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The Elites
‘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.
Packed full of adventure, romance, exoticism and the power of friendship, The Elites is a highly compelling and beautifully written novel from a supremely talented debut author.
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.
Packed full of adventure, romance, exoticism and the power of friendship, The Elites is a highly compelling and beautifully written novel from a supremely talented debut author.
356 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2013
33 people are currently reading
5030 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Ngan
7 books3,544 followersNatasha Ngan is the New York Times bestselling author of the Girls of Paper and Fire trilogy. She grew up between Malaysia, where the Chinese side of her family is from, and the UK. This multicultural upbringing influences her writing, and she is passionate about bringing diverse stories to readers.
Ngan studied Geography at the University of Cambridge before working as a social media consultant and fashion blogger, and yoga teacher.
She lives on the west coast of France with her partner and their Staffordshire bull terrier, Nova.
She is represented by Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary.
Follow Natasha at: http://natashangan.com or on Twitter: @girlinthelens
Ngan studied Geography at the University of Cambridge before working as a social media consultant and fashion blogger, and yoga teacher.
She lives on the west coast of France with her partner and their Staffordshire bull terrier, Nova.
She is represented by Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary.
Follow Natasha at: http://natashangan.com or on Twitter: @girlinthelens
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 26, 2013
The key to making a believable dystopian world is giving it some basis in reality. No matter how strange, how new, how incredible this imagined world it, is has to be at the very least, credible, and I felt that the city of Neo-Babel in this book was poorly executed and depicted.
This book was plagued with problems, along with the mess of the a dystopian city that is Neo-Babel, we have an unbelievable system of "Elites" soldiers all of whom are young, ranging from ~10 to a their early 20s, which begs the question of "where the fuck are the adult Elites?", we have two main characters who are completely lacking in any personality. We have a romance that is completely emotionless. We have a plot that is confusing as hell, and actually, we have a book that is more action than plot.
The writing is dry, emotionless, at best. The dialogue is overdramatic, unbelievable, unnatural. The villains are one-dimensional. Side characters have their own plot, and I find myself utterly unintrigued. This was not a long book. It was not a complicated book. The writing is solidly middle grade, and yet it was so difficult for me to read because the book simply did not hold my attention for all the reasons I listed above.
Neo Babel is a city in the future. After some vague catastrophic event called the Great Fall, it somehow survives from the ashes of other destroyed nations, and...that's it. Neo-Babel, yeah! Our main character is Silver, a Chinese girl in Neo-Babel, supposedly discriminated against because of her ethnicity, despite her status as an "Elite," so chosen to be an elite soldier because of her superior DNA. Well, this 15-year old Elite soldier is on the assignment of her life, to be on guard for the president during his speech to the city. Silver fucks up majorly. She drank too much sake at a party the night before, oversleeps, and almost misses her job. And that's not the worst of it.
The Setting: Vague and nonsensical. Neo-Babel is formed after the Great Fall, after the planes fell from the sky (caused by the Chinese), nuclear wars, sea-level rises. It is a "miracle city" built somewhere in Eastern Europe. Citizens are planted with a chip that tracks them at birth; there are many who rebel against such a practice, they establish anti-birthchip groups. The citizens are Mainlanders (white people?), citizens of the Red Nations (Asians?), and Afrikans (obviously, Africans). There are also Japaneans, New Indians...it's a mishmash of cultures...but for some reason, people really hate the "Reds." "Red" is the derogatory name used to call a person of Chinese ethnic origin, which really makes no sense to me because the Asians seem to be lumped together into the Red nation, so why is "Red" a derogatory term when it depicts an entire mishmash of nationalities?
There's supposedly a lot of discrimination and "racial tension" in Neo-Babel. I don't feel it. I don't see it. If it exists, it exists outside of Silver's radar, since as far as I can see, Silver is the only one that directly suffers from outright racial discrimination. She's called "Red" a lot by some disgruntled colleagues, they try to get her hackles up and insult her based on her race and culture...
Like the fact that DNA was used to prove that Chinese people were inferior in intelligence? Really? It's the future, they've got technology up the yin-yang despite the destruction of the world, I mean, they can engineer wings onto a boy...and DNA is used to prove mental inferiority? Nuh uh. You have to do better than that.
