BOOK REVIEW : THE ROSE SOCIETY BY MARIE LU!

Hello wonderful readers!

I have a book review for you today, and it is of Marie Lu's wonderful second book to The Young Elites Trilogy, The Rose Society.

Let's begin!

Details:

Title: The Rose Society (The Young Elites #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Number of Pages: 395

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Dystopia, Young Adult

Publisher:  G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers 

Published on: October 13, 2015

Format: Hardcover

Price: $21.64 (BD), Php 817.00 (FB)
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Synopsis:

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.

About the Author:



Marie Lu is the art director at Online Alchemy, a video game company, and also owns the children’s brand Fuzz Academy. She was first inspired to write Legend while watching Les Miserables one afternoon, and wondered how the relationship between a famous criminal vs. a prodigious detective might translate into a more modern story. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2006 and lives in Los Angeles, California. 

Reach the author at:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * Goodreads

Review/Rating:

This book is phenomenal. I am left at awe on how Marie Lu developed her writing to something unexpectedly marvelous. This sequel is very dark and personally, I think this is better than the first book, The Young Elites.

There's just something marvelous with Marie Lu's writing. She can literally write anything well, I think. From the dramatic, action-packed, romantic awesomeness from the Legend trilogy. To this new, dark, thrilling, villian type trilogy, The Young Elites.

I have all my hands down to the Queen Lu!

This trilogy just keeps going better and better and I am very much looking forward to book 3!

This sequel is very dark and quite unpredictable. I am really surprised on how dark Marie Lu shifted from the quite manageable darkness in the 1st book. This book is a total surprise.  I can say, that I am expecting less onto this book and preparing more for the final book but I was completely blown away just by this sequel!

It's very marvelous, breath-taking and dark! What more can you ask for?

Disclaimer: Beyond this point, this review will contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Okay. First things first, this book is phenomenal!

It started off with a folktale which Adelina narrated. It is about a prince who bargained his death to Moritas, the goddess of death. When Moritas refused, the prince stole her immortal gold and fled. Seeking for revenge, Moritas sent Candora, the angel of fury to disguise as a young lady and seduce the prince. The prince fell for the trap and Candora burnt everything he owned and pulled him under the depths of the underworld, waiting to be devoured by Moritas.

That folktale is amazing! I think it added so much more to the story and the culture surrounding it. It was a fresh prologue and I'd say it pretty much did an excellent job into making me continue reading. I think that's genius for Queen Lu to add into the story for her prologue. It's gripping and amazing.

Onto the story, this book surprised me off my feet. The gambling scene was marvelous. When the boy escaped and was surrounded by armed men, Adelina's darkness started to kick into me and I've noticed drastic changes with her attitude in this book. That scene was surprisingly satisfying and very scary. I mean, at Adelina's point of view, it was splendid.

Magiano is an amazing surprise! He is very clever and such a marvelous character! Honestly, I think he is my favorite character out of this novel, yet. He has such a comforting ambiance while at the same time being able to be witty and clever. His ability is so mind-blowing. I didn't expect that coming. I expected him to be like a very fast Elite, or someone like Dante but faster. I really do not know. I loved that, really! Queen Lu made Magiano's character so wonderfully. I also love his stories, like how he adapted to survive with his abilities. He escaped the prison with Adelina's powers right? And he is so powerful. I'll talk about him further as we go on!

Another new character I find interesting is Maeve, she is very kind-of annoying. But the interesting annoying. Like, what does she hold? We get very little of Maeve in this book but she has done a lot of part in bringing back Enzo to life. I kind-of don't like her. I think her point of views were very dull. She is also, for me a very flat character. I mean, if she only showed up to bring back Enzo to life, it wouldn't make much of a difference in the story. I just don't have this connection with her, as much as I have with Adelina or even the rest of the characters. What she reminds me of tho, is Cameron from the Red Queen series. They have this same annoyingly kick-ass characteristic that makes them elevate the story.

