The Elite (novel)
| Author | Kiera Cass |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Selection |
| Genre | Young adult |
| Published | 23 April 2013 |
| Publisher | HarperTeen |
| Pages | 336 |
| ISBN | |
| Preceded by | The Selection |
| Followed by | The One |
The Elite is the second novel in the best-selling Selection series by Kiera Cass. It is narrated by America Singer, a 17-year-old girl who is selected to compete with 34 other girls to become Prince Maxon's wife and become queen. The Elite tells the story at the stage in the competition where there are only six girls left and tensions are high from both the competition and the dangerous rebels.
The book takes place 300 years in the future in a country called Illéa (formerly the United States) that has a strict caste system. The castes range from eight to one, with Eights being the homeless and Ones being the royal family. Prince Maxon has narrowed down his selection candidates to an Elite of six girls: America, Kriss, Celeste, Elise, Natalie, and Marlee. Maxon must find a wife among these girls. In order to do so, Maxon meets their families and throws a Halloween Ball, which was America's suggestion. After the ball, it is discovered that Marlee has been having a secret affair with one of the guards, and as a consequence, is severely caned, a horrible form of whipping becoming an eight. Upset and angry that Maxon would let such a thing happen to her, America reconsiders her feelings for Maxon. Then, the girls must plan an event and are split into two teams: America and Kriss, and Natalie, Celeste, and Elise. After much planning, America and Kriss's reception with the Italian Royalty becomes successful. Also, Celeste shows America an article which shows that she is now the least favorite, and Celeste is the highest. After this, Maxon asks to speak with America, and the girls hope he will kick her out. Of course, he doesn't, and instead shows her the Princess' suite as well as her best friend, Marlee. The two girls talk about Marlee's new life, where she cooks in the kitchen and has married Carter Woodwork, the former guard. Mason and King Clarkson go to New Asia and plan to stay at Elise's parents house. The palace ends up losing connection with the king and Maxon. When Maxon comes back he stops in to say hi to America. America is later crushed when she sees Maxon kissing a half-naked Celeste in the hallway. She later angrily confronts him, asking to leave. However, he rejects her request. For their next project, the girls must give a presentation that will be broadcast on The Report. America, after reading secret diaries of Gregory Illéa, the first king, comes up and presents the idea that there should be no castes, and attempts to answer the questions by showing the diary. Immediately, the outraged king shuts down the report and takes the diary from her and demands she returns home. However, Maxon insists she stays, leaving his father infuriated.
Cass went on The Dark Days Of Summer Tour in 2013 to promote the book. She also released teasers and spoilers through her publisher HarperTeen in preparation for the release.
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