Book Review: The Elite (The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass
As a lover of young adult fiction, I found myself drawn to Kiera Cass’s The Elite, the highly anticipated sequel to The Selection. I enjoyed the first book for its playful nod to reality TV, reminiscent of shows like The Bachelor—who doesn’t find a love triangle set against a royal backdrop fascinating? But does the sequel live up to the fun and intrigue of its predecessor? Spoiler alert: Unfortunately, not quite.
The Plot and Themes
In The Elite, we re-join America Singer as she finds herself among the final six contestants vying for the heart of Prince Maxon. The narrative centers on her ongoing internal battle between her feelings for Maxon and her lingering attachment to her first love, Aspen. Initially, I appreciated the love triangle element in The Selection, but here it becomes repetitive and frustrating. America oscillates between the two boys—one moment she’s head over heels for Maxon, the next she’s seeking solace in Aspen. This constant back-and-forth became an exhausting read. America’s insecurity, a significant theme, overshadowed the dazzling royal competition laid out before her, ultimately detracting from the excitement I was looking for.
While the first book had a competitive edge, The Elite felt like it missed the mark by leaning heavily on America’s doubt and indecision. With every emotional breakdown, I found myself rolling my eyes, wishing she’d just make a choice already! It’s easy to understand that insecurities can be relatable, but at some point, I yearned for a bit more decisiveness and drive.
Character Development
America’s character does not resonate as strongly this time around. I was rooting for her in The Selection, but here she often appears naive and self-deprecating, which proved to be a sore spot for me. I kept thinking: “Why can’t she see her own worth?” It disrupted the connection I once felt with her.
Maxon, who was charming and endearing in the first book, took on a more serious demeanor, engaging in political struggles that lost their appeal through muddled interactions with America. As for Aspen, I still find him to be an inadequate match for America, but he managed to evoke some sympathy from me—caught in a love triangle he may not have even wanted to be part of.
The Writing Style and Pacing
Kiera Cass’s writing remains accessible, delivering moments of intrigue interspersed with frustrating elements. However, I felt the pacing lagged under the weight of America’s emotional turmoil. The narrative could have benefited from a shift toward exploring the stakes of the Selection process rather than dwelling in America’s angst.
That said, I appreciated the backdrop of rebel attacks which hinted at broader conflicts within Illea. Yet, disappointingly, these moments felt like little more than a secondary plot, overshadowed by the love malaise. I genuinely expected more depth in this rebellion, especially with hints of violence promising to shake things up.
Conclusion
Though The Elite didn’t capture the magic I found in The Selection, it’s still an intriguing read if you enjoy love triangles steeped in royal intrigue. For fans of the series, it remains a portal into a world of competition, albeit one overshadowed by insecurity. If you’re someone who’s ever navigated the maze of young love and life choices—or if you simply want to see how America’s journey unfolds—you might find something worthwhile here. Personally, I’m curious enough to continue with the series, even if my expectations are now tempered with caution. Let’s hope The One dares to delve deeper into the intrigue that initially drew me in!
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