BOOK REVIEW | THE ELITE BY KEIRA CASS

The Elite is the second in the five book Selection series, the first book you read review here and it picks up where that left off.

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 touch. 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 like?

I enjoyed The Elite in the same way as I enjoyed the first, it's not the most ground breaking of novels but one I can read easily in a couple of days. I did find America somewhat frustrating in this book as she acts impetuously and without consequence whilst dithering between the two men in her life, without appreciating their feelings.

I was again reminded this is a Young Adult book and never delved deep enough into certain aspects of the story or the characters you're introduced to although you do find out some darker sides of one or two that left me requesting the next installment from the library so I can continue my journey through The Selection process.

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Book Review | The Selection by Keira Cass

After reading The Kind Worth Killing it would've been easy to select a similar book but rather than risk picking something I didn't enjoy as much I changed theme and went for The Selection by Keira Cass.

Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals...

It's the chance of a lifetime and 17 year old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.

Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamourous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.

Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don't know is that America has a secret - one which could throw the whole competition... and change her life forever.

The Selection is the first in a series of five young adult books, the latter due for release next month, set in a dystopian world. Following a number of World Wars, everyone is identified by numbers, the higher the number the poorer you are. Prince Maxon is looking for a wife he reaches out to the lower classes to audition for the role. Typically America, our protagonist is disinterested in performing in such a contest but pressured by her families limitations she auditions.

This book has been compared to The Hunger Games but I'm at a loss why other than the dystopian nature and the competition element but it's somewhat less lethal than what Katniss experiences. Having just read Only Ever Yours which was somewhat lackluster this covers a similar 'mean girls' element much better. There's also a positive message in that by 'being herself' America catches the attentions of those around her.

Yes it's somewhat adolescent and obvious how the story will go (especially if you investigate the further titles in the series), although it didn't end exactly as I thought and I have questions which I'm keen to explore in the next book. It was a slow burner but I often find that with any book after reading something I've especially enjoyed. Nonetheless it ended up being the perfect read so much so that I finished off very quickly and even spent an evening on the sofa finishing it rather than watching tv - if I read the book outside of my commute it's always a good sign.

It's not the most the most highbrow of books but if you're a fan of The Bachelor and other such reality shows I'm sure you would enjoy The Selection.