Let's talk about Teren Santoro. I learned a lot about him in this sequel. His character kinda brought meaning to the whole scenario in this book. I am surprised that at some point, I feel sad for him. I pity his situation, but at the same time, I am not his biggest fan. I do think, that Teren has shown weakness in this book rather than in the first one. He became more human-like. He became vulnerable which is not like his powers. 

I have a lot to talk about these three characters -- Magiano, Maeve, and Teren -- but the events I'll be pertaining to happened at the end. So, let's talk about the first parts first.

Raffaele was meh. Literally that is the word that first came to my mind when describing him. He became so pathetic in this book. I mean, he still has those charming and formal ways but there were some points in which he desperately shifted and tried to become a leader. There was this one part that made me laugh and burst into tears. That was page 33 (yes, I laughed so much I noted it down), in which he said "The Daggers are going to destroy him, I will see to it personally." Like what? I desperately laughed my voice out. It was so pushed together. You can clearly say that Raffaele is desperately trying to be powerful. I just can't imagine that being said by him. It just doesn't work for me. 

Now, the scene with the Night King was not much, but amazing. I was so shocked that Adelina killed the Night King. I mean, this isn't her first victim ever, but in front of Violetta? That is shocking for me if I was in that scene. The story just keeps going darker and darker. 

And so after that, they escaped. They met Sergio, whom controls the rain, and I have mixed feelings about him. Honestly, I find the name "rainmaker" cute. I kind-of see him being a traitor in the near future, not because he is mean but because he is weak (in abilities) and I think he has troubles coping with extreme situations. But so far, he is an ally, and I do love his powers -- but I wish he could control it more. I mean he is nearly like Storm from X-Men, which is my favorite X-Men character. I kind-of think that Sergio will grow in the final book, just because he was not much in here. But it would be sad, not to see him grow. Just imagine what he can do, right?

One thing I liked about Sergio and Magiano is that they both had there thing in the first book. It was so genius of Marie Lu to be able to plot that perfectly. Who'd know and predict that the folktale and the ex-Dagger member in the first book, would portray great roles in the second one? That was absolutely amazing!

After they escaped, hours later, not surprisingly, another fight happens. Another ability showed by Adelina, nothing much surprising. I was though, surprised by the loyalty in this book. Red Queen had a big impact on my judgement against allies, I guess?

Then they arrive at Campagnia, and all the information starts to leak. I have admired Sergio during these parts. I honestly thought that Sergio is gonna trap them or betray them at some point in these parts, but luckily, Mi Adelina didn't get another person to add to her list of those who betrayed her. 

Adelina follows Gemma, the Star Thief, and gets all the details she needs. She discovers the plan the Daggers, along with Maeve, has set. 

I remember the scene, in which Adelina hesitates to continue hiding and show herself to Gemma. AGHH. The feels right into the heart. Adelina still has this little kind girl in her. That really made my cry virtually (because I never actually cry because of books, YET). It was so beautifully done and Marie Lu wrote an amazing debate between Adelina's thoughts. It didn't seem to vague or selfish, all the points were shown into that part. That my friends, is how an author breaks your heart.

After that, comes probably my most favorite part ever in this book -- the campfire. The current members of the Rose Society talk and plan under the moon. They formed a plan in which Adelina will disguise as Raffaele and let Enzo be tethered to her by Maeve. Well, that was quite an expected plan. What happened next made my heart fall out! Magiano and Adelina! Who new they would become a thing? Well, I did! During the first part I kinda already imagined them as a ship, well it surely did sail! No offense to Enzolina fans, but I was not a big fan of that ship in this sequel. Well, Enzo is technically and logically dead, right? But the thing is I have fan casted, Harry Shum Jr. as Magiano in my mind. And, I personally think that they are not the most compatible, but seeing Harry Shum portray Magnus Bane on the Shadowhunters Series, it was fixed to my mind that he is him. Lol. They had the same choice of words, mannerism, and all. Although, I haven't read any The Mortal Instruments book, I have watched every Shadowhunters episode. And Magiano is the perfect guy for Adelina! Although, I wouldn't say Adelina is the perfect girl for Magiano, I think they'd work. I just hope my ship would sail, I just love them so much! I think Magiano is such a fun character and he brings out the joy in everyone which is what Adelina needs! She doesn't need a dead guy, people! For those who are asking, yes, I am for Magiano. Mehe.

