Book Review: The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Title: The Midnight Star

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 316

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen. 

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She's turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all she's gained.

When a new danger appears, Adelina's forced to revisit old wounds, putting not only herself at risk, but every Elite. In order to preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest- though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger."

My Rating: 4.25/5

Completing the trilogy was an excellent way for it to wrap up. The use of religion mixed with the dystopian fantasy is so interesting and I enjoyed the world-building. The idea of this fever gives not only visible markings but also powers. The view of Adelina as queen and all her choices were fascinating. Although this is a villain arch it left off in an excellent place, and I was impressed to see just how well the author wrapped the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Rose Society by Marie Lu

Title: The Rose Society 

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 398

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru's heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she flees Kenettra with her sister to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good when her very existence depends on darkness?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I love a villain origin story. I love reading about characters you shouldn't root for and how they become who they are. Not that it justifies their actions but living in the villain's head is a wild ride. To know how these actions are clearly affecting others but also be able to see Adelina's thoughts behind her actions. The setting in this is interesting to me, with the different creatures and the different atmospheres.

I look forward to finishing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny