I also like some of the other girls and I liked Maxon as well in this book. It was a sweet sweep-the-poor-girl-of-her-feet kind of book and it ends in a cliffhanger, which left me hanging on for the other book - which luckily was also out already.

It isn't a litterary masterpiece, but it was very enjoyable and I think a lot of YA-fans will adore it as well. 

Read in May 2013