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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
So, this was kind of back and forth for me and honestly, it wasn’t until I read more of the series that I “got it” better ~ yet at the same time was even more disappointed in it.
Unlike every other book in the series this is only from Trace’s POV, which I see the reason why, but it still sort of sucked. There’s a lot of whiplash going on as well as “Why the hell are you putting up with his shit”.
I own the whole series in ebook and with the exception of Elite & Elect all of the audiobooks (the audio of the first two is subpar and they’re much better read). I’ve read/listened to the whole series multiple times, but now I skip Elite in favor of starting with Enforce (it’s Elite but from the guys’ POV).
Read this ONCE, because you have to for the foundation ~ but then move on because the rest of the series is soooo much better. I think that Elite and Elect have a distinct YA/NA feel that drops off in the rest of the series. Perhaps that is why, after experiencing the rest of it, these two feel more disappointing.
Oh, and if you’re familiar you will definitely get a “Twilight” feel from this book that sort of continues into Elect. Praise Baby Jesus after that each book focuses on a new set of couples so the Trace/Nixon/Chase drama doesn’t drag out for too long.
Oh and #TeamChase
Unlike every other book in the series this is only from Trace’s POV, which I see the reason why, but it still sort of sucked. There’s a lot of whiplash going on as well as “Why the hell are you putting up with his shit”.
I own the whole series in ebook and with the exception of Elite & Elect all of the audiobooks (the audio of the first two is subpar and they’re much better read). I’ve read/listened to the whole series multiple times, but now I skip Elite in favor of starting with Enforce (it’s Elite but from the guys’ POV).
Read this ONCE, because you have to for the foundation ~ but then move on because the rest of the series is soooo much better. I think that Elite and Elect have a distinct YA/NA feel that drops off in the rest of the series. Perhaps that is why, after experiencing the rest of it, these two feel more disappointing.
Oh, and if you’re familiar you will definitely get a “Twilight” feel from this book that sort of continues into Elect. Praise Baby Jesus after that each book focuses on a new set of couples so the Trace/Nixon/Chase drama doesn’t drag out for too long.
Oh and #TeamChase
It was different, gripping, emotionally charged and perfectly written book. I loved the characters, though it would be good for Trace to grow a spine and be worthy of family name, because most of the times she was such a wimp! I can't wait to know, what happens in the next book and I'm glad to hear, that there will be no more than three books in the series (some authors don't know when to stop and torture their characters repeatedly in the series consisting of six and more books - I'm happy to see, that this will not be the case with the Elite Eagle). I can't decide if I'm Team Nixon ot Team Chase - both of them have their faults and merits - I wouldn't mind if in the sequel there was some new third contender for Trace's affection (the more - the merrier! :-)
I'll say nothing more, just highly recommend this book.
I'll say nothing more, just highly recommend this book.
Got an arc from NetGalley. Thanks!
Elite is the kind of book you just can't stop reading; Mysterious, dark, intense and dangerous, it tests the age-old question... 'What would you do if your entire life has been a lie?'
Quite honestly, I had no idea what I was getting to with Elite. The synopsis doesn't tell you much, and I just felt it sounded like a fun read, and Rachel Van Dyken is one of those authors I've been planing to read for a while.
Fun read, I said? There is nothing fun about Elite. It deals with bullying, pain, secrets, lies, and the generally grayer parts in life. Those we don't often talk about, and when we do, they're not usually the heroes of our stories. More like our villains.
Despite that, Elite is not exactly a hard read. Van Dyken does a great job cushioning the dark with lighter and comedic elements, but it's definitely not a walk in the park. It's super intense at points, and when it turns that intense it's not pretty. Actually, it's quite terrifying.
But enough about that. Let's talk characters!
Tracey can be really strong and stand out to a bullying jerk who thinks he can intimidate her, but she'll cry and feel sorry for herself after. This means she'll cry and feel sorry for herself a lot (which is the annoying part about her). She can be really gentle and innocent, but then watch someone beat the crap out of another, and while she'll be freaked she won't try to stop him or be scared of those who did the hitting after. Strong, weak, innocent, and not so much... she had many layers and sides.
