BookHounds Review THE ELITE by KIERA CASS @HarperTeen @kieracass

Book Description

Release date: April 23, 2013

The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in longing for the life they'd planned to share.

America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.





About the Author
Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University and currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her family. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller The Selection and the self-published fantasy novel The Siren. Kiera has kissed approximately fourteen boys in her life. None of them were princes.

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS

LOVED IT

The Selection has been whittled down to six girls and named The Elite. Aspen is guarding America's door and quite possibly her heart from Maxon and threats from  the rebels.  Poor America is so darn confused, she is unsure which way to turn since both Maxon and Aspen offer her each something different.  Unfortunately, America must decide and decide soon.  Also every time I give up on Maxon, he redeems himself -- sigh -- no, big, giant SIGH.  And then there is Aspen and while I think he is perfect for America, there seems to be that little something missing between the two.  Where he is strong and steady, Maxon always keeps her guessing. 

So the game continues and Maxon still professes his love for America but has to have a back up plan in case something goes wrong between the two.  The rebels attack and cause death and destruction within the palace walls and the pair are locked into a safe room where more secrets are divulged.  As America gets to know Maxon better, she loves him even more. Aspen understands the game and waits somewhat patiently for this whole thing to be over.  There are a few shocking events which I don't want to spoil.

Overall, this is a great second book in a trilogy.  There are a few twists, but nothing outlandish although I was left upset a bit by America's inability to make up her mind, the end more than makes up for it when she does figure out her purpose.  I can only image that the finale in this series is going to be exciting given the direction this one goes in.  Parents:  there is some kissing, a bit of violence and overall a pretty clean read.  So, now another year long wait for the conclusion.  

Waiting on Wednesday THE ELITE by KIERA CASS @HarperTeen

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at  Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Book Description

Release Date: April 23, 2013

Kiera Cass’s The Elite is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, fairy tales, and reality TV. This sequel to The Selection will enchant teens who love Divergent and The Bachelor.

In America Singer’s world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition. In the second book of the Selection series, America is one of only six girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon—and life as the queen—she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?

The Elite delivers the adventure, glamour, political intrigue, and romance readers of The Selection expect, and continues the love triangle that captivated them.

BOOK WINNER! The Selection by Kiera Cass @sasiegirl

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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Selection by Kiera Cass @harperteen @kieracass

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Series: Selection - Trilogy

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

AAbout the Author

Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University and currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her family. Her fantasy novel the siren was self-published in 2009. Kiera has kissed approximately fourteen boys in her life. None of them were princes.

SOURCE:  Publisher


MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT





America Singer has been thrown into a reality television show to win the hand and heart of Prince Maxon. Living in a post third world war country that was once the United States. society has been divided between the haves and the have nots and broken down further into a caste system.  This story is actually closer to truth than fiction right now.  We have the class warfare, the war on women, and people who still go to bed hungry.  It scares me.  So throw in a bit of reality television like the Bachelor and it can get very intense quickly.  America is exactly the sort of anti hero that I have come to adore.  She is outspoken, tells the truth (mostly) and is trying to find her way in a society where she has limited options.  Her family will be paid for her entering this game show where she might end up with the prince and thus her family will be able to eat and have warmth. So in a Survivor like fashion, she wants to stay in the game as long as possible.  




I know, I know, everyone has been equating this story as a cross between The Bachelor and the Hunger Games.  I admit there are some similarities like the dystopian world of the Hunger Games and people starving, class warfare, haves versus have-nots and the like while bringing in the reality television version of The Bachelor.  Even if you are like me and never really watched those back stabbing television b*tches, you will know exactly what I am talking about if you survived junior high.  There are devious girls, like Celeste,  who will stop at nothing to attain the prize of the Prince.  Then there are others like Marlee, who aren't quite as obvious.  Prince Maxon, for all his worldliness, is not quite the player and has some really bad self esteem issues.  I think there is more to him than what is in the book so far and wonder how he will be developed.  


And just for fun, there is a wonderful love triangle between America's first love, Aspen, who is now back in the picture as a palace guard.  That plot points seems a bit too convenient for me and again it will be interesting to see where this story line ends up in the next installment of this trilogy.  Overall, there is not much for parents to worry about in this story since it just includes some kissing since there are regulations about most aspects of life.  I only remember alcohol discussed in a few instances, some discussions of violence (a boy is whipped for stealing food) and really not much else.  I really can't wait until the next one is released. 

Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062059939
• ISBN-13: 978-0062059932

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Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection by Kiera Cass @kieracass @harperteen

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012 | Series: Selection - Trilogy

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

AAbout the Author

Kiera Cass is a graduate of Radford University and currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her family. Her fantasy novel the siren was self-published in 2009. Kiera has kissed approximately fourteen boys in her life. None of them were princes.

Details Reading level: Ages 13 and up Hardcover: 336 pages Publisher: HarperTeen (April 24, 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062059939 ISBN-13: 978-0062059932 If anyone wants to trade their ARC - please let me know!

BOOKS TO TELEVISION: The Selection by Kiera Cass @harperteen @kieracass

From GalleyCat

The CW will shoot a pilot episode for a TV adaptation of Kiera Cass‘ not-yet-published novel, The Selection. This young-adult dystopian title has been compared to The Hunger Games and will be released on April 24th.

So far, five actors have been cast: Aimee Teegarden will play lead heroine America Singer. Ethan Peck will play love interest Prince Maxon. Sean Patrick Thomas will play a royal advisor named Sylvan. Leonor Varela will play Queen Amberly. Martin Donovan will play King Clarkson.

Here’s more from Deadline: “Based on the upcoming series of books by Kiera Cass, The Selection is described as an epic romance set 300 years in the future. Written by Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain and directed by Mark Piznarski, it centers on America Singer (Aimee Teegarden), a poor young woman who is chosen by lottery to participate in a competition to marry Prince Maxon(Ethan Peck) and become the next queen of a war-torn nation at a crossroads.”

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. 

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined

Check out the author's You Tube channel -- pretty darn cool!