The Young Elites Review

THE YOUNG ELITES
Series: The Young Elites (Book One)
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian(ish), YA
Release Date: October 7th 2014

Book Length: 335 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Book for Young Readers
Source: Physical copy, Goodreads 
Review: 5/5 *Full Review Below.

Blurb:
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.

  “So, Tell me, little wolf. Do you want to punish those who have wronged you?”

Marie Lu is back and she's at her darkest. Gone is the woman who wrote Legend. If you liked the Legend series or if the books you’re reading now are lacking a certain UMPH then this is the book for you.

Adelina Amouteru has got to be without a doubt the most badass main character ever, plus she only has one eye, which is pretty cool and unique. She’s had a hard life living with her cruel father and is hated by everyone she comes into contact with due to her strange markings as a result of a blood fever. These strange markings have left her with bizarre abilities but little does she know she is one of the most powerful of her kind. When she finally unleashes her power she doesn’t hold back, the world doesn’t stand a chance!

“I am Adelina Amouteru. I belong to no one. On this night, I swear to you that I will rise above everything you've ever taught me. I will become a force that this world has never known. I will come into such power that no one will dare hurt me again.”

This book will make you question every character as no one is simply good or bad, the line is completely blurred so everyone you meet must have a motive.

         Enzo the love interest is the rightful heir to the throne, is also a ‘malfetto’ (Marked by the blood fever) and has dangerous abilities of his own. The romance between the two is perfectly told; it’s slow and sexy leaving you with the right amount of angst. I completely shipped them by the end of this book.

         This book completely wrecked me as it was nothing like I expected; you wouldn’t believe it was the same author as Legend. The ending of this book will leave you reeling and you will have so many questions unanswered so be prepared to be extremely disappointed when you see The Rose Society (The Young Elites #2) release date.

I can't say much more without giving spoilers so the take home message from this review is: GO BUY THIS BOOK, YOU NEED IT!