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From the top, you can see everything . . . except yourself.When Casey McCloy steps into the elegant Bramford building, she's overwhelmed. Fresh from the Midwest, she's moved to New York's Upper East Side to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. Here all that matters is who you know. The girl to know is Madison Macallister: popular, pretty, platinumblond. She's not just Casey's new classmate and neighbor; she's an icon. So Casey aims to get in with Madison and her gorgeous gal-pals from the start. As the reigning queen of coolness, Madison is capable of destroying reputations with one welltimed whisper. Better to be on her good side.
But after a city-haute makeover from her new frenemy Madison, Casey is wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and meeting the right people-including Drew, the boy-about-town who Madison thinks belongs to her and her alone.
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I was somewhat surprised by The Elite. It was well-written and very readable. Banash can throw in brand names and still keep the story's integrity, a talent some authors are hard to come by. While the character's wardrobes were mentioned, the plot wasn't overly focused on what the character's were wearing. It was dramatic without being unrealistic.
The points of view rotated between the five main characters. This allowed the reader to get to know each of them better. I think they were all better developed because you got to see firsthand what they were thinking, how they perceive others, and how others perceived them. I believe this definitely upped the readability and enjoyability of the novel.
I found many things I could relate to which is rare in my past experiences with novels dealing with high class New York.
Overall, it was a fun read that anyone can enjoy. I can't wait to read the sequel, In Too Deep. I'll also be picking up the third book, Simply Irresistible, when it is released.
I want those huge sunglasses on the cover! =P
3.5 out of 5 stars
I just bought this, and am waiting for it to arrive. I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteI loved The Elite! I agree with you on the sunglasses :P They're awesome!
ReplyDeleteLovely review. I have to agree with you on the designer clothes/wardrobe thing, it's so annoying when authors do that, and to me it seems they aren't really going for longevity with their novels.
ReplyDeleteI def want to read this now too :-)
Great review, those sunglasses are awesome! I really want to read this book :)
ReplyDeleteLOVED this review! Thanks so much for taking the time to read it! I would be grateful if you'd please post your review on Amazon and B&N--it really helps us authors out a lot! xxoxooxox
ReplyDeleteThe cover of this book is "mysterious". Makes the story look interesting.
ReplyDeletewandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Great review! I really love the cover
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to read this book, well series, for FOREVER and this review made me want to do so even more!
ReplyDeleteI also love how you said that the book can brand-name drop, but still keep integrity of book. That's a must! :)
Dani.
sounds interesting,great review.
ReplyDeleteNice review. I've been seeing this book around the blogs and have wanted to read it ever since.
ReplyDeleteI loved the cover but wasnt to sure about story until I read your review!! Win or loose this series has been added to my list!!
ReplyDeletecfisher1504(at)gmail(dot)com
awesome review! i also want those glasses they look awesome!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read! I agree about the different points of view aspect; definitely helps the reader get to know characters better.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this book! It also sounds really good and I want to read it.
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