The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons of Books for Young Readers
Publication date:  October 7, 2014
Pages: 355
Source/format: Purchased, hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

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: 

I absolutely love this book. It's an amazing start to an epic trilogy. I love how it's a fantasy but feels like I am reading a historical fiction novel. I am not a huge fan of high fantasy but if it reads like a historical fiction novel, I am all for it. Marie Lu does POVs right! She has a knack at writing in the character's voice during the character's POV chapter. Not many authors are capable of mastering the art of writing multiple POVs. The world building in The Young Elites is amazing and I love the power dynamics. Lu does an an incredible job with descriptions. I can picture every last detail in my head when reading the novel.

I love the secret society of The Daggers, a branch of the Young Elites, in the book. They save Adelina from the burning but at what cost? She goes through an initiation after finding out what stones she has affinities for. Adelina learns more about The Daggers and what their mission is. However, Adelina has second thoughts about if being part of The Daggers is the right thing to do. Can she trust them? Can she trust Enzo and what he claims? Is Teren really the enemy?

Adelina is a strong character. She thinks for herself and holds onto secrets because she cannot trust others. Everyone seems to have secrets in the novel. People use Adelina for her knowledge and/or her powers but she takes a stand to make a name for herself. Adelina is her own boss and leader. She does not want to do other people's bidding.

However, Adelina was not always a strong woman. She was broken and fragile at the beginning of the book. The only person who has been protecting her is her sister, Violetta. Adelina doesn't find out until much later that her sister is protecting her though. The entire time, Adelina believes that she is the one protecting Violetta. Her love for her sister is similar to Katniss' love for Prim in The Hunger Games. Adelina will do anything to make sure Violetta is safe. The bond is strong. It took awhile for Adelina to gain her strength to become her own person. She feeds off of fury and fear. Her powers are the darkest of all the Young Elites but she has potential to be great. The darkness of the story is great. I can feel Adelina become darker and darker as the plot line progresses.

At the end of the novel, there is a huge cliffhanger. So much stuff happens at the end of the book in such a small time span. I seriously cannot wait for the next installment of this trilogy. Go on ahead and read part one of this dark fantasy. If you like a little romance, a lot of action and some betrayal, you will love this book!