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.
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Marie Lu
From author's official website:
"I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. During the day, I'm an Art Director at a video game company where I enjoy discussing Facebook game apps with my co-workers, hearing amusing insider stories about World of Warcraft bugs, and delighting in cute 3D renditions of buildings - all via Skype.
I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver for an Asian girl. At least, I like to think so. :)
Community Reviews & Rates
2 reviews
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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."