The Plot: Largely nonsensical, moving in irrational and confusing directions, and too filled with action to the detriment of an actual plot. Plagued with interruptions by side characters who are more annoying than intriguing, and helped along by a great deal of coincidences. Meeting your family members (who were supposed to have died 10 years ago) about 5 minutes after you leave the city is not a coincidence, it's nothing short of a miracle, ok? I'd have to be an idiot to buy into that.
The Characters: I don't even have much to say about the characters. Silver and Butterfly are dry to the point of dullness. They have zero personality, they have zero character. I don't know what drives them. I don't know what makes them laugh. They are overdramatic, and I see more of their actions than I feel their emotions and see into their hearts. I would call them robots, but that would be an insult to robots, because with the myriad of technology these days, our robots are increasingly showing signs of intelligence and evolution, and they may eventually evolve to have more complexity and depth than the yawnfest paper dolls that are Butterfly and Silver.
The villains are one-dimensional, without any visible motivation or drive. They're just bad for the sake of being bad. They're bitchy to Silver for the sake of pure bitchiness. Ember (the beautiful nemesis) slaps, punches, threatens to cut Silver, calls her a Red...etc, was pure genericness. Despite a weak attempt at redeeming her and giving her a motive, I don't even know why the main baddies in the book act the way they do.
The Romance: It's supposed to be a friends-turned-lover romance, but it is so out of place and comes so out of nowhere that I just can't see it happening. Their interactions are more of the "I need help!" "I will come save you, my beautiful, brave damsel!" sort than anything hinting of romance until someone comes the fuck out of nowhere and declares their love. There's a somewhat-nude scene in the book that I think was intended to be sexy, but it's a 16 year old guy with butterfly wings with wet drops of water on his body cupping his crotch...and it's about as titillating to me as watching two unicorns frolic in a meadow.
Not recommended.
This book was plagued with problems, along with the mess of the a dystopian city that is Neo-Babel, we have an unbelievable system of "Elites" soldiers all of whom are young, ranging from ~10 to a their early 20s, which begs the question of "where the fuck are the adult Elites?", we have two main characters who are completely lacking in any personality. We have a romance that is completely emotionless. We have a plot that is confusing as hell, and actually, we have a book that is more action than plot.
The writing is dry, emotionless, at best. The dialogue is overdramatic, unbelievable, unnatural. The villains are one-dimensional. Side characters have their own plot, and I find myself utterly unintrigued. This was not a long book. It was not a complicated book. The writing is solidly middle grade, and yet it was so difficult for me to read because the book simply did not hold my attention for all the reasons I listed above.
Neo Babel is a city in the future. After some vague catastrophic event called the Great Fall, it somehow survives from the ashes of other destroyed nations, and...that's it. Neo-Babel, yeah! Our main character is Silver, a Chinese girl in Neo-Babel, supposedly discriminated against because of her ethnicity, despite her status as an "Elite," so chosen to be an elite soldier because of her superior DNA. Well, this 15-year old Elite soldier is on the assignment of her life, to be on guard for the president during his speech to the city. Silver fucks up majorly. She drank too much sake at a party the night before, oversleeps, and almost misses her job. And that's not the worst of it.
Silver swung back behind the parapet, stifling a gasp. Oh gods, oh gods! she thought desperately. An assassin, here in my lookout zone, and I was late, and I didn’t find him, and now he’s got a gun pointed at Tanaka!Right off the bat, the president dies (good fucking job, Silver), and Silver seeks to cover her ass. Out of nowhere, her parents disappear, and instead of waiting for an investigation like any normal person would do, Silver and her best friend, a boy named Butterfly (he's got wings), decide to throw their entire bright, promising, brilliant future as Elites away to go wander off to god knows where in order to search for them. Along the way, they meet some really annoying kids, who in turn get embroiled in their own little side plots, which are of no interest to me whatsoever. It all leads up to some kind of a grand conspiracy which was contrived, largely unintriguing, and left me utterly bored.
