The Young Elites: Book 1

Adelina has now known love from her father for quite some time. Her mother died from the fever when she was little. She and her sister also got it, but they lived. The price, getting marked. Except Violetta, Adelina’s sister, seems to have escaped that fate. One night, Adelina overhears her father making a deal. He will get his debts paid off if he hands Adelina over tomorrow. He agrees. Adelina decides tonight is when she is finally going to free herself.

Of all the series that I have read, this is one of my comfort series. The story is simple and fast paced. You get enough context to understand what you need to without it feeling like the author is dumping context on you. The plot is well set up and the characters are interesting. You want Adelina to win, to find people who will love and accept her. You want Violetta to be able to live a life free from their father’s grasp. You want Enzo to succeed. Teren is manipulative and effective, but you understand his point of view. Marie Lu is one of my favorite authors because of how well she incorporates character building into the story seamlessly. Her stories consume you and this one is no different.

If you enjoyed this book, the next book in the series is The Rose Society. Other books like this one are: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas because both characters feel alone and have no one to turn to, The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken because the main characters are both thought of as too dangerous to live, and The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson because they both are escaping a marriage they do not want.