Enter Nixon - said bully and jerk. Or is he, really? He can be sweet as honey and then ice cold. He can be papa-bear protective, but then humiliate the same person himself, and break their hearts. He can love fiercely and hate just as strongly. And trust me, you do not want to be on that end of his feelings *shiver*. While reading, you'll feel like you should hate the guy (and at times you will), but I could never really do that for long. Which make me kind of worry for my mental health, but meh.
And lets not talk about the other characters in this book. They'll be your friend one moment, stab you in the back the next and the third threaten to kill someone if he comes near you again.
Then there's the romance.
I don't know if I could ever feel the hots for a guy who treated me like garbage and humiliated me in public, like Tracey does, but there's no denying the fact those two are combustive together, and that when Nixon wants to be nice he can certainly be just that.
Err, but I'm not too thrilled about the promise of a love triangle coming up in the next book.
Elite is the kind of book you just can't stop reading; Mysterious, dark, intense and dangerous, it tests the age-old question... 'What would you do if your entire life has been a lie?'
Quite honestly, I had no idea what I was getting to with Elite. The synopsis doesn't tell you much, and I just felt it sounded like a fun read, and Rachel Van Dyken is one of those authors I've been planing to read for a while.
Fun read, I said? There is nothing fun about Elite. It deals with bullying, pain, secrets, lies, and the generally grayer parts in life. Those we don't often talk about, and when we do, they're not usually the heroes of our stories. More like our villains.
Despite that, Elite is not exactly a hard read. Van Dyken does a great job cushioning the dark with lighter and comedic elements, but it's definitely not a walk in the park. It's super intense at points, and when it turns that intense it's not pretty. Actually, it's quite terrifying.
But enough about that. Let's talk characters!
Tracey can be really strong and stand out to a bullying jerk who thinks he can intimidate her, but she'll cry and feel sorry for herself after. This means she'll cry and feel sorry for herself a lot (which is the annoying part about her). She can be really gentle and innocent, but then watch someone beat the crap out of another, and while she'll be freaked she won't try to stop him or be scared of those who did the hitting after. Strong, weak, innocent, and not so much... she had many layers and sides.
Enter Nixon - said bully and jerk. Or is he, really? He can be sweet as honey and then ice cold. He can be papa-bear protective, but then humiliate the same person himself, and break their hearts. He can love fiercely and hate just as strongly. And trust me, you do not want to be on that end of his feelings *shiver*. While reading, you'll feel like you should hate the guy (and at times you will), but I could never really do that for long. Which make me kind of worry for my mental health, but meh.
And lets not talk about the other characters in this book. They'll be your friend one moment, stab you in the back the next and the third threaten to kill someone if he comes near you again.
Then there's the romance.
I don't know if I could ever feel the hots for a guy who treated me like garbage and humiliated me in public, like Tracey does, but there's no denying the fact those two are combustive together, and that when Nixon wants to be nice he can certainly be just that.
Err, but I'm not too thrilled about the promise of a love triangle coming up in the next book.
Everything is a contradiction with this book. It keeps you guessing, keeps you on edge. You never know where it's going to take you. So many things happen is such short time. It felt like months had past when in reality it's only been two weeks.
I'm really curious to see where the story is going to go from now on, and I can't help but wonder if book 2 will be through Tracey's POV or someone else's.
And I will most definitely keep an eye out for Rachel Van Dyken from now on.
I'm really curious to see where the story is going to go from now on, and I can't help but wonder if book 2 will be through Tracey's POV or someone else's.
And I will most definitely keep an eye out for Rachel Van Dyken from now on.
It gave exactly what I needed it to. Definitely full of
Enroll me now!!!
Whether it's your first time or 15th time with the Eagle Elite, you will want to enroll before you even finish!
I have read and reread this book so many times I can count. This was the first time I listened to it. Though I miss my "interpretation" of Trace's voice, I still loved hearing on of my favorite books come to life.
Rachel Van Dyken made me a fan for life with this book and 4 years later I'm still devouring her every written word!
Elite is an NA novel that starts an epic adventure you can only wish to be a part of. Despite my lack of funds or connections, I will continue to reapply to Eagle Elite until I die or they take pity and make me custodial staff!
Learn with Trace just how not "normal" Eagle Elite University is.
____________
Another reread, another case of "Can I be Trace!?!"
