It was a page turner that you couldn't put down! At the beginning, it was all nice and dandy but by the end, it was like one of those horror movies that you're scared to see what happens next but you do anyways, because you hope for it to be better. I'm not saying the book was written badly; the plot was actually very interesting. It's just that things were going downward spiral for America in this book. My thoughts on America as a leader stand somewhat; it's just that she needs to control her temper. This side of her was mentioned and seen a little during The Selection, but is fully blown out here. In her temper, she's also really rash, too. I felt kind of sad and hopeful at the end for America. Then there's Marlee. I can't believe what happened to her until it happened ( if that even makes sense)! Oh, and the king's an ultimate jerk and power crazed fool. Reading The Prince gave me a little insight to that before reading The Elite as well as insight on Maxon. Also, there's something explaining the beginning of the caste system as well as Gregory Illea's history in this book. I'm not going to say anymore in case anyone complains about spoilers..... so, the end until the next and final book! ;)