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The Young Elites #2
The Rose Society
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?
Bestselling author Marie Lu delivers another heart-pounding adventure in this exhilarating sequel to The Young Elites.
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?
Bestselling author Marie Lu delivers another heart-pounding adventure in this exhilarating sequel to The Young Elites.
398 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
About the author
Marie Lu
47 books134k followers[Note: Many apologies, but I'm woefully bad at checking my Goodreads emails! If you'd like to send a note/msg, please catch me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Marie_Lu . Thanks!]
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,311 reviews
July 29, 2016
Right now, what I want is the throne. Enzo’s power. A perfect revenge. And all the Inquisitors, queens, and Daggers in the world won’t be able to stop me.
4 1/2 stars. You know that feeling when a sequel is everything you wanted and more? That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. I honestly could not put this book down.
This series just blows the Legend trilogy out of the water. I think Marie Lu has found her calling in dark fantasy and I hope she continues to write more. The Rose Society is fast-paced, heart-pounding excitement. Some authors tell their stories in such a way that the words just flow - compelling, addictive and strangely believable because of the natural flow of the narrative. Here, Lu is one of them.
The Young Elites sets up Adelina as an antihero, but beyond her private swirling dark thoughts, it remains fairly tame. The Rose Society, as Lu points out in the afterword, takes Adelina down to an all new level of darkness. She should be unlikable for what she does, for her selfishness, and yet it is grounded in an anger and fear that it is easy to be sympathetic towards.
To be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with most of the characters. Teren is undoubtedly the "villain" of this series and I feel like he will have to die before the series ends, and yet the fascinating complexity of his character makes me feel oddly disappointed about that.
New perspectives and characters are introduced, but unlike the recent Queen of Shadows, they add thrills to the plot and don't bog it down with unnecessary density. And the new choices and dilemmas are genuinely very exciting.
The ending is as every ending should be mid-series. The story arc of this book is wrapped up with no cliffhanger, and yet a new revelation towards the end is shocking and unsettling enough to make reading the next book absolutely necessary. I can't wait!
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Want to read
October 15, 2015Me after the first book:
December 23, 2015
Damn. Damn damn damn. That's all I can think really, because my thoughts are a blubbering mess. I have awaited this sequel for more than a year and now that I've finally had time to read it, I can assure you that The Rose Society does not disappoint.
“Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, so she destroyed them all.”
But I have not anticipated just how dark, twisted and, frankly put, sad the story will become. And at times, it was a little too much -- and I'm not talking as a sappy heart who can't take a bit of evil; I'm talking from the perspective of the devil's advocate, because believe it or not, seeing Adelina transform into a complete villain, although satisfactory and refreshing, was not what I'd have wished for her.
The beginning of the novel brought me back to this universe fairly easily, but I realized I could have stopped reading it at any time, because I was not "sucked in". Regardless, I was fascinated about Maeve's power and her potential to trigger some big changes within the plot lines exploited. Meeting Magiano also helped keep me entertained because he was swoon-worthy. Even after reading this book, he remains a partial enigma, but one so mysterious, sweet around the edges and mesmerizing that I cannot wait to see how the dynamic between him and Adelina will develop since, ahem, there is a potentially wonderful romance going on in here.
We also meet Sergio, the Rainmaker, and I'll admit he's kinda awesome. And Violetta has a much more central role to what happens now and I loved her support and unrequited love for Adelina. The plot also thickened when Teren, dear Teren, is also conquered by his obsession with Giulietta and his hatred of malfettos and his actions in this sequel gave way to countless developments. Turns out I'm not Maeve's fan either and Lucent irritated me, but you can't have them all now.
“The irony of life is that those who wear masks often tell us more truths than those with open faces.”
But you know what truly affected me? The bits and pieces that scratched at Adelina's heart until it became of stone. Her turning into a ruthless villain could've been avoided, but the thirst for revenge only amplified as betrayals, memories, fears and paranoia all tumbled down to remind her that she is no longer powerless and she has the means to vanquish her wrongdoers. Add that to the fact that her power is slowly eating its way to her original principles and you got yourself a much different character than the one we've been introduced to in the first book.
I associate Adelina with a scared, abused girl, one that's trapped inside her own nightmares. There was a certain scene that involved stars and fire and kissing that brought a smile to my face at how joyous she can be only if someone truly reminded her of what is important. She doesn't know how to love, she doesn't know how to trust, she doesn't know how to forgive because life hasn't taught her any of those things. Life taught her to cower in fear, to be abandoned, used or hurt. Life taught her how love is not going to keep you alive, but conquering and destroying will because no one will dare strike back to the most powerful of them all. She’s a Darth Vader of her universe. An Elsa gone wild. A female Darkling, maybe even more so.
You see, that's a whole other level of sad. Crazy, fucked-up sad. And it just keeps going, because The Daggers are present and well, Adelina is not thrilled at the prospect of their superiority yet again. Rafaelle even managed to make me shed a tear, pretty bastard, because he feels the echoes of what he did to Adelina tenfold now and he realizes that -- SURPRISE -- having an angry, paranoid girl with tremendous power hungry for your head is not such a great situation.
The last quarter of this story was explosive. Intense to the nth degree. Adelina shined as her otherworldly self and rose as a leader, strong and vengeful. A killer. A wolf. A queen. I'm not entirely sure what will happen in the next installment, because redemption is pretty far-fetched for her -- especially when a certain guy broke her heart all over again and said that he should've killed her long ago. Well, ouch.
“It is better to have an enemy who will fight you in an open field then a lover who will kill you in your sleep.”
There were other sad moments -- did I mention this book is sad? No? No? I'll repeat then -- like Gemma *sniff*, the sisters fighting like never before and, of course, the ending scene. It gutted me. Loneliness is not a good enough word to describe what I felt thanks to Marie Lu's epic storytelling. Oh, and there was enough sexiness to hyperventilate in between tension, lies and harsh strategy.
The Rose Society was a great follow-up to one of my favorite books. It's full of dark twists and turns, characters old and new alike that will make you rethink your support of one or another. It's enthralling, with the constant fight between good and evil in the background even in the smallest moments. Emotions run high, betrayals run deep and fears run rampant -- an assurance that the third book will be at least as complex as this one.
ENJOY! <3
“Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, so she destroyed them all.”
But I have not anticipated just how dark, twisted and, frankly put, sad the story will become. And at times, it was a little too much -- and I'm not talking as a sappy heart who can't take a bit of evil; I'm talking from the perspective of the devil's advocate, because believe it or not, seeing Adelina transform into a complete villain, although satisfactory and refreshing, was not what I'd have wished for her.
The beginning of the novel brought me back to this universe fairly easily, but I realized I could have stopped reading it at any time, because I was not "sucked in". Regardless, I was fascinated about Maeve's power and her potential to trigger some big changes within the plot lines exploited. Meeting Magiano also helped keep me entertained because he was swoon-worthy. Even after reading this book, he remains a partial enigma, but one so mysterious, sweet around the edges and mesmerizing that I cannot wait to see how the dynamic between him and Adelina will develop since, ahem, there is a potentially wonderful romance going on in here.
We also meet Sergio, the Rainmaker, and I'll admit he's kinda awesome. And Violetta has a much more central role to what happens now and I loved her support and unrequited love for Adelina. The plot also thickened when Teren, dear Teren, is also conquered by his obsession with Giulietta and his hatred of malfettos and his actions in this sequel gave way to countless developments. Turns out I'm not Maeve's fan either and Lucent irritated me, but you can't have them all now.
“The irony of life is that those who wear masks often tell us more truths than those with open faces.”
But you know what truly affected me? The bits and pieces that scratched at Adelina's heart until it became of stone. Her turning into a ruthless villain could've been avoided, but the thirst for revenge only amplified as betrayals, memories, fears and paranoia all tumbled down to remind her that she is no longer powerless and she has the means to vanquish her wrongdoers. Add that to the fact that her power is slowly eating its way to her original principles and you got yourself a much different character than the one we've been introduced to in the first book.
I associate Adelina with a scared, abused girl, one that's trapped inside her own nightmares. There was a certain scene that involved stars and fire and kissing that brought a smile to my face at how joyous she can be only if someone truly reminded her of what is important. She doesn't know how to love, she doesn't know how to trust, she doesn't know how to forgive because life hasn't taught her any of those things. Life taught her to cower in fear, to be abandoned, used or hurt. Life taught her how love is not going to keep you alive, but conquering and destroying will because no one will dare strike back to the most powerful of them all. She’s a Darth Vader of her universe. An Elsa gone wild. A female Darkling, maybe even more so.
You see, that's a whole other level of sad. Crazy, fucked-up sad. And it just keeps going, because The Daggers are present and well, Adelina is not thrilled at the prospect of their superiority yet again. Rafaelle even managed to make me shed a tear, pretty bastard, because he feels the echoes of what he did to Adelina tenfold now and he realizes that -- SURPRISE -- having an angry, paranoid girl with tremendous power hungry for your head is not such a great situation.
The last quarter of this story was explosive. Intense to the nth degree. Adelina shined as her otherworldly self and rose as a leader, strong and vengeful. A killer. A wolf. A queen. I'm not entirely sure what will happen in the next installment, because redemption is pretty far-fetched for her -- especially when a certain guy broke her heart all over again and said that he should've killed her long ago. Well, ouch.
“It is better to have an enemy who will fight you in an open field then a lover who will kill you in your sleep.”
There were other sad moments -- did I mention this book is sad? No? No? I'll repeat then -- like Gemma *sniff*, the sisters fighting like never before and, of course, the ending scene. It gutted me. Loneliness is not a good enough word to describe what I felt thanks to Marie Lu's epic storytelling. Oh, and there was enough sexiness to hyperventilate in between tension, lies and harsh strategy.
The Rose Society was a great follow-up to one of my favorite books. It's full of dark twists and turns, characters old and new alike that will make you rethink your support of one or another. It's enthralling, with the constant fight between good and evil in the background even in the smallest moments. Emotions run high, betrayals run deep and fears run rampant -- an assurance that the third book will be at least as complex as this one.
ENJOY! <3
Want to read
July 8, 2016THE COVER GOT ME LIKE
I don't like the waiting.Especially when it comes to Marie Lu'books.
August 1, 2018
”It is nice, being powerful. Seeing others bend to your will. I imagine this must be how kings and queens feel – that with just a few words, they can ignite a war or enslave an entire population. This must be what I fantasized about as a little girl, crouching on the stairs of my old home, pretending to wear a heavy crown on my head and look out at a sea of kneeling figures.”
I think it’s safe to say that “The Rose Society” was an amazing rollercoaster of emotions and a more than just constant back and forth between the characters I started to love. I still remember my review of “The Young Elites” and that I pointed out a few flaws that seemed to be dissonant while I read it. I think I even said that the first book of this trilogy is a debut novel and that I actually felt this while I read it.
“The Rose Society”? Well, it was amazing! I don’t know how it happened but after a few months I realized that I became more invested in the story than I was after finishing the first book. I guess it’s because I read other books in between and began to appreciate Marie Lu’s ideas. I mean this might have some of the usual YA tropes but it’s definitely so much more! It’s dark and all the characters are either morally gray or even dark gray! *lol* Plus they are all flawed! None of them is perfect; they all have their insecurities and fears, no matter how strong they are! They are all so very human! It’s just splendid! <333
In fact they were all so relatable that I got confused by the time I reached the middle of the book! XD I suddenly didn’t know which team I should be rooting for and I was like: Oh yes! No, no don’t hurt him! Wait, she should strike back, but that would hurt him. ARGH!!! *tears hair out*
Haha! Even now after finishing the book I still don’t know which team has my allegiance. *lol* I’m really torn and I still hope they’ll all just sit down and have a nice coffee break while they sort things out. XD I know I might be asking for too much, but hey a girl can always dream, right?! ;-P
Maybe Marie Lu heard my plea and will answer it in the third book? *smiles hopefully*
The characters:
This is my character section and since this is already the second book there will be a lot of spoilers! So beware and don’t read on if you still want to enjoy the series! If you want to be spoiled, go ahead! I’ll drag you into the “Underworld”! I promise it’s nice there; we just have to avoid the huge baliras! ;-P
Adelina:
”I have never known the mind of a wolf hunting a deer, but I imagine it must feel a little like this: the twisted excitement of seeing the weak and wounded cowering before you, the knowledge that, in this instant, you have the power to end its life or grant it mercy. In this moment, I am a god.”
