Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Elites by Natasha Ngan

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

‘There is a rumour that the Elites don’t bleed.’

Hundreds of years into the future, wars, riots, resource crises and rising sea-levels have destroyed the old civilisations. Only one city has survived: Neo-Babel, a city full of cultures – and racial tension. 

Fifteen-year-old Silver is an Elite, a citizen of Neo-Babel chosen to guard the city due to her superior DNA. She’d never dream of leaving – but then she fails to prevent the assassination of Neo Babel’s president, setting off a chain of events more shocking and devastating than she could ever have imagined. Forced to flee the city with her best friend Butterfly (a boy with genetically-enhanced wings), Silver will have to fight to find her family, uncover the truth about Neo-Babel and come to terms with her complicated feelings for Butterfly.

The Review

You know what? This book had actually surprised me in many ways. Not that I should be surprised or anything. I mean, the blurb of the book gave me this feeling that it was going to be a really, really different kind of read and it definitely was, at least I found that the world was. It was odd, strange, a little unique and again very strange, but I like all of those things combined into one and because the book was written so well too, I think that's why I enjoyed reading this book more than I thought I would. And I like finding those little surprises along the way.

To put it simply, I found THE ELITES is kind of like Marie Lu's Legend meets Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. At least that's the vibe I got from this book. So whether you're into that sort of thing, I think any sort of reader will enjoy this book because there is so much to like whether it's the story, the world or its unique characters who are good or bad. For me personally, I liked everything about this book and while it's not entirely perfect (though I'm sure many things will be explained in the next sequel), but what I loved the most was the driving force of the main characters and what they bring to this new series, that being Silver, who was such a delightful young heroine to have, and her best 'boy' friend, Butterfly, who was also such a delight to read about. Together, as they go looking for Silver's parents who have disappeared which for reasons will be later explained in the book (don't want to spoil here), I thought Silver and Butterfly worked so well together as partners in crime and I think if it wasn't for their very different personalities that have somehow worked together magically, I don't think I would have liked this book as much as I did, so just go and read this book just for those two characters! They were a real treat and I'm sure they will be for you too.

In saying that, another thing I loved was the whole unique world the author has created and everything in it. From Butterfly's own wings to Neo-Babel's own official government to the racism of many cultures in the book (especially with Silver who is known as a Red which is considered a real threat and where she is always picked on because of her particular race) is just a few things that made this book truly awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing what the author will come up with next because this book is really unique and I loved it.

Overall, THE ELITES was a very enjoyable book and with many unexpected twists, new romance and friendships, and with truly awesome characters who are surrounded by this very unique - and not to mention magical - world of Ngan's, I'm sure many readers will love this book as much as I did and is definitely one you should be out on the look for!

The Rating
4 1/2 / 5 stars

4 comments:

  1. I've heard a lot of good things about this book, glad you enjoyed it! I have to say, a cross between Legend and Alice in Wonderland sounds pretty awesome. I think it'd take me a while to get used to the name Butterfly, though. Great review, thanks! :)

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    1. Yeah, Butterfly was a very strange name for a guy character (hehe) but I eventually got used to it and it helped that this book was pretty imaginative too, so I think a lot of people will like this book.

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  2. I'm glad you enjoyed this! I've had a copy for a while now, but haven't had much of a chance to get around to it yet. Legend meets Alice in Wonderland? I like the sound of that! I'm looking forward to diving into this world soon.

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    1. It's definitely a fun book. I hope you enjoy it!

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