The Elite

Author:  Kiera Cass

Series:  The Selection, Book 2

Year:  2013

Publisher:  Harper Audio

Narrator:  Amy Rubinate

Goodreads Description:

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

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.