The Elite
by Kiera Cass
7.88 / 10 899K ratings
- Language
- Indonesian
- Published
- 2013
- Publisher
- Bentang Pustaka
- Pages
- 428
- ISBN
- 9786027975002
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.
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.
- Genres
- Fiction › RomanceFiction › Speculative fiction › FantasyFiction › Speculative fiction › Science fictionFiction › Speculative fiction › Dystopian fictionFiction › Religious fiction
- Themes
- Class & moneyPolitics & power › RevolutionPolitics & power › RoyaltyReligion & faith › Christianity
- Tropes
- Competition
Original edition
L'éliteOriginally published in 2013 French ROBERT LAFFONT
Other editions (85)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The gilded cage of the palace felt both a sanctuary and a prison, its opulence a stark contrast to the life I'd known. I, America Singer, a Five by birth, found myself among the Elite, the six remaining girls vying for the hand of Prince Maxon. The competition had narrowed, but my heart remained a battlefield, torn between the charming, enigmatic prince and Aspen, my first love, now a guard within these very walls. Each stolen glance with Aspen, each brush of his hand, rekindled the familiar ache of what we had lost, a secret dance of longing in the palace corridors.
Maxon, ever the gentleman, sought to understand me, to bridge the chasm between our vastly different worlds. He took me to see the stars, a simple pleasure he'd rarely known, confessing his weaknesses, his vulnerabilities. There were moments, like when he revealed the secret library behind a painting, filled with forbidden books, that I felt a profound connection, a glimpse into a soul yearning for more than just a crown. He even indulged my suggestion of a Halloween Ball, inviting our families to the palace, a gesture that spoke of his burgeoning affection and desire to truly know me.
Yet, the demands of the Selection were relentless, the other girls, Kriss, Celeste, Elise, and Natalie, growing fiercer in their pursuit of the prince. Kriss, in particular, seemed to blossom, her gentle nature drawing Maxon's attention, making me question my own hesitant heart. The pressure mounted with each passing day, each new task, pushing me to consider whether I truly desired a future as princess, as queen of Illéa, a country grappling with a rigid caste system and the constant threat of rebel attacks.
A shadow fell over the palace when Marlee, my bubbly friend among the Elite, was discovered in a forbidden affair with a guard. The brutal public caning she endured, stripping her of her caste and banishing her, shattered my illusions of Maxon's kindness and the supposed justice of the monarchy. The sight of her suffering, the cold indifference of King Clarkson, ignited a furious indignation within me, casting a harsh light on the very system I was being asked to embrace. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lay beneath the palace's glittering facade, forcing me to reconsider everything.
Amidst this turmoil, rebel attacks grew more frequent, their presence a constant, unsettling drumbeat against the palace walls. Maxon, burdened by his royal duties, struggled to maintain control, and I found myself increasingly drawn into the political undercurrents, even discovering the secret diaries of Gregory Illéa, the first king, which hinted at a different, more equitable vision for the country. This newfound knowledge fueled a desire to speak out, to advocate for change, even if it meant challenging the very foundations of the monarchy during a televised report.
My heart, however, remained in disarray. Maxon, despite his declarations of affection, continued to divide his attention among the other girls, and a crushing blow came when I witnessed him in a compromising embrace with Celeste. The image seared into my mind, fueling a desperate anger that made me question his sincerity and my place in his affections. In that moment of profound hurt and confusion, the thought of leaving, of escaping the suffocating grandeur of the palace, became an overwhelming desire.
The path ahead remained shrouded in uncertainty. Could I truly be the queen this fractured nation needed? Could I ever fully give my heart to Maxon, knowing he had wavered? And what of Aspen, the constant, steady presence who still held a piece of my soul? The weight of these choices pressed down on me, the future of Illéa and my own happiness hanging precariously in the balance.
Maxon, ever the gentleman, sought to understand me, to bridge the chasm between our vastly different worlds. He took me to see the stars, a simple pleasure he'd rarely known, confessing his weaknesses, his vulnerabilities. There were moments, like when he revealed the secret library behind a painting, filled with forbidden books, that I felt a profound connection, a glimpse into a soul yearning for more than just a crown. He even indulged my suggestion of a Halloween Ball, inviting our families to the palace, a gesture that spoke of his burgeoning affection and desire to truly know me.
Yet, the demands of the Selection were relentless, the other girls, Kriss, Celeste, Elise, and Natalie, growing fiercer in their pursuit of the prince. Kriss, in particular, seemed to blossom, her gentle nature drawing Maxon's attention, making me question my own hesitant heart. The pressure mounted with each passing day, each new task, pushing me to consider whether I truly desired a future as princess, as queen of Illéa, a country grappling with a rigid caste system and the constant threat of rebel attacks.
A shadow fell over the palace when Marlee, my bubbly friend among the Elite, was discovered in a forbidden affair with a guard. The brutal public caning she endured, stripping her of her caste and banishing her, shattered my illusions of Maxon's kindness and the supposed justice of the monarchy. The sight of her suffering, the cold indifference of King Clarkson, ignited a furious indignation within me, casting a harsh light on the very system I was being asked to embrace. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lay beneath the palace's glittering facade, forcing me to reconsider everything.
Amidst this turmoil, rebel attacks grew more frequent, their presence a constant, unsettling drumbeat against the palace walls. Maxon, burdened by his royal duties, struggled to maintain control, and I found myself increasingly drawn into the political undercurrents, even discovering the secret diaries of Gregory Illéa, the first king, which hinted at a different, more equitable vision for the country. This newfound knowledge fueled a desire to speak out, to advocate for change, even if it meant challenging the very foundations of the monarchy during a televised report.
My heart, however, remained in disarray. Maxon, despite his declarations of affection, continued to divide his attention among the other girls, and a crushing blow came when I witnessed him in a compromising embrace with Celeste. The image seared into my mind, fueling a desperate anger that made me question his sincerity and my place in his affections. In that moment of profound hurt and confusion, the thought of leaving, of escaping the suffocating grandeur of the palace, became an overwhelming desire.
The path ahead remained shrouded in uncertainty. Could I truly be the queen this fractured nation needed? Could I ever fully give my heart to Maxon, knowing he had wavered? And what of Aspen, the constant, steady presence who still held a piece of my soul? The weight of these choices pressed down on me, the future of Illéa and my own happiness hanging precariously in the balance.
What other readers say
Liked
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.
Disliked
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.
In short
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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