The Young Elites

The Young Elites

Marie Lu

I definitely was not expecting the darkness that came out of this book, which made me love it even more.

Forgive me for jumping on to this a bit late, but one of the things I wanted to do this year was check out all of the series that have gotten a lot of attention that I just hadn't gotten a chance to read before. I've heard of Lu's master writing abilities and picked this one up cheap at Goodwill.

This is the first book in a series about a girl named Adelina. Adelina is one of the survivors of a blood fever that left people with markings and some with powers. When she tries to run away from her brutal father and his wish to sell her as a mistress, she realizes that she has the power of illusions. She also realizes that there's a darkness in her that threatens to take over, and she craves its power. Adelina is saved from being burned at the stake by 'The Young Elites', or other malfettos like her with superior powers. They teach her how to use her powers and reveal their plan to kill the King and Queen and let Enzo, or 'Reaper', the malfetto prince, take his rightful place on the throne.

I loved Adelina. So much. It's so refreshing to have a female lead with powers who isn't so good. I'm so used to seeing perfect little girls who always strive to better the world. Adelina is no saint. She's been used, abused, and has just about had enough of it. I also loved that the romance didn't take over the book, or Adelina. And how the romance ends!!!!

I think it goes to show that if I give a book a pretty high rating you know it's going to be dark. Can't wait to continue this series.