Review of: The Elite(The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass

The Elite(The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass

Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 323 pgs
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Released: April 23rd, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
My Rating: 5 stars
Read: from  April 25 to May 02, 2013
Source: Amazon
Synopsis: 

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller, The Selection.

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.

(from Goodreads)

The Elite is the 2nd out of three books in Kiera Cass's trilogy, The Selection, of which I am wholeheartedly OBSESSED with! I had high expectations for this book because of The Selection, and let me tell you, I wasn't the slightest disappointed!

Since this is the 2nd book in the series and the competition between girls is narrowing down, it was definitely faster paced than with the first. I loved that, I kept right up with it as I finished it in a mere few days. I couldn't get enough of it. I was turning pages left and right.

One thing that made this book so exciting was the amount of action! The attacks on the castle became more frequent and had higher stakes, so naturally my heart was beating out of my chest. I also adored the development of Maxon and America's relationship. Though Maxon has other girls as well at the castle, it wasn't hard for me to see how much he truly cares for America and all that she stands for! I will support them till the end. (TEAM MAXON ALL THE WAY). 

I won't say it, but something happens to a pivotal character in the story that truly ripped my heart out! I was so shocked when I read the words along the lines of "She is being caned" I love this particular character so much and almost cried when this happened. Props to Kiera for making me so emotional!

As you already know, I like Maxon over Aspen. I believe that Aspen had his chance with America in the beginning, and since that didn't work out, it's Maxon's turn now! I know that America loves them both blah blah, blah, but STILL. I like Maxon better plain and simple. I just wish Maxon would man up and America would quit being so indecisive over the two of them! Ugh just pick one!(Preferably Maxon please and thank you (: )

Yes, yes yes yes yes I totally absolutely recommend this book to everyone and anyone out there because I love this series just as much as the next person and I want you to share these feelings as well with me! But please read The Selection first because reading them out of order would kinda ruin it!

♦Haley♦

Review of : Sequins, Secrets and Silver Lining's (Threads, #1) by Sophia Bennett

Sequins, Secrets and Silver Lining's by Sophia Bennett



Page Count(Hardcover Edition): 304 pgs. 
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Released: January 1st, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Cultural Fashion(?)
Series: Threads #1
My Rating: 5/5
Date Started: July 23, 2012
Date Finished: July 27nd,  2012
Source: Library

Synopsis:

When they meet a Ugandan refugee girl who's an amazing designer, three trendy London teens combine their talents to create some kind of wonderful. A hip, cute, multiculti fashion fairy tale!

Nonie's a freak for fashion. Eco-conscious Edie blogs to save the world--and get into Harvard. Starter-starlet Jenny just landed a small part in a big Hollywood blockbuster. But when these trendy London besties meet a Ugandan refugee girl named Crow, sketching a dress at the V&A Museum, their worldview gets an extreme makeover. As they learn about the serious situation in Crow's homeland, they decide to pool their talents to call attention to the crisis of the Night Walking children. A catwalk show featuring Crow's designs--quelle chic way to raise awareness! Now...how to "make it work"?!

From Goodreads

This book simply AMAZED ME. It made me laugh, feel sad, feel compassionate, etc. I just love it when a book does that! That's what makes me gush about it, as I'm just about to do!

The characters were very cute! All of them; Nonie, Edie, Jenny and Crow, Especially crow, because of how she was capable of making such delicate dresses and clothes with her own hands *sighs* (I can sew but that's about it). Let's carry on in deeper detail shall we? ;)

Nonie: Pro's: The narrator. She is kind of her own private fashion designer/stylist with cute and quirky clothes! The way she explained things throughout the book was just adorable!
Cons: None!
Edie: Pro's: Best friends with Nonie, super smart, always aiming high in education. She has her own blog about The Invisible Children.(Super surprised when I saw Sophia added that bit! Made me a lot more compassionate for Crow!)
Cons: A bit annoying,bossy and has no filter when she says something. A.K.A: she doesn't care if she hurts somebody's feelings when she says something. 
Jenny: Pro's: Up and coming actress, starred in a movie with a hot guy, her dad is a millionaire.
Cons: Whiny, doesn't know how to solve her own problems without complaining about them.
Crow: Pro's: Shy(like me), SUPER DUPER SPECIAL AMAZING FASHION DESIGNER.
Cons: It didn't seem like she appreciated what she was given, but towards the end I realized she did, just didn't like to show it.

I loved every single one of the characters in this book so if it seems like I'm harping on them, I'm not! Just feel like people have the right to know the good and the bad (: Also, I only listed the main 4 characters because I didn't get that much of a feel for the others.

Plot time. I didn't know what to expect with this story, and I'm glad! I like to be surprised sometimes, and this was a good one! The setting was very unique, as I have only read about one other England based YA book. The beginning started to grow on me by the 30th page. This is so hard! I don't want to spoil anything, so I guess I should only say that Nonie really grew as a character as she helped with Crows hometown along with Crows show. The ending was special and unexpected, and almost made me tear up ;'(

Great book! Job well done Sophia Bennett. Pat on the back for you! You will definitely be hearing about me reading the next book in the series!

I'm Back!/ Stacking The Shelves #1

Hi everyone! I'm officially back now. Sorry for being gone for so long, but I have plenty in store for you! I have a book for review and a bundle 2 book giveaway! YES, my first giveaway on here! So be tuned in for news and such (: I'm also turning this into my first Stacking The Shelves! So here we go!

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews

I have some books that I have gotten from Books-A-Million, but had kinda forgotten to make a Stacking The Shelves, so here ya go!

                                     

The Daughters Break The Rules(Daughters, #2) by Joanna Philbin

I'm really looking forward to reading this one, because the first one in the series was absolutely amazing, so yeah! (:

The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti

When I read the synopsis for this, I was so intrigued. This is gonna be a first for me, reading about a girl with an anxiety disorder. Probably going to be emotional too.

Surrender(Possesion, #2) by Elena Johnson

OMG! If any of you read the first in this series, you know what I'm feeling. I can't wait to get some more of Zenn, Vi, Jag and the new character, Raine.

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

I have heard many, many great things about this book, so of course I had to get my hands on it! Plus, who can even resist the cover? So delectable! (:

The Selection(The Selection, #1)

I don't know what I love more, the cover, title or synopsis! They all of mind grabbers, and this book just pops out at me like READ ME NOW! Just, omg i can't even explain my feelings for this book. Like with the dresses, I just can't contain my emotions lol.

Hope you enjoyed.

Haley