I wasn't sure what to expect from the final installment in this series, as The Elite didn't take the path I really wanted it to take. Ultimately, I was a little disappointed in this book but it was a good ending to the story, with plenty of action and suspense to keep me reading right until the final page. 
 The Elite kinda dragged a little for me, with one great scene featuring the Northern rebels that got me interested. Sure enough, the Northern rebels feature a lot more in this book and their presence really keeps the story moving along, as well as adding lots of action. 
 Maxon. Maxon Maxon Maxon. I started to dislike him in the second book but by this book I was in despair. Where was my sweet naive Prince I met in The Selection? The irony that I'm listening to A Beautiful Lie right now is not lost on me. He seemed to think that it was okay to just flit from girl to girl and not consider their feelings. When he found out something about America he just became vicious, a perfect reflection of his father. So I least I can agree that his personality makes sense, but his personality change doesn't. 
 And I can't fangirl over a guy like that because he occasionally buys a girl jewellery. Not happening. 
 I did love the last four girls more in this book but apart from Celeste, I didn't find them too memorable and Kriss was just sort of annoying. Then all banding together at that point, unsure who Maxon would choose was both very sweet and said a lot about Maxon. I particularly loved the dress up sessions. 
 The King and Queen, background for the first two books, become actual people in this book. The Queen was a lot like Kriss I felt, not much there past the guy she was in love with. The King suddenly became this evil villain character, which I wasn't expecting. He was a very evil, vicious character. 
 Overall, not the path I wanted - which was for Maxon to choose in book two and have the sequel as him learning to rule the Kingdom - but it was a good ending I guess. Parts did seem like they were trying to drag out the 'does he love her will they actually get married by the end of the fiftieth book' scenario but the action and politics kept me distracted at least.