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    The Elite
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    The Elite
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    The Elite
    Audiobook7 hours

    The Elite

    Written by Kiera Cass

    Narrated by Amy Rubinate

    3.5/5

    ()

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    About this audiobook

    The Selection gets fierce as rivals stake their claim on the prince.
    Six girls, one life-changing prize…

    America Singer will leave her pre-destined life for a world of glamour and luxury, if she wins…

    But surviving The Selection is tough. Rivals are battling to become Prince Maxon’s bride as the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls escalates into war.

    Only six girls are left and sworn friendships are tested to breaking point. America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, but she suspects darker mysteries in his royal past. With ex-lover Aspen waiting for her in the shadows, where do her loyalties truly lie?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins Publishers
    Release dateJun 5, 2014
    ISBN9780007587711
    Author

    Kiera Cass

    Kiera Cass is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series and The Siren. She is a wife and mom and too many other things to list. If she could make a crown out of anything, it would be the unending tears of her readers. You can learn more about Kiera and her books at www.kieracass.com.

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    Reviews for The Elite

    3.5/5

    1,588 ratings116 reviews

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    • 3/5
      I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, because the love triangle was more prominent than I prefer in books. Also, America and Aspen were often just plain stupid. However, I enjoyed the parts dealing with the girls a lot more, and I liked that the plot got a bit deeper with more page time devoted to the rebels.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      America drove me bonkers in this book. She forgot about being a bright young girl with a strong spine and went completely wishy-washy over two guys. She finally found her footing near the end of the book, but getting there caused my eyes to roll at least a zillion times. Hopefully book 3 will get us back on track and reveal more about the rebels.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      One quick fact check; America told Marlee that because the violin she had belonged to the royal family and not to America herself, Marlee could hit Celeste over the head with it (or something like that,) but in the first book it was mentioned that the instruments at the palace were much better than the ones that America herself owned, so in the highly unlikely event that she wasn't already attached to it, America wouldn't have wanted to hurt the violin because of its beauty and quality. Something related that I didn't mention in my review of The Selection, is that, given the price of musical instruments, plus new strings and bow rehairs from time to time, and the fact that they do have to be checked for (and sometimes repaired because of) open seams, cracks and shifted soundposts. Not to mention the amount of practice you have to put toward music, and the fact that you really do have to change teachers from time to time, it doesn't make a lot of sense to have such a poor caste be the musicians. I'm guessing that the author didn't bother to look up the price of a decent violin before considering her characters occupation and caste.
      Do I even need to talk about how annoying America was in this book? Her stupidity at the end had me face-palming. I completely understand her fury at Maxon, but did she really think that doing what she did would help in any way? Maxon said at the end that even though he loved her, he didn't trust, but he was kissing Celeste, effectively cheating on both America and Kris. It would make sense if America questioned whether she could trust him. And speaking of cheating, America's affections toward Aspen really bother me. I think that I established in my review of the first book that I don't like Aspen. He's too controlling. I can't even imagine what his response to America staying will be, but I doubt that it'll be gracious. After what happened to Marlee, I would have thought that Aspen and America would've put their relationship on hold--something they should have already done--if for no other reason then to try and protect each other. What's more is that, in order to regain Maxon's trust, one thing that America will have to do is admit that her ex-boyfriend is living in the palace, and I know she won't want to do that.
      I did like the revelation of Maxon's secret. I feel bad for him, and it certainly gave his character more depth.
      I did enjoy this book, but it would have been more enjoyable if the three main characters had stopped being so darn stupid. And I really hope that there will be an actual meeting between the three main characters (or at least America) and the rebels. Even though I like the general idea of selection plot, the fact that we've only had I've very brief glimpse of people who are actually part of one of the rebel groups is leaving quite a bit to be desired with conflict and action.
    • 5/5
      Great book, you don’t even need a day to finish it.
    • 4/5
      I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, even though they're fairly predictable. I knew from the start of the first book that the prince would turn out to be more complex and likeable than America first assumed he would be, but he has nonetheless evolved into a character complex enough not to be predictable. I also knew that he and America would inevitably end up in some kind of romantic entanglement, but I wouldn't have guessed how that unfolded. The storyline also took some turns I wasn't expecting, which I always enjoy, so saying the story is somewhat "predictable" means only that you can pretty much guess how it's going to end -- but not what path you're going to take to get there!

