The Elite Review

323 pages
Release date: April 19th, 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 Iléa. 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 (ARC):
I couldn't put this book down despite the fact that in this novel, America pretty much gets on my nerves. America doesn't believe in herself as a prospect for princess and this in turn gives her a lack of trust in others. America also continues to behave in a reckless indecisive manner, which drove me crazy. However, America does show growth towards the end of the novel, which gives me hope for her in the next one. Then there's the whole love triangle between Maxon, America, and Aspen. I'm team Maxon all the way but I guess I'm just biased because between Maxon and Aspen the choice seems pretty obvious to me. Aspen doesn't believe in America and that is a huge red flag. Despite all of the love drama, the political drama increases and also gains a bit of clarity. There is more to why Iléa is under the thumb of the monarchy and divided into castes than people actually know. The end of this novel leaves things on a cliffhanger and I'm excited to see where America's choice will send her in the next one. I definitely recommend this if you love dystopian fiction and romantic contests but make sure to read The Selection first.