The Young Elites - by Marie Lu

About the Book

From the "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Legend." Adelina Amouteru survived the blood plague but is left physically scarred. Cast out by her family, Adelina finds refuge within the secret society of Young Elites. To some, the Elites are heroes, but to the Inquisition Axis, they are monsters with demonic powers.

Book Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for Marie Lu's The Young Elites

A New York Times bestseller!
Five starred reviews!
A Buzzfeed Best YA Book of 2014!
An Amazon Best Book of 2014 - Teen & Young Adult!
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, October 2014!
Chosen as a YALSA Teens' Top Ten Pick for 2015!

"Lu pivots from the 'coming of age via romance' formula to pry apart the many emotions that pass under the rubric of love... There's nothing easy here, for Adelina or readers--there are no safe places where the pressures of betrayal, death threats, and rejection aren't felt."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Readers should prepare to be captivated--and to look forward to a continuation of the Young Elites series."--Booklist, starred review

"A must for fans of...totally immersive fantasies." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A Game of Thrones meets X-Men in this 14th-century fantasy from Marie Lu (the Legend trilogy), in a world where 'fear is power.' ... The overriding epic fantasy will keep readers hooked for book two, which teases to be a game-changer. Bring it on." --Shelf Awareness, starred review

"The taut, tightly packed narrative provides an engaging mix of pulse-quickening fight scenes, heart-stopping near escapes, touching interpersonal interludes, and devastating betrayals." --BCCB, starred review

"Lu weaves her magic across the page as she unfolds the story of Adelina and the Young Elites. Nothing is as it is expected."--VOYA

"Lu seamlessly melds an unforgettable and intoxicating historical fantasy narrative with a strong female protagonist that grapples with an issue experienced by all young adults--acceptance of one's self... Lu's new series will be a surefire hit with old and new fans alike."--School Library Journal

"By permitting her characters some grand failures, she raises the stakes in the best way possible...There is clearly more to know, and I look forward to it. This is a world worth revisiting."--The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Marie Lu (www.marielu.org) is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Legend, Prodigy, and Champion. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin's Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one husband, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.