      I do wish something more compelling than the tired old "love triangle" trope was responsible for moving the plot forward at times. I also would've enjoyed seeing two of the "chosen" girls fall for each other :-)
    • 3/5
      Not as good as book 1 with most of it dealing with America being very wishy-washy but I'm still going to keep with the series. I really want to find out more about the rebels and if/how things get changed with the society.

      I'm hoping Maxon is America's final choice.
    • 4/5
      This book was slower than the first, not much in terms of plot development.
    • 2/5
      wow interesting i love this book so much may be when i have enough money i will buy it online
    • 3/5
      I started this book thoroughly excited at the prospects that it may hold. I enjoyed The Selection, it was quite refreshing to read a new breed of story, so I immediately pre-ordered The Elite and bumped it to the front of my "to read" list. So, it is with great disappointment that I proclaim my absolute annoyance with this book.

      It just went round and round in circles until three quarters of the way through the book. Maybe my teenage and immature crush on Maxon shrouded my judgement of The Selection, but The Elite did not live up to my expectations.

      Essentially, a lot whining, a lot of filler and not much else. Although, some shred of this abysmal story line captivated my attention for a few minutes, so I shall be continuing this series. It may be the wrong choice but my inner childhood princess is grasping at straws on this one. I suppose there maybe life in her yet.
    • 5/5
      This book is amazing and beautiful. I’m gonna binge all the book right away.
    • 3/5
      I think these books are sort of a guilty pleasure, sort of like I'd imagine watching The Bachelor is for some people. Can't entirely vouch for that, since I don't watch The Bachelor. The characters don't seem terribly fleshed out, but I like the world the author has created and her efforts to give them some depth. Spent much of the book trying to remember what happened in the first one and came up short, a frequent problem for series which have not had all of their parts released just yet. Overall, I rank this one above the first, but not in the realms of better dystopic YA series.
    • 4/5
      I am still trying to figure out my feelings about this book. I agree with Casey J Tuck, so much.

      I have absolutely no feelings about Aspen, as we haven't really seen him as a character in this but as an option that exists mostly whenever Maxon isn't on scene. We don't see what he's doing, how he feels much about his life (except the once), or how he reacts to anything but the royal display. I just feel that because of that he's more a cardboard cutout than a person, which is sad given the amounts she tried to give to everyone else in this.

      I feel like I still waffle back and forth on whether I care much about America herself, or am annoyed she doesn't do more with everything right at her fingertips. She's defined entirely by her choice between Aspen or Maxon, and she tosses back and forth between these two boys and never really takes her stand for herself. But I do like that she takes a stand against both of them during this book. Earlier in the book against Maxon's actions, and later in the book demanding Aspen step off when he tries to confuse her while she's hurting her.

      I love the Maids. So. Much. I love them being around. I love the slightly deeper looking into their lives and dreams we get, and I love how they adopt [spoiler] when she's in the picture. I love The Important Fight scene, and if you've read it, you know what I mean. That just NEEDED to happen, and I was so glad to see it.

      Everything with America's best friend was impeccable, though I was shocked the text never drew the comparisons between that situation and the things America was doing. The fact the same thing could happen to her on any and every single day she continued to do what she was doing. Aside from that, the horrible part was amazing, as was the (un-)surprising conclusion.

