The Elite by Kiera Cass

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen

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 am so glad that I didn't have to wait on this one to be published because it would have KILLED me! I love how this series captivates what many teenage girls have to deal with- maybe not on the level of becoming a princess, but the whole idea of making choices that will impact the rest of your life. Sometimes teenagers forget that the little things that they do have lasting impressions, but America knows that her decision on where her heart really lies is going to have a major impact- and not just on her. 

I love that this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was rooting for America, scared at the possibilities of what was to come, and now I am ready to see what happens in the conclusion of the series (maybe... I really don't want it to end). This novel had the right amount of action, love, suspense, and drama and the subtle cliffy... superb! 

The next one in the series is the novella The Guard, so I am headed that way!

Happy reading!!