The Setting: Vague and nonsensical. Neo-Babel is formed after the Great Fall, after the planes fell from the sky (caused by the Chinese), nuclear wars, sea-level rises. It is a "miracle city" built somewhere in Eastern Europe. Citizens are planted with a chip that tracks them at birth; there are many who rebel against such a practice, they establish anti-birthchip groups. The citizens are Mainlanders (white people?), citizens of the Red Nations (Asians?), and Afrikans (obviously, Africans). There are also Japaneans, New Indians...it's a mishmash of cultures...but for some reason, people really hate the "Reds." "Red" is the derogatory name used to call a person of Chinese ethnic origin, which really makes no sense to me because the Asians seem to be lumped together into the Red nation, so why is "Red" a derogatory term when it depicts an entire mishmash of nationalities?
There's supposedly a lot of discrimination and "racial tension" in Neo-Babel. I don't feel it. I don't see it. If it exists, it exists outside of Silver's radar, since as far as I can see, Silver is the only one that directly suffers from outright racial discrimination. She's called "Red" a lot by some disgruntled colleagues, they try to get her hackles up and insult her based on her race and culture...
‘What are your gods going to do?’ Ember laughed, her bright green eyes flashing. ‘They’re a useless bunch – I don’t know why you Reds bother. Kitchen god going to come at me with some spaghetti? Monkey god getting ready to swing down from the heavens and shove a banana in my face?’Yes, it's a serious, serious problem. I do not take racial discrimination lightly at all, I'm Asian myself. I'd be fucking pissed at any signs of discrimination of such...but really, there was minimal evidence of any racial tension in the book. There was more of a social and economic disparity in the book than anything else, and the reason given for the supposed hatred of the Chinese people were so vague and nonsensical that I can't buy into it. The Red made the planes fall from the sky? Um, ok, that's really bad. But guess what? The book mentions that other countries used nuclear weapons, bioweapons. In short, every single country did all they could do destroy each other---so why this singleminded supposed hatred towards the Chinese? I don't get it. That fact, along with other aspects of the world-building and what exists outside Neo-Babel, was completely insufficient to give this book's setting any credibility.
Like the fact that DNA was used to prove that Chinese people were inferior in intelligence? Really? It's the future, they've got technology up the yin-yang despite the destruction of the world, I mean, they can engineer wings onto a boy...and DNA is used to prove mental inferiority? Nuh uh. You have to do better than that.
The Plot: Largely nonsensical, moving in irrational and confusing directions, and too filled with action to the detriment of an actual plot. Plagued with interruptions by side characters who are more annoying than intriguing, and helped along by a great deal of coincidences. Meeting your family members (who were supposed to have died 10 years ago) about 5 minutes after you leave the city is not a coincidence, it's nothing short of a miracle, ok? I'd have to be an idiot to buy into that.
The Characters: I don't even have much to say about the characters. Silver and Butterfly are dry to the point of dullness. They have zero personality, they have zero character. I don't know what drives them. I don't know what makes them laugh. They are overdramatic, and I see more of their actions than I feel their emotions and see into their hearts. I would call them robots, but that would be an insult to robots, because with the myriad of technology these days, our robots are increasingly showing signs of intelligence and evolution, and they may eventually evolve to have more complexity and depth than the yawnfest paper dolls that are Butterfly and Silver.
The villains are one-dimensional, without any visible motivation or drive. They're just bad for the sake of being bad. They're bitchy to Silver for the sake of pure bitchiness. Ember (the beautiful nemesis) slaps, punches, threatens to cut Silver, calls her a Red...etc, was pure genericness. Despite a weak attempt at redeeming her and giving her a motive, I don't even know why the main baddies in the book act the way they do.
The Romance: It's supposed to be a friends-turned-lover romance, but it is so out of place and comes so out of nowhere that I just can't see it happening. Their interactions are more of the "I need help!" "I will come save you, my beautiful, brave damsel!" sort than anything hinting of romance until someone comes the fuck out of nowhere and declares their love. There's a somewhat-nude scene in the book that I think was intended to be sexy, but it's a 16 year old guy with butterfly wings with wet drops of water on his body cupping his crotch...and it's about as titillating to me as watching two unicorns frolic in a meadow.