Boy, did Adelina get dark in this one! *whistles* I swear, the more powerful she gets the more ruthless and cruel she becomes! It was so tough to watch how her abilities started to corrupt her. I mean it was already obvious in the first book, but wow “The Rose Society” made her really a force to be reckoned with. The sad thing is that she’s still a nice girl deep down within her. Every now and then I was able to see a glimpse of the person she could have been, but then something bad happened and her alignment to power got the better of her. I think she’s one of the most driven and ambitious characters I ever read about. You know, come to think of it she actually kinda reminds me of a certain book character from another series that I love. *lol* ;-P Well, anyway! I’m curious what will happen to her in book 3. Whatever it is, I doubt that it will end well for her. >_<
Raffaele:
”He’s very careful not to touch the girl. A few clients had done the same to him in his bedchamber, left him bruised and trembling – the last thing he ever wanted afterward was a hand on his skin.”
My Raffaele! I love him! I love him so damn much it’s not normal anymore. <333 He’s the perfection of a flawed character! Beautiful and innocent but so very cunning and pragmatic. He always does what is necessary! He never hesitates to help others, yet he still wouldn’t think twice about killing a person that hurts the ones he cares about. His beauty is at least as much of an advantage as it is a curse and he knows it, but has no other way than to go with the things he has at hand. If you consider it all his abilities are very subtle, he always knows how to make use of his full potential though. Gosh, he’s such an amazing character I can’t even!!! Love him!!! <333
Magiano:
”I’m trying to say that you are living in a world of illusions,” Magiano says, reaching a hand out to touch my arm, “of your own creation. You are in love with something that no longer exists.”
I guess I finally know why everyone was gushing about Magiano! *lol* He is amazing!!! Alone his ability!! I mean he’s a mimic and can use other Elites powers, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. Who wouldn’t want to be able to use all different kinds of abilities? XD Well, I certainly would! Plus he’s such an awesome guy! A thief with a heart of gold! I really hope Adelina will give him a chance because he seems to be perfect. He’s very even-tempered and I guess this is exactly what “The Rose Society” needed, after Raffaele’s revelation I can’t help but worry about him though. What is this going to do to him? To all of them? >_<
”His braids are swept behind his shoulders by gusts of wind, soaked through and glittering with rain and ocean, and in this instant, I do not see a mortal, but the angel of Joy, his wild ecstasy permeating everything around him, his power overwhelming. I can see him taking in a deep breath of air. He is surrounded by Elites. His power has reached its height.”
Teren:
”Teren shakes his head, ashamed to be arguing with the Queen of Kenettra – someone so much purer than he.”
Is it wrong that I almost feel pity for him? I still don’t know what happened that made him the person he is now, but I guess if he wouldn’t have grown up under the influence of Guilietta he might have even become a halfway decent guy. He’s so misguided in his belief; I could only shake my head. His relationship with Guilietta was in fact really abusive and the moment she didn’t need him anymore she decided to get rid of him. I have to admit that I was kinda shocked about him killing her, even more shocked about Adelina manipulating him to do it, but then again I probably shouldn’t have been surprised…. I really wonder what will happen to him in “The Midnight Star”. Guilietta’s death was such an Othello-like scene and I’m sure he’ll suffer big time, especially now that Adelina arrested him. Is she really going to torture him?! O_o
”Guilietta smiles. She leans closer, then presses her lips to his cheek. Teren aches at her touch, her warning. “I love you,” she whispers. “And I will not tolerate you disobeying me again.”
The relationships & ships:
Adelina & Enzo:
”I loved you once,” he shouts. “But had I known what you did to Raffaele in the arena – had I known what you’d do to Gemma, I would have killed you myself when I had the chance.”
The moment Enzo came back from the Underworld I knew this was going to be a disaster! I mean we already saw what happened to Tristan and he wasn’t even one of the Elites! So yeah, it was predictable that Enzo would come back more than just a little different. *frowns* That he’s tied to Adelina? Well, this made everything even more complicated and appalling! I’m sure sooner or later those two are going to kill each other and I really wish Adelina wouldn’t have interfered. If Enzo would have been bound to Raffaele things might have ended differently. This way? Well, I only see flames and destruction! =(((
”My mind struggles for control, pushing back against his, trying to contain him. It is like pushing against a wall. I grit my teeth, shut my eye, and hurl my energy through our tether.”
Adelina & Magiano:
When he notices my expression, he leans forward and brushes my chin with his fingers, tilting it up. “Why so surprised, White Wolf?” he murmurs, smiling a little. There is something in the way he says my Elite name, a secret sweetness.
Those two had so much more chemistry than Adelina and Enzo ever had. I already said it in my review of “The Young Elites” and I’m saying it again. Enzo’s and Adelina’s relationship just didn’t work for me. I didn’t feel anything when I read their encounters. Adelina and Magiano?! HELL YES!!! I loved those two and their little gestures of affection! Magiano doesn’t only accept the dark part of Adelina, but he also seems to be something like a counterweight to her growing dark side. He’s light and she’s darkness and I’m sure if she’d stay with him she would be able to fight her inner demons. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like she wants to listen to him right now, so yeah… Damn! The next book is going to kill me for sure. *lol*
”Hiding it makes you more beautiful,” Magiano says. The he takes his hand away, exposing my scar again. “But revealing it makes you you.” He nods at me. “So wear it proudly.”
Adelina & Violetta:
”Do you know what it was like for our father to threaten to kill me, and then for me to murder him in return? No, you don’t. You stand on the sidelines and wait for me to do your dirty work. You hide in the shadows so that I can bleed for you. You give me your pitiful look when I kill, but you do not stop me. And now you judge me for that?”
I loved their strong sisterly bond and I was so horrified when I read the ending! I mean OMG!!!! The rift between them will make everything so much worse and I really don’t want to know what Adelina is going to do without Violetta. She was basically her conscience! Adelina without a conscience? The gods may have mercy with everyone who stands in her way! *shudders* I mean I understand Adelina, a lot of her pain was a result of Violetta keeping her powers in check, I doubt that Violetta wanted to harm her though. As it seems she just didn’t see any other way to keep her from hurting herself and the people around her. *sighs* Jeez, talk about complicated relationships. XD
Enzo & Raffaele:
”Raffaele reaches Enzo. Flames still burn on Enzo’s hands, but for some reason, he doesn’t move to attack. Instead, he waits as Raffaele reaches up to curl a hand around the back of his neck, then pulls him close so that their foreheads touch. Tears streak Raffaele’s face. Suddenly I remember how he had looked on the day he turned his back on me, the way he had closed his eyes when I begged him to let me stay. It is the same expression he wears now.”
*sighs* Raffaele and Enzo!! I ship them so damn hard!!! I just want them to be happy but I guess now that Enzo is bound to Adelina they’ll never get their happy ending! My poor Raffaele! =((( I really hope he’ll be able to tell Enzo that he loves him. It would give them some sort of closure if he truly dies. (Of course I hope it never comes that way!!!) Can I have a few Enzo and Raffaele moments in the next book, Marie? I just want more of them and I feel like I’m starving in front of a full plate. *lol* They are together again but I never get a glimpse of their lives and their interactions!! Please!!! *makes huge puppy eyes* Throw me a bone there! ;-P
All things considered I really enjoyed “The Rose Society” and the fact I read it under a week even though I was pretty busy should tell you everything you need to know! *lol*
Gosh, I need to read the next book so badly!!!
Marie Lu what did you do to me??!!
I think it’s safe to say that “The Rose Society” was an amazing rollercoaster of emotions and a more than just constant back and forth between the characters I started to love. I still remember my review of “The Young Elites” and that I pointed out a few flaws that seemed to be dissonant while I read it. I think I even said that the first book of this trilogy is a debut novel and that I actually felt this while I read it.
“The Rose Society”? Well, it was amazing! I don’t know how it happened but after a few months I realized that I became more invested in the story than I was after finishing the first book. I guess it’s because I read other books in between and began to appreciate Marie Lu’s ideas. I mean this might have some of the usual YA tropes but it’s definitely so much more! It’s dark and all the characters are either morally gray or even dark gray! *lol* Plus they are all flawed! None of them is perfect; they all have their insecurities and fears, no matter how strong they are! They are all so very human! It’s just splendid! <333
In fact they were all so relatable that I got confused by the time I reached the middle of the book! XD I suddenly didn’t know which team I should be rooting for and I was like: Oh yes! No, no don’t hurt him! Wait, she should strike back, but that would hurt him. ARGH!!! *tears hair out*
Haha! Even now after finishing the book I still don’t know which team has my allegiance. *lol* I’m really torn and I still hope they’ll all just sit down and have a nice coffee break while they sort things out. XD I know I might be asking for too much, but hey a girl can always dream, right?! ;-P
Maybe Marie Lu heard my plea and will answer it in the third book? *smiles hopefully*
The characters:
This is my character section and since this is already the second book there will be a lot of spoilers! So beware and don’t read on if you still want to enjoy the series! If you want to be spoiled, go ahead! I’ll drag you into the “Underworld”! I promise it’s nice there; we just have to avoid the huge baliras! ;-P
Adelina:
”I have never known the mind of a wolf hunting a deer, but I imagine it must feel a little like this: the twisted excitement of seeing the weak and wounded cowering before you, the knowledge that, in this instant, you have the power to end its life or grant it mercy. In this moment, I am a god.”
Boy, did Adelina get dark in this one! *whistles* I swear, the more powerful she gets the more ruthless and cruel she becomes! It was so tough to watch how her abilities started to corrupt her. I mean it was already obvious in the first book, but wow “The Rose Society” made her really a force to be reckoned with. The sad thing is that she’s still a nice girl deep down within her. Every now and then I was able to see a glimpse of the person she could have been, but then something bad happened and her alignment to power got the better of her. I think she’s one of the most driven and ambitious characters I ever read about. You know, come to think of it she actually kinda reminds me of a certain book character from another series that I love. *lol* ;-P Well, anyway! I’m curious what will happen to her in book 3. Whatever it is, I doubt that it will end well for her. >_<
Raffaele:
”He’s very careful not to touch the girl. A few clients had done the same to him in his bedchamber, left him bruised and trembling – the last thing he ever wanted afterward was a hand on his skin.”
My Raffaele! I love him! I love him so damn much it’s not normal anymore. <333 He’s the perfection of a flawed character! Beautiful and innocent but so very cunning and pragmatic. He always does what is necessary! He never hesitates to help others, yet he still wouldn’t think twice about killing a person that hurts the ones he cares about. His beauty is at least as much of an advantage as it is a curse and he knows it, but has no other way than to go with the things he has at hand. If you consider it all his abilities are very subtle, he always knows how to make use of his full potential though. Gosh, he’s such an amazing character I can’t even!!! Love him!!! <333
Magiano:
”I’m trying to say that you are living in a world of illusions,” Magiano says, reaching a hand out to touch my arm, “of your own creation. You are in love with something that no longer exists.”
I guess I finally know why everyone was gushing about Magiano! *lol* He is amazing!!! Alone his ability!! I mean he’s a mimic and can use other Elites powers, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. Who wouldn’t want to be able to use all different kinds of abilities? XD Well, I certainly would! Plus he’s such an awesome guy! A thief with a heart of gold! I really hope Adelina will give him a chance because he seems to be perfect. He’s very even-tempered and I guess this is exactly what “The Rose Society” needed, after Raffaele’s revelation I can’t help but worry about him though. What is this going to do to him? To all of them? >_<
”His braids are swept behind his shoulders by gusts of wind, soaked through and glittering with rain and ocean, and in this instant, I do not see a mortal, but the angel of Joy, his wild ecstasy permeating everything around him, his power overwhelming. I can see him taking in a deep breath of air. He is surrounded by Elites. His power has reached its height.”
Teren:
”Teren shakes his head, ashamed to be arguing with the Queen of Kenettra – someone so much purer than he.”
Is it wrong that I almost feel pity for him? I still don’t know what happened that made him the person he is now, but I guess if he wouldn’t have grown up under the influence of Guilietta he might have even become a halfway decent guy. He’s so misguided in his belief; I could only shake my head. His relationship with Guilietta was in fact really abusive and the moment she didn’t need him anymore she decided to get rid of him. I have to admit that I was kinda shocked about him killing her, even more shocked about Adelina manipulating him to do it, but then again I probably shouldn’t have been surprised…. I really wonder what will happen to him in “The Midnight Star”. Guilietta’s death was such an Othello-like scene and I’m sure he’ll suffer big time, especially now that Adelina arrested him. Is she really going to torture him?! O_o
”Guilietta smiles. She leans closer, then presses her lips to his cheek. Teren aches at her touch, her warning. “I love you,” she whispers. “And I will not tolerate you disobeying me again.”
The relationships & ships:
Adelina & Enzo:
”I loved you once,” he shouts. “But had I known what you did to Raffaele in the arena – had I known what you’d do to Gemma, I would have killed you myself when I had the chance.”
