Mundie Moms

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

The Young Elites by Marie Lu, Book Review



By: Marie Lu
Published by: Putnam
Released on: October 14th, 2014 - TODAY!
Series: The Young Elites #1
Source: arc from publisher to review
5 Stars - I Loved It
Order Your Copy From: Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Add it to Goodreads


ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

If I had to do a one worded review I would say this book is AWESOME! I am a huge fan of Marie Lu and her writing. I love the way she quickly engages me into her stories. Her story telling is vivid, her characters are ones I enjoy reading about, and the worlds she create are just as dangerous as they are enticing.  Marie Lu has yet again proved why she's one of my favorite YA authors.

First of all, let's talk characters. Lu is one of the few authors whom I feel has mastered the art of story telling from multiple points of views. Not only does this enhance the reader's ability to quickly become engaged with the story, it allows readers to get to know the characters, understand their motives, and see all sides of the story without hindering the story's fluid plot line. Whether the characters are good or not, I liked understanding where each character stood with all that is going on in The Young Elites's world. Each of their point of views add so much depth to the complex story, as well as to their over all character development. It was interesting to see how certain events of their childhoods drove to make the decisions they did, or believe certain ways. Their beliefs only fueled their stance on the events taking place.

The world building is awesome. Like with her previous series, Lu once again ranks up there with authors who have this ability to create these incredible worlds that fuel the story. Much like the characters, the world plays a huge rule in the story. I loved how vividly detailed her story's world is. It was incredibly easy for me to picture it in my mind as I was reading the book. Bonus, the published book has a map! YES, a MAP! Y'all know how much I love maps in books. 

Lu's writing is flawless. The Young Elites is a book that hooked me from beginning to end. There is adventure, magic, secrecy, betrayal, a hint of romance, plenty of danger and the kind of character chemistry I love. You know the kind that makes you want to turn the pages faster just so you can find out when the two characters finally kiss. YES, there is kissing! Don't worry, there's more to the story than kissing. In fact, the romance in this story is not the main point of the story, and it's great! There is so much going on, and so many other elements to this story. There's good and evil, darkness and a drive I got with all four of the characters, though I didn't necessarily agree with each of their actions. The way in which Lu combined all her elements is perfection. 

I love it when I sit to read a book, and become so engaged with the story that I don't have time to wonder how much longer do I have till the end nor do I want to skip to the end of the book. Don't judge me, you guys know those kind of books I'm talking about. The Young Elites is a book I really enjoyed reading. I'm looking forward to seeing what Marie Lu has in store for her characters next. I need answers after those shocking twists/reveals near the end of the book. Oh, and that ending.... if I could have the sequel now please, that would be great. Thank you! 

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
Read an excerpt.You can find out more about The Young Elites from my interview with Marie Lu, here, and by visiting series's site here.

1 comment:

  1. Yay :D Amazing review Katie. <3 I'm so glad you loved this book. I cannot wait to read it as well :D Hoping I will love it just as much as you did. <3

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