Not recommended.
May 8, 2013
Hehe. I am a little biased - I wrote the book after all! But I do hope you enjoy it. It's a dystopian narrative but with a very different and unique setting/culture, and characters I hope you fall in love with as much as I did.
Find out more about The Elites on my author blog - http://natashangan.com/
Find out more about The Elites on my author blog - http://natashangan.com/
August 12, 2013
'The Elites' is a phenomenal young adult science fiction debut novel from Natasha Ngan. The novel begins with the oppressive dystopian feel of 'Brave New World' as the reader enters Neo-Babel, a society rigidly delineated on genetic lines.
The main character, Silver, is one of the best drawn sympathetic-yet-flawed heroines I've encountered in my long reading experience. Straight away, I found myself thrust into her point of view and wincing with her near misses, rejoicing with her successes, aching with her losses, and willing her on through the narrative. She is an Elite, and one of her roles is to protect the President Tanaka, under the aegis of her nasty, racist mentor, Ember. Her best friend is the handsome and well-defined sixteen year old Butterfly, and together with other beautifully-depicted Elites, they begin find out the hidden truths behind the regime and its treatment of its populace, including Silver's own family.
Watching over them with enigmatic menace is their chief, Senior Surrey, about whom we find - like many other memorable characters such as the morally ambivalent boy Akhezo, the poisonous Little Mae and the anti-birthchip activist Cambridge - there is more than meets the eye.
In her breathless quest to find her parents, Silver hurtles through many magical settings, such as the floating shisha cafe named the Temple of the Fat Wives, the Limpets slum area and the magnificent-but-derelict 'skylungs'.
This book has it all: action, adventure, mystery, romance, tragedy and even some political satire. It's about growing up as a teenager in a challenging and often hostile world, and never really knowing who to trust. It's about forming one's identity through struggle and through teamwork and through, sometimes where necessary, force. It also has guns, explosions, kisses, sizzling dialogue, twists, betrayals, surprises, neckbreaking jumps from cable-cars and head-scratching moral dilemmas.
Do yourself a favour and buy a copy. Better still, get two - a spare one for someone you really, really like!
The main character, Silver, is one of the best drawn sympathetic-yet-flawed heroines I've encountered in my long reading experience. Straight away, I found myself thrust into her point of view and wincing with her near misses, rejoicing with her successes, aching with her losses, and willing her on through the narrative. She is an Elite, and one of her roles is to protect the President Tanaka, under the aegis of her nasty, racist mentor, Ember. Her best friend is the handsome and well-defined sixteen year old Butterfly, and together with other beautifully-depicted Elites, they begin find out the hidden truths behind the regime and its treatment of its populace, including Silver's own family.
Watching over them with enigmatic menace is their chief, Senior Surrey, about whom we find - like many other memorable characters such as the morally ambivalent boy Akhezo, the poisonous Little Mae and the anti-birthchip activist Cambridge - there is more than meets the eye.
In her breathless quest to find her parents, Silver hurtles through many magical settings, such as the floating shisha cafe named the Temple of the Fat Wives, the Limpets slum area and the magnificent-but-derelict 'skylungs'.
This book has it all: action, adventure, mystery, romance, tragedy and even some political satire. It's about growing up as a teenager in a challenging and often hostile world, and never really knowing who to trust. It's about forming one's identity through struggle and through teamwork and through, sometimes where necessary, force. It also has guns, explosions, kisses, sizzling dialogue, twists, betrayals, surprises, neckbreaking jumps from cable-cars and head-scratching moral dilemmas.
Do yourself a favour and buy a copy. Better still, get two - a spare one for someone you really, really like!
July 31, 2013
The Elites was probably the book i have been most excited to read this summer. I was a little scared that after all my excitement, when i actually read the book it would be a flop but it didn't. Natasha Ngan seriously delivered and this is one book i will read and re-read, and never get tired of. The world building was perfect, the story-line unique AND THERE WAS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT GUYS! What's not to love?! The Elites is definitely not a novel to be missed: Compelling yet subtle, the book does not scream 'LOVE ME' but draws you in with its descriptive writing and lovable characters. A promising debut from a simple fantastic new author (Natasha i know you're reading this..;)).
