Goodreads summary:
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.
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.
My review:
Yes, I admit it: I love the Selection series. These books aren't brilliant or mind-blowingly good, but they are pure fun. They're like a guilty-pleasure type of read.
Honestly, I don't think these books should be dystopian, though. I'd prefer it if they were fantasy instead, mainly because of the fairytale mood of the stories. *shrug* But anyway, I have to say that it's quite refreshing to read a dystopian that is light and fun, rather than gloomy and depressing.
The Elite is a fantastic sequel. I think it's better than the first in many ways: there's a heck of a lot more world-building, relationships are tested, complications arise concerning the country of Illea, and there's lots more character development. And Maxon! *swoon* I love the poor guy so much. He's so incredibly sweet, but he's really going through a tough time in The Elite and trying to make the best decisions for his country.
The only thing I have a problem with is America. I do love how bright and funny she is, but man, I just kept wishing she would make up her mind! She would not stop switching back and forth between Maxon and Aspen. Then she whines when Maxon and/or Aspen doesn't pay enough attention to her. I definitely didn't like her as much as in the first book, but after the ending of The Elite, I have a feeling she'll get better in the last book.
Besides not liking America, I'm really pleased with this sequel. I just love how princess-y it is. There's fashion, balls, gorgeous dresses, and fairytale-ish moments. It's such a fun, girly read. Yet, we also find out a lot more about the country of Illea and its background, and learn more about Maxon and some of the other characters. A great mixture of fluffiness and plot developments, The Elite is one awesome sequel! I can't wait to read The One next year.
My rating: 9 out of 10 (4.5 stars)
~ The Bookworm
I have been neglecting this book and I really need to just read it. I'm glad to hear you liked it better than the first. I liked the first book, but it was just ok, not something I was dying to get my hands on the sequel for. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andye! I think you'll enjoy this one a lot more than the first book. Hope you end up liking it! :)
Delete