The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Title: The Young Elites
Author Name: Marie Lu
Age Rating: Older Teen
Star Rating: ✦✦✦✦✦
Genre: Fantasy
Summary:
In a world where the young survivors of the blood fever come to possess strange powers, people fear or revere them. Known as malfettos for their deformed looks and apparent tendency to bring bad luck, having power is something to be terrified of, lest you burn at the stake.
Yet after discovering that she has strange powers, powers that can kill, the jaded and broken Adelina Amouteru doesn’t feel fear… She feels her first lick of power, a taste that she can’t let go of.
After almost being burnt at the stake, Adelina discovers her true nature as an adrenaline junkie, a sadistic girl who feeds off of the fear of everyone around her, including herself. When the mysterious hunk who saved her turns out to be a fire-wielding malfetto, Adelina knows she’s in for a ride.
Favorite Character:
The main character obviously! I equally loved Raffaele, but I think Adelina’s whole backstory and character development are amazing. She is flawed, power-hungry, and aligns with the darkness. Adelina’s worldview is that of ambition, she believes everything has the potential to be hers, but only if she takes it.
Storyline Development:
I’ve seen the cliches used in the story, but it was definitely executed differently. Lu knows how to use the ‘reluctant traitor’ trope correctly, flawlessly executing a betrayal of trust and showing desperation at the same time, Lu knows how to pull on your heartstrings. The story develops at a fast pace, keeping me turning the pages!
Worldbuilding:
I could definitely differentiate between the different nations discussed, which is a plus for me since I never really care to remember or pay attention to worldbuilding. There are Kenettrans, there are Tamourans, there are Beldirans. That’s about all. Each has a different culture, style of dress, and distinct appearance. I believe Adelina is part Tamouran.
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! Finally, we get to see a badass, vengeful, female lead who doesn’t rely on the male lead for everything! As Adelina progresses throughout the story, she becomes more powerful and more self-dependent.
In the end, she makes a vow that I can’t wait to see come to fruition as I read the sequel. Clearly, Adelina is not a good person. Whilst she seems a little bit of a pathetic sort of girl, in the beginning, her character develops, we see her dark thought process, and realize Adelina is way more evil than she seems. A very satisfying read that faintly reminded me of Shadow and Bone, but done better!