Watch out, there's a new writer in town.
Dear Silver,
Errmmm..me like your name, can i borrow it? No, no?...okay then...Well, your an Elite, your a Red, your you. Please don't feel so insecure about your 'Red' status, who cares what other people think of you? I know for a fact that people love you and do not fricking care what you were born as. I know. See there's this guy, Butterfly...well..yeah. You know the story..
Don't beat yourself up about what happened That Day. No-ones perfect. And in the end, it was the right thing to do.
But Silver, listen to Butterfly. You may think he isn't doing the right thing not to vent his anger over it 'all' and making you stop, making you calm down. But in the end he is right - just focus in what you need to do and try to forget. Oh and, don't forget how lucky you are to have him, and you'd better watch out, because i can tell you - soon, hundreds of girls will be clamoring for your guys attention...
I'm sorry about your parents, i'm sorry about Ember, i'm sorry about what you found out about you being an Elite. I'm sorry. *hugs*
xoxo,
Hawwa
---------
Dearest Butterfly,
You have wings. Your name is Butterfly. I just...i can't. I wish i could ride up in the sky with you and look down on the world, it must be so cool....maybe in my dreams.
Look after Silver, and, Your mum; your sister. I nearly died when i heard about them. I just wanted to squeal and yell and do a happy dance. And then...YOUR MUM AND SISTER...*attacks you with a bear hug* i seriously could not speak. I had to just close my eyes for a minute and imagine how you would have felt. I HATE THEM. And I admire you for controlling yourself and not running into something that would have harmed you because you were blinded by rage.
I think everyone will want this; so, if you can. Please come to life. ;)
Love,
Hawwa
P.S I think there's a river near my house...
--------
Dear Cobe,
I forgive you.
Hawwa
-------
Ember,
I hate you. How can you do what you do without even batting an eyelid, without feeling guilty, without feeling any remorse?
Well, i know. But i still can't and won't forgive you. I'm sorry for how you got to where you are but that doesn't mean i don't blame you.
---------
Dear Natasha,
HOW CAN YOU BE SO EVIL. How could you do this to me. Butterfly and Silver and Butterfly and Cobe and LE FAMILY OF BUTTERFLY... There were too many plot twists for me to even..just..*flails* AND IT IS A STANDALONE *high fives* I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief and joy when they heard that - there's been too many series lately, and this book, this - it was just a breath of fresh air for me.
When this book came though the door I literally couldn't. But when i started reading. BAM. I whizzed through it at the speed of lightning and only stopped for breath when i had to.
Please keep writing. Please carry on being awesomely freaking evil. Because although i pretend like i don't like it, i really do...And if you produce another Butterfly?
SOLD.
*Fangirls*
Hawwa
--------------
*Thank you to Hot Key Books for sending me an ARC to review. Seriously, I LOVE YOU GUYS. This in no way affected my review.
{{ pea ess. post layout inspo from this
--------------------
full review is up on my blog here
Watch out, there's a new writer in town.
Dear Silver,
Errmmm..me like your name, can i borrow it? No, no?...okay then...Well, your an Elite, your a Red, your you. Please don't feel so insecure about your 'Red' status, who cares what other people think of you? I know for a fact that people love you and do not fricking care what you were born as. I know. See there's this guy, Butterfly...well..yeah. You know the story..
Don't beat yourself up about what happened That Day. No-ones perfect. And in the end, it was the right thing to do.
But Silver, listen to Butterfly. You may think he isn't doing the right thing not to vent his anger over it 'all' and making you stop, making you calm down. But in the end he is right - just focus in what you need to do and try to forget. Oh and, don't forget how lucky you are to have him, and you'd better watch out, because i can tell you - soon, hundreds of girls will be clamoring for your guys attention...
I'm sorry about your parents, i'm sorry about Ember, i'm sorry about what you found out about you being an Elite. I'm sorry. *hugs*
xoxo,
Hawwa
---------
Dearest Butterfly,
You have wings. Your name is Butterfly. I just...i can't. I wish i could ride up in the sky with you and look down on the world, it must be so cool....maybe in my dreams.
