Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The Midnight Star

Title: The Midnight Star

Author: Marie Lu

First Published: October 11th 2016

Series: The Young Elites #3

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 316

My Copy: Kindle Edition

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary
The thrilling finale to the New York Times bestselling Young Elites series from “hit factory” Marie Lu.

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

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

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.

Bestselling author Marie Lu concludes Adelina's story with this haunting and hypnotizing final installment to the Young Elites series.

The final book in the Young Elites trilogy. Who's ready?

I'd like to begin and say that this book felt very short. 316 pages of pure awesomeness is not enough. I wish there was more, but I don't think Marie Lu could have made it any longer - it is good as it is. I'd have loved 800 (like Winter) pages, but sadly, no. I devoured this book in a day and now I have no idea what to read. My mind is still on this book and I can't seem to get the story out of my head. :( I'm falling into a reading slump - help!

Adelina (or should I say Queen Adelina) is still as ruthless and cruel as ever. She rules with an iron fist, enforcing terrible laws against the unmarked to make up for all the years of mistreatment towards malfettos. It was a little scary to see Adelina sink to this level, because by doing this, it doesn't make her any better than previous rulers. The people listen and obey out of fear, not loyalty. Adelina does realise this, as she does ponder over the topic a lot when she sees Maeve's men. I feel a little sorry for her at times, then I remember all the horrible things she's done. It's revenge in her eyes, but does it make things any better? No. She is also quite possessive over Violetta, which is scary. When Violetta ran away, Adelina sent her men to look for her, stating that only she can dictate when Violetta leaves her side.

As we've learnt from the previous book, all those with powers are now slowly dying, their own power turning against themselves. Adelina is suffering from hallucinations and paranoia, causing her to lose control. Violetta is weakening rapidly. Teren won't heal. Enzo's burns won't go away. Throughout the first half of the book, all of their conditions are rapidly deteriorating and it's frightening to see. What will happen to them all? Then, Raffaele (yay) finds a solution - which doesn't come without a price. *spoiler alert* they must journey to the Underworld and relinquish their powers to the angels in order to live. That is what the second half is about. And here comes the feels and tears. *spoiler over*

We lose a lot of people before the plan is completed. I think it's safe to say that each death did bring some tears into my eyes. Ah, this book just rips you apart with feels. :(

I think the major theme in this book is Adelina and how she finally finds her redemption. Adelina is no hero - it's very clear from the beginning, but in the end, she does make a huge sacrifice which I think redeems her. I was crying by this point! It was so tragic. But when I thought that everything was lost, the epilogue was actually very hopeful. I think it was a very sweet ending, because even though it wasn't a "and they all lived happily ever after", it was pretty close. The little tale at the end? My favourite. Plus, it finally solves the mystery as to why this book is called "The Midnight Star" ;)

The Young Elites trilogy is one of my favourite fantasy series I've read, close enough to ACOTAR. I know I'll be rereading this series a lot more in the future, and I hope to read more of Marie Lu's books! They are so good! :)


My Chosen Quote
"Someday, when I am nothing but dust and wind, what tale will they tell about me?"

2 comments:

  1. I'm 40 pages into the book right now and I'm absolutely loving it! It's been such a long time since I've read something so dark and malicious >:D
    We definitely are going to need to discuss this book once I finish it, because there are so many things I'm going to want to talk about!

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    Replies
    1. I know! I love Adelina as a character and how she's so vicious and dark! Can't wait to talk more about it! :)

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