      My favorite part is still probably the rebels. The curtsey and the books. Bring me more of this invading world we've been getting closer and closer to. I really can't wait to see how "The One" will bring these threads all together.
    • 4/5
      A YA series that doesn't ask too much. It's light, but very readable. The main character, America, is exhausting at times with her wishy-washiness, but I enjoy the political element.
    • 4/5
      Ugh. Got sucked into another trilogy and demolished this one in a day.

      I liked this one better than The Selection. I want to know what happens, and I don't yet own the final book, so I'll be grabbing it on iBooks, and I'll probably read it tomorrow instead of finishing up my to-do list.

      A decent trilogy (so far) especially for kids who may be quite disturbed by the violence in The Hunger Games--same general feel, but much less violence.
    • 1/5
      When reading this book I kept thinking what happened the first book was SOOOOOOOOO much better.
    • 3/5
      This is the second book in the selection series. I read the first book earlier this year. This series is never going to be my favorite. I've never loved stories that are more focused on romance, which this book definitely is. This book is also basically the bachelor but with royalty and I have never been interested in the bachelor or really any reality TV show. Really I just wanted to read this book because I feel like I should at least try to finish the series' I start, I enjoyed the first book enough to try and finish, they're quick reads, and I kind of want to know what happen, even though I have a pretty good idea of how this will end. I still don't love any of the characters and if I was in America's position I don't think I would like Maxon or Aspen. I also don't think it's fair to Maxon or Aspen for America to be so indecisive. (This is my problem with most love triangles - I usually don't love either of the love interests and I don't think love triangles are fair to the love interests) I felt like absolutely nothing happened in this book to really advance the plot except a few more girls were eliminated from the competition and we learned a tiny, tiny bit more about the rebel groups in the region. This was clearly a big set-up for the next book which I kind of understand, maybe, but I think more should have happened in this book. Also, I still think the world building could be a lot better and I just wish I knew more about the castes and rebels and the world as it is at the time the book is set. I know that the past of the world is supposed to be a bit of a mystery and I know that a lot of the book is built around the romance but I think the whole book and series would be stronger if I knew more about the world as it is in Americas time. I have The One out from the library and I'm going to start it next because I do still want to know how all of this is going to be wrapped up because it doesn't really fell like we know enough about the rebels to do anything convincing with that storyline but I guess I'll have to just wait and see. I'm not sure if I'm going to read the last two books that focus on Maxon and America's daughter (see this is the problem with reading book so far after it's released, I'm spoiled simply by more books coming out.) so if you think I should really read it let me know!
    • 4/5
      Okay, now I'm hooked.
      In the first book of the Selections series, there was an enjoyable love triangle between America Singer, Aspen, and Prince Maxon. The second book in the series, The Elite, broadens the story so much more to include the political aspects of what is actually happening in the kingdom of Illea. Frequent attacks are happening on the palace by Southern rebels who seem intent upon killing and causing destruction. Attacks by Northern rebels seem to have more of a purpose, as though they are looking for something in the palace with each raid. Also we find that Maxon has been hedging his bets a bit by developing a relationship with some of the other girls for a variety of reasons, all of which we don't learn until near the end of this book. America's confusion and indecision becomes a bit tedious and seems a little cruel at times to both of the men she claims to care about, but by the end of the book, her focus becomes more clear. I'm anxious to read the next book, The One.
    • 4/5
      Kiera Cass has done it again! She has managed to play with my feelings once more. There is no doubt in my mind nor soul, that I love this series very deeply.I got to say, this book has some flaws - in my perspective - in comparison to the other books in the series. For one, I didn't like how I had just started the book and knew straight away that she was more inclined for one of the boys and the other was pretty much forgotten like nothing had ever happened. And, two, I feel like America needs to learn how to communicate a lot more. Maxon has done some pretty questionable things along the way, but yet again he has a competition going on and he needs to focus on all of the girls and see if his choice is the correct one. But America, come on! You need to show people exactly what you're feeling whether you're happy, sad or angry.Apart from that, this read was absolutely incredible! I felt rage, happiness and sadness all at once. These characters have become very dear to me and I wouldn't want it any other way. I cannot wait for the other ones to come!
    • 2/5
      Yes I´m sorry everyone who loved the second book, but it didnt get into me. And I really was considering my decision about two-three stars for several minutes but I couldnt fool myself.
      *This is just my opinion, it doesnt have to change yours and I´m not saying that it really has to.

