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The Rose Society: The Young Elites, Book 2
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Rose Society is the second volume of the saga begun in The Young Elites by Marie Lu, author of the Legend trilogy. It's a fast-moving fantasy novel about young outcasts who develop magical powers in what seems like an alternate Renaissance Europe. There's a fair amount of violence: stabbings, beatings, poisonings, arson, and torture with illusions. The language is uniformly mild (a couple uses of "bastard," "hell," and "damn"). Sexual content is mostly limited to flirting, kissing, and passionate embraces, including one between two female characters.
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Amazing!
What's the story?
Cast out for having betrayed the Dagger Society, the only "family" she's ever known, psychic illusionist Adelina Amouteru travels with her sister Violetta in search of other superpowered Young Elites. Now known as the White Wolf, Adelina plans to strike down the Inquisition that killed Enzo, the man she loved. But as her plans come to fruition, Adelina loses control of the situation and her powers. Can she prevail without destroying everyone she used to love?
Is it any good?
Focusing on the development of a villain is a risky strategy in YA fantasy, but author Marie Lu makes a strong case in this tale of self-deception and corruption. THE ROSE SOCIETY follows Adelina as she reconsolidates her power and exacts revenge on those who have wronged her. Her single-mindedness sometimes makes for uncomfortable reading, but there's no denying that her narrative is action-packed and filled with unexpected twists.
The supporting characters could be better defined, but Adelina puts a stranglehold on the reader's attention. Readers will be eager to see whether she receives her comeuppance in the next volume.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about physical disfigurement. Why are people with severe facial injuries sometimes feared and discriminated against?
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be, and why?
Is revenge ever a worthwhile goal? Does anything good come out of acts of vengeance?
Book details
- Author: Marie Lu
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Friendship, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date: October 13, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 18
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
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