The Elite (The Selection #2) – Kiera Cass

Love is beautiful fear

Summary
Thirty-five girls entered the Selection. Now this group is down to six. Every decision, every detail, can mean the difference between becoming the next queen or going home. It’s a chance of a lifetime for America. It’s a chance for her to get a future she never even dreamt of. But first, she has to decide if she is ready to let go of her past.

Writing
The writing isn’t very ambitious, but it’s light and easy to read.

Characters
America is just as annoying as she was in the first book. Nothing changed in that front. I wanted to say that she didn’t change at all, but actually she became even worse. Every decision she made in this book was completely impulsive and straight up idiotic. At that she’s a massive hypocrite. And I actually think that’s she’s a little insane.

Maxon finally grew a spine, which really surprised me. I mean, he’s still as bland as unseasoned chicken, but at least he learned how to stand up for himself. Go Maxon!

And Aspen is creepy. possessive. irresponsible. Selfish… I think that now I actually hate every character in this book. Maybe except for Marlee.

Plot
I think I would have liked this book better if it didn’t try to pretend that it’s something that it’s not. It’s a story about a prince organising a competition to choose a future wife. If there is not enough time (or if the author doesn’t know how to do it) to create a complex plot that would make the reader actually fear for the life and safety of the characters, don’t do it. The half-assed rebel attacks are simply embarrassing. They don’t create any sense of danger and are just nothing more than a mean to bring two main characters together. And killing a bunch of palace guards and staff just so America could stare at a shirtless Maxon for a while seems a little heartless, doesn’t it?

Overall
This book is just as silly as the previous one. This series is a good choice when you are looking for some mindless entertainment. But if you are searching for something more ambitious – please don’t bother.

You can find this book on Goodreads and Book Depository

 

The Selection review