Look after Silver, and, Your mum; your sister. I nearly died when i heard about them. I just wanted to squeal and yell and do a happy dance. And then...YOUR MUM AND SISTER...*attacks you with a bear hug* i seriously could not speak. I had to just close my eyes for a minute and imagine how you would have felt. I HATE THEM. And I admire you for controlling yourself and not running into something that would have harmed you because you were blinded by rage.
I think everyone will want this; so, if you can. Please come to life. ;)
Love,
Hawwa
P.S I think there's a river near my house...
--------
Dear Cobe,
I forgive you.
Hawwa
-------
Ember,
I hate you. How can you do what you do without even batting an eyelid, without feeling guilty, without feeling any remorse?
Well, i know. But i still can't and won't forgive you. I'm sorry for how you got to where you are but that doesn't mean i don't blame you.
---------
Dear Natasha,
HOW CAN YOU BE SO EVIL. How could you do this to me. Butterfly and Silver and Butterfly and Cobe and LE FAMILY OF BUTTERFLY... There were too many plot twists for me to even..just..*flails* AND IT IS A STANDALONE *high fives* I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief and joy when they heard that - there's been too many series lately, and this book, this - it was just a breath of fresh air for me.
When this book came though the door I literally couldn't. But when i started reading. BAM. I whizzed through it at the speed of lightning and only stopped for breath when i had to.
Please keep writing. Please carry on being awesomely freaking evil. Because although i pretend like i don't like it, i really do...And if you produce another Butterfly?
SOLD.
*Fangirls*
Hawwa
--------------
*Thank you to Hot Key Books for sending me an ARC to review. Seriously, I LOVE YOU GUYS. This in no way affected my review.
{{ pea ess. post layout inspo from this
--------------------
full review is up on my blog here
January 27, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but have made the mistake of leaving it too long before reviewing so please don't take the short length of this review as a bad sign because it is more due to my rubbish brain than the quality of the book.
In short I thought I was done with dystopian books. I thoughts I couldn't get drawn into yet another dystopian world and yet this book did it for me.
I liked several things about the book. I loved the main characters silver and butterfly. I loved the world that surrounded them and finding out more about it and why it had become the place it was. The storyline had me hooked from the first page and I loved seeing how everything played out by the end of the book. I must admit I loved Silver and Butterfly's relationship when they were friends but not so keen when it starts to change later on in the book but that's just me.
Special mention has to go to the fact that this book stands alone as it is. I'm not certain whether there are more books to come to follow it but I loved the fact that by the end of it I felt satisfied in the story. I have felt of late I've only been reading parts of stories and been left hanging a lot.
If I had to compare the elites to another story I would have to compare it to Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, which is a book I loved, mainly because of Silver in that she is quite similar to Tally in that she is a strong female character fighting against the system she has known all her life.
A fab read I really enjoyed and especially so considering it is from a genre I thought I was long over.
In short I thought I was done with dystopian books. I thoughts I couldn't get drawn into yet another dystopian world and yet this book did it for me.
I liked several things about the book. I loved the main characters silver and butterfly. I loved the world that surrounded them and finding out more about it and why it had become the place it was. The storyline had me hooked from the first page and I loved seeing how everything played out by the end of the book. I must admit I loved Silver and Butterfly's relationship when they were friends but not so keen when it starts to change later on in the book but that's just me.
Special mention has to go to the fact that this book stands alone as it is. I'm not certain whether there are more books to come to follow it but I loved the fact that by the end of it I felt satisfied in the story. I have felt of late I've only been reading parts of stories and been left hanging a lot.
If I had to compare the elites to another story I would have to compare it to Scott Westerfeld's Uglies, which is a book I loved, mainly because of Silver in that she is quite similar to Tally in that she is a strong female character fighting against the system she has known all her life.
A fab read I really enjoyed and especially so considering it is from a genre I thought I was long over.
June 18, 2013
After what I considered a (reasonable) break from my favourite genre, a box full of hot key proofs arrived where I work and immediately I leapt upon this book because it sounded perfect for me and, after numerous recent disappointments, I have to say it is one of the best YA dystopians that I have read for a while.
