PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
GENRES: Young Adult, Romance Books
AUTHORS: Kiera Cass
PAGES: 323 pages
ISBN13: 9780007466702
TAGS: Young Adult Books, Romance Books, Free Books, PDF Books
LANGUAGE: en
TYPE: Digital
“The Elite” (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass – Complete Summary
“The Elite” is the second book in Kiera Cass’s “The Selection” series. It continues the story of America Singer, a young woman competing in a contest to win the heart of Prince Maxon Schreave and become the next queen of Illéa.
Plot Overview
1. The Elite Group: At the beginning of “The Elite,” the competition has been narrowed down to six girls, including America. These six girls are referred to as the Elite. America struggles with her feelings for both Prince Maxon and her first love, Aspen, who is now a palace guard.
2. America’s Relationship with Maxon: America’s relationship with Maxon deepens as they spend more time together. Maxon confides in her about the pressures he faces as the future king. Despite their growing bond, America is still unsure about her feelings, especially when she sees Maxon with the other contestants.
3. Aspen’s Presence: Aspen’s presence in the palace complicates America’s emotions. He tries to convince her to leave the competition and be with him instead. America is torn between her past with Aspen and her potential future with Maxon.
4. The Political Tension: The political landscape of Illéa becomes more tense. Rebels attack the palace multiple times, creating fear and uncertainty. America learns more about the country’s history and the corruption within the government.
5. Marlee’s Punishment: One of the most significant events is the public punishment of Marlee, one of America’s closest friends. Marlee is caught having a romantic relationship with a palace guard, which is strictly forbidden. She and her lover are caned in front of everyone and then sent to a labor camp. This incident deeply affects America and causes her to question the nature of the monarchy.
6. America’s Growing Resolve: Despite the trauma of Marlee’s punishment, America becomes more determined to fight for justice. She starts to envision how she could make a positive impact if she were to become queen. However, her outspokenness often puts her at odds with the king, who sees her as a threat to the established order.
7. Love Triangle: The love triangle intensifies. Maxon and America have several misunderstandings, and America’s jealousy and indecision cause friction. Meanwhile, Aspen continues to express his unwavering love for America, hoping she’ll choose him.
8. America’s Decision: As the story progresses, America starts to realize that she needs to make a decision about her future. She must decide whether she truly wants to be with Maxon and become queen or if her heart lies with Aspen. Her actions and decisions during the competition increasingly reflect her internal struggle.
9. Cliffhanger: The book ends with a cliffhanger, leaving America’s future in the Selection uncertain. Her growing awareness of the country’s issues and her desire to help shape its future are juxtaposed against her unresolved romantic feelings.
Themes
- Love and Choice: America’s struggle to choose between Maxon and Aspen is central to the story. The theme of love is intertwined with the theme of choice, as America’s decisions will shape not only her future but also the future of Illéa.
- Power and Responsibility: The novel explores the responsibilities that come with power. America learns that becoming queen is not just about winning Maxon’s heart but also about having the ability to make significant changes in the kingdom.
- Social Justice: Through America’s growing awareness of the social injustices in Illéa, the book addresses themes of inequality and the importance of standing up for what is right.
“The Elite” delves deeper into the personal and political dynamics of Illéa, with America’s character development at the forefront. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the struggle to balance love and duty.
