4/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
323 pages
YA Dystopia
Source: Library
OK-I think this is going to be a long one...fair warning but hopefully there will be some good moments :)
This sequel to The Selection had a lot I wanted it to achieve. I wanted a lot more action coming from the rebels who threaten the precarious stability of the country. I wanted America to stop mooning over Aspen and choose Maxon (or vice versa but at least to make a decision). And I wanted a lot more tension among the few remaining girls (for most of the book, there are six still vying for Maxon's hand.)
Unfortunately I do not feel that this book left me satisfied. The rebels do continue to attack possibly for a reason proposed by America but which would be too spoilery to share here. Yet it serves more as a distraction from the main event than as actually furthering the plot. America continues to waver between Prince Maxon and first love Aspen in an annoying fashion (reminded me of the love triangle in The Madman's Daughter where she thought she loved whoever she was with.) On the other hand, the drama of now six girls competing to become princess was exciting (the feelings America and the other girls experience vividly reminds me of what I've read about "The Bachelor/ette." Note: I do not watch that show but I do read tabloids cover to cover and it gets mentioned a lot.)
Still the romance had its moments. Of particular interest to me was America's musing on how although Aspen gives less, it means more because he is starting at such a disadvantage compared to Maxon's life of privilege. If you have a chance, My Friend Amy actually wrote about that back when The Selection came out. I mean, I still prefer Maxon (who is blonde to add to my swooning) and I can't just forgive Aspen for pushing America away but I am more sympathetic to him.
And I must mention some of my thoughts about the characters, in handy bullet-format:
- America must be addressed first; she continues to exasperate me and the other characters with her impetuous, idealistic, irritating, compassionate self. I love that America cares so much but sometimes the way she expresses that just drives me bonkers! Furthermore her indecision over whether she even wants to be in the competition continues to bother me, largely because of my own personality. I'm pretty decisive and if I'm in it, then I'm in it to win it.
- Maxon-we really get to look at the difficulties of being a prince while also seeing how he is trying to (slowly, subtly) change the realities of his country's situation; there is a heartbreaking moment toward the end that shows how even a prince cannot escape a bad family life (oh I just wanted to hug that boy)
- Aspen has never been a favorite of mine but he gets a bit more of a chance to present his case and I can mentally understand how hard it is to just turn off feelings but man I kind of just want him to go away.
- The other girls-America realizes that her closest friend is also her toughest competitor in a difficult moment. We also see some more about how each is doing her best to get close to Maxon.
- King Clarkson emerges as a more immediate threat than the rebels with his intimidating bullying posture that is very unbecoming of a monarch, in my opinion
- Queen Amberly and Silvia really shine here-their grace and poise under trying circumstances is most inspiring. I loved both ladies so much and wish it was appropriate that they got more page time.
- The maids: Anne, Mary, and Lucy are responsible for many small moments of humor and companionability that balance America's angst and rash decisions.
Other Opinions: Lots of conflict among my blogging buddies-some loved this installment and others loathed this book.
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This series is one that I'm enjoying so much, but I am doing so with the understanding that it is such a fluffy read, ya know? I love a lot about it and there are also some thing about it that I wish were a little different. Initially, I was attracted to the Southern look of the blue dress on the cover of The Selection and then finding out that it had a Southern-ness to it and the author is from the South - that just made me enjoy it a little more. From the very beginning, I've never been able to choose a love interest that I enjoyed more (my first time in a book/series!) and I maintain that after reading both of the book and the e-novella. As far as The Elite is concerned, America is so much different as a person than she was in the first book that she needs to get her act together big-time before The One comes out. I didn't like her as much, but I'm wondering if the author intended it to be that way? I don't know. There is certainly more going on, but again I still don't feel like it is a regular dystopian-type book. It still feels fluffy, and so I read it that way, and I find it enjoyable. I have no idea what America will do (so stressful - someone will be hurt and I like both boys!) but I'm really excited about the conclusion to the series. And I just think these covers are so beautiful, but again, I'm from Eastern NC where we completely tend to go for that sort of thing as a general rule.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to meet the author last year at an event and this book seems to be exactly her personality - bubbly and fluffy, and I mean that in the very best of ways.
Love this review, your breakdown, and your honesty! I also understand that this type of book isn't for everyone. :)
I wish I could like your comment-thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I really am enjoying the fluff too. Though I have read and enjoyed dark dystopia, I tend to prefer lighter reads like this one.
DeleteThere were some things I didn't love about this one, but it too stayed with me and I can't wait for the next one.
ReplyDeleteI like that it generated a lot of passion, whether for or against. That's pretty exciting.
DeleteOuch, I couldn't even finish the first one :-(
ReplyDeleteThen you're definitely not going to want to continue. I'm sure whatever bothered you most about the first book is still present here.
DeleteI just finished the first book and I really liked it! I really want Aspen to go away too,I just don't understand why there has to be an unneeded love triangle in EVERY YA book:P Great review!
ReplyDelete-Danna
Yay for Aspen going away! I'll be interested to see if he manages to win you over in book 2 as I know some people grew to like him more there.
DeleteI still haven't read this one, and I see some of the same complaints about it. I do want to read for myself, hopefully soon. I really did like The Selection. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you liked The Selection, I bet you'll enjoy continuing with this story.
DeleteI bought The Selection when it first came out because I'm a self-confessed cover whore but it remains unread lol. I will get to it eventually but sounds like the series brings out a whole lot of mixed feelings.
ReplyDeleteIt might be fun to read all the books back to back so waiting for the third to be released is not a crazy idea-I hope the third book's cover is as gorgeous as the first two.
DeleteAspen has never been a favorite of mine, either. Maxon had great potential in the first book so I'm looking forward to seeing how he grows in this next one (which I have on my shelf and seriously need to read!).
ReplyDeleteYes, hurry up and get to it so I can read your thoughts!
DeleteI'm thinking I'll probably wait until the last book comes out to read/re-read the whole series at once, but I really liked The Selection. I just couldn't bring myself to like Aspen, so at the moment I'm still hoping for Maxon.
ReplyDeleteYay-another Maxon fan! I just can't get on board with Aspen.
DeleteWhile I admit to some unexpected intrigue into the things you mention about this book, I don't think they're strong enough to outweigh my reservations. As you know, I didn't enjoy The Selection and the prospect of more irritating love triangle nonsense really doesn't appeal. I'm also sad to hear that there's a love triangle in The Madman's Daughter! I have that on my TBR shelf, but I may have to skip it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, if you didn't like The Selection, you're probably not going to like its sequel. Sorry you didn't know about The Madman's Daughter-it was very love triangle to me but others have argued (unsuccessfully IMO) that it wasn't one.
DeleteI am on a waiting list to read The Selection and hopefully I will enjoy this series as much as you do. I am glad that you liked the sequel even if it didn't live up to the first book for you.
ReplyDeleteJust be prepared for a really light fluffy read and you'll be good!
DeleteI finally read The Selection while on vacation and I did like it to my surprise. I am looking forward to reading The Elite now. I'm on the waiting list at the library.
DeleteCool-excited to see your thoughts on both!
DeleteI've heard so many mixed reviews for this series, it's crazy. I'm glad you were able to get some enjoyment out of it. Personally, I stopped about halfway through the Selection because America was seriously getting on my nerves. Still, I'd give it another shot if I had nothing better to read. :) Excellent review.
ReplyDeleteI have read a lot of reviews where people find America annoying and I think those same people would be annoyed by her here-you might be better off steering clear.
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