Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Taut tale mixes medieval fantasy, mutant powers, great cast.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is an emotionally powerful and engaging read, drawing readers into a dark fantasy world with a complex main character and a unique storyline. While the writing and plot have been praised, some reviewers highlighted the prevalence of violence and darker themes, noting it may not be suitable for younger readers.
- emotional impact
- unique storyline
- violence
- dark themes
- captivating characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A survivor of the blood fever that devastated the kingdom 10 years ago, 16-year-old Adelina Amouteru lost an eye and gained a jagged scar on her face, marking her as a "malfetto" -- an abomination. Trying to escape from her cruel father one night, Adelina discovers that she has an unexpected power, the ability to create horrific illusions. Soon she attracts the attention of the Dagger Society, a group of "Young Elites" with mysterious magical abilities, sworn to bring down the corrupt king and queen. Can she trust them not to turn on her once they've achieved their goals?
Is It Any Good?
THE YOUNG ELITES is a promising start to a new fantasy series, with an appealing young heroine and a strong cast of antagonists, companions, and potential love interests.
Author Marie Lu keeps the action and suspense high and engineers enough twists to keep her readers engaged all the way to the surprising and heart-wrenching climactic scene. The setup is a little too "Medieval X-Men," but most of Lu's audience won't mind.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about people who are disfigured. Why are they sometimes feared and discriminated against?
If you read Marie Lu's Legend trilogy, how does this start to a series compare? Think you'll stick with it?
Is revenge ever a worthwhile goal? Does vengeance ever achieve justice?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Putnam Juvenile
- Publication date : October 7, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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