The moment Enzo came back from the Underworld I knew this was going to be a disaster! I mean we already saw what happened to Tristan and he wasn’t even one of the Elites! So yeah, it was predictable that Enzo would come back more than just a little different. *frowns* That he’s tied to Adelina? Well, this made everything even more complicated and appalling! I’m sure sooner or later those two are going to kill each other and I really wish Adelina wouldn’t have interfered. If Enzo would have been bound to Raffaele things might have ended differently. This way? Well, I only see flames and destruction! =(((
”My mind struggles for control, pushing back against his, trying to contain him. It is like pushing against a wall. I grit my teeth, shut my eye, and hurl my energy through our tether.”
Adelina & Magiano:
When he notices my expression, he leans forward and brushes my chin with his fingers, tilting it up. “Why so surprised, White Wolf?” he murmurs, smiling a little. There is something in the way he says my Elite name, a secret sweetness.
Those two had so much more chemistry than Adelina and Enzo ever had. I already said it in my review of “The Young Elites” and I’m saying it again. Enzo’s and Adelina’s relationship just didn’t work for me. I didn’t feel anything when I read their encounters. Adelina and Magiano?! HELL YES!!! I loved those two and their little gestures of affection! Magiano doesn’t only accept the dark part of Adelina, but he also seems to be something like a counterweight to her growing dark side. He’s light and she’s darkness and I’m sure if she’d stay with him she would be able to fight her inner demons. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like she wants to listen to him right now, so yeah… Damn! The next book is going to kill me for sure. *lol*
”Hiding it makes you more beautiful,” Magiano says. The he takes his hand away, exposing my scar again. “But revealing it makes you you.” He nods at me. “So wear it proudly.”
Adelina & Violetta:
”Do you know what it was like for our father to threaten to kill me, and then for me to murder him in return? No, you don’t. You stand on the sidelines and wait for me to do your dirty work. You hide in the shadows so that I can bleed for you. You give me your pitiful look when I kill, but you do not stop me. And now you judge me for that?”
I loved their strong sisterly bond and I was so horrified when I read the ending! I mean OMG!!!! The rift between them will make everything so much worse and I really don’t want to know what Adelina is going to do without Violetta. She was basically her conscience! Adelina without a conscience? The gods may have mercy with everyone who stands in her way! *shudders* I mean I understand Adelina, a lot of her pain was a result of Violetta keeping her powers in check, I doubt that Violetta wanted to harm her though. As it seems she just didn’t see any other way to keep her from hurting herself and the people around her. *sighs* Jeez, talk about complicated relationships. XD
Enzo & Raffaele:
”Raffaele reaches Enzo. Flames still burn on Enzo’s hands, but for some reason, he doesn’t move to attack. Instead, he waits as Raffaele reaches up to curl a hand around the back of his neck, then pulls him close so that their foreheads touch. Tears streak Raffaele’s face. Suddenly I remember how he had looked on the day he turned his back on me, the way he had closed his eyes when I begged him to let me stay. It is the same expression he wears now.”
*sighs* Raffaele and Enzo!! I ship them so damn hard!!! I just want them to be happy but I guess now that Enzo is bound to Adelina they’ll never get their happy ending! My poor Raffaele! =((( I really hope he’ll be able to tell Enzo that he loves him. It would give them some sort of closure if he truly dies. (Of course I hope it never comes that way!!!) Can I have a few Enzo and Raffaele moments in the next book, Marie? I just want more of them and I feel like I’m starving in front of a full plate. *lol* They are together again but I never get a glimpse of their lives and their interactions!! Please!!! *makes huge puppy eyes* Throw me a bone there! ;-P
All things considered I really enjoyed “The Rose Society” and the fact I read it under a week even though I was pretty busy should tell you everything you need to know! *lol*
Gosh, I need to read the next book so badly!!!
Marie Lu what did you do to me??!!
December 28, 2018
i am pretty sure binge reading is the only appropriate way to read this series because i seriously cant get enough. it has become everything i hoped for and more!
similar to the first book, i do wish there had been a little more world building. it was neat being able to visit different cities as it made the setting feel fresh, but there still isnt much of an explanation as to how everything came to be. not a deal breaker overall, but it would have made me happy.
and you know what did make me happy? how freakin’ dark this got! like, holy crap. marie lu took it there and i am living for it. i mean, i really dont want to consider myself as someone who enjoys watching other people suffer, but the massive abyss of revenge and mania that adelina is spiralling down into is top quality content. watching her slowly become consumed by the dark and sadistic nature of her power is such a mood. she is going absolutely bonkers (THAT ENDING OMG) and the fact that i am okay with it (encouraging it, even) just goes to show how much i dont like her. because even one little whiff of cruelty in enzo and i am deeply concerned for his well-being (also, i totally ship enzo & raff and that needs to be a thing immediately).
gosh, i am going to be so depressed when i finish the next, and final, book. thank goodness re-reads are a thing.
↠ 4.5 stars
similar to the first book, i do wish there had been a little more world building. it was neat being able to visit different cities as it made the setting feel fresh, but there still isnt much of an explanation as to how everything came to be. not a deal breaker overall, but it would have made me happy.
and you know what did make me happy? how freakin’ dark this got! like, holy crap. marie lu took it there and i am living for it. i mean, i really dont want to consider myself as someone who enjoys watching other people suffer, but the massive abyss of revenge and mania that adelina is spiralling down into is top quality content. watching her slowly become consumed by the dark and sadistic nature of her power is such a mood. she is going absolutely bonkers (THAT ENDING OMG) and the fact that i am okay with it (encouraging it, even) just goes to show how much i dont like her. because even one little whiff of cruelty in enzo and i am deeply concerned for his well-being (also, i totally ship enzo & raff and that needs to be a thing immediately).
gosh, i am going to be so depressed when i finish the next, and final, book. thank goodness re-reads are a thing.
↠ 4.5 stars
February 10, 2017
"They were the flash of light in a stormy sky,
the fleeting darkness before dawn.
Never have they excited before,
nor shall they ever exist again." -Young Elites.
(YES, I LIKE TAKING PICTURES WITH MY BOOKS!)
I've seen nothing but dazzling 5 stars review on The Rose Society, don't let it mislead you. This was far from perfect. It has its pros and cons, but i still enjoyed it very much. Most of you probably won't agree with me, and that's okay. I am more than happy to hear your opinion on the plot/characters but please try not to bash others. Thank you.
What i loved:
These two puppies, and they bite!
"... something about her ruthlessness called to him. Very Impressive, my little wolf."
Adelina. This girl! She was the best part of the book! You have no idea how many times i've started a book expecting the MC to be ruthless and vicious, but as soon as they meet the "love interest" all of that fly out of the window! And everything turns into hearts and rainbows. AND THAT PISSES ME OFF LIKE NOTHING ELSE!
Adelina Amouteru, the white wolf, is not evil by heart. I don't care what you say, you would never be able to convince me. She is just not heroic (i don't see any reason why she should be). She had a shitty life, she tried making friends, she tried "the right way", but each time she was betrayed, no on was there to help her. Guess what? She don't need nobody! She's got this. In my opinion she didn't actually hurt anyone who didn't deserve it. Everything she did to those people was well earned. I just really enjoyed how heartless and fierce she's become. The darker she got the more i fell in love with her.
Then we have our lead inquisitor, Master Teren Soloton. Now him on the other hand we can call a straight up villain. Though, i do understand his reasons, he actually might be right about everything considering the ending of the book *shivers*. He thinks the elites are abominations, demons running on streets, and it's his mission to wipe them off of this earth. He is convinced that god has sent him to protect "normal people" from these unholy creatures. It's very interesting since he is one of them himself. That's what makes him so infuriating and fascinating at the same time: he does not think that he the exception. His hatred towards himself, and other elites is so strong that it's absorbing. If you thought he was an asshole in the first book, then..
We have many new characters and i just couldn't bring myself to care about any of them, even
While everyone else, except Adelina and Teren, was just meh, Raffaele was fucking annoying! I wasn't his biggest fan in the first book but now i just hate him! He gets on my nerves. What the hell is his problem? Someone kill him already. He better die in the last book!!
Me rambling about Teren and Adelina.
The fangirl inside me knows no limits!
“Ah, mi Adelinetta,” he says. His eyes soften in a way that surprises me. “I have missed you. You, more than any other abomination, understand what we truly are.” He shakes his head. “Had I known you when I was a young boy …” He lets that sentence die, leaving me curious."
Omg!!!!! OKay, I know I sound like a complete lunatic but I don't really care at the moment!! You better finish that sentence...right... fucking...now... master Sontoro!!
-"My smile is different from Violetta's.. darker, less naive, promising other things."
-"How can you seize me," I say calmly, "if you can't see me?"
-"What's so great about being good?"
“Every villain is a hero of his own story.”
I was wondering if Adelina is the villain, and Teren is her enemy, does that mean he is the good guy?
" Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all. "
(In case you couldn't tell, i'm obsessed with Adelina!)
the fleeting darkness before dawn.
Never have they excited before,
nor shall they ever exist again." -Young Elites.
(YES, I LIKE TAKING PICTURES WITH MY BOOKS!)
I've seen nothing but dazzling 5 stars review on The Rose Society, don't let it mislead you. This was far from perfect. It has its pros and cons, but i still enjoyed it very much. Most of you probably won't agree with me, and that's okay. I am more than happy to hear your opinion on the plot/characters but please try not to bash others. Thank you.
What i loved:
These two puppies, and they bite!
"... something about her ruthlessness called to him. Very Impressive, my little wolf."
Adelina. This girl! She was the best part of the book! You have no idea how many times i've started a book expecting the MC to be ruthless and vicious, but as soon as they meet the "love interest" all of that fly out of the window! And everything turns into hearts and rainbows. AND THAT PISSES ME OFF LIKE NOTHING ELSE!
Adelina Amouteru, the white wolf, is not evil by heart. I don't care what you say, you would never be able to convince me. She is just not heroic (i don't see any reason why she should be). She had a shitty life, she tried making friends, she tried "the right way", but each time she was betrayed, no on was there to help her. Guess what? She don't need nobody! She's got this. In my opinion she didn't actually hurt anyone who didn't deserve it. Everything she did to those people was well earned. I just really enjoyed how heartless and fierce she's become. The darker she got the more i fell in love with her.
Then we have our lead inquisitor, Master Teren Soloton. Now him on the other hand we can call a straight up villain. Though, i do understand his reasons, he actually might be right about everything considering the ending of the book *shivers*. He thinks the elites are abominations, demons running on streets, and it's his mission to wipe them off of this earth. He is convinced that god has sent him to protect "normal people" from these unholy creatures. It's very interesting since he is one of them himself. That's what makes him so infuriating and fascinating at the same time: he does not think that he the exception. His hatred towards himself, and other elites is so strong that it's absorbing. If you thought he was an asshole in the first book, then..
We have many new characters and i just couldn't bring myself to care about any of them, even
While everyone else, except Adelina and Teren, was just meh, Raffaele was fucking annoying! I wasn't his biggest fan in the first book but now i just hate him! He gets on my nerves. What the hell is his problem? Someone kill him already. He better die in the last book!!
Me rambling about Teren and Adelina.
The fangirl inside me knows no limits!
“Ah, mi Adelinetta,” he says. His eyes soften in a way that surprises me. “I have missed you. You, more than any other abomination, understand what we truly are.” He shakes his head. “Had I known you when I was a young boy …” He lets that sentence die, leaving me curious."
Omg!!!!! OKay, I know I sound like a complete lunatic but I don't really care at the moment!! You better finish that sentence...right... fucking...now... master Sontoro!!
-"My smile is different from Violetta's.. darker, less naive, promising other things."
-"How can you seize me," I say calmly, "if you can't see me?"
-"What's so great about being good?"
“Every villain is a hero of his own story.”
I was wondering if Adelina is the villain, and Teren is her enemy, does that mean he is the good guy?
" Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all. "
(In case you couldn't tell, i'm obsessed with Adelina!)
November 2, 2016
PAIN
SO MUCH PAIN
EVERYWHERE
EVERYTHING HURTS
BUT IT HURTS SO GOOD
PAINPAINPAIN
*breaks out in three days grace headbanging*
SO MUCH PAIN
EVERYWHERE
EVERYTHING HURTS
BUT IT HURTS SO GOOD
PAINPAINPAIN
*breaks out in three days grace headbanging*
February 15, 2021
What indeed.
4.5 stars. I AM SPEECHLESS. If there's something I didn't expect, it was to meet a female-lead who could equal Jorg of Ancrath's dark ambition.
Saying that I didn't have great expectations before starting The Rose Society would be an understatement. Indeed I was part of the (very) few who weren't convinced by The Young Elites, mostly because I felt that what I read wasn't what I've been sold : I found the first installment boring, tame, in a word : disappointing. That's why I'm glad to tell you that none of my complaints are still relevant.
