235 reviews for:

Elite

Rachel Van Dyken

3.64 AVERAGE


I liked this book. It was good, different with sizzling chemistry between the lead characters, a good story line, unique plot and overall a story with it's own mojo! All of this stuff did it for me.

Sadly what didn't, was the fact that the heroine gains an interest in another guy. Sorry. I'm just not into stuff like that. And the teaser from the next book just broke my heart. There are many things I can brush off...wayward feelings and cheating isn't really one of them. That's why it lost a star.

But I enjoyed the book till this, which appears towards the end.

So yes, despite that, I recommend it, it deserves the recommendation


Just No.

*I got an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest impartial review*

I absolutely loved this book. The blurb on the back cover, so to speak, doesn't give much information on the story, but I think this is the best for this book.

Tracey starts at Eagle Elite not knowing what to expect, but knowing she wont fit in, she was raised on a farm and these students are the kids of the most elite people in the country. There are soo many rules, and Trace doesn't do well with being told what to do. It makes for an entertaining, action packed and at times sweet.

Elite draws you in with its intriguing slow reveal of the story. Coupled with Tracey's comebacks and Nixon's at times odd behaviour this is a great exciting read that had me not wanting to put it down. I would recommend this to all fan's of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl's series.

Note: This ARC (for the paperback edition) was provided by Forever Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Elite" is the first book in the new adult (NA) "Eagle Elite" series by bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken. This series appears to be very different from the "Ruin" series that I'm a huge fan of and that isn't necessarily a bad thing because no one really wants authors to just keep rehashing the same stuff they have in one series and put them in another with different characters and settings. That would get way too boring for bookaholics.

Based on this first book, the series has characters that are complex and an overall story that is intriguing and original. Let's hope that this is, indeed, a sign of good things to come...and yes, I know that four books have already been released after this one but if you're new to the series and you're like me, the first book sets your expectations for the rest of the series. "Elite" certainly raises the bar high for the books I have yet to read. ^.^

Tracey "Trace" Rooks can't quite believe that she's actually been accepted to Eagle Elite University, a very private and exclusive school known to cater to the rich, famous, and powerful families all over the United States. She's won the lottery that awards one high school graduate the prestigious Eagle Elite College Scholarship, but the minute she enters the gates of the school, she becomes very much aware that she doesn't exactly fit in with the privileged students and a small group known as the Elect makes it a point to let her know that she is an outsider.

Nixon Abandonato isn't just the student body president; he also happens to be the head of the Elect, a much revered and feared group inside Eagle Elite. He seeks to put Trace in her proper place within the school but there's something about the infuriatingly stubborn freshman that's gotten his attention. He's not sure if he should stay away from her or stay by her side. But then he finds something out about "Farm Girl" that even Trace has no clue about and he realizes the world as she knows it as about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

There are a number of secrets in the story that may have you wondering what kind of place Eagle Elite really is and what kind of power Nixon truly holds over not just those within the walls of the college but even outside. If you read the acknowledgments at the beginning of the book, there's one sentence that'll give you an idea of what's going on BUT it doesn't explain everything that's happening, so no need to fret. ^.^ I was able to figure out the main twist in the story but it will be interesting to see how it plays into the sequel.

The book does end on a cliffhanger so you'll definitely have to check out the second book, "Elect", if you're as curious as I am to find out how the revelations in the first book affect Trace, Nixon, and the rest of their group. ^.^ Cliffhanger and all, I'm still giving "Elite" four stars out of five because it simply made me want more of the characters and the stories they have yet to tell and how could you ever say "no" to a book like that? ♥

4.5 stars

I have read a lot from this author, usually something funny or paranormal. For some reason, I hadn't started this series even though it had been on my TBR for what seems like forever. I can now see that I was remiss in that as it is fraught with suspense and secrets.

Even though it tends to read as young adult without the steam factor, I can see that the potential is there to turn into something more. I figured every book would be different characters but I can see that, at least in this case, that Nix and Trace's story has more to go. Interesting side characters and a great foundation for the future. My only hope is that it will feel more "adult" or mature as the series progresses because at times the juvenile reactions and dialogue were exasperating.

I am huge RVD fan and wanted to start this series once I discovered it. This series is a little grittier than others I've read by RVD, and the beginning was a little difficult for me. I despised all the characters, minus the heroine (Trace). I had no idea how Nixon would go from being King Turd to hero. He reminded me a lot of Jared from "Bully" but not quite as evil. Needless to say, RVD worked her magic. By the end, I was totally on board the Nixon train!!

The story was told from Trace's POV. I would have liked to know a little of what Nixon was thinking or feeling. The supporting cast was A+! I am certain a few of them will have their own book in the future. I am very worried that Chase might be a serious love interest for Trace in book 2. While I do like Chase, I feel so strongly that Nix and Trace are soul mates!

There was a mild CH and I am counting down until Dec 10th!! I can't wait to see what happens to my favorite mafia members.

"Cuts heal, bruises fade--but broken hearts? They carry scars for a lifetime."

"I'm always saving you. Even when you didn't know I was there, I was saving you."

That was terrible and poorly written on so many levels.
mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Confused majority of the book.  Just talk people!
dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

My first RVD book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I loved the characters, suspense, and building romance! It's a slow burn mafia YA! I immediately started book 2!