L'élite

Kiera Cass

  • First published 2013
  • 360 pages
  • French
The Selection began with thirty-five girls. Now, only six remain. For America Singer, making it to the Elite is a bewildering success. She arrived at the palace to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon against her will, but as the competition has intensified, so have her feelings for the prince. Yet her past is never far away, and her lingering affection for Aspen, her first love who is now a palace guard, keeps her heart divided. The glamour of palace life is shadowed by violent rebel attacks, and the pressure to choose a future is mounting not just from the prince, but from the entire nation of Illéa.

As the competition grows fiercer, America is forced to confront what she truly wants. The other five girls know exactly what their goal is: the crown. But for America, the stakes are far more personal. Every moment with Maxon feels like a fairy tale, while every glance from Aspen is a reminder of the life she thought she wanted. With time running out and the kingdom's stability in question, America must decide if she is fighting for a prince or for a future she never dared to imagine. Her choice will define not only her own destiny but could also alter the course of her entire society.
3.94
899K ratings across the web
7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Readers generally found "The Elite" to be a highly addictive and quick read, with many finishing it in a single sitting. Reviewers often praised its ability to evoke strong emotional reactions, keeping them invested in the narrative despite acknowledging its perceived shortcomings. Some highlighted the engaging romantic tension and appreciated certain plot developments, particularly those related to the broader story and the activities of rebel factions. The book was noted for providing a smooth continuation from its predecessor, and specific character relationships and unexpected turns were sometimes cited as positive aspects, building anticipation for the subsequent installment in the series. The aesthetic appeal of the book's cover was also frequently mentioned.

Conversely, a significant number of reviewers expressed disappointment, often describing the book as boring, pointless, and frustrating. The protagonist, America, drew widespread criticism for her extreme indecisiveness regarding her romantic choices, perceived hypocrisy, immaturity, and frequent emotional outbursts. The central love triangle was frequently characterized as repetitive, unrealistic, and a major source of aggravation, often overshadowing any other narrative elements. Many reviewers also pointed out weak and inconsistent worldbuilding, particularly concerning the country's history, political systems, and the repetitive, often ineffectual rebel attacks that lacked genuine peril. Furthermore, the dialogue was frequently labeled as cringeworthy or unrealistic, and some found the character development, especially for supporting roles, to be inadequate or inconsistent. Concerns were also raised about potentially problematic themes, such as negative portrayals of female characters and the superficial treatment of serious topics.

Ultimately, "The Elite" received a polarized reception, often described as a "guilty pleasure" that readers found compelling despite acknowledging its significant flaws. While some genuinely enjoyed the book and read it quickly, many considered it a disappointing sequel, with some deeming it the weakest in the series due to its repetitive plot and frustrating characters. Despite these criticisms, a common sentiment was an undeniable urge to continue reading the series to discover the story's conclusion. This book would likely appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced, drama-heavy young adult romance with a strong focus on a love triangle, and who are willing to overlook narrative inconsistencies and character frustrations for the sake of an engaging, albeit imperfect, reading experience.

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This edition
ROBERT LAFFONT, 2013
ISBN
9782221136966
ISBN-10
2221136969
Language
French
Original edition Originally published in 2013 · French · ROBERT LAFFONT

Other editions (85)