Blurb:
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.
Source: Borrowed
My Thoughts:
I really struggled with this book. The writing was great and so was the plot but I just couldn't get invested in the characters. I've had this book for ages and the only reason I went beyond 50 pages is because I knew I had to return the book to my friend. I'm very glad that I forced myself to go on because this book was surprisingly good.
It's hard to get invested because the protagonist is not likeable but this also gives the protagonist a lot of depth. This layered character development really comes together in the end of the novel. You may not like the characters but you do start feeling a lot for them towards the end.
Another thing working against this book is how we as readers are so used to superhero novels that are fast paced and heavy with action. The Young Elites is a slow build up, it's not action packed throughout but it's pacing is good. It is also very unpredictable. It's been a while since I've been so surprised by the twists and turns in a YA novel.
In my opinion, the biggest flaw of the book is it's focus on romance in parts. I realize the importance of the romance but I just didn't feel much for the relationship. The depth of Adelina's character and it's darkness used to be sidelined in the scenes that focused on the romance and the best part of the novel is not the romance but it's dark and gritty protagonist.
I feel if I had read more chapters from Enzo's point of view or even Teren's point of view, the romantic relationship would have made more sense. The motivation that drives the male characters was incomplete without their perspectives being showcased in the novel.Teren especially his motivations definitely needed more depth in the novel.
Overall, I am immensely fond of the layered and psychological depth of this novel with especial focus on Adelina. The unpredictable nature of the story makes it definitely worth a read and the way the novel ends makes you curious about the sequels. The book has it's faults but is definitely worth a read.
My Rating:
Toss up between 3.5 and 4
3.75 stars.
