The Elite (novel)

The Elite is the second novel in the best-selling Selection series by Kiera Cass.^[1] It is narrated by America Singer, a 17-year-old girl who is selected to compete with 34 other girls to become Prince Maxon's wife. The Elite tells the story at the stage in the competition where there are only six girls left and tensions are high from both the competition and the dangerous rebels.^[2]

Plot

The book takes place 300 years in the future in a country called Illéa (formerly the United States) that has a strict caste system.^[3] The castes range from eight to one, with eights being the homeless and ones being the royal family. Prince Maxon has narrowed down his selection candidates to an Elite of six girls: America, Kriss, Celeste, Elise, Natalie, and Marlee—who America later becomes friends with. Maxon must find a wife among these girls.^[4] In order to do so, Maxon meets their families and throws a Halloween Ball. After the ball, it is discovered that Marlee has been having a secret affair with one of the guards, and as a consequence, is severely caned, a horrible form of whipping becoming an eight. Upset and angry that Maxon would let such a thing happen to her, America reconsiders her feelings for Maxon. Then, the girls must plan an event and are split into two teams: America and Kriss, and Natalie, Celeste, and Elise. After much planning, America's Italian event becomes successful. Also, Celeste shows America an article which shows that she is now the least favorite, and Celeste is the highest. After this, Maxon asks to speak with America, and the girls hope he will kick her out. Of course, he doesn't, and instead shows her the Princesses suite as well as her closest female friend, Marlee. The two girls talk about Marlee's new life, where she cooks in the kitchen and has married Carter Woodwork, the former guard. America is later crushed when she sees Maxon kissing a half-naked Celeste in the hallway. She later angrily confronts him, asking to leave. However, he rejects her request. For their next project, the girls must present a presentation that will be broadcast on The Report. America presents the idea that there should be no castes, and attempts to show proof in the form of the first king's secret diary that contained confidential information. Immediately afterwards, the outraged king takes the diary from her and demands she returns home. However, Maxon insists she stays, leaving his father infuriated.

Characters

• America Singer - The protagonist and narrator of the novel and a member of the elite competing for Prince Maxon's hand. America is 18 years old and has fiery red hair and ice blue eyes. She is very important to Maxon. She was born a five giving her the job of musician. She is described as feisty.^[5]
• Maxon Schreave - Prince of Illéa, he must eventually decide which of the elite to select as a wife.^[2] He enjoys photography and is blonde.
• Aspen Leger - A palace guard and America's ex-boyfriend.^[2] He has dark hair and was formerly a six.^[2]
• Marlee Tames - A member of the elite and best friend of America, she harbors a secret. She is blonde and described by America as bubbly.^[5]
• Kriss Ambers - A member of the elite. She has brown hair and is a three. America remarks that Kriss has grown closer to Maxon throughout the course of the book.
• Elise Whisks - A member of the elite who has family connections to New Asia, a country that Illéa is at war with.
• Natalie Luca - A member of the elite who deals with a family tragedy (her sister was killed by rebels). She is blonde and viewed by America as someone who has her head in the clouds.
• Celeste Newsome - A member of the elite, she is a two and worked as a model. Celeste is a brunette. Celeste and America do not get along and are often in conflict.
• Clarkson Schreave - King of Illéa and Maxon's father, he is often seen as strict. The girls react with fear when he gets angry. America dislikes him.
• Amberly Schreave - Queen of Illéa and Maxon's mother. She is from the south and was a four until she married King Clarkson at the end of his selection. She is described as kind by America.
• Carter Woodwork - A former palace guard, once caught in an affair with Marlee and made into an eight.^[6]

Promotion

Cass went on The Dark Days Of Summer Tour in 2013 to promote the book.^[7] She also released teasers and spoilers through her publisher HarperTeen in preparation for the release.^[8]

Reception

The book received varied critical reviews. Kirkus Reviews called it "vapid", but they also described the book as a "fast read."^[5] The Elite has an editor ranking of 4.5 out of 5 stars on YA Books Central. The book was reviewed favorably by some consumers with a user rating on YA Books Central of 4.1 out of 5 stars.^[4] The book was well received commercially. The week of May 12, 2013 it was number one on The New York Times Best Sellers List for the Young Adult Category.^[1] The novel also performed well in ibook sales ranking at 9 in the Children's and Teen Category the week of May 25, 2014.^[9] As of May 11, 2014 The Elite, together with The Selection, has sold over 800,000 copies. Also, 26 territories have the rights to the series.^[10]

External links

• Kiera's Website
• Kiera's Tumblr
• The Elite's Page on HarperTeen

References