Published: October 2014
Publisher: G.P. Putnum's Son's Books for Young Readers
Pages: 355
Copy Provided by: Borrowed
Summary: Goodreads
Summary:
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.
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:
It is so hard to come up with a review for this title. I loved it but in some ways I hated that I loved it because the villian of the story is actually the main character. Perhaps maybe that is what made this title so intriguing and captivating to read. We often want the main character to be the hero but Adelina is so broken and confused. She is like Luke turning to the dark side....but with scarier powers. Where do I even begin?
So the story starts with Adelina's childhood. She is the survivor of the blood fever which left her scarred and identified as an outcast in society. Her mother has died and her father favors her over her sister. It is hard to read about her childhood memories and the things that tore at her soul because of the way her father treated her...for something that was never her fault.
The Young Elites are a type of x-men group of underdog superheroes with extraordinary powers brought on by the survival of a disease that has plagued a nation. They do have royal ties though and they struggle to regain the throne after a Duke seized power discovering his brother in law was a malfetto. The idea of society shunning people because of these strange markings, and fear of the unknown starts to intensify as the royal family begins to crack down on malfettos, accusing them of wrong-doings. Society has to start deciding who to side with.
Adelina is caught between the two side as she desperately tries to become one of The Elite. She has the skills and the abilities but can she stay in control? This was not a novel I was able to predict and I was shocked by certain events but yet I had to continue reading to find out what was going to happen next. It is not your ordinary superhero story...but well worth a read. I liked it. And I'm so bummed that The Rose Society doesn't come out until October!!
- Christinabean
I loved this book. I totally agree on Adelina. You want her to be the hero but you know her success comes with drastic consequences. I find her incredibly sympathetic though. I can't wait to see how her story develops. Great review!
ReplyDeleteCassi @ My Thoughts Literally
I loved this book! I pre-ordered the sequel immediately. My favorite part of the book was the fact that the main character is so messed up and is working towards becoming a true villain. It's not your typical protagonist, I gotta say. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteVicarious Caytastrophe