{BLOG TOUR} Review + Giveaway: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Publication: October 7th 2014, Putnam
Format: Trade Paperback, 355 pages
Source: Own Copy from NBS
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

Misfit Review:

When I found out that Marie Lu was going to release a new trilogy, I didn't hesitate but to dive in into it and involve myself with the hype and everything. Reading The Young Elites, I found myself in the deepest parts of my mind and relating to Adelina Amouteru in some cases.

“I hereby pledge to serve the Dagger Society, to strike fear into the hearts of those who rule Kenettra, to take by death what belong to us, and to make the power of our Elites known to every man, woman, and child. Should I break my vow, let the dagger take from me what I took from the dagger.”

So the story starts with Adelina, a malfetto, a person that was affected by the Blood Fever, sitting on the stairs, listening to her father make a wager with a merchant and sells her off to marriage even if she was just 16. She runs away but is captured by her father after her younger sister tattles out of fear. As she struggles, she finds out about her strange abilities, conjuring black silhouettes that kills her father and leaves her in the Inquisitors hands. She is then saved by a group called The Young Elites before she gets murdered in front of the crowd. She is then taken to the Dagger Society and must learn to hone her powers. But an innate evil threatens to eat up Adelina whole, and she might, in her own ways, enjoy it.

“The only way to clamp down on my energy is to erase my emotions, and so I fold them each away, one by one. My sorrow turns to anger, then to ice-cold fury. My soul curls in one itself in defense. I am gone. I am truly gone.

I am not sorry.”

There's a lot of character building in this book, particularly in Adelina's part of course. The darkness swoops in on her and somehow clouds her thoughts and as noticed in many of her monologues in the book, we can tell that there's something up with her that seems to be rather interesting and unique. I love how Adelina embraces those moments of pure dark intents. I love it when there's internal conflict in a character and what they do to deal with it. Sadly though, I found Adelina a bit weak in dealing with her self. Again, it's all in the character building. I bet she'll be sooo badass in the 2nd book! 

All the characters are given a spotlight to shine and progress. I really like how Teren was manipulated to become what he is and what he will be and of course the people in the Dagger Society. There's so much mystery behind the organization no matter how much we readers try to even dive into it as much as we can. Enzo and Rafaelle, please! You've already corrupted my mind with your endless beauties, charm, wit and unbelievable strength. But that "thing" though! Please read the book because I want people to  feel what I'm feeling.

"I loved him too."

The world where they are is incredibly fascinating and reminds me of somehow how the French Revolution was and how streets looked like, but with a twist of course. There are so many facets as to how the world in which they are living in, allows for us to sink in to the catastrophes caused by the Blood Fever and how it has affected the lives of many in the different areas. 

I am left frustrated with what the future holds for the book, but it also left me incredibly excited with what's about to come! I just want it right now... Maeve, please!

The Young Elites is a great mix of finding ones self in the face of adversity, may it be good or evil, and learning to deal with the harsh realities of life. Marie Lu was able to allow Adelina to make herself a household name in the world of Young Adult fiction as a anti-hero of sorts, which is not very apparent in many stories lately. She was also able to provide a sense of longing and despair for the next book which just proves that she's one of the authors that love to torture us readers. HECK! We enjoy it nonetheless.

“Be true to yourself. But that's something everyone says and no one means. No one wants you to be yourself. They want you to be the version of yourself that they like.”

The Young Elites is a fascinating read about superpowers, a corrupt government and a girl just trying to steer away from the norm and we all love that don't we? It's a new take on a young adult novel that you won't regret picking off from shelves.

GIVEAWAY

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About The Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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.

Mark Your Calendars: Alex London in PH

Hi there Misfit Booknerds! Another amazing author is coming to the Philippines! HOOORAH!!! 

Join Alex London for a book signing here in the Philippines, August 30.  Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details. Tag #AlexLondoninPH to join the discussion.

For further information, check out the National Book Store FAQ's page or check it out here:

When and where is the book signing?
August 30, 2:00 p.m., at National Book Store, SM Aura

When will the registration be?
Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on August 30 at National Book Store, SM Aura. Each guest will be asked to fill out the registration form upon arrival. First come, first served.

Is there a registration fee?
No. There is no registration fee.

How many books can I have signed? Is there a limit as to how many people can have their books signed? You may have any number of books signed as long as they were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers or Powerbooks, and we do not have any preset limit as to the number of people.

However, although we will take every effort to get as many books signed as possible, depending on the number of attendees, we reserve the right to limit the number of copies per person or limit the number of people in line. First come, first served.

Can I bring old books or other editions of the books?
Yes, as long as the books were purchased from National Book Store, Bestsellers and Powerbooks.

Do I need to buy on-site?
No. You can buy books before or during the event.

Can I have other items signed?
No. Only books will be allowed to be signed by the authors.

Can we have our photo taken with the author?
Yes, you can have your photo with the author when she signs your book. However, we strictly allow one photo per person only.

How much are the books?
Proxy (Trade Paperback – P419)
Proxy (Hardcover – P729)
Guardian (Hardcover – P755)

ABOUT PROXY

Knox was born into one of the City's wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.

Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

A fast-paced, thrill-ride of novel full of non-stop action, heart-hammering suspense and true friendship—just as moving as it is exhilarating. Fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, James Dashner's Maze Runner, Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking series, and Marie Lu's Legend will be swept away by this story.

ABOUT GUARDIAN

In the new world led by the Rebooters, former Proxy Syd is the figurehead of the Revolution, beloved by some and hated by others. Liam, a seventeen-year-old Rebooter, is Syd’s bodyguard and must protect him with his life. But armed Machinists aren’t the only danger.

