The Young Elites by Marie Lu

young-elites-bookMarie Lu has done something wonderful – taking an already known Renaissance times of kingdoms, aristocracy, and nobility and mashing it with her own unique spin to create a supernatural, yet realistic new world. The Young Elites is edgy, dark, intense thrillride.

The “Blood Plague” has swept through the nation. To most, the Blood Plague was fatal, while many of the children who survived were left with strange marking, like those of Adelina’s. Her black hair turned silver and a scar where her left eye used to be. Adelina, now know as no more than an useless ‘Malfetto’, an disgrace to her family and all of society. However, some children infected by the Blood Plague are rumored to be left with more than just scars. Rumors of children who now posses powerful gifts – The Young Elites.

Adelina who believes she is no more than a malfetto, disgraced by her father, now sits
on trial knowing within minutes she will face her death. Rescued by a rush of wind, fire, and smoke, Adelina awakes to find herself inside the Dagger Society, a group of the Young Elites who seek other survivors of the blood plague and plan to take what they believe is theirs – to rule.

“I hereby pledge to serve the Dagger Society, to strike fear into the hearts of those who rule Kenettra, to take by death what belongs to us, and to make the power of our Elites known to every man, woman, and child. Should I break my vow, let the dagger take from me what I took from the dagger.”

Adelina will have to learn to control and grow her abilities, or she will be faces with more than just being cast out of the Dagger Society. “If I cannot pass their tests, then they will do to me that they must have done with the boy who could not control the rain. They will kill me.”

She will soon have to battle herself in a fight between love, truth, and family. Adelina will make new discoveries not only about her powers, but also uncovering secrets from her past. Only one thing is clear – Adelina’s holds a gift, a power darkness that is not of this world.

“It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.”