The Booktique

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

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's sons

Publication date: October 7th 2014

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.

-Goodreads description 

I really loved this book! I knew before I even started it that I would love it seeing as I loved the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu. I will say that I put off reading it because the premise just didn't seem that intriguing to me AT FIRST. But boy was I wrong. If I had to have any regrets, it would be not having started it earlier! The characters and narrative are just so intriguing and real that I couldn't put if down.

The main character, Adeline Amouteru, is a malfetto; one of the few survivors scarred by the fever that swept through the country. In a country drowning in corruption, hunger and fear, Malfetto's are condemned for their strange abilities which have been blamed for the nation's downfall with rumors stating that they are cursed. Adelina comes from a wealthy family, a humiliation to her once successful; father. With no eye and bringing a handful of dishonor upon her family, she is hated by her father, his love solely reserved for her younger sister. Driven by his misfortune, her father agrees to sell her off to a bidder.

Adelina, though, will have none of that and attempts to run away. The big word to look our for is attempt. Yep, she's gone for about a 15 minutes and dear old dad shows up. Busted. Until that is, she kills him..total bad-assery intact. Unfortunately, not soon after, she is caught by Inquisition Axis, a group that means to hunt down the Malfettos. Immediately, she is sentenced to an execution by fire. At the last moment, she is saved. When she awakes, she finds herself with a group of malfettos called The Young Elites, her saviors, run by Enzo, the group's leader, Adelina's love interest and the rightful heir to the throne. In order to see if she can truly control her powers, she is tested. If she passes, she will become a Young Elite.

Definitely a favorite of mine is the characters. There is not one character that is badly developed or unappealing. In fact, I can't think of one character I really disliked. Crazy,right? But, it's true. Gahhhh, I just can't. They were all so perfect! Adelina was a bad-ass. Enzo was sexy...dark..mysterious... and RAFFAELE - A hottie with a body but that has a completely...platonic relationship with our protagonist. And let's not forget evil but misunderstood Teren.

Other plus points are the setting which is perfectly integrated into the story and just fits right in. The magical element is also very mature in its portrayal- no faerie dust or pixies here, guys. And you know what? The dark stuff is exactly where it's at.

I feel like I don't even need to write any more. All I need to say is that you should definitely read it! Like..now...right now.
                                                                   - Alana xxx