Scan barcode
A review by libraryforspooky
The Elite by Kiera Cass
2.0
*The Elite* by Kiera Cass, the second book in *The Selection* series, follows America Singer as she continues to compete for Prince Maxon's heart in a world where social status defines everything. With the competition narrowing down to just a few girls, the stakes are higher than ever, and America finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Maxon and her lingering affection for her first love, Aspen.
While the premise of *The Elite* has the potential to be engaging, this installment falls short in several areas, which is why it earns a two-star rating. The primary issue lies in the frustrating behavior of the protagonist, America. Throughout the book, she constantly wavers between Maxon and Aspen, making decisions that often feel inconsistent with her character and the situation she's in. This indecisiveness can be exhausting for readers, as it drags on without much resolution or growth.
Additionally, the love triangle—central to the plot—feels repetitive and lacks the depth needed to make it compelling. Instead of delving deeper into the complexities of her relationships, America spends much of the book vacillating between the two boys without making any meaningful progress. This leads to a stagnant narrative where little seems to be at stake, despite the heightened competition.
The world-building, which was intriguing in the first book, also falters here. The caste system and the political backdrop of Illéa could have been explored more, but instead, they take a back seat to the romantic drama. Opportunities to expand on the dystopian elements and the rebellion brewing outside the palace walls are missed, leaving the world feeling underdeveloped.
While *The Elite* does have its moments, particularly when it comes to the relationships between the girls in the competition and the glimpses into the pressures Maxon faces as a future king, these moments are few and far between. The pacing is slow, and the plot lacks the forward momentum needed to keep readers fully engaged.
In conclusion, *The Elite* is a disappointing follow-up to *The Selection*. While it still holds some appeal for fans of the series, the repetitive love triangle, lack of character growth, and missed opportunities for world-building ultimately make it a frustrating read.
While the premise of *The Elite* has the potential to be engaging, this installment falls short in several areas, which is why it earns a two-star rating. The primary issue lies in the frustrating behavior of the protagonist, America. Throughout the book, she constantly wavers between Maxon and Aspen, making decisions that often feel inconsistent with her character and the situation she's in. This indecisiveness can be exhausting for readers, as it drags on without much resolution or growth.
Additionally, the love triangle—central to the plot—feels repetitive and lacks the depth needed to make it compelling. Instead of delving deeper into the complexities of her relationships, America spends much of the book vacillating between the two boys without making any meaningful progress. This leads to a stagnant narrative where little seems to be at stake, despite the heightened competition.
The world-building, which was intriguing in the first book, also falters here. The caste system and the political backdrop of Illéa could have been explored more, but instead, they take a back seat to the romantic drama. Opportunities to expand on the dystopian elements and the rebellion brewing outside the palace walls are missed, leaving the world feeling underdeveloped.
While *The Elite* does have its moments, particularly when it comes to the relationships between the girls in the competition and the glimpses into the pressures Maxon faces as a future king, these moments are few and far between. The pacing is slow, and the plot lacks the forward momentum needed to keep readers fully engaged.
In conclusion, *The Elite* is a disappointing follow-up to *The Selection*. While it still holds some appeal for fans of the series, the repetitive love triangle, lack of character growth, and missed opportunities for world-building ultimately make it a frustrating read.