➊ The pacing improved grandly : This sequel is an exciting journey whose pacing never wavers, letting you on the edge of your seat all the way. Although Marie Lu chose to write her story in several POV (which can be a no-no for me, if not handled well), there was NEVER a moment when I wasn't hooked and eager to know what would happen next. No more useless and boring parts : the story was highly compelling through and through.
➋ What a formidable tale of ambition and revenge. Gah. Jorg would be so proud. While the first book only set the (needed, I realize) foundations of Adelina's story, I didn't care for the romance there (I know, I know, I'm such in a minority on this, but Enzo is flat in my opinion) and her relationship with Enzo didn't make much sense to me. Great news! The plot finally focuses on her ascension and no matter how painful some steps were (I sure don't condone all her actions), the events taking place brought so many raw feelings that I can't find in me to complain. Granted, the world-building is still a little sketchy, and there were inconsistencies in some parts, but Marie Lu managed to make them believable. (Please don't make Magiano suffer
➌ Truth is, what can be annoying is also great : this is my second book by Marie Lu, and I can safely say that I don't get her - I can't wrap my head around the direction she takes her stories, and it used to make me lose patience in The Young Elites, especially during the boring middle. But. Here it definitely played in her favor, because I could never predict what would happen (I still can't). Also, the twists were brilliant. Of course I loved that (I'm worried, though) (I did read Emperor of Thorns, you know).
➊ Adelina is a true villain in training : When my boyfriend asked me why I was so happy with Adelina and her Elites (why yes - clapping might have been involved at some point), I told him, "because they're no good". He raised his eyebrows (a little worried, I think), not sure of what to make of my answer (I swear, I'm a nice woman - most of the time). Really, though? I genuinely think that my fascination for unusual and darker characters lies in the large number of books I read. See, had I read 10 books in my whole life, hell, had I read 10 YA Fantasy series in my whole life, even, I would probably not seek this kind of characters out (or maybe - I'll guess we'll never know *smiles slowly*). But there's only so many farmer boys soon-to-be heroes I can take, and in this ocean of one-dimensional super-villains whose goals are often vague as fuck, I thrive on meeting multi-layered and dark characters who twist the tropey rules and make their owns.
After The Young Elites, I didn't think that Adelina had it in her to become the free female-lead I wanted her to be. I was wrong.
*cackles with glee*
Yes she threatens my boundaries and her decisions make my skin crawl sometimes, but I get her, I really do. I'm not sure what that says about me, though.
➋ Give me some sarcastic and unapologetic male-lead, pretty please : I loved Magiano (I can't be the only one who roots for him, RIGHT?). Where Enzo's passion seemed too similar to Adelina's for me to really care, Magiano adds something different to the story, and if I'm not sure I understand all his reactions yet, he is endearing, mischievous, and he makes me laugh.
[creepy interlude]
Let it be known that his smile brightened my day and that I would defend him like a wolf.
Do. Not. Touch. Magiano. OKAY?
[/creepy interlude]
➌ Every one of these characters - Sergio, Teren, Violetta, Maeve, Raphaele - are fleshed-out, complex, and interesting to follow. None of them is wasted or one-dimensional.
► I closed The Rose Society out of breath, worried as hell and intensely satisfied by the daring direction Marie Lu took. What a great surprise really.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
October 15, 2015
My revenge is complete.
I force a smile onto my face. In the silence, I sit alone on my throne and wait eagerly for all the satisfaction and triumph to hit me. I wait, and wait, and wait.
But it doesn’t come.
Blurb: 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 and her sister flee Kenettra 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?
This book was such a delight, to be honest. I’ve read stories from the villain’s POV but Adelina is a whole new thing. She’s an anti-hero, I get it but she’s also her own worst enemy and the way she see things, ugh, amazing.
Marie Lu has leveled up big time with this book and, to me, this is her best work so far.
The way she twisted her characters and how they evolved, it’s really good to read and it’s also interesting because evolving does not mean getting good but rather improve yourself so it was more than logical that Adelina was going to be more cunning and ruthless and I loved the fuck out of it.
There was one thing I didn’t like about the book but we’ll get to that. Let’s do this!
Adelina, ah, my Adelina… you are so going to die.
I don’t want you to die because I rather love you but I can’t think of any possible outcome where you end up alive and well. Things will only go downhill for you and I wish I could say I see you ruling for a long time but that’s not the truth.
The world’s deadliest mercenaries choose to serve you, because they have yet to meet me.
Adelina won this whole thing. She did what she had too and, even though she was getting darker and darker, I couldn’t stop liking her. I loved how she took the opportunities she was given and how she sized everything in her fist but if I adored her being fucking bad, I also loved her new role as leader and how she interacted with the new characters.
Her illusions are getting out control and they’ve attacked her and she’s on a constant battle with herself and the voices in her head. And there’s something I love about this is the fact that we all can relate to her in some ways like her instincts and how she reacts and though it’s all taken over the top, she still manages to remind human and therefore sympathy is going to be there for her, no matter how little it is.
I’m suddenly angry. Why must I lose everything that I care for? Why is love such a weakness? I wish, for an instant, that I didn’t need such a thing. I can win the same things in life with fear, with power. What is the point of searching for love, when love is nothing but an illusion?
Do I think she could have done things differently? Yes and no. What Adelina did was smart but not that smart and that’s what I would’ve change. Not her methods but the details of them. Like with Enzo. If I were Adelina, I would’ve tried to control him sooner. I would’ve practiced and yes, there wasn’t much time but I would’ve done it and a lot of things could’ve been different. Also, Magiano. Adelina, girl, how blind can you be? Even your silly sister could see what was going on!
Speaking of Magiano, I did not expect to like him this much and I thought he was going to die early in the book. I was glad he didn’t but I can’t shake he feeling he’s going to sacrifice himself for Adelina in the next book and what a pity because I enjoyed him a lot.
He has such a simple yet powerful ability and his charm and wit do the rest. I think he’s a really strong addition to the book and I hope Marie Lu has more things for him because, in reality, he is everything Enzo was not and since I never saw Enzo and Adelina as endgame, I actually don’t feel there’s going to be a love endgame here so yeah, I’d love to see Adelina’s feelings getting stronger toward Magiano.
“He cares for you, you know. Magiano. I’ve seen him standing guard outside your door, making sure you aren’t having another nightmare or an illusion.”
Now, Enzo.
This is very tricky because I was not crazy about him and I always knew they were going to bring him back and he was going to be different but I never expected his relationship with Adelina change that much and I don’t know how to feel about it.
“This doesn’t feel right,” Enzo whispers, taking a step back.
It feels horribly wrong, like a slick of oil coating the inside of my stomach. But with the nauseating feeling had come that unimaginable heat. When I look at Enzo’s face, I can tell that he desires it too, even as it unsettles him.
I mean, it makes sense since Enzo’s soul belongs to the Underworld and he’s not alive, not really so it’s like everything in them is physically rejecting their link but their energies are the ones pulling them together and now if she dies, he dies BUT does that mean that if/when Enzo dies, Adelina will die too? They didn’t say it or if they did then I don’t remember.
Violetta, ugh.
You guys know I don’t like her I wanted her dead since last book but I can’t deny she was useful. Still hers is a death I will be happy for.
I just don’t know why I can’t like her. Like, I get what she’s doing and why she’s doing it but she annoys the crap out of me.
And for the one thing I didn’t like about the book was Maeve Jacqueline Kelly Corrigan. I loved the idea of her at the end of The Young Elites but she felt short for me. She wasn’t what I expected and, honestly, she bored me a lot.
There went a character that could’ve been great.
She was not the queen I thought she was going to be nor the ally I feel I was promised and though she’s got a unique power and she’s one hell of a warrior, she still managed to not be enough.
As for the rest of the Elites, I couldn’t care less about them. Michel, Lucent and Gemma were a blur, to me. Raffaele was the only one who had any say on the matter. His role as consort worked and he was able to break the queen and Teren’s relationship but let me tell you about how Adelina tricked Teren and made him kill the queen.
That was such a good scene omg but I wish Adelina would’ve killed Teren after he found out she tricked him. Let the image of his dead lover be the last thing he sees before he died.
Now, I totally missed the part where Adelina killed Gemma? I honestly thought Enzo or a lighting struck her but was it one of Adelina’s illusions? I need to re-read that part because I was convinced Gemma’s death wasn’t on Adelina.
So, what’s next?
1. Can someone kill or make Violetta disappear?
2. Maeve is so going to strike again.
3. I strongly think some of the Elites will die due their powers in the last book.
4. ADELINA AND MAGIANO NEEDS TO HAPPEN.
5. An uprising in Kenettra is a must happen, too.
6. Enzo will go insane. Probably kills Raffaele.
Oh, I loved the quotes at the beginning of every chapter! They were so on-point and really cool.
“The irony of life is that those who wear masks often tell us more truths than those with open faces.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
4 stars down to 2.5. I reckon I’m changing. AND this is why I’m rereading things so I can make bookshelf space for special things. I’m going to keep certain books on Kindle instead so it’s all good. I mean the ones I don’t want to keep physically. Uh, and you care why?? Lol
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 7, 2016
4.5 stars
I have a teensy confession to make. The Young Elites isn't as good as I made it out to be in my review. If it weren't for the fact that Marie Lu wrote it and I have mad respect for the woman, it would've been a 3.5.
But not The Rose Society. These five stars are fully, wholly merited.
The reason? Adelina fucking Amouteru.
One of the problems I had with the first installment is it tried to sell me on her moral greyness, when it's as white as mozzarella. Here, Adelina gets full-on dark. The first book had to be the way it is in order for Adelina to reach her current state of mind. She was hurt, she was betrayed, so she's going rain hell on everyone who wronged her.
And it. Is. Fucking. Amazing.
Some people, I anticipate, will argue Adelina isn't morally grey. Each death, each stain on her conscience is justified. To that, I cite Daenerys Targaryen vs. First-person Unreliable Narrator.
If you don't know, Daenerys is the infamous Mother of Dragons on Game of Thrones. She's also a fan favorite, a fact which makes me a little uncomfortable. Supporters tend to whitewash her as this liberator and breaker of chains, when, in fact, her actions can easily be constructed as evil.
In the books/show, she conquers a city and virtually spits on their culture and history. It's easy to fall for her good intentions because we mainly see events through her point of view, like we see the story through Adelina's. Obviously, she's going to give us a version in which each and every one of her misdeeds are justified, but I guarantee it'll look a hell lot less rosy from the opposing side's viewpoint.
Magiano is a new character Adelina recruits for her crew to rival the Young Elites.
Did I mention he's a snarky son of a bitch and I love snarky sons of a bitches?
He and Adelina have a thing, but romance isn't a huge part of the plot since revenge is on her mind 99.9% of the time. Girl has her priorities straight.
The last page practically gave me chills. I reread it over and over again. It gives me the same feeling Champion's last chapter does. Sometimes I take it down from my shelf just to read those pages.
With that being said, I'll sell my firstborn for an ARC of the next book. Any takers?
My review of The Young Elites
My review of The Midnight Star
"What is so great about being good?"
I have a teensy confession to make. The Young Elites isn't as good as I made it out to be in my review. If it weren't for the fact that Marie Lu wrote it and I have mad respect for the woman, it would've been a 3.5.
But not The Rose Society. These five stars are fully, wholly merited.
The reason? Adelina fucking Amouteru.
"It is nice, being powerful. Seeing others others bend to your will. I imagine this how kings and queens feel—that with just a few words, they can ignite a war or enslave an entire population."
One of the problems I had with the first installment is it tried to sell me on her moral greyness, when it's as white as mozzarella. Here, Adelina gets full-on dark. The first book had to be the way it is in order for Adelina to reach her current state of mind. She was hurt, she was betrayed, so she's going rain hell on everyone who wronged her.
And it. Is. Fucking. Amazing.
"Fear motivates, more than love or ambition or joy. Fear is more powerful than anything else in the world. I have spent so long yearning for things—love and acceptance—that I do not really need. I need nothing except the submission that comes with fear."
Some people, I anticipate, will argue Adelina isn't morally grey. Each death, each stain on her conscience is justified. To that, I cite Daenerys Targaryen vs. First-person Unreliable Narrator.
If you don't know, Daenerys is the infamous Mother of Dragons on Game of Thrones. She's also a fan favorite, a fact which makes me a little uncomfortable. Supporters tend to whitewash her as this liberator and breaker of chains, when, in fact, her actions can easily be constructed as evil.
In the books/show, she conquers a city and virtually spits on their culture and history. It's easy to fall for her good intentions because we mainly see events through her point of view, like we see the story through Adelina's. Obviously, she's going to give us a version in which each and every one of her misdeeds are justified, but I guarantee it'll look a hell lot less rosy from the opposing side's viewpoint.
