The Young Elites - Marie Lu

The Young Elites

Marie Lu

Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Series: A Young Elites Novel (Book 1)
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (October 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399167838
ISBN-13: 978-0399167836
Buy Here:Book Depository
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Rating - 

Synopsis:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

My Review:

   I was so excited to read The Young Elites when I received a copy at ALA in 2014. The book did not disappoint. The book is so fast - paced, and you never want to put it down. You hate having to come back to real life because all you want to do is read this book.

   The book had started a bit slow but it still grabs you within the first chapter. Adelina is a character that has to learn to grow from a life that has so much pain. You can see the growth in the story. Also, the whole situation between Teren and Enzo was heartbreaking. The end made me horribly upset but the cliffhanger gave me high hopes. I like the fantasy aspect that Lu has in this book. I feel that she could touch more on the other characters backgrounds instead of just Adelina.

   When I read this I had to compare it to her other series Legend. I absolutely love this book at lot more than the Legend series. I felt that I could connect with the characters more. I loved the pace of this book. It was a lot faster I feel. The cliffhanger is what makes me want to read more. Excited to see where the story goes with the rest of the series.