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A review by _rowantree_
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Unfortunately this book didn’t work for me. I felt that the premise had potential but found the characters, particularly the main character, unconvincing and underdeveloped. I also felt that very serious topics were thrown in just for the sake of drama and being *edgy* without the consequences being explored.
TW grooming and sexual abuse
For example, one of the main settings is a brothel where the main character is disguised as one of the children being trained to work there. We find out that the first sexual experience of the young people when they come of age is auctioned off, but it felt like this was only part of the story to prove that the main love interest was a good guy for paying to only talk to one of the other main characters rather than abuse him.
TW grooming and sexual abuse
For example, one of the main settings is a brothel where the main character is disguised as one of the children being trained to work there. We find out that the first sexual experience of the young people when they come of age is auctioned off, but it felt like this was only part of the story to prove that the main love interest was a good guy for paying to only talk to one of the other main characters rather than abuse him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Ableism, Genocide