Magiano is a new character Adelina recruits for her crew to rival the Young Elites.
"His pupils become slits as he looks at Teren. "Keep your filthy blades off her," he snaps. "It's rude."
Did I mention he's a snarky son of a bitch and I love snarky sons of a bitches?
He and Adelina have a thing, but romance isn't a huge part of the plot since revenge is on her mind 99.9% of the time. Girl has her priorities straight.
The last page practically gave me chills. I reread it over and over again. It gives me the same feeling Champion's last chapter does. Sometimes I take it down from my shelf just to read those pages.
With that being said, I'll sell my firstborn for an ARC of the next book. Any takers?
My review of The Young Elites
My review of The Midnight Star
July 4, 2017
"Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all."
It's only taken me five months to review this! Everything is fine!
When I read this trilogy in January I instantly fell in love with it. I was shocked I'd heard so many negative reviews because I adored it - the tone, the characters, the plot, the complexity and the darkness of it. Six months on I still do feel as much passion and love for this series as I did then - and I really want to reread it even though I just finished it. So I think thats a testament of how much I truly do enjoy this series.
( by bpdrosalies on tumblr)
The Young Elites is a dark fantasy following Adelina Amoteru, a girl who finds out she has the power to create illusions. In this high fantasy world, a plague swept through the land years ago and deformed those who were afflicted, but it also gave some of the afflicted powers. Adelina, one of these so called "malfetto" joins a team of other powered teens called The Young Elites.
The Rose Society has a much darker tone then The Young Elites, and follows Adelina down a path of destruction and chaos - both her own destruction and those who have wronged her. Plagued by dark thoughts and fuelled by her own rage - Adelina completely destroys the naive girl she was in The Young Elites and develops into a leader and power of her own, she's most definitely a force to be reckoned with.
“Fear motivates, more than love or ambition or joy. Fear is more powerful than anything else in the world. I have spent so long yearning for things—for love, for acceptance—that I do not really need. I need nothing except the submission that comes with fear. I do not know why it took me so long to learn this.”
I absolutely adore this series for it's complex characters and subtle characterisation. The series focusses heavily on the characters morality and their relationships with eachother. This is an anti-hero story and journey, and some have even described it as a villain origin story. Those descriptions feel authentic to me, but it is more subtle then that. The portrayal of every character even the "good" ones as being morally ambiguous excited me - I liked that their characterization isn't in your face, and the inclusion of Adelina as an unreliable narrator made the lines on who you should trust and not trust a little blurry.
It's also a really diverse series Adelina and her sister are both dark-skinned woc and Adelina is vision impaired. There's a side relationship between two female characters, and Magiano - a new character introduced and Adelina's love interest is a black moc. Raffaele is a bisexual moc and there's also many other side characters who are poc. Lots of the characters also have physical disabilities caused by the plague. I love this kind of diversity, especially in fantasy.
The plot is exciting - we see Adelina going out and assembling a new crew to rival the one left behind. We also see some darker themes emerging - necromancy, war and destruction. I adore large cast stories, so the introduction of another group was a huge plus from me. There is plenty of emotion here too, scenes that made me genuinely upset or feel deeply for the affected characters. I am in awe of Marie Lu's ability to create such great scenes - whether they be action, romantic or emotional ones.
I also enjoy the subversion of tropes in The Young Elites. For example, the "coming for the throne" trope we always see -- a ragtag group of people are going to overthrow the oppressive regime and kingdom and take control of the government. This is completely subverted, with Adelina - an oppressive and cruel monarch coming to overthrow a legitimate government. I also really liked the parallels and commentary on the treatment of minorities in our own society and the consequences people experience personally from being oppressed, abused and mistreated.
Adelina is a unique and interesting main character, who's unapologetically nasty and knows it. She definitely struggles with herself a lot, but she's an incredibly powerful woman who has suffered and been mistreated but has come back for everything and I do think her character is really complex and often people don't see it that way which is such a shame. She's a great character.
I also love the side characters so much, especially Raffaele - who's honestly A BISEXUAL ICON But I love his character so much, and how he was introduced as the 'wise' and 'caring' adult figure of the group - but how his character is inverted and twisted and revealed for what he truly is - a little manipulative, ruthless and powerful in his own way.
( one of my favourite pieces of fanart EVER by itsiparwing on tumblr)
I honestly adore this series it is like crack cocaine to me. Everything about it I find enjoyable and exciting and fresh.
Marie Lu masterfully creates worlds and people who surprise you and make you care for them even though you know they're not the best people ever. The Young Elites is an exciting and unique series in the ya genre, which portrays characters who constantly flicker - they're eternally ambiguous and just when you think you're looking at them the right way they do something to surprise you.
I have such an eternal love and appreciation for this series, and it saddens me that so many people dnf it since I don't understand that at all. I cannot wait to finally buy these books (need them in my life and line of sight) and to reread them probably over and over.
“Why feel guilty for something that isn't your fault?
Because I loved him. And now he is gone.”
April 24, 2018
Well. That was better than I ever could've hoped for. *insert evil laughter here*
My wishes came true. I wanted Adelina to embrace her dark side more and she did. Oh, did she ever. I fucking love books that are from the point of view of the villain, and Adelina is so deliciously evil in this it was an absolute delight for me to see. There was a contrived, obligatory love triangle added to this book, but it was so inconsequential that it was very easy to ignore.
That ending was perfect. I'm not gonna waste any time; I'm starting Midnight Star right away. Let's see how queen Marie wraps this wicked story up.
My wishes came true. I wanted Adelina to embrace her dark side more and she did. Oh, did she ever. I fucking love books that are from the point of view of the villain, and Adelina is so deliciously evil in this it was an absolute delight for me to see. There was a contrived, obligatory love triangle added to this book, but it was so inconsequential that it was very easy to ignore.
That ending was perfect. I'm not gonna waste any time; I'm starting Midnight Star right away. Let's see how queen Marie wraps this wicked story up.
January 9, 2017
“Someday, when I am nothing but dust and wind, what tale will they tell about me? Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.”
Oh my god. I don't even have words for this. My head is spinning. My heart is beating so loud. My hands are shaking I can't put words into this review correctly. So I will start from my feeling towards this amazing book, which impressed me in many ways that I lost count. The Rose Society is darker and creepier than The Young Elites. Adelina Amouteru is back with her wicked attitude. She wants her revenge, and no one can stop her. The book gave me the odd vibes I couldn't shake it off since the first chapter, it gradually poured its poison into my heart and twisted and twisted until I occasinally considered myself as a villain like the lead character.
“But true rulers are not born. We are made.”
The story picks up after what happened in book one. Adelina was cast out but she doesn't give up on her purposes, she wants to be a queen and won't stop until she sits on her throne. I freaking enjoyed reading this book and knew that The Rose Society would be the first on my favorite list this year because its pace is greater and smarter, and the twists are not complicated as I first thought, yet it impressed me deeply and straightforwardly that I would feel guilty if I didn't give this book five stars.
My mindset was changed while I was reading. For what Adelina has done, someone might view her deeds as wrong ones, but I didn't see it like that, what she has been through makes her who she is and forges her as hard as steel, as wicked as eveil.
“He wanted to live in a house built on delusion, would rather believe in a million lies than face one truth.
- Seven circles around the sea, by Mordove Senia”
To be honest, I couldn't take my eyes off Magiano because I could see a tiny spark between him and Adelina. I hope that the next book we'll see more of them and the ending is what I have in my mind. Marie Lu is ingenious. I saw her interview of this book this afternoon on youtube and was curious about what she said that this book was more intense than The Young Elites, but now I totally understand that, it's beyond my expectation.
I liked Terren's madness, though. His character interested me since the first book to this one. There's something in him that alerted me whenever he made an appearance. His obsession to his queen is hideous but powerful that I pretty enjoyed this side of him.
THIS BOOK IS INSANE.
https://goo.gl/z7T8C6
January 21, 2016
Birthday buddyread with my twin sister, Alafiya, born ten years later in Pakistan from a different set of parents. Lol. Happy birthday to us, my newly found friend and potential soul mate! <3 (Click her name for her awesome review.^^)
On your special day, Alafiya, I wish you more peace, love, happiness, knowledge, friendship...and all that stuff that doesn’t cost anything. Lol!
Now, about the review
“Names give weight, reality to an idea.”
The introduction of the story with its imaginative painting of the setting and the characters including their wardrobe reminded me so much of my high school days when all I cared for was this Japanese anime called ”Fushigi Yuugi”.
I keep picturing Rafaelle as Hotohori of Fushigi Yuugi
While I keep imagining Magiano looking like Amiboshi of the same animated show. They both play a similar musical instrument too!
. (This is one of the main reasons I enjoyed this series. Its resemblance to Japanese anime.)^^
I’ll keep it straightforward. This is in my opinion way better than the first book. While I wasn’t attached to Adelina in the first book, here she blew me away and I was completely bought! Despite her strong alignment to darkness, too much passion and power, she has grown on me. (What’s wrong with me? Lol.)
The writing and the form in general are still consistently beautiful but the characters’ development including their supernatural abilities have become more impressive. Adelina’s creepy dark illusions, Magiano’s commendable mimicry and Violetta’s fearsome ability to disable anyone’s power, I was completely awed! But the most unbelievably awesome power they have is their ability to blush at their own will! Bahaha!
The themes on vengeance and ambition were significantly portrayed in the plot which took a huge leap from that of the first book. I was at first questioning Adelina’s sudden desire to rule Kenettra but later understood that given the right qualities, skills and training, anyone is actually capable of ruling. I was convinced by her captivating words: “True leaders are not born. We are made.”
The missing star is because of the shift in the POV which alternates between first person and third person omniscient. I’m not sure what the story is trying to accomplish with that but I found it a bit awkward. It would have worked better for me if it had been just third person omniscient. Also, is it just me or does anybody else find the new love interest a bit weird? I actually like Magiano and am rooting for him but it felt like Magiano-Adelina potential love team came out of nowhere.^^
Anyway, overall it was an awesome, fantastic read- like watching a high fantasy version of X-men set in 1300s. Teehee!^^
P.S. Neil, I completely blame you...for nothing! hehe. (You can check out his review too. Just click his name.^^)
On your special day, Alafiya, I wish you more peace, love, happiness, knowledge, friendship...and all that stuff that doesn’t cost anything. Lol!
Now, about the review
“Names give weight, reality to an idea.”
The introduction of the story with its imaginative painting of the setting and the characters including their wardrobe reminded me so much of my high school days when all I cared for was this Japanese anime called ”Fushigi Yuugi”.
I keep picturing Rafaelle as Hotohori of Fushigi Yuugi
While I keep imagining Magiano looking like Amiboshi of the same animated show. They both play a similar musical instrument too!
. (This is one of the main reasons I enjoyed this series. Its resemblance to Japanese anime.)^^I’ll keep it straightforward. This is in my opinion way better than the first book. While I wasn’t attached to Adelina in the first book, here she blew me away and I was completely bought! Despite her strong alignment to darkness, too much passion and power, she has grown on me. (What’s wrong with me? Lol.)
The writing and the form in general are still consistently beautiful but the characters’ development including their supernatural abilities have become more impressive. Adelina’s creepy dark illusions, Magiano’s commendable mimicry and Violetta’s fearsome ability to disable anyone’s power, I was completely awed! But the most unbelievably awesome power they have is their ability to blush at their own will! Bahaha!
The themes on vengeance and ambition were significantly portrayed in the plot which took a huge leap from that of the first book. I was at first questioning Adelina’s sudden desire to rule Kenettra but later understood that given the right qualities, skills and training, anyone is actually capable of ruling. I was convinced by her captivating words: “True leaders are not born. We are made.”
The missing star is because of the shift in the POV which alternates between first person and third person omniscient. I’m not sure what the story is trying to accomplish with that but I found it a bit awkward. It would have worked better for me if it had been just third person omniscient. Also, is it just me or does anybody else find the new love interest a bit weird? I actually like Magiano and am rooting for him but it felt like Magiano-Adelina potential love team came out of nowhere.^^
Anyway, overall it was an awesome, fantastic read- like watching a high fantasy version of X-men set in 1300s. Teehee!^^
P.S. Neil, I completely blame you...for nothing! hehe. (You can check out his review too. Just click his name.^^)
October 16, 2015
I will keep you until the day I choose not too. You have destroyed and harm all that is dear to me. In return, I want you to know what that feels like. I will not kill you. I will keep you alive. I will torture you. Until your soul is dead"
WOWWWW!!!!! THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC. ILIKED LOVED IT SOOOOOO FREAKING MUCH.
