Upcoming Release (Review & Giveaway): The Young Elites by Marie Lu

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

Expected publication: October 7, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Books for Young Readers 

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 Thoughts 
Book quote from an ARC edition: Embellish your flaws. They will turn into your assets. And if you become one of us, I will teach you to wield them like an assassin wields a knife. So. Tell me little wolf. Do you want to punish those that have wronged you?

Brilliant and Fantastical Journey!

I applaud Marie Lu for flexing a new muscle in writing The Young Elites, where she takes her readers into a fantasy world filled with a cast of complex characters and a plot that continually builds momentum from beginning to end. Lu continues to play to her strengths, which we first saw in her dystopia series Legend, where she weaves political turmoil alongside layered agendas among her characters.

Adelina Amouteru is a Young Elite recruit that has the power of illusion and the ability to trick one’s perception of reality. She was plagued with the blood fever at an early age, which cost her an eye and a scar running across her face, as well as bright silver hair that puts the final touches on her malfetto status. To be considered a malfetto is an abomination because the people of Kenettra believe those that were plagued with the fever, scared and later prove to have special abilities were bad luck and should be eliminated.

Book quote from an ARC edition: Some hate us, think us outlaws to hang at the gallows. Some fear us, think us demons to burn at the stake. Some worship us, think us children of the gods. But all know us.

Throughout the novel, I sensed Adelina’s bitterness and rage. What captivated me most was how she used those emotions to wield her powers and at times destroy her surroundings. From the moment I came across this character, I had no issues in sympathizing with her despite some of her dark moments.

Enzo Valenciano is the leader of the Dagger Society of Young Elites that has the power to ignite fire. He’s the rightful prince to the crown but was banished by his sister because of his malfetto status. Enzo, along with his Dagger recruits, train endlessly to hone their abilities and someday take over the thrown and restore safety to all malfettos.

Enzo was an extremely easy character to fall for. His reserved nature and strong presence marked him as a player to keep my eye on.

Teren Santoro is the leader of the Inquisition, who despite his malfetto status has aligned with the queen to destroy The Young Elites and maintain power.

Normally, Teren would be the character I quickly align with because of his anti-hero status, but I’m still struggling to gather any sympathy for him. That’s not to say it won’t happen, but I’m not quite there yet.

In The Young Elites, we enter a world that feels both magical and powerful as Marie Lu once again proves that she can hypnotize her readers with her writing and world building. I can’t wait to dive into the second installment of this series to continue the journey.

Song Choice Ugly Side

4 Snowflakes

Be sure to enter our ALA Giveaway that includes an ARC edition of The Young Elites by Marie Lu along with two other books!
You can click HERE to view the ALA post and giveaway details, and below is the rafflecopter to enter to win. Remember, this giveaway is for US Residents only. Good luck!

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