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You know those books (YA or not, you pick) that have the main protagonist move from a not-great environment, rise above their situation, take up with a group who makes them feel worth something again, and then that group goes on to do great, heroic things, like saving a kingdom, or overthrowing an evil ruler, or what-have-you? They're uplifting tales filled with hope, and the assurance that the good guys always win. And there are so many books like this out there, I can't even begin to count them.
Well, The Young Elites is - and most definitely is not - one of those books.
I will rise above everything you've ever taught me. I will become a force that this world has never known. I will come into such power that none will dare hurt me again.The Young Elites, ARC, pg 19
The Setup
The Young Elites follows the story of Adelina Amouteru, who was one of thousands of people afflicted with a blood fever 10 years ago. Very few of the survivors, who were all children, escaped the sickness unscathed, and Adelina is no exception. The sickness left her with silver hair and only one eye; and it left her and her sister without a mother. As a result, she and her sister were raised by their father. But their father - along with most of the rest of the unaffected population - believes that those marked by the fever are less than human, dangerous... but possibly useful. So Adelina grew up at the mercy of a man who saw her as nothing more than a potential tool - did she have powers? How could he get them to manifest? How could he use his daughter to further his own greed and ambition?
Don't you see, Adelina? Don't you see how I have always looked out for you? Everything I've ever taught you is true. Who will ever love a malfetto like you?The Young Elites, ARC, pg 244
In a typical book, this sort of thing might often result in the main character becoming unsure of their own self-worth, but then brought up and saved somehow; or they'd find their own strength in the face of this adversity - but there would be an air of hope and an obvious light at the end of the tunnel. But as I said, The Young Elites is anything but typical. Adelina - though certainly strong and determined - is very much a broken character. This upbringing damaged her soul, and she is not okay. There's a darkness in her that is not easily brushed aside, and her light at the end of the tunnel is incredibly faint - if it's there at all.
"I know you crave the fear. Let it build. Nurture it, and it will give back all of your care tenfold."The Young Elites, ARC, pg 104
Pushed too far one night, when she overhears her father bartering away her future to the highest bidder, she decides to run away. But she ends up arrested, accused of being a Young Elite - a survivor of the blood fever with mysterious powers - and sentenced to death. She's saved by a group called the Dagger Society, and their leader, Enzo. The Dagger Society is made up of a few Young Elites who have learned to master their powers, and their mission is overthrow the king and queen of Kenettra.
"...let me tell you a secret. You are not an abomination. You are not merely a malfetto. That is why they fear you. The gods gave us powers, Adelina, because we are born to rule."The Young Elites, ARC, pg 56
In any other book, the Dagger Society would've welcomed Adelina into their membership with open arms, training her and helping her and just being there for her in the aftermath of her escape from her father. The Dagger Society are the good guys, after all, right? Out to rid the world of the evil king and bring justice and equality to their country! Well, yes... to an extent. The Dagger Society are the good guys, but they're definitely not all good. They mean to overthrow the king's hold on the city and make it safe for malfettos - and for them, the ends almost always justify the means. Adelina isn't saved because of their goodwill - she's a means to an end, an investment, and she has to prove her worth in order to stay among them. Otherwise, she's... expendable.
The Setting
The world in The Young Elites is pretty limited to, first, Adelina's home city of Dalia, in southern Kenettra; but then it mostly takes place in Estenzia, in northern Kenettra. Estenzia seemed almost Venice-like to me, except maybe more tropical, made up of a mix of waterways and roads. It's lush and vibrant - with glowing lanterns, masquerades, beautiful costumes - but it's also dark and unsettling. The city itself teems with unease. There's serious discord between the Inquisitorial Guard, who work for the king and are dead-set against the malfettos, and those who sympathize with the Young Elites and think the prejudice against them is unwarranted. There's the threat of an uprising simmering underneath everything.
But the plot is not limited to this single city... Though you don't see it much in this first installment, let me tell you: There is SO MUCH MORE going on behind the scenes, in distant places, and once you read the final pages, those things... and characters... open up the world like CRAZY. The epilogue is one that will make you go "OH MY GOSH WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT THIS IS SO INTENSE." And obviously I mean that in a really good way.
The Cast
Obviously I was struck by the main character and main narrator, Adelina. I don't think I've read a YA book where the main character was so dark and broken. She knows it, too, and her powers are hard to control, and they sometimes get the better of her, to devastating effect. Adelina does not have it easy. Nothing is given to her, and she has to fight for everything she achieves.
We also get glimpses into the perspectives of three other characters: Teren, Raffaele, and Enzo. Teren is the head of the Inquisition Axis, but his allegiances are not with the king... rather, he serves the queen. And that relationship is... well, "messed up" would be putting it mildly. Teren is one of those antagonists who I think is going to be really popular. He's... I don't even have words for him. Just read the book. Ugh.
Raffaele and Enzo are members of the Dagger Society. Raffaele becomes Adelina's closest friend among the Dagger Society, and he's a truly intriguing character even though we only get a few glimpses into his perspective. There's more to him than he allows people to see, that's for sure.
Enzo is the Dagger Society's leader, and constantly pushes Adelina to be the weapon they need her to be in order to take the city from the king. He's the most striking character in the Dagger Society - a natural leader, passionate, driven... almost to a fault. And he and Adelina have great chemistry and what I thought to be a really believable progression to their relationship. ...And that's all I'll say about that. :P (SHH NO SPOILERS.)
In conclusion...
If I had to pick one word to describe The Young Elites, it would be intense. Even writing this review and thinking back on what happens in this book, the characters and the plot and the state of the country by the end... Gah. I can't explain this feeling in coherent words. The plot, coupled with the seriously complex and dark characters and situations, are what made me love this book.
But do be aware, this is not hope-filled YA fantasy with heroes who are made of light and goodness. If you want a good picture of my reactions to the intensity that was The Young Elites, check out my Goodreads updates:
This book will surprise you. It will make you gasp. It's upsetting and often a little bit disturbing (in a good way) and it will make you question whether the people you're rooting for really deserve it - which is exactly what I wanted it to be.
If you've been looking for a dark YA fantasy that's actually dark and super intense, look no further. Preorder this book. Request it from your library. Just make sure you have a way to read it as soon as it comes out.
Meanwhile, to tide you over, check out Marie Lu's The Young Elites pinterest board. Because yeah. The book is as awesome as that board makes it look.
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There were books involved...