The Young Elites by Marie Lu | Rating: ★★★★☆

"I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside. It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt."

Marie Lu brings us a thoroughly engaging novel, the first in a planned series, that is dark, unique and powerful. It's a thrilling and heart pounding story, the perfect addition to a young adults library. Fans of Marie Lu's other works won't be disappointed and I recommend it regardless of whether you've picked up her past releases. The Young Elites is worth a second glance and will keep your turning until the final pages. It is not to be missed.

First, you should know, that our leading lady (who is one of the most interesting characters I've read in recent releases) has gone through quite a lot of horrors and unfortunate events in her life. This is including her survival of a disease that destroyed, killed, many - Adelina may have survived this blood fever that hit her people, but she certainly isn't untouched. Not only has her mind become darkened by mistreatment that followed her recovery, she's just overall conflicted in many parts of her life. These events, these terrors, have left more than few marks on her and she has quite a dark, calculating side that is incredibly interesting to read. Adeline is the character you've been waiting for, someone that thoroughly intrigues you and captivates your attention the moment you greet her and watch her struggle with, well, everything.