Marie Lu you are a writing Goddess
Me when I started this book
Me at the end of this book
Guys for those of you, who haven't picked this sequel up as yet to The Young Elites ~~~ What the Hell are you waiting For!!
WOWWWW!!!!! THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC. I
Marie Lu you are a writing Goddess
Me when I started this book
Me at the end of this book
Guys for those of you, who haven't picked this sequel up as yet to The Young Elites ~~~ What the Hell are you waiting For!!
April 4, 2017
Rating: 1.8 stars for the decent writing and the okay-ish opening of the story. But I truly hate how the characters start acting totally stupid and illogical in the middle part of the book.
Mark my words here: Calling this book 'A Game of Thrones meets X-Men' is a fucking insult to both the novel series and the comic series. As far as I know most of these characters wouldn't survive a week in neither the worlds of A Game of Thrones nor X-Men.
Marie Lu actually called this book 'the darkest book she has ever written' and her fans keep swearing up and down this book is dark and disturbing?
My reaction to these claims is to LOL.
Note: please be aware of both marked and unmarked spoilers in this review!
Here is a few questions I have in mind during my reading progress:
Q1: Why The Young Elites trilogy should not be compared with the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson ?
A: Because unlike Marie Lu, Brandon Sanderson is actually too mature to allow shit like to happen in his books.
Q2: Does doing some pranks and stunts give you great political power?
A: Hardly, a coup or any attempt to seize political power needs to be planned beforehand. Randomly killing ONE political leader can hardly assure your control over a city state
Q3: Would a bunch of mercenaries and tricksters willingly follow two penniless teenage girls on a scheme to overthrow a queen even before they get their first payment?
A: ....are you kidding me? These people are called *mercenaries* and *tricksters* for a reason!
Q4: So you are a newly widowed queen who has yet to sit on your throne with complete ease, would you summon a most warned criminal (a known enemy to your country) to *your bedchamber* at night, while driving your strongest and most trusted bodyguard away from you?
A: Hell no! Any ruler with half a brain would have known it's a bad idea!
Q5: So you are having this secret meeting to meet up with your ally. When this ally shows up, or someone who looks like him/her shows up, would you go up to greet him/her at once, or would you request a...you know...A PASSWORD, to make sure this person is who he/she appears to be, not some spy in disguise?
A: Of course I would request a password, if not a few set of passwords just to be on the safe side! But don't ever tell this to Adelina, Maeve and Raffaele! Don't you dare!
Q6: A known dangerous criminal is brought before you and is now your prisoner! Should he be allowed to leave the palace and walks freely *into the city in the middle of night*, without any guard or spy to report back to you what said prisoner is doing?
A: Hell no! But don't tell this to Queen Giulietta! Because this woman, who had poisoned her brother and removed her husband to get the throne, suddenly loses all her wits and allows her prisoner to outsmart her faster than you can blink!
After finished reading The Rose Society now I can appreciate Six of Crows (a book that I gave only 2 stars) a lot more than before, because unlike Maire Lu, the author of SoC at least isn't so half-heartened about her villainous MCs! Plus Kaz Brekker from SoC now looks like he is a smart, unapologetic criminal who knows what he is doing and is putting his act together, when I compare him with Adelina Amouteru.
Actual review here:
(1) The Characters:
Adelina: The author tries to humanize her by writing in great length about her internal struggle and her reasoning, but the problems are (1) she still wants to drown us all with her self-pitying which goes on for forever, (2) she keeps moaning and bitching about being mistreated by her father as a child it is down right tiring, (3) she double crossed the other Elites yet she has the gut to feel wronged and betrayed, (4) she is still clueless about the fact that 'being evil =/= being stubborn/stupid/not listening to people' , (5) she keeps telling me how dark and how twisted her thoughts have become, but throughout the book for most of the time she kills people only in self-defense and it is so not funny, (6) in the end, she kills a whole bunch of people on the battlefield, although it is good for her reputation as a villain, still she comes off crazy and out of control instead of being a villain who is in control of herself and her power.
*sighs* To think Adelina wants to become QUEEENNNNN when she has only three supporters and 40 mercenaries when in reality she would needs a whole freaking army to back her up, talking about bad planning and stupid schemes. This is just fucking painful.
Violetta: I don't really care about her, she is in the story to perform her task whenever her power is requested by her sister or the author herself. That's it, beside that she barely adds anything to the story.
Magiano: the so-called legendary trickster who is so great that he is almost A MYTH! Let's not talk about how unrealistic it actually sounds for a teenage boy to manage building a myth around himself and be infamous throughout the lands within less than ten-or-so years after the blood fever. I want to talk about Magiano--as an Young Elite with supposedly awesome power, turns out underwhelming...so this is a LEGENDARY trickster who is used by parents to threat their kids? You must be joking.
Not to mention, a playful, supposedly worldly trickster like Magiano just has to have feeling for Adelina and risk himself for her, after he meets her for like......a few weeks! Plus, the guy also starts referring Adelina as 'my love' after meeting her for like......three times in total! That's just down right annoying!
Raffaele: He is performing well enough in this book, through the story I have a good understanding of his choices and his relationship with Enzo. Can we have more Enzo/Raffaele, please?
Teren and Queen Giulietta: They are clearly not the good guys, but unlike Adelina, at least they are understandable and their action and choices make sense to me, at least at the beginning. Teren is still the extremist who is obsessively in love with Queen Giulietta and the idea of purity of bloodline, whilst the Queen is more of a practical politician who change her policy according to the situation. Sadly it all changes later on, all in the name of plot convenience. How sad.
Serigo: Another flat character who is....merely there in the story to use his power whenever the plot demands it, and his other purpose is to be Violetta's love interest. That's it.
Queen Maeve: Another Elite with theoretically awesome power who doesn't live up much to her potential. Plus her full name is 'Maeve Jacqueline Kelly Corrigan'---which sounds surprisingly *modern* for a character from a 14th century based fantasy world. Therefore I think it's safe to guess her kingdom---which is named 'Beldain', with its fearsome navy, is the fictional version of British in this fantasy world? Okay, how lazy can this get!?
The other Elites and Maeve's brothers: To be frank I don't care about them, their creator, Marie Lu, has given me nothing to give a rat ass about these characters, from start to end.
(2) The romance:
I'm shipping hard for Maeve/Lucent and Enzo/Raffeale, I don't care about Adelina's love triangle with Magiano and Enzo at all. There is no chemistry and romantic tension among these people whatsoever.
(3) The plot twists:
So,
(4) Everyone, gets stupid!
Please read my Questions 1 to 6 from above, I hope you can see what I mean by characters acting stupid.
Plus, do you remember Raffaele, Teren and Queen Giulietta? At first they seem to have their brains intact but later Marie Lu just decided to dumb them all down for the sake of plot convenience. Therefore, None of these looks convincing to me.
(5) The ending:
The revealing of is a very nice touch, but how the final battle has turned out and the fallout between came off too rushed, especially when
(6) Tell, not show:
I'm told that Adelina's reputation as a powerful Elite is spreading like wildfire throughout the lands after she killed the Night King, but Marie Lu hardly showed me what Adelina and Co. had done to build her reputation. Reputation is something that needs to be built up constantly, not something which can be created overnight after one random assassination. the people in this fictional world seem to just know all about Adelina and her deeds. It looks like Adelina and Co. simply cross their arms and sit back, yet the myths about her simply comes into being all on their own. That's it.
And this 'tell, not show' thingy isn't even a new problem. The Dagger Society and their fearsome reputation is as building on quicksand as Adelina's. The Daggers do some pranks and stunts here and there, then people just automatically come to support them, without them having to engage with the people much or at least giving speeches or sharing their insight/political messages!
Extra:
I can't believe this! Adelina still can't get the reasons (and they are good reasons) why her former friends had turned their backs on her through her thick skull! Look at this following quote:
Even among bandits and criminals, loyalty is one of the few values being honored, but of course Adelina would still act hurt and wronged after she double-crossed her former friends, because...woe is she!
Last but not least, like I'd already mentioned before, Marie Lu is one of those authors whose name is on my blacklist.
See that? BLACKLISTED, TOTALLY BLACKLISTED.
(Link: http://j-rockbrazildownloads.blogspot...)
Review for Legend: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for The Young Elites: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mark my words here: Calling this book 'A Game of Thrones meets X-Men' is a fucking insult to both the novel series and the comic series. As far as I know most of these characters wouldn't survive a week in neither the worlds of A Game of Thrones nor X-Men.
Marie Lu actually called this book 'the darkest book she has ever written' and her fans keep swearing up and down this book is dark and disturbing?
My reaction to these claims is to LOL.
Note: please be aware of both marked and unmarked spoilers in this review!
Here is a few questions I have in mind during my reading progress:
Q1: Why The Young Elites trilogy should not be compared with the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson ?
A: Because unlike Marie Lu, Brandon Sanderson is actually too mature to allow shit like to happen in his books.
Q2: Does doing some pranks and stunts give you great political power?
A: Hardly, a coup or any attempt to seize political power needs to be planned beforehand. Randomly killing ONE political leader can hardly assure your control over a city state
Q3: Would a bunch of mercenaries and tricksters willingly follow two penniless teenage girls on a scheme to overthrow a queen even before they get their first payment?
A: ....are you kidding me? These people are called *mercenaries* and *tricksters* for a reason!
Q4: So you are a newly widowed queen who has yet to sit on your throne with complete ease, would you summon a most warned criminal (a known enemy to your country) to *your bedchamber* at night, while driving your strongest and most trusted bodyguard away from you?
A: Hell no! Any ruler with half a brain would have known it's a bad idea!
Q5: So you are having this secret meeting to meet up with your ally. When this ally shows up, or someone who looks like him/her shows up, would you go up to greet him/her at once, or would you request a...you know...A PASSWORD, to make sure this person is who he/she appears to be, not some spy in disguise?
A: Of course I would request a password, if not a few set of passwords just to be on the safe side! But don't ever tell this to Adelina, Maeve and Raffaele! Don't you dare!
Q6: A known dangerous criminal is brought before you and is now your prisoner! Should he be allowed to leave the palace and walks freely *into the city in the middle of night*, without any guard or spy to report back to you what said prisoner is doing?
A: Hell no! But don't tell this to Queen Giulietta! Because this woman, who had poisoned her brother and removed her husband to get the throne, suddenly loses all her wits and allows her prisoner to outsmart her faster than you can blink!
After finished reading The Rose Society now I can appreciate Six of Crows (a book that I gave only 2 stars) a lot more than before, because unlike Maire Lu, the author of SoC at least isn't so half-heartened about her villainous MCs! Plus Kaz Brekker from SoC now looks like he is a smart, unapologetic criminal who knows what he is doing and is putting his act together, when I compare him with Adelina Amouteru.
Actual review here:
(1) The Characters:
Adelina: The author tries to humanize her by writing in great length about her internal struggle and her reasoning, but the problems are (1) she still wants to drown us all with her self-pitying which goes on for forever, (2) she keeps moaning and bitching about being mistreated by her father as a child it is down right tiring, (3) she double crossed the other Elites yet she has the gut to feel wronged and betrayed, (4) she is still clueless about the fact that 'being evil =/= being stubborn/stupid/not listening to people' , (5) she keeps telling me how dark and how twisted her thoughts have become, but throughout the book for most of the time she kills people only in self-defense and it is so not funny, (6) in the end, she kills a whole bunch of people on the battlefield, although it is good for her reputation as a villain, still she comes off crazy and out of control instead of being a villain who is in control of herself and her power.
*sighs* To think Adelina wants to become QUEEENNNNN when she has only three supporters and 40 mercenaries when in reality she would needs a whole freaking army to back her up, talking about bad planning and stupid schemes. This is just fucking painful.
Violetta: I don't really care about her, she is in the story to perform her task whenever her power is requested by her sister or the author herself. That's it, beside that she barely adds anything to the story.
Magiano: the so-called legendary trickster who is so great that he is almost A MYTH! Let's not talk about how unrealistic it actually sounds for a teenage boy to manage building a myth around himself and be infamous throughout the lands within less than ten-or-so years after the blood fever. I want to talk about Magiano--as an Young Elite with supposedly awesome power, turns out underwhelming...so this is a LEGENDARY trickster who is used by parents to threat their kids? You must be joking.
Not to mention, a playful, supposedly worldly trickster like Magiano just has to have feeling for Adelina and risk himself for her, after he meets her for like......a few weeks! Plus, the guy also starts referring Adelina as 'my love' after meeting her for like......three times in total! That's just down right annoying!
Raffaele: He is performing well enough in this book, through the story I have a good understanding of his choices and his relationship with Enzo. Can we have more Enzo/Raffaele, please?
