Book Review: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

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 excitement I had for this book was really high.

It didn't meet my high expectations unfortunately.

The story itself was really interesting and highly imaginative, but it just didn't do it for me. I don't know if I just got lost from the beginning and that made it hard to read/hard to picture what was happening; or if it was the book itself.

I read the Legend series and loved them. I fell in love with Marie Lu's writing and her art of storytelling. This was a good book, I just didn't love it.

The main character is one that is more inclined to be "dark" and has these thoughts that in most books would make her a villain. I really enjoyed that. It's not everyday that you have a protagonist and a narrator be a character that can easily be classified as the villain in the story. Unfortunately, she kept going back and forth from embracing this "dark" side and being horrified that she even thought those things. I get that it's an indicator that maybe she's not terrible or can be saved/be the hero- but why can't she be just that? What's so wrong with having a morally ambiguous character? I mean besides, like, murder. 

I think, with how this ended, she might be gearing towards that way. Which will be a very interesting story in itself. 

I did really love the her whole attitude about making those who hurt her, be hurt in return. While probably not the best way to live your life, it's something to somewhat admire and understand once you see where she's coming from.

Speaking of the ending; that was this book's saving grace. It took a turn I was not expecting in the least. I mean, I figured out what had happened shortly before the narrator but did not see that coming before hand. I really liked it, even though it's not something one should probably like if they enjoyed the characters. It was a good story move. I think, anyways.

Might not read the next one. I'll see how the reviews are and whether I have the time (or motivation) to read it.

I'm making it sound worse, but it's not unbearable or anything. It's a pretty good book.

Read: June 2015

My Rating: 3.5 stars / 5 stars