The Elite

The Elite (2013) is the second book in the New York Times best-selling Selection series by American author Kiera Cass. Following the first book, The Selection (2012)—which brings 35 girls from all over the country of Illéa to contend for the hand of Prince Maxon—America Singer, the prince’s favorite, is among the six remaining girls competing to become the princess and future queen. As rebels threaten the palace and competition among the girls intensifies, America must decide who has her heart: Maxon, who professes to care for America but divides his attention among the other girls, or Aspen, her childhood love, a palace guard, who remains devoted to her. The Selection series, aimed at young adults, includes five novels, concluding with The Crown (2016), and several spin-off novels that examine themes of romance, power, and coming of age in a luxurious setting amid monarchical, vaguely dystopian governments.

This guide refers to the HarperTeen edition.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss domestic violence, abuse, and miscarriage.

Plot Summary

In the country of Illéa, formed out of the fallen United States, the Selection is a custom where girls from all over the country are brought to the palace to compete to be chosen by the crown prince as his princess. America Singer, who never expected to be one of the 35 girls selected—in part because she belongs to Caste Five, one of the lower levels of society— formed an unexpected bond with Prince Maxon. America is one of six girls, referred to as the Elite, remaining in the competition. America knows that Maxon favors her but is waiting to be sure of her feelings before declaring his choice. When America runs into her former love, Aspen—now a palace guard—she still feels drawn to the world he represents and the future they dreamed of together. She worries that sacrificing either man will break her heart.

To please America, Maxon holds a Halloween celebration and invites the families of the Elite to the palace. Maxon shows America a secret room holding banned historical books and loans her a diary written by the country’s founder, Gregory Illéa. America is delighted to see her family, including her lively younger sister, May. Her parents are proud of her, and at the Halloween dance, Maxon tells America he has obtained her father’s permission to marry her. He’ll propose when America feels ready to commit to him and take on the responsibilities of being a princess.

The next morning, America is forced to witness the public flogging of her fellow Elite and best friend, Marlee, who was caught with a palace guard, Officer Woodwork. America tries to stop the flogging herself and is forcibly removed. Shaken that Maxon would allow such a cruel punishment, America pleads with him to let her leave the Selection, but Maxon begs her to stay and trust him. America finds refuge in spending secret time with Aspen, feeling soothed that he understands and loves her, though she will suffer the same fate as Marlee if they are caught.

Competition among the remaining five girls escalates. America fights with Celeste, who is doing her best to undermine the others, and she worries over Maxon’s increasing attachment to Kriss, who seems suited to be the next queen. When rebels attack the palace, America hides in the forest and witnesses a girl stealing books. She wonders what the rebels want.

To practice their princess skills, the remaining Elite are tasked with preparing a reception for visiting dignitaries. The Italian princess confides in America, expressing concerns about the lack of personal freedoms in Illéa. America feels growing distress as she reads Gregory Illéa’s diary and learns that he was less a savior of a shattered country than an ambitious man who seized an opportunity to rule. She fears Maxon has the same ambition for power.

America reconsiders her opinion of the prince after learning that Maxon aided Marlee and the officer, now her husband, by giving them jobs in the palace. While Maxon and the king travel to New Asia, with whom the country is at war, America learns that Kriss truly loves Maxon and wants to win him. As Aspen continues his efforts to woo her, America feels torn between both men. With the frequency of rebel threats and attacks increasing, Maxon warns America that she must decide soon.

Confused by her own feelings and upset over what she is learning from Gregory’s diary, America seeks out Maxon and finds him embracing Celeste. She is hurt and furious and decides to get herself thrown out of the Selection. When the girls are challenged to present a social project on the weekly TV show broadcast over the country, America boldly suggests that the caste system be abolished. The king is outraged and insists that America be sent home. Maxon defends her, insisting that the Selection is his choice.

That night, when rebels invade the palace, Maxon and America take refuge in a safe room together, and America learns that Maxon has been beaten by his own father. She understands that Maxon has often stood up for her and is trying to correct the ills in the country. America regrets that she’s lost her chance to be with him. When Maxon persuades the king to allow America to stay, America decides she wants to fight for him. Though she knows the king is set against her, America is now determined to win the Selection.