      -I really think that this book was into the same plot over and over and over again in the love triangle.
      Couldnt America be more undecisive in who she loved? NOO she couldnt. Just going back and forth,back and forth 90% of the story.
      First Maxon
      then Aspen
      then Maxon
      America: oh but i changed my mind let´s go back to Aspen.
      America: What was I thinking? I love Maxon
      Just couldnt be more overwhelming and unrespectful of Maxon´s feelings which America didnt care at all. It gave me soooo much frustration and wanted to shake America and told her to make a decision even if it wasnt the right one like: ¨Girl you would have heartbreaks but it would be better than this talking about which guy you are falling and falling out of love¨. I´m not the kind of girl who gets frustrated that easily but this book just did it, and everytime she changed her mind was a book closed and alot of me trying to relax my rage towards America. She was just getting on my nerves.
      But it had its ups but they didnt made a competition for its downs. But I have to tell its ups also sooo here it goes. You know more of the background of the competition and some really surprising information involving the royal family. And some caste system problems too but going back into it dont you really wanted to know more about the rebels? Because I did. I was left with too many doubts that I think I was at the same level as America and her questions without answers. Really America? Don´t you ever dare leaving me with too many doubts without someone to answer them its FRUSTRATING!!!!
      I liked the fist book it was a kind of easy reading as this one but the plot lost the battle here. It leaves you with so much desire for something more to happen that could literally make you want to hit your head with the book.
      *After leaving this I´ll hide in a corner :( Please dont kill me* It just left me wanting more.
      Couldnt believe the royal news, I was SHOCKED!!
    • 2/5
      I wasn't really feeling this one as much as the first one. I really missed the "Selection" part of the story line and really disliked the focus on America and Aspen. I found myself bored with that story line and skipping pages- I want to know about America, Maxon and the other girls.

      I also enjoyed that this one had more of a back story about Illea, but wish we had a little more info about the rebels. Maybe in the next one. Looking forward to the next one, but a little disappointed.
    • 3/5
      3.25

      The second in the series was as easy and fun to digest as the first offering. With that said, the plot doesn't really progress in this book, and I am pretty sure the first and second book could have been one volume.

      We get a half attempt explanation of the dystopian cast system, and the fall of the United States into Chinese hands, along with Russian conflict (ehrm...a little too real).

      Then there are the violent southern rebels (Latin People, ouch) vs the less violent northern rebels (North America, woooow) who I think are rebelling against a cast system that makes no sense. (Also, we are supposed to feel bad for America because she essentially has it hard being what amounts to middle class?)

      You get a half attempt explanation of how Gregory Islea came into power (Rich Dictator business man voted leader and turned Monarch in a way that Monarchy doesn't really work, but, ohhh boy...that's a close hit, too). Pretty much this entire book (and series for that matter) are not thoroughly fleshed out characters, walking through a not thoroughly fleshed out plot in a not thoroughly fleshed out world.

      Did I still enjoy myself? Hell yes. Would I read it yet again? Hell yes. For that reason am I giving it a higher rating of 3.25 stars instead of the 1.5 stars the plot earns? Yes! Because if I don't think about it too much I really love it. Cass writes enjoyable books. So SHUT UP! STOP JUDGING ME WITH YOUR JUDGING TONE YOU JUDGERS!
    • 3/5
      America was so frustrating, indecisive, and I hated her in this book which makes it a 3 star, but the rest of the book was pretty great. The first book is much better than this one, but I can't wait to read the next one. I loved the Halloween party idea.
    • 2/5
      I really hope the next book goes somewhere. The more this drags on, the less I like almost every major character. And yet... I still have to know what happens? Oof.
    • 3/5
      3.5 stars.

