THE YOUNG ELITES by Marie Lu was released in 2014 and yet I just picked it up. I adored Lu’s LEGEND trilogy and fell in love with her distinct prose. Though TYE is a different genre than LEGEND, I would still recommend it for any reader who enjoys quick pacing, clear conflicts, and critiques on human nature.

Considering that this story takes place after a plague, I feel that it’s an appropriate read following the 2020 pandemic. After the blood fever, those who have been infected are left with markings. Some of the markings are external, like a change in hair color or a scar. But some of the markings are internal too, like being left with the power to create illusions or summon fire at will. Anyone left with a mark is called a Malfetto and they are being hunted by the Inquisition Axis.

I had picked this book up not really knowing what it was about. After reading it in 2021, I have noticed the similarities in prejudices within the story and in real life. Asian hate crimes are on the rise following a virus that originated in Wuhan, China. Though the story was published in 2014, it’s interesting to me that Lu was able to capture human nature in the sense that people will always find a way to suppress and discriminate against others. In the story, anyone who was dubbed a Malfetto fell victim to persecution. In real life, anyone who looks to be of East Asian descent has been targeted and blamed for the pandemic. I’m sure this wasn’t Lu’s intent when she wrote TYE seven years ago, but I think it’s important to note that throughout history, humans have found ways to discriminate against other humans. Knowing this can shape the future of humanity.