Marie Lu’s The Young Elites series is a gripping and atmospheric fantasy, perfect for teens aged 13+ who enjoy dark, complex stories set in richly imagined worlds.
The books follow Adelina Amouteru, a young woman marked by mysterious powers after surviving a deadly illness called the blood plague. But her abilities come with a price, making her both feared and hunted.
The series explores themes of power, identity and the blurry lines between good and evil. Adelina’s journey is intense and emotional, with plenty of twists that keep readers guessing. Marie Lu’s writing combines fast-paced action with deep character development, making this a compelling read for those ready for a darker fantasy adventure.
The Young Elites isn’t just about magic and battles. It also delves into the challenges of belonging, trust and the desire to be accepted, which will resonate with many teens and young adults.
This is the perfect series for fans of The Mortal Instruments and the Gilded Series. If you've enjoyed this series and would like to read more fantasy adventure books like The Young Elites, do check out our blog post on the Best Fantasy Books for Teens.
All the The Young Elites books in order:
Book 1: The Young Elites (2014)
Book 2: The Rose Society (2015)
Book 3: The Midnight Star (2016)