Silver and Butterfly have both been streamed into a specialist training programme due to their DNA which leads them into a career as 'elites'. This leads to a lifetime protecting the city they live in, known as Neo-Babel which rose out of the dusts of The Great Fall. Without a doubt I want to know more about this backstory and it is something that I hope will be expanded in any potential sequels (of which I fervently hope there are plans!).
Nevertheless, the worldbuilding was something that I absolutely could not fault this book for. After finishing it, I looked back and couldn't believe how small it looked and how (relatively) short it was. Genuinely within this book you feel as if you have been swallowed by an entirely new world which swallows you whole and you feel as if you really know, something which is, in my mind, something an author should always be incredibly proud of and strive to achieve. There is genuinely an entire world within this book and it was a place I was unhappy about leaving at the conclusion of the book. A sentiment I could echo with many of the characters.
Furthermore, the interconnecting narratives allowed for not only a number of characters to shine, but also for the reader to gain an insight into a wide panorama of the futuristic society - from the slums to the Elites.
However, I would like to state that I feel the comparisons with The Hunger Games are incorrect and misplaced. Although I understand that it is probably the most successful book of this genre and that publishers wish to recreate this kind of success - there are other audiences which would most likely be more suited to this dystopian book. For example, I am positive that fans of Divergent would absolutely love it as there are far more similarities between this world at that which Veronica Roth created.
Therefore, for fans of YA dystopian, this is a book that I would highly recommend. I would argue that it brings something new to an over saturated genre and I can only hope that some sequels are planned!
Silver and Butterfly have both been streamed into a specialist training programme due to their DNA which leads them into a career as 'elites'. This leads to a lifetime protecting the city they live in, known as Neo-Babel which rose out of the dusts of The Great Fall. Without a doubt I want to know more about this backstory and it is something that I hope will be expanded in any potential sequels (of which I fervently hope there are plans!).
Nevertheless, the worldbuilding was something that I absolutely could not fault this book for. After finishing it, I looked back and couldn't believe how small it looked and how (relatively) short it was. Genuinely within this book you feel as if you have been swallowed by an entirely new world which swallows you whole and you feel as if you really know, something which is, in my mind, something an author should always be incredibly proud of and strive to achieve. There is genuinely an entire world within this book and it was a place I was unhappy about leaving at the conclusion of the book. A sentiment I could echo with many of the characters.
Furthermore, the interconnecting narratives allowed for not only a number of characters to shine, but also for the reader to gain an insight into a wide panorama of the futuristic society - from the slums to the Elites.
However, I would like to state that I feel the comparisons with The Hunger Games are incorrect and misplaced. Although I understand that it is probably the most successful book of this genre and that publishers wish to recreate this kind of success - there are other audiences which would most likely be more suited to this dystopian book. For example, I am positive that fans of Divergent would absolutely love it as there are far more similarities between this world at that which Veronica Roth created.
Therefore, for fans of YA dystopian, this is a book that I would highly recommend. I would argue that it brings something new to an over saturated genre and I can only hope that some sequels are planned!
July 23, 2013
Based of a preview copy.
Silver and Butterfly are two 'Elites', members of the City of Neo-Babel's higher ruling justice force, chosen at a young age based on the content of their DNA.
The city, the remainder of human society following war and natural disaster, provides for most, a safe and peaceful existence at the cost of enforced social castes and a Big Brother system of tracking.
When Silver's parents are abducted to the outside, both Elites are forced to accept that the perfect ordered lives they've been indoctrinated into carries a dark secret at the cost of control, turning their back on those once considered close friends.
The incredible diverse multi-cultural vision presented is one of the book's strongest aspects, painting an astonishingly vivid and vibrant dystopian society, from the wealthy and lavish inner city all the way to the impoverished and self-sufficient 'limpet' slums.
The multiple narratives are an effective way of varying the pace of the book and maintaining interest, introducing the reader to a plethora of colourful and credible characters. The supporting narratives are fully explored providing a greater insight into the future world.