Teren and Queen Giulietta: They are clearly not the good guys, but unlike Adelina, at least they are understandable and their action and choices make sense to me, at least at the beginning. Teren is still the extremist who is obsessively in love with Queen Giulietta and the idea of purity of bloodline, whilst the Queen is more of a practical politician who change her policy according to the situation. Sadly it all changes later on, all in the name of plot convenience. How sad.
Serigo: Another flat character who is....merely there in the story to use his power whenever the plot demands it, and his other purpose is to be Violetta's love interest. That's it.
Queen Maeve: Another Elite with theoretically awesome power who doesn't live up much to her potential. Plus her full name is 'Maeve Jacqueline Kelly Corrigan'---which sounds surprisingly *modern* for a character from a 14th century based fantasy world. Therefore I think it's safe to guess her kingdom---which is named 'Beldain', with its fearsome navy, is the fictional version of British in this fantasy world? Okay, how lazy can this get!?
The other Elites and Maeve's brothers: To be frank I don't care about them, their creator, Marie Lu, has given me nothing to give a rat ass about these characters, from start to end.
(2) The romance:
I'm shipping hard for Maeve/Lucent and Enzo/Raffeale, I don't care about Adelina's love triangle with Magiano and Enzo at all. There is no chemistry and romantic tension among these people whatsoever.
(3) The plot twists:
So,
(4) Everyone, gets stupid!
Please read my Questions 1 to 6 from above, I hope you can see what I mean by characters acting stupid.
Plus, do you remember Raffaele, Teren and Queen Giulietta? At first they seem to have their brains intact but later Marie Lu just decided to dumb them all down for the sake of plot convenience. Therefore, None of these looks convincing to me.
(5) The ending:
The revealing of is a very nice touch, but how the final battle has turned out and the fallout between came off too rushed, especially when
(6) Tell, not show:
I'm told that Adelina's reputation as a powerful Elite is spreading like wildfire throughout the lands after she killed the Night King, but Marie Lu hardly showed me what Adelina and Co. had done to build her reputation. Reputation is something that needs to be built up constantly, not something which can be created overnight after one random assassination. the people in this fictional world seem to just know all about Adelina and her deeds. It looks like Adelina and Co. simply cross their arms and sit back, yet the myths about her simply comes into being all on their own. That's it.
And this 'tell, not show' thingy isn't even a new problem. The Dagger Society and their fearsome reputation is as building on quicksand as Adelina's. The Daggers do some pranks and stunts here and there, then people just automatically come to support them, without them having to engage with the people much or at least giving speeches or sharing their insight/political messages!
Extra:
I can't believe this! Adelina still can't get the reasons (and they are good reasons) why her former friends had turned their backs on her through her thick skull! Look at this following quote:
Even among bandits and criminals, loyalty is one of the few values being honored, but of course Adelina would still act hurt and wronged after she double-crossed her former friends, because...woe is she!
Last but not least, like I'd already mentioned before, Marie Lu is one of those authors whose name is on my blacklist.
See that? BLACKLISTED, TOTALLY BLACKLISTED.
(Link: http://j-rockbrazildownloads.blogspot...)
Review for Legend: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for The Young Elites: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 6, 2015
Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
I don’t know exactly how I feel about this book. I mean… I really liked it! It was fast-paced and addictive. It was also really dark, wow, Adelina blew me away! The last chapter left me without words!
What I don’t know is if I liked this one better than the first one (or if is the other way around), I mean, The Young Elites and The Rose Society are two VERY different books, and in each of them we get to know a different set of characters, and while I think I liked more this book, I really missed the Daggers, especially Raffaele. Don't get me wrong, I love the Roses, but I was really fond the Fortunata Court.
Speaking of new characters... I think my favorite is Magiano, but I didn't like how his relationship with Adelina developed, it felt SO insta-lovish to me! It came out of nowhere! And while I don't mind if they get together, I don't really ship them. .
I'm looking forward the next book, this is one of the few series/trilogies that I have absolutely NO idea of how it would end! I don't think we'll get a happy ending. It would be anticlimactic and unrealistic, though I really care about these elites and I hope a few of them can find happiness :(. As for Adelina... I don't know, I'm scared for her (not of her).
I don’t know exactly how I feel about this book. I mean… I really liked it! It was fast-paced and addictive. It was also really dark, wow, Adelina blew me away! The last chapter left me without words!
What I don’t know is if I liked this one better than the first one (or if is the other way around), I mean, The Young Elites and The Rose Society are two VERY different books, and in each of them we get to know a different set of characters, and while I think I liked more this book, I really missed the Daggers, especially Raffaele. Don't get me wrong, I love the Roses, but I was really fond the Fortunata Court.
Speaking of new characters... I think my favorite is Magiano, but I didn't like how his relationship with Adelina developed, it felt SO insta-lovish to me! It came out of nowhere! And while I don't mind if they get together, I don't really ship them. .
I'm looking forward the next book, this is one of the few series/trilogies that I have absolutely NO idea of how it would end! I don't think we'll get a happy ending. It would be anticlimactic and unrealistic, though I really care about these elites and I hope a few of them can find happiness :(. As for Adelina... I don't know, I'm scared for her (not of her).
October 21, 2015
EPIC Sh*t!!! So Dark. and Vicious. and Intense. Shocking moments and Heart-breaking all over again. The character developments are phenomenal!!! I love it, I LOVE many things. Worth-waiting, yeah!
Shelved as 'do-not-own-tbr'
October 19, 2015The cover has been revealed. Hmm, not sure how I feel about it. I like it more than the first one though.
WHY CAN'T THIS BOOK COME OUT SOONER!!!!!??????
I JUST FINISHED THE FIRST ONE AND NEED THE SECOND ONE NOW!!!!!!! THE FIRST BOOK!!!!
WHY CAN'T THIS BOOK COME OUT SOONER!!!!!??????
I JUST FINISHED THE FIRST ONE AND NEED THE SECOND ONE NOW!!!!!!! THE FIRST BOOK!!!! 
February 1, 2016
4.5 dark stars
Confused decisions , panicked emotions, betrayal, destroyed childhood, a craving for love!
Yes, this is Adelina Amouteru, the cast-out elite who dearly feels the absence of her friends and is ready to fill the gaping void with revenge. Marie Lu is a genius for having created such a dark character whose mind twitches and turns around paranoia and negativity. This, mistrusting is however, pretty much justified in Adelina's case because of her wretched childhood and the heart-breaking Judas kiss from the the daggers. Hence, instead of turning to the shadows and becoming a damsel in distress, our heroine decides to call the shots and gathers other powerful elites and forms the Rose Society.
The book's world-building is highly detailed with all the various states having varying policies and demeanor toward the malfettos, the detailing shows how comprehensive the author's imagination is. Marie gives not a picture but a 3D picture of the surroundings, satisfying all the sense of sound and sight. The description is exquisite with the landscape, the sea scape, the sky scape all being under the ambit of Marie Lu's imagination.
The job of sketching a different lead protagonist is also done very beautifully. She's a dark heroine, a lost soul with a suffocating trap of illusions gnawing at the edges of her sanity. I really loved the working of her mind and most of the times agreed to what she was doing because the Daggers were being extremely self-centered and mean to her! For someone with a broken childhood, another betrayal is a complete KABOOM. Also I loved the idea of the whispers that inhabited Adelina's mind, they were unique and gave life to all the insanity.
I can always feel their presence lingering in the corners of my mind. There is a blade there, a rotation of sound and silence, a lamp that burns black. A grim, growing fire. This is what they say: Adelina, why do you blame yourself for Enzo’s death?
But the the dark recesses of Adelina's narrative is just the tip of iceberg! There is much more to enjoy as well such as the new elites, the moves that both the Daggers and the Roses make, the spine-tingling action, the last unpredictable touches added to the book, the small factual smudges of psychology in fantasy and the old, innocent Violetta!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book (which I wasn't really expecting to). Sometimes it's just fun to read the evil queen's narrative instead of Snow white’s! So here goes:
Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
Confused decisions , panicked emotions, betrayal, destroyed childhood, a craving for love!
Yes, this is Adelina Amouteru, the cast-out elite who dearly feels the absence of her friends and is ready to fill the gaping void with revenge. Marie Lu is a genius for having created such a dark character whose mind twitches and turns around paranoia and negativity. This, mistrusting is however, pretty much justified in Adelina's case because of her wretched childhood and the heart-breaking Judas kiss from the the daggers. Hence, instead of turning to the shadows and becoming a damsel in distress, our heroine decides to call the shots and gathers other powerful elites and forms the Rose Society.
The book's world-building is highly detailed with all the various states having varying policies and demeanor toward the malfettos, the detailing shows how comprehensive the author's imagination is. Marie gives not a picture but a 3D picture of the surroundings, satisfying all the sense of sound and sight. The description is exquisite with the landscape, the sea scape, the sky scape all being under the ambit of Marie Lu's imagination.
The job of sketching a different lead protagonist is also done very beautifully. She's a dark heroine, a lost soul with a suffocating trap of illusions gnawing at the edges of her sanity. I really loved the working of her mind and most of the times agreed to what she was doing because the Daggers were being extremely self-centered and mean to her! For someone with a broken childhood, another betrayal is a complete KABOOM. Also I loved the idea of the whispers that inhabited Adelina's mind, they were unique and gave life to all the insanity.
I can always feel their presence lingering in the corners of my mind. There is a blade there, a rotation of sound and silence, a lamp that burns black. A grim, growing fire. This is what they say: Adelina, why do you blame yourself for Enzo’s death?
But the the dark recesses of Adelina's narrative is just the tip of iceberg! There is much more to enjoy as well such as the new elites, the moves that both the Daggers and the Roses make, the spine-tingling action, the last unpredictable touches added to the book, the small factual smudges of psychology in fantasy and the old, innocent Violetta!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book (which I wasn't really expecting to). Sometimes it's just fun to read the evil queen's narrative instead of Snow white’s! So here goes:
Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
October 24, 2016
This book was so intense! I love it because it's so different than anything I've ever read. Adelina is such an antihero, and the way that her darkness consumes her and the way that it can be read as a metaphor for mental illness (at least, the way I interpret it sometimes) I think is just really chilling and well done. Teren is so intriguing in this book, and he was one of my favorite characters from the first one. The reason I took off a star is because I listened to this on audio, and while the narrators were actually spectacular and it was done nicely, I kept getting distract and so my listening experience with this was extremely choppy and therefore it took me a while to read this and I would forget things that happened, etc. It's also been a while since I read book one. I have the third on audio and I can't wait to see how the series wraps up!
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1646942374i/66224803._UX200_CR0,46,200,200_.jpg)
February 5, 2018
“I pledge myself to the Rose Society until the end of my days,
To use my eyes to see all that happens.
My tongue to woo others to our side.
My ears to hear every secret.
My hand to crush my enemies.
I will do everything in my power to destroy all who stand in my way.”
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After the duel everything changes for Adelina. Being used, betrayed and cast out she flees with Violetta to another city.
There she tries to find allies who help her succeed her goal- to get revenge on Teren and the Queen and to help free all the malfettos in the country. But while fighting the queen, the daggers and inquisition, Adelina also needs to fight the darkness in herself.
This book was so perfect! It was filled with betrayal, action, Love and so much more.
This is easily one of my most favorite books now! Love it ♥️
And the ending left me like that:
😨😭😱😳🤯💔🔥☠️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I have never known the mind of a wolf hunting a deer, but I imagine it must feel a little like this: the twisted excitement of seeing the weak and wounded cowering before you, the knowledge that, in this instant, you have the power to end its life or grant it mercy. In this moment, I’m a god.
After the first book Adelina became my favorite character ever and the second book only secured her position there.
Slowly Adelina’s illusions become more and more powerful and with it the darkness in herself. Whereas she tries to fight it, she also learns to embrace her true self. She isn’t afraid anymore to show her true feelings, motivations and her heart.
She is a dark, twisted character that fascinates me. She isn’t the normal Young Adult main character, she is neither hero nor villain. She is something in between, but slowly she gets more in the darker way. And with that she realizes that wanting to become more powerful is a lonely way.
Teren our creepy masochist-fanatic. In this book we get to know his character even more. Especially the obsessive love for the Queen and the wish to erase all Malfettos from this world. And I get strong game-of-Thrones-mad-king-vibes from him. I mean “Burn them all.” that’s literally the catch phrase of the mad king.
World ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The gods created the blood fever (...) and so they also created the marked and the Elite.”
Next to our known capital Estenzia we get to see some new places in this world.
But the best of all is that new characters are introduced: a queen, a mercenary, a thief and new and old powers mix together to be the force to push the queen from the throne.
Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made mistakes.
I trusted both too little and too much.
But, by the gods, I tried so hard.
I gave everything I had.