Another thing I find uneasy in the book is Giulietta and Teren's one-sided relationship. I don't know if I am rooting for Teren's sadness, but I am not the biggest hater of him. I find him strong, but vulnerable. He just had shown a lot of weakness in this book. Giulietta? Well, I have always hated her.

Following Adelina's plan, they go on under the canals. 

One thing I find terrifying in this sequel is Adelina's sort-of attacks. The moments when she loses herself and completely fall for her own illusions is terrifying. Like, imagine that? And I find it really weird somehow. Absolutely horrific. I can't even find words to describe how I feel for those things. I just, they're just horrific and terrifying.

Another thing I oddly liked about this book is Raffaele being quiet. He needs to get off. I just find him utterly annoying and interesting at the same time? I don't really know but something about him bugs me. 

Following the plan, serious action and fighting go along.

We start off with Raffaele being shut down, I guess? Then, our dear Adelina went on as Raffaele to be able to tether Enzo to her by Maeve. Honestly, I was very surprised Maeve didn't have any doubts? But they were in a hurry after all. Then the tethering happens and Enzo was like alive for a second then turns into a dead, lifeless, and creepy body and Adelina started to get emotional. In the freaking middle of the Daggers society, Adelina went everywhere with her emotions. And that's a very careless move for me. It was very pointless. It's like Adelina did not learn anything from the past. Furthermore, they fought and kinda went everywhere. A thing I find interesting in this scene is when Lucent broke his wrist. That sparked an idea that I think would play a major role on the plot of the third book. I'll elaborate them as we go on.

They escaped with Magiano's amazing help which I think is very wonderful and they kind of recovered along. Enzo, is a totally different creepy and terrifying story! He is literally a zombie in my mind. Well, probably better than a zombie since he (mostly) looks alive and he can somehow gain control of himself at some points but he is literally creepy as fudge.

Oh, and another surprise is Teren's willingness to work with Adelina and The Rose Society. I was shocked even. Teren is not a man of negotiations, I guessed that he would have fought to death than work with a malfetto. But I guess, he's smarter than what I think he was. We see him emotionally breaking down which is clever of Marie Lu to do. I think it added more to Teren's very flat and annoying character. I, personally, hate Teren as a villain. He is not very good at it. He's all talk and talk and being annoying as fudge. I think that he's a very annoying villain. I mean, a great villain does the job, all he does is being a selfish annoying brat. I do not mean that he's awful as a character (well he is) but what I meant is that he sucks at being a villain. He's not all scary and things. But, is he really the villain? I don't really know.

And I can't move on without talking about the terrible illusion attack Adelina had. The one with the terrifying sequence of events. Just imagine that, having no control of you death-causing powers and they're attacking you. Just, brilliantly scary! I am left at awe with how striking Marie Lu wrote this particular scene. Just rereading it now makes my stomach turn. 

The tether thing is really bugging me. I don't really know if I like it, but I probably don't. First of all, my dear Adelina is losing herself over a mindless body. Second, Maeve did trick her and Raffaele that Enzo will be back alive. Technically, Enzo is still dead. Third, Enzo in my mind is annoyingly creepy. I do think that this would portray a lot in the third book, just because we haven't really got much from this situation and the last parts were quite messy with the tether situation.

Then they set off for war.