I agree that the comparison to The Hunger Games is a little tenuous, and as a fan of the Mortal Engines series, would draw more of a comparison there. Those who enjoy Philip Reeve's work are likely to enjoy this.
This is a strong debut novel for Natasha Ngan, and I'm looking forward to further work,
Rating 4.5/5
Silver and Butterfly are two 'Elites', members of the City of Neo-Babel's higher ruling justice force, chosen at a young age based on the content of their DNA.
The city, the remainder of human society following war and natural disaster, provides for most, a safe and peaceful existence at the cost of enforced social castes and a Big Brother system of tracking.
When Silver's parents are abducted to the outside, both Elites are forced to accept that the perfect ordered lives they've been indoctrinated into carries a dark secret at the cost of control, turning their back on those once considered close friends.
The incredible diverse multi-cultural vision presented is one of the book's strongest aspects, painting an astonishingly vivid and vibrant dystopian society, from the wealthy and lavish inner city all the way to the impoverished and self-sufficient 'limpet' slums.
The multiple narratives are an effective way of varying the pace of the book and maintaining interest, introducing the reader to a plethora of colourful and credible characters. The supporting narratives are fully explored providing a greater insight into the future world.
I agree that the comparison to The Hunger Games is a little tenuous, and as a fan of the Mortal Engines series, would draw more of a comparison there. Those who enjoy Philip Reeve's work are likely to enjoy this.
This is a strong debut novel for Natasha Ngan, and I'm looking forward to further work,
Rating 4.5/5
September 4, 2013
4.5/5
Originally published at Gypsy Reviews
I received an ARC direct from the publisher. Thank you!
I went into The Elites with low expectations and was wowed by it. It might seem like your typical dystopian but underneath it all, there are subtle messages about racism, family, freedom, loyalty and trying to figure out which is the side you want to be on? It has elements that you wouldn’t expect to see from many dystopians as it embraces diversity and managed to pop out such an engaging climax that was reminiscent of Mockingjay.
Silver is a Red and an Elite which means she’s one of the select few who guard Neo-Babel. All Silver has wanted to do is to live up to who she is and to prove that she is a worthy Elite and she can protect her city. But things go wrong and everything starts to crumble and everything Silver knows is about to change completely. Silver’s situation is not as good as you think, not only is she an Elite but she’s a Red too (I presumed she was probably Chinese). The people in Neo-Babel are separated according to race and Reds are looked down, reasons for this were not explained but it was stated that Mainlanders (presumably Caucasians) were of the higher ranking. I liked that The Elites sought to address racism and prove that someone is not defined by their race but rather their abilities and who they are. It provided a lot of diversity to the book as there are many cultures in the book and I definitely appreciate a book that seeks to include all cultures out there and not focus on one predominant race. It’s hard for Silver, she is an Elite but there are people who look down at her and thinks she’s unworthy because she is a Red.
When she realises Neo-Babel isn’t what she presumed, it’s difficult for her to accept that because it’s been drilled into her for so long. This side of Neo-Babel is the only side she’s known about, how can she just change her entire opinion about it in such a short span? She doesn’t want to believe that this is what is happening but she can’t ignore the facts that are staring right in her face. But it wasn’t just Silver who faced these conflicts, there were also other characters who we get to see who chose sides and had reasons for sticking to them. So we get to see from both sides and I really liked how we got to see how the characters reason why they chose to side with Neo-Babel and why they don’t. It provided more depth to the characters.
Silver is a flawed character, she doesn’t pretend to be perfect, she knows her weaknesses and struggles with overcoming them but in overall, her heart is in the right place and she knows what’s important to her. I did enjoy the other characters too, I wasn’t too crazy about the names. I mean Silver’s best friend is called Butterfly?! No matter how minor the characters were, there was layers to them and they all managed to connect to the story, somehow or another they were intertwined together. There’s a sort of hidden history behind some of them which made me wish I could find out more. I wasn’t a big fan of a part of Butterfly’s story though, I found it all a little too convenient.
I felt that Ngan had put in a lot of thought into her book and dealing with the aftereffects of people’s choices and the part they play in defining an entire city’s fate. Do they have the right to decide what