I have always done the best I could, and yet, somehow, it has never been enough.
No one cares what I did.
They always turned their backs on me.”
This book, like the first book, includes the relationships Adelina has with certain characters. First of, her little sister Violetta gets a big part of this book. They realize that now they only have each other. With that they start to support and protect each other like no other would. But with that Violetta also sees the change in Adelina and the chaos and danger involved.
There is also love in this book. But not the typical swooning-insta-love.
No, this love is twisted and dark.
And sometimes the thing you wanted the most will sometimes be the most dangerous thing to you.
In the end love can destroy us like nothing else can.
Oh, and there was a girl-girl-romance in there and absolutely loved it. It was so heartwarming and beautiful in a wonderful way.
Definitely #couplegoals.
P.S. “my love” will forever be my weakness.
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
��Fear motivates, more than love or ambition or joy.
Fear is more powerful than anything else in the world.
I have spent so long yearning for things - for love, for acceptance- that I do not really need.
I need nothing except the submission that comes with fear.
I do not know why it took me so long to learn this.”
Of course, Marie Lu, has outdone herself again. The way she writes is intriguing and addictive in a wonderful way. Sometimes you read the pages and think: Gosh, that could easily be a tattoo on my back.
It is beautiful and It is dark and I loved it so so much! It was perfect ♥️
September 11, 2015
Wow. Wow. Wow.
First off, this is definitely not your normal book 2. It is filled with plotting and treachery and delicious twists.
I've loved Adelina from the beginning. She's strong and still stubborn and she isn't afraid to fight for what she wants. Even if everyone else thinks it's wrong. However, the Adelina in this book is a little bitter and fairly mean. It's definitely quite darker than the first book.
There are some excellent new characters and some really shocking things that I didn't see coming. The ending isn't a horrible cliffhanger, but it absolutely makes me want book 3 right now.
I can't wait to see what Marie has in store for us.
**Huge thanks to GP Putnam & Sons and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
First off, this is definitely not your normal book 2. It is filled with plotting and treachery and delicious twists.
I've loved Adelina from the beginning. She's strong and still stubborn and she isn't afraid to fight for what she wants. Even if everyone else thinks it's wrong. However, the Adelina in this book is a little bitter and fairly mean. It's definitely quite darker than the first book.
There are some excellent new characters and some really shocking things that I didn't see coming. The ending isn't a horrible cliffhanger, but it absolutely makes me want book 3 right now.
I can't wait to see what Marie has in store for us.
**Huge thanks to GP Putnam & Sons and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
January 13, 2017
Loved this! If you didn't like the 1st book in this trilogy I would highly recommend you still read this one! There's alot more action, more world building and a ton more darkness!
July 15, 2017
3.75 stars.
Oh my god I'm so shook, what on earth was that ending? That ending was a huge ball of what-the-fuck and just....my god, I'm speechless.
This book was pretty dull throughout and Adelina was an annoying pain in the ass, but the last 25% of this book made up for that.
Full RTC.
Oh my god I'm so shook, what on earth was that ending? That ending was a huge ball of what-the-fuck and just....my god, I'm speechless.
This book was pretty dull throughout and Adelina was an annoying pain in the ass, but the last 25% of this book made up for that.
Full RTC.
April 2, 2016
Holy awesomeness! Marie Lu wasn't messing around when she said this was going to be much darker than The Young Elites. She has really amped up her game and the results are stunning! You thought you loved The Young Elites? You ain't seen nothing yet!
The Rose Society picks up right where The Young Elites left off. We saw Adelina being cast out of The Daggers and she is hurt and angry and out for revenge. Adelina and Violetta have left Kenettra and are in search of recruits to enlist into their own new society of Elites. Word has spread about The White Wolf and she's using that fear of her name to gain her following.
During her quest for revenge against everyone who has wronged her, Adelina struggles to hold onto that bit of goodness inside of her. But the more powerful she grows, the more it slips away. You see, her darkness and need for power and revenge, fuels her magic...how can she grasp onto the light when her thirst for power is so much stronger?
The Young Elites was just the beginning of making a villain. The Rose Society is the rise of a true villain and it's a spectacular thing! Personally, I have never read a book where it's mainly told from the perspective of a villain which is why I love it so much!
There is so much more to Adelina than being a villain though. You can't help but sympathize with her and it makes her real and relatable. All she's ever craved in life was to be loved, to be accepted. And isn't that what we all want? We really see Adelina struggling with those inner voices in this book and it's truly heartbreaking to watch. She does a lot of terrible things and sometimes I was so mad at her and screaming at her in my head "why Adelina!?" But other times I found myself on her side of things and the lines were being blurred, who's the good guys and who's the bad? Whose side am I on? But Adelina is so deliciously wicked that I will probably be rooting for her till the very end. Even though I can't see any way she will have a happy ending, I still hope for redemption.
The Rose Society mixes some new characters in with the familiar. Raffaele and the Daggers play a big role of course; as well as Teren, Giulietta, and Maeve, who we met at the end of TYE. Our major new characters are the infamous Magiano and Sergio who was previously hinted at. These two are Adelina's Elites and were great additions. I loved them so much more than I initially expected to, especially Magiano. I ship him and Adelina so hard! I really hope we'll see Adelina break down those walls and let him in in the next book.
Overall thoughts:
The Rose Society was everything I was hoping for in this sequel and more! Everyone who read and loved the first book will rest assured that this follow up does not disappoint! The book keeps a steady pace the entire time, there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy. I loved the twists and turns thrown in there towards the end. Loved that we were able to see more of this amazing world, beyond Kenettra. And I loved the surprise of new information regarding the elites and their powers. Marie Lu has done an incredible job here, her best work yet I'd say. The stage is now set and I cannot wait to see how this series will conclude!
The Rose Society picks up right where The Young Elites left off. We saw Adelina being cast out of The Daggers and she is hurt and angry and out for revenge. Adelina and Violetta have left Kenettra and are in search of recruits to enlist into their own new society of Elites. Word has spread about The White Wolf and she's using that fear of her name to gain her following.
During her quest for revenge against everyone who has wronged her, Adelina struggles to hold onto that bit of goodness inside of her. But the more powerful she grows, the more it slips away. You see, her darkness and need for power and revenge, fuels her magic...how can she grasp onto the light when her thirst for power is so much stronger?
The Young Elites was just the beginning of making a villain. The Rose Society is the rise of a true villain and it's a spectacular thing! Personally, I have never read a book where it's mainly told from the perspective of a villain which is why I love it so much!
There is so much more to Adelina than being a villain though. You can't help but sympathize with her and it makes her real and relatable. All she's ever craved in life was to be loved, to be accepted. And isn't that what we all want? We really see Adelina struggling with those inner voices in this book and it's truly heartbreaking to watch. She does a lot of terrible things and sometimes I was so mad at her and screaming at her in my head "why Adelina!?" But other times I found myself on her side of things and the lines were being blurred, who's the good guys and who's the bad? Whose side am I on? But Adelina is so deliciously wicked that I will probably be rooting for her till the very end. Even though I can't see any way she will have a happy ending, I still hope for redemption.
The Rose Society mixes some new characters in with the familiar. Raffaele and the Daggers play a big role of course; as well as Teren, Giulietta, and Maeve, who we met at the end of TYE. Our major new characters are the infamous Magiano and Sergio who was previously hinted at. These two are Adelina's Elites and were great additions. I loved them so much more than I initially expected to, especially Magiano. I ship him and Adelina so hard! I really hope we'll see Adelina break down those walls and let him in in the next book.
Overall thoughts:
The Rose Society was everything I was hoping for in this sequel and more! Everyone who read and loved the first book will rest assured that this follow up does not disappoint! The book keeps a steady pace the entire time, there wasn't a moment I didn't enjoy. I loved the twists and turns thrown in there towards the end. Loved that we were able to see more of this amazing world, beyond Kenettra. And I loved the surprise of new information regarding the elites and their powers. Marie Lu has done an incredible job here, her best work yet I'd say. The stage is now set and I cannot wait to see how this series will conclude!
March 25, 2016
Lo primero que tengo que decir es que este libro me dejo con la boca abierta, pasaron tantas cosas que nunca las vi venir y aun no sé como asimilarlas, Marie Lu definitivamente es una diosa en escribir libros con tramas adictivas que te mantienen inmerso desde la 1 pagina hasta la última.
The Rose Society es un libro mucho más oscuro, vamos a ver más muertes, mas odio, mas acción, y unos momentos que te vas a quedar “QUE ESTA PASANDO AQUÍ, SANTIISMO SEÑOR” (espero y entiendan jaja) continuo, la trama continua donde TYE termino, con Adelina huyendo con su hermana en busca de su nueva tropa Elite, con el cual ella busca poder cobrar su Venganza por todas esas cosas que le han hecho, vamos a ver a una Adelina mucho más oscura con un odio increíble, con un hambre de venganza que ni ella podrá con tanto odio en su alma, vamos a ver nuevos personajes como Magiano que me encanto, ha sido mi personaje favorito del libro y vamos a ver ciertos momentos con este personaje que te van a gustar mucho, Teren en este libro es mucho más despreciable que en el 1, no saben cuánto odio al personaje es tan idiota por su amor a Giulietta que es la reina mas detestable y despreciable del mundo, tengo que admitir que el personaje de Maeve me gusto mucho y también la importante que tiene en este 2 libro, Raffaele es un personaje fantástica su forma de actuar en las situación me gusta y su forma de pensar me fascina, también vamos a ver a otros personajes que bueno, no son lo más fuerte de la historia, pero sus apariciones ayudan con el desarrollo de la historia.
Este libro es muy ligero al momento de leerlo, no te aburres en ningún momento, ya que siempre está pasando algo sorprendente, el final de este libro es FANTÁSTICO y es el claro ejemplo de que sirve que tengas todo cuando al final no tienes nada, me gusto mucho el final que Marie Lu nos dio, me dejo con muchas ganas de saber que pasara en el siguiente libro, que va a pasar con los personajes y mas con Adelina, vamos a ver unos capítulos que te van a dejar IMPACTADA Y CON LA BOCA ABIERTA, sin poder creer lo que acabas de leer.
En conclusión The Rose Society es un libro adictivo, donde vas a ver mucha acción, y tal vez un romance, un libro ameno que no te va a aburrir, tiene una trama interesante con una narrativa que te va a fascinar, asi que si tienen este libro en su lista de espera y si obvio ya leyeron el The Young Elites, dejen de hacer lo que están haciendo y denle una oportunidad a esta continuación que sin duda les va a encantar.
The Rose Society es un libro mucho más oscuro, vamos a ver más muertes, mas odio, mas acción, y unos momentos que te vas a quedar “QUE ESTA PASANDO AQUÍ, SANTIISMO SEÑOR” (espero y entiendan jaja) continuo, la trama continua donde TYE termino, con Adelina huyendo con su hermana en busca de su nueva tropa Elite, con el cual ella busca poder cobrar su Venganza por todas esas cosas que le han hecho, vamos a ver a una Adelina mucho más oscura con un odio increíble, con un hambre de venganza que ni ella podrá con tanto odio en su alma, vamos a ver nuevos personajes como Magiano que me encanto, ha sido mi personaje favorito del libro y vamos a ver ciertos momentos con este personaje que te van a gustar mucho, Teren en este libro es mucho más despreciable que en el 1, no saben cuánto odio al personaje es tan idiota por su amor a Giulietta que es la reina mas detestable y despreciable del mundo, tengo que admitir que el personaje de Maeve me gusto mucho y también la importante que tiene en este 2 libro, Raffaele es un personaje fantástica su forma de actuar en las situación me gusta y su forma de pensar me fascina, también vamos a ver a otros personajes que bueno, no son lo más fuerte de la historia, pero sus apariciones ayudan con el desarrollo de la historia.
Este libro es muy ligero al momento de leerlo, no te aburres en ningún momento, ya que siempre está pasando algo sorprendente, el final de este libro es FANTÁSTICO y es el claro ejemplo de que sirve que tengas todo cuando al final no tienes nada, me gusto mucho el final que Marie Lu nos dio, me dejo con muchas ganas de saber que pasara en el siguiente libro, que va a pasar con los personajes y mas con Adelina, vamos a ver unos capítulos que te van a dejar IMPACTADA Y CON LA BOCA ABIERTA, sin poder creer lo que acabas de leer.
En conclusión The Rose Society es un libro adictivo, donde vas a ver mucha acción, y tal vez un romance, un libro ameno que no te va a aburrir, tiene una trama interesante con una narrativa que te va a fascinar, asi que si tienen este libro en su lista de espera y si obvio ya leyeron el The Young Elites, dejen de hacer lo que están haciendo y denle una oportunidad a esta continuación que sin duda les va a encantar.
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