But, before that they went through the kingdom and Teren gave me an oddly satisfying scene. Adelina triggered Teren's anger towards Guilietta and tricked him that she is a malfetto. In the end, Guilietta died. And I don't know if I'm the only one but I cheered after that scene. But I was also terrified imagining it. Also quite satisfied with how Adelina smartly worked her best revenge.

Moving on, all the fighting and war ignites. Raffaele enters the scene with one of the barilas controlled by Gemma. Magiano eventually picks up Gemma's ability and controlled some barilas for the Rose Society as well. Sergio also calls the rain to prohibit Enzo's powers from hurting anyone. Over all these things happening, I have three main events that I'd like to particularly talk about. First was when Gemma fell from the sky. We can all agree that despite the fact that Gemma is a Daggers, she still has a soft spot in our hearts. Reading that scene from Adelina's point of view, torn my heart into pieces. Second is that scene between Adelina and Enzo. That heart-wrenching scene between them. I don't know about you, but that was pretty much devastating if it would've happened to me. Enzo may have wanted to kill Adelina. While Adelina, almost risked everything for Enzo's love and approval. That was hardcore. Really hardcore. The third scene was with Teren. How Adelina proved her power, excellent! Although it was surprising on how easy things happened? I kinda expected Teren to fight back or some of the inquisitors to show loyalty to their Master? But nonetheless, that was pretty much amazingly bad-ass of a scene.

After all the victory favoring on Adelina and the Rose Society, they 'contemplate' about all the things happening, especially for Adelina and Violetta. Violetta brings up Raffaele's theory on how the elites' powers affect their health.

Basically, Raffaele's theory applies mostly to very powerful elites. He says that their body adapts to how they use their abilities. Violetta also added that malfettos are born mortals and are not made to carry such abilities. So, the excessive use of powers will eventually slowly kill their system. Like what happened to Lucent's bones and how her wrist broke due to excessive use of her manipulation of the wind. It also explains how Enzo's body got burnt when he released fire explosions. This also explains how Adelina is having mental breakdowns; she's using her illusions so much it's affecting her mental state. I personally think this concept is wonderful! Marie Lu added a realistic touch to her fantasy world. Unlike other similar stories in which a character's health is disregarded, Marie Lu gave notice to how human-like her characters are! Brilliant!

Overall, The Rose Society is a darker sequel to the series. It's a wonderful installment filled with heartbreaking events while keeping the action-packed goodness of a Marie Lu book! The writing style is definitely amazing and dark. It's something I didn't expect! Marie Lu, never fails to surprise me and well.. break my heart. This book was filled with emotion bombs! Excellent and mostly heartbreaking! Marie Lu has once again broke my heart with that ending!

The GIF below pretty much covers how I feel about this book (particularly the ending).

Reading with Luigi gives The Rose Society by Marie Lu a

4.9/5 Books!

Highly recommended! Wonderfully written! Amazing and spectacular!

Although, let's be honest here. I rated that 4.9 and not 5 flat because I'm reserving my 5 to the third book, The Midnight Star which I am very excited about!

Favorite Quotes:

"I have always done the best I could, and yet, somehow, it has never been enough. No one cared what I did. They always turned their backs on me." page 97

"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 hands to crush my enemies.  

I will do everything in my power to destroy all who stand in my way."

"We are drawn to stories, and every scar carries one." Page 213

"It is better to have an enemy who will fight you in an open field than a lover who will kill you in your sleep." Page 301

"What is the point of searching for love, when love is nothing but an illusion?" Page 323

"Fear motivates, more than love or ambition or joy." Page 374

"But true rulers are not born. We are made." Page 375

"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." Page 395

--

That is it for my review on The Rose Society by Marie Lu! It's definitely one of my best reads! Honestly, it took me weeks to finish this post just because I knew I had a lot to say and I often revised and remade my review on it. Nonetheless, this book was amazing!

I am also excited for The Midnight Star which comes out at October, I believe.

I hope you had a lovely time reading this post. What do you guys think? Did you agree with me? Or perhaps disagreed? Let me know by commenting down below!