People are falling ill—their veins show through their skin, they find it hard to speak, and sores erupt all over their bodies. Guardians, the violent enforcers of the old system, are hit first, and the government does nothing to help. The old elites fall next, and in the face of an indifferent government, Syd decides it’s up to him to find a cure . . . and what he discovers leaves him stunned.

This heart-stopping thriller is packed with action, adventure, and heroics. Guardian will leave you breathless until the final page.

A fast-paced, thrill-ride of novel full of non-stop action, heart-hammering suspense and true friendship—just as moving as it is exhilarating. Fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, James Dashner's Maze Runner, Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking series, and Marie Lu's Legend trilogy will be swept away by this story.

I WILL LOOK FORWARD IN SEEING YOU THERE MISFIT BOOKNERDS! COZ I DON'T WANNA MISS OUT AGAIN! YAY!

The event is made possible in partnership with Raffles Makati, Metro magazine, Chalk magazine, Sweep and SM Aura. 

Book Review: Nihal of The Land of The Wind by Licia Troisi

Title: Nihal of The Land of The Wind (Chronicles of the Overworld #1)
Author: Licia Troisi
Publication: May 27th 2014, Open Road Media (First published in Italian in 2004 by Mondadori)
Format: e-ARC (in English), 230 pages
Source: Open Road Media through Netgalley (Thank you!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Synopsis:

Nihal lives in one of the many towers of the Land of the Wind. There is nobody like her in the Overworld: big violet eyes, pointed ears, and blue hair. She is an expert in swordplay and the leader of a handful of friends that includes Sennar the wizard. She has no parents; brought up by an armorer and a sorceress, Nihal seems to be from nowhere.

Things suddenly change when the Tyrant takes charge. Nihal finds herself forced to take action when she is faced with the most difficult mission a girl her age could imagine.

Fierce, strong, and armed with her black crystal sword, Nihal sets out to become a real warrior.

Misfit Review :
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

If there is anything more investing than reading a fantasy novel, then please don't sign me up for it because I realized how difficult it could be long ago. It's taxing to remember all the characters and those involved and  if it's straight up action and dragons, I get rather bored. It took me a while to finish this novel but maybe it was school or I was just really, really tired. But when I got the opportunity to read it more, I found out that I actually enjoyed reading Nihal of The Land of The Wind, or "NIHAL" as I would like to call it.

Her feelings of nostalgia, loneliness, and regret were heightened, but her heart did not waver. She wanted her childhood back--all the fun, innocence, and peace she had felt.

So we are taken into the Overworld where the feisty and spunky Nihal resides at the Land of The Wind with her father, Livon, who is an armors maker. She wants to be a Dragon Knight so badly and wished to learn how to really fight and learn magic, which her father took with animosity. But in the end, Nihal prevailed in her wishes, training under Soana, Livon's sister, who happens to be a sorceress with an apprentice named Sennar. We are taken into their world where Nihal must learn to fight against the odds against the dominating Tyrant and to make people realize her worth as a warrior and as a woman.

She was strong, unbeatable. Nothing could stop her. This was what the croud was shouting, and she believed them.

Nihal is a story of hard work, revenge and self worth. I enjoyed reading this book though it took me a while to really take into liking it. The story's pace at first was rather slow for me but then it got more engaging and you end up seeing yourself liking everything that is happening around. I specifically loved Nihal's determination to learn and protect her land. It was a story that allowed me to appreciate kingdom stories more and also the inclusion of romance. 

I guess that I appreciated the story because of the little hints of romance. Sennar is such a lovable guy because of his wit and humor. It's just unfortunate that Nihal is so dense or rather fixated with Fen. Another thing I loved about the story is that the action's just right! And oooh! DRAGONS! I can die now.

For a split second, Sennar was afraid of her. She wasn't the same girl he'd met in Salazar. She'd changed, though he couldn't say just how.

Licia Troisi wrote a really interesting story. It's not the first time I've encountered a story about dragons, supernatural stuff and powers, but it is my first time encountering a girl protagonist fight for her right to be part of something she's not supposed to be in. Her characteristics reminds of me of Katniss in a way but with a more void set of emotions while the story progressed.  All in all, there's a good balance of characters and scenes that made the novel quite exciting as it progressed! And I'm looking forward to the next part!

Go and read Nihal of The Land of The Wind because it's totes worth it!

About The Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

Licia Troisi was born in Ostia, a little place by the sea near Rome. She’s been passionate about writing since her childhood. She took classical studies at high school and studied astrophysics in the university. She started to write her first trilogy, Cronache del Mondo Emerso (Chronicles from the Emerged World), at the age of 21.

She got married in 2007 and is currently a PhD student in Rome. Music, movies and comics are among her interests.

This was one awesome review guys! Check out more in the coming days or weeks! See you later! 

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (2012)

Title: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publication: Jan. 3, 2012, HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback, 374 pages
Source: Own Copy from NBS
Buy it on: Amazon | National Book Store | Fully Booked | The Book Depository | Barnes and Noble  |
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Synopsis:
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland--known as The Death Shop--are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild--a savage--and her only hope of staying alive. 

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile--everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
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Misfit Review:

I had the chance to read this novel before going to the event and I must say I enjoyed it. I am not much of a dystopian reader though I have enjoyed many titles such as the Juliette Chronicles, The Hunger Games Trilogy and The Maze Runner Trilogy.

Shatter Me Trilogy by Tahereh Mafi + Giveaway (PH)

Since April is upon us booknerds in the Philippines, I just have to remind you all that Tahereh Mafi is coming to the Philippines! Of course, she's joined by her wonderful husband and author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City, Ransom Riggs, as well as Veronica Rossi, author of the Under The Never Sky Trilogy.

And with that, I give you another book review of Tahereh's works. I swear this is gonna be long.