The Elite
Reggie Reviews The Elite by Kiera Cass
Synopsis: America Singer advances in the Selection, becoming one of the Elite, a group of six girls left vying for the position of princess and wife to Prince Maxon Schreave.
Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Review
Negatives
- One thing I could not overlook was America’s dishonesty. She never tells Maxon that Aspen is in the palace and part of the guard (and she has many opportunities to do so), even after Maxon bares his soul to her about his feelings regarding the rest of the girls (Kriss, Celeste, Elise, and Natalie) and his relationship with his father. I felt sorry for Maxon during this scene because here he is pouring his heart out to America and coming clean about everything, and she is still holding on to this massive secret. It felt hard to root for her at times, especially when she starts getting jealous when Maxon spends time with the other girls, because her jealousy came off as hypocrisy to me since she essentially does the same thing to Maxon by spending time with Aspen.
Me every time America has a chance to tell Maxon about Aspen but doesn’t
Positives
- While reading the first book, I wished it was a little more intense, but this second book ramped up the intensity so fast I forgot all about the lack of it in the first book! From the heartbreaking scene with Marlee and Carter to America’s discovery of Gregory Illea’s perfidiousness to the revelation of King Clarkson’s true nature, this book certainly kept me on my toes!
- Shoutout to America’s father for always supporting her! His letters to her were so sweet and it was refreshing to read about a loving dad in a book full of terrible ones (I’m looking at you, Clarkson and Gregory).
- Kriss extending a hand of friendship/alliance out to America in the garden was such a kind gesture. I liked how even though Kriss and America are stuck in a system where they are not allowed to make the final decision, Kriss attempts to create some sort of agency for herself by trying to form an alliance of sorts with America.
- Maxon’s character arc is truly wonderful in this book. The first book did not offer much in terms of Maxon’s characterization, but this second book allows us to see the cracks in his perfect prince armor, the mounting pressure he faces as he readies himself to ascend the throne as king, and the abuse he suffers at the hands of his father. It was heartbreaking to read, but it helped develop his character which I appreciated.
Me when we find out Maxon’s father whips him 🙁
The Verdict
Reggie says:
A fun, thrilling sequel that adds complexity to the main characters!
