The Young Elites, by: Marie Lu

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.

       The Young Elites (86%) was a very different read than I was expecting (in a good way). It follows the story of Adelina Amouteru, a girl infected by the blood fever and granted powers no one could ever imagine.
       I love the idea of people being cast aside for their gifts instead of them being brought to attention. It really kills the cliche of characters having powers that books normally follow.
       I also really enjoy that this book was set in medieval times. Marie Lu does a great job in Legend creating a world in the future, and does it again by creating a world in the past in The Young Elites. The world-building is definitely there, but it doesn't take away from the plot of the book. Some books, especially in the fantasy genre, can take the world building out of context of the story, instead of incorporating it into the plot of the novel.
       My favorite aspect of the book is as the reader, Marie Lu really lets us get into Adelina's mindset and see what she's thinking and feeling. Props to Lu for writing the narration of the story so well. It really wouldn't be the same novel if the narration wasn't what it is.

Review

Bonus

       As you've probably noticed, this review is a little different than normal. I've decided to host a giveaway! This is not a sponsored event, though. If you've been following my posts lately, you'll know that I went on vacation to the west coast, and I got this book in Portland. Turns out, I had already purchased it a while back. So, I've decided to give away one copy. (It's in brand-new condition. I wouldn't give away a used book.)
       So, just enter your email in the box below, and a winner will be randomly selected. I will announce the winner in my blog post next Wednesday!

NOW CLOSED

       What did you think of The Young Elites? Let me know in the comments below!

Embellish your flaws. They will turn into your assets.” 
― Marie Lu, The Young Elites