Rachel Van Dyken captured my heart 8 yrs ago with this story and now countless rereads later I am still drawn to Trace and Nixon. I still crush on Chase. I wish Mo was my bestie and I still want to stab Phoenix in unmentionable places. Seems I don't have to be in the Mafia to act like I am. Elite is just the beginning of their journey and to me it's like coming home!!!!!
Whether it's your first time or 15th time with the Eagle Elite, you will want to enroll before you even finish!
I have read and reread this book so many times I can count. This was the first time I listened to it. Though I miss my "interpretation" of Trace's voice, I still loved hearing on of my favorite books come to life.
Rachel Van Dyken made me a fan for life with this book and 4 years later I'm still devouring her every written word!
Elite is an NA novel that starts an epic adventure you can only wish to be a part of. Despite my lack of funds or connections, I will continue to reapply to Eagle Elite until I die or they take pity and make me custodial staff!
Learn with Trace just how not "normal" Eagle Elite University is.
____________
Another reread, another case of "Can I be Trace!?!"
Rachel Van Dyken captured my heart 8 yrs ago with this story and now countless rereads later I am still drawn to Trace and Nixon. I still crush on Chase. I wish Mo was my bestie and I still want to stab Phoenix in unmentionable places. Seems I don't have to be in the Mafia to act like I am. Elite is just the beginning of their journey and to me it's like coming home!!!!!
My God, what is this book? I had such high expectations.
I think this book was written by a 13-year-old, it's so childish and ridiculous. Everything that goes down is written in an over dramatic tone, to make the reader gasp at it's amazingness. I however only gasped in horror.
All the characters are so stupid, they act without thinking, the Mc is an annoying little cry baby, the H is deplorable, I really have no idea why anyone in their right mind would fall in love with him, he's such a freaking pussy.
It is also beyond me how this book has a 4.05 rating.
I think this book was written by a 13-year-old, it's so childish and ridiculous. Everything that goes down is written in an over dramatic tone, to make the reader gasp at it's amazingness. I however only gasped in horror.
All the characters are so stupid, they act without thinking, the Mc is an annoying little cry baby, the H is deplorable, I really have no idea why anyone in their right mind would fall in love with him, he's such a freaking pussy.
It is also beyond me how this book has a 4.05 rating.
I don't know where to begin. The story started off interesting with a promising premise. I mean, a farm girl entering an elite college which pretty much secures your future of a good job.
But that's where my interest ends. Let's begin with the college itself. It's an elite college, but besides the cafeteria system and a few lessons, there were not much details on pretty much everything else. I would love to have known more students of the college and hear how they lived in the campus too.
Which, speaking of the students, I feel that most of them are shallow and snobbish. Here you have a farm girl who is pretty much lost and unsure how to adapt in the elite society, and what do most of them do? Laugh and poke fun at her. It's hard for me to believe that she is the only one who does not fit in the college. Where are the 'nice' students?
The characters barely drew me in, Nixon was a jerk and Trace is pretty much a crybaby. The only person I was interested in was Chase, I'd love to know more about him.
Overall, this is not a novel I would recommend, but I will be picking up the sequel of this and hopefully it'll redeem itself.
But that's where my interest ends. Let's begin with the college itself. It's an elite college, but besides the cafeteria system and a few lessons, there were not much details on pretty much everything else. I would love to have known more students of the college and hear how they lived in the campus too.
Which, speaking of the students, I feel that most of them are shallow and snobbish. Here you have a farm girl who is pretty much lost and unsure how to adapt in the elite society, and what do most of them do? Laugh and poke fun at her. It's hard for me to believe that she is the only one who does not fit in the college. Where are the 'nice' students?
The characters barely drew me in, Nixon was a jerk and Trace is pretty much a crybaby. The only person I was interested in was Chase, I'd love to know more about him.
Overall, this is not a novel I would recommend, but I will be picking up the sequel of this and hopefully it'll redeem itself.
Still cant believe i finished this gem in 5 hours. Need second book asap.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So this book was ridiculous. The writing made my eyes hurt, the characters were either incredibly weak or complete assholes, and the plot was slightly laughable. Or maybe it was just Tracey since she narrated it. But I continued to read the series and damn if it isn't one of my favorites. I fricking love the drama.