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A review by talknerdybookblog
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Representation: Visually impaired Main Character (blind in one eye), LGBTQIA+ Supporting Character, Supporting Characters of Colour
The premise of The Young Elites was too tantalizing: a dark YA, high fantasy, an anti-heroine with powerful abilities. Sign. Me. Up. And, as I first suspected, I read the first two books within 12 hours of starting. And yet, I'm pausing… giving myself time to figure out whether or not I want to finish the series. Which really speaks for itself: I feel no desire nor need to complete the trilogy.
Sadly, I don't care about any of the characters. I sympathize, I understand… and I even agree with (some of) Adelina's grudges. But, I still don't care. Because to me, the anti-hero is defined by their lack of shits to give… and despite Adelina's cruelty, her darkness and her madness, the root of Adelina's character is an abused young girl. Adelina wants everyone to care about her… just so she can spite them and to prove she doesn't care about them. But, as The Young Elites and The Rose Society consistently demonstrates: she cares so much.
Read the rest of my review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | The Young Elites Review
Mature Themes:
• Allusions to sex (including, in the context of sex-working)
• The Hero is grieving the death of his fiancée, who apparently looked like Adelina
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Violence (including, torture, abuse and murder)
• Domestic abuse
• Heroine was emotionally, psychologically and physically abused by her father, while her sister was showered in love
• Death (including, death of a past lover)
Ending:Cliffhanger
The premise of The Young Elites was too tantalizing: a dark YA, high fantasy, an anti-heroine with powerful abilities. Sign. Me. Up. And, as I first suspected, I read the first two books within 12 hours of starting. And yet, I'm pausing… giving myself time to figure out whether or not I want to finish the series. Which really speaks for itself: I feel no desire nor need to complete the trilogy.
Sadly, I don't care about any of the characters. I sympathize, I understand… and I even agree with (some of) Adelina's grudges. But, I still don't care. Because to me, the anti-hero is defined by their lack of shits to give… and despite Adelina's cruelty, her darkness and her madness, the root of Adelina's character is an abused young girl. Adelina wants everyone to care about her… just so she can spite them and to prove she doesn't care about them. But, as The Young Elites and The Rose Society consistently demonstrates: she cares so much.
Read the rest of my review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | The Young Elites Review
Mature Themes:
• Allusions to sex (including, in the context of sex-working)
• The Hero is grieving the death of his fiancée, who apparently looked like Adelina
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Violence (including, torture, abuse and murder)
• Domestic abuse
• Heroine was emotionally, psychologically and physically abused by her father, while her sister was showered in love
• Death (including, death of a past lover)
Ending: