✼ We may earn an affiliate commission if you make a purchase through links on our site.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu is definitely up there with as one of my favourite reads of all-time! Having had this novel staring at me from my bookshelf for so long has been totally worth the wait. This book has an action-packed concept, a whole cast of flawed characters, and different perspectives that reveal so much about the events in the story.
Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)Series: The Young Elites #1
Author: Marie Lu
Also by this author: Warcross (Warcross #1)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Rating:
Series Rating:
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.
Review: The YOung ELites by Marie Lu
❀ An Intriguing Concept
The Young Elites has such an intriguing concept! After a disease spreads through the land, many are marked physically. They are called malfettos and are considered worthless by society. Some of the malfettos have these incredible powers, such as shooting fire from your hands. The people with powers are called the Young Elites and the queen of the land wants them dead. Basically, this book is filled with action as the Young Elites attempt to assassinate the king while staying concealed.
❀ Realistic Characters
I really enjoyed how every malfetto/Elite in The Young Elites has a physical flaw of some sort. It makes this book realistic, since none of the characters are perfect. Unlike a lot of fantasy books out there, these characters embrace their scars and don’t really seem to mind them too much, except Adelina who lost her eye. This also proves that you don’t necessarily have to be beautiful to be a hero.
❀ Multiple Perspectives
The different perspectives in this book really bring a lot of backstory to the book. It is told mainly from Adelina’s point of view, but Teren and Enzo also share a bit of their stories. I really enjoyed reading about Teren’s motives for killing off the Elites and why Enzo enjoys Adelina’s presence so much. I have always loved books that share every side to a story, so I am really glad that The Young Elites has this feature.
❀ Action-Packed
The Young Elites by Marie Lu is an action-packed novel with plenty of flawed characters and many different perspectives. Fans of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi would really enjoy The Young Elites, as both books contain characters with different abilities. I am kicking myself for not getting around to reading this book sooner, as I enjoyed it so much!
Book Quotes: The Young Elites by Marie Lu
“It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m going to die tomorrow morning.”
About Marie Lu
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. 🙂
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
Great review! Definitely going to pick this up in the coming months.
I haven’t started this series yet, because I wanted to be able to read it all in one sitting. Marie Lu has a way of ending books in a way that makes you want to cry. So, I will be reading this, but the question is… How long will I be able to wait!
I know what you mean. I do have the second book to look forward to. It is definitely a series worth waiting for! 🙂
Great review! I recently won a copy of this book, and I can’t wait to read it now. I fell in love with the synopsis, and am glad it lived up to your expectations 🙂
Sophie @ Sophie Reads YA
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have!
I’m glad you loved this one! I really enjoyed it too and the cliffhanger was just HGNGHGHHH!! It got me super excited for The Rose Society, which I haven’t read yet. I really like the complex narratives and the variety of perspectives too, and how both seem to have a valid reason for fighting, which just makes it more interesting! 😀
I am so excited for The Rose Society! This series is absolutely amazing, for sure. 🙂
Gah, I loved this book a lot! I haven’t picked up Rose Society yet, thought
Sounds really good. I like the concept. It is my kind of book.
Ooh! Another fun read! I can’t wait to add this to my reading list!
Great review and so glad you enjoyed! I wasn’t too sure on this one after hearing many mixed reviews on GR but you make it sound amazing lol!! Now I want to get my hands on a copy.
I can’t wait to begin this series! Marie Lu is fantastic so I’m sure this book will be great!!
Sounds like a book I would enjoy! It certainly has an intriguing concept.
Veronica Lee recently posted…Hello!