Book Review: The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
When I first picked up The Selection, I was enchanted by Kiera Cass’s unique premise—a modern twist on a royal competition reminiscent of the reality TV show The Bachelor. The blend of romance, drama, and a glimpse into an almost fairy-tale world pulled me in. So, it was with great anticipation that I dove into The Elite, hoping to continue that magical journey. Unfortunately, what I found was a mixed bag, falling short of the high expectations set by its predecessor.
The Elite picks up where The Selection left off, with America Singer still in the competition for Prince Maxon’s heart. While I originally found America’s character intriguing, her constant insecurity in this sequel began to grate on my nerves. The love triangle that defined much of the narrative—between America, Maxon, and her first love, Aspen—felt contrived and tedious. The chemistry that once sparkled felt dampened by America’s indecisiveness and emotional back-and-forth. It became more of a drawn-out game of “will they, won’t they,” which would have been fine if it were narrated with a bit more flair, but instead, it became a cycle of angst that held the plot hostage.
The plot itself was surprisingly dull. With a brilliant setup involving rebels supposedly threatening the monarchy, I expected more action and intrigue. Instead, the subplot of rebel attacks was mostly pushed aside in favor of America’s internal struggles. Yes, the rebels made a brief appearance, but their motives and impact felt underwhelming and almost comically trivial when compared to the level of drama America created within her love life. What’s more, the revelation that the rebels were after books felt like a missed opportunity; instead of a haunting critique of power, it read like an awkward twist that failed to resonate.
Kiera Cass’s writing remains engaging but struggled to elevate the tension that was so palpable in The Selection. The pacing felt off; too much time was spent on America’s emotional turmoil, while significant plot points were rushed, making them feel almost like an afterthought. I appreciated Cass’s ability to create romantic tension, but I wished she had lightened the load of America’s existential dread, allowing room for other characters to shine.
Speaking of characters, Maxon’s evolution was a notable disappointment. Where he once radiated warmth and naïveté, here he seemed bogged down by the weight of expectations. He often felt sidelined by America’s personal crisis. And Aspen? Let’s just say my empathy for him waned as America relied on him for comfort while indecisively bouncing between two loves. His character lacked growth, making it hard to root for either side of the love triangle.
Yet, amidst my critiques, there were bright spots. Moments of camaraderie between the contestants, particularly with Marlee, refreshed the narrative and offered much-needed levity. America’s rebellion against the caste system was a stand I admired, showing glimmers of her true strength and potential. I also found myself fond of the maids, who provided subtle commentary on life within the palace.
In conclusion, while The Elite left me feeling frustrated and a tad disappointed, it still fostered a curiosity about the series’ conclusion in The One. Readers who revel in love triangles and can tolerate a fair amount of angst may still find enjoyment in this book. Although it may not have reached the heights of its predecessor for me, it certainly left lingering questions that I hope will be answered in the final installment. If you’re as curious about how this tale of love and competition wraps up as I am, I encourage you to give it a go!
Discover more about The Elite (The Selection, #2) on GoodReads >>