I don't know how to describe this book properly. It's dark, it's sexy. It's all about a strong heroine with a darker side. (Oh, and there is neither love-triangle included nor romance that is neither underwhelming nor overwhelming.) The Young Elites is not a book about a hero's journey, it's rather a story from anti-heroine's pov. When I picked this book, I instantly knew that I was going to get something different and my expectations didn't fail me either. The story's main protagonist, Adelina Amouteru, is scarred and haunted both physically and mentally by her abusive father. Adelina is an incredibly complex and vivid protagonist. The reader knows instantly that she's not a hero and there is so much darkness inside of her but is nevertheless powerless against her dark pull. I don't enjoy causing pain or watching it to happen but I still sympathized with her. The reader can only wonder how far is she going to go?
It was very interesting indeed to read a story where the lines between evil and good are mixed. We don't often get YA books where a main character is more or less beyond salvation. This book leaves you scarred and raw. If you want rainbows and happy thoughts this isn't your book, but If you are looking for something else and something more than usual bland YA fantasy I recommend this book.
All in all I'll let Adelina's thoughts summarize what this book is truly about: "The rush of darkness though me is intoxicating and irresistible, and I find myself embracing it, letting it cover my insides like ink. Such power over these little masses. I love it."