      It really is just a girly version of any other dystopian YA that you're likely to have already read, heard about, seen the movie, or decided you hated dystopian that wasn't written at the level of Atwood.

      But sometimes it's nice to just get lost in a book that's a quick read. Not everything has to be so educational.
    • 3/5
      I found that I was on the fence about this book the entire time that I was listening to it. I spent most of the book raging at America for not making a decision, not fighting back, not just reaching out and grabbing what she wanted (or at least deciding what she wanted). At times I was ready to give up on the book and the series. Then, finally, right towards the end of the book, America grew a backbone and started to make up her mind and became likable. I was sorry to see the book end because suddenly America was leading her life and not letting it lead her. Now I can't wait to read the final book and see how the series ends.
    • 2/5
      I think I would like this book better if it wasn't so damn predictable. Since it's #2 in a series, you know the love triangle won't be wrapped up, so I wasn't particularly irritated by that. But, please, for the love of everything, put less cliche obstacles in the main character's way. If I have to read one more scene where America throws a temper tantrum instead of just talking to Maxon about his feelings I will love my everloving mind. Also, of course you have to introduce some kind of shadowy conspiracy and an abusive father because why make anything surprising? Oh, and don't forget to have your main character run to a liaison with a guard literally right after she just saw her friend get caned for doing the exact. same. thing. I mean, I liked the first one enough to try out the third in this series...but please someone tell me it gets better. Please?
    • 4/5
      American continues the push and pull between her love from home (who magically ends up a guard at the palace!) and her attraction to Maxon. She finds herself a bit of a rallying point for those who want to see the caste system ended because America sticks up for the right, not tradition. Alongside these attempts to create a more serious storyline is the whole "Bachelor" vibe, which feels like manufactured drama.
    • 3/5
      This review is full of spoilers.
      This review is posted on my blog

      I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first one and I think that that was mostly due to the Aspen story line. It just did not appeal to me at all. It was predictable from the first chapter of the first book that this kid was going to show up and mess things up, and honestly I'm a little tired of this dramatic secret love triangle story line where the leading lady tries to explain away why she is messing around with two or more men. To be honest, I didn't even find Aspen that likable. So because that was a major story line in this book, it just didn't seem as good.

      I loved Marlee and even though I had already guessed what was coming, I was so sad for her when she got caught with Carter. I thought it was a very moving scene when America was fighting to get her, although I'm not sure what she thought she was going to do.

      I liked that the political aspect took more of a forefront than the previous book, and thought it was very interesting reading about Gregory Illéa, and the situation in present day Illéa. When her father seemed really interested in the diary, and I found the whole rebels with books scene very suspicious.

      I think that in this book Maxon's character started to seem all over the place. I've said that I didn't like America was messing around with Aspen while we were lead to believe how much she cared about Maxon, and I found it equally irritating when Maxon put on a show of complete devotion to America while being secretive about the other girls. I thought that this whole mess was made even worse by the touching revelation in the closet about how Maxon is beat by his father. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a nice scene, but it just seemed like a plot twist to me.

      I could have ignored a lot of those things if it wasn't for the terribly arrogant scene where Maxon humiliates America in front of Kriss, and then leaves with her, just, it seams, to get back at her.

      If you liked the first book, I would recommend reading this one, if only to get to the last book in the series.
    • 4/5
      While I still love America and Maxon I think America is starting to get on my nerves. Not as a character but as a person. She is so quick to berate others for their mistakes all the while doing whatever the heck she wants. I enjoyed seeing the growth between her and Maxon and seeing the other between her and Aspen.

      I wanted to read this awhile back but this was the first time I saw them at the library. Good book, decent pacing, although the ending was a little iffy.
    • 4/5
      Apr 2018 = 4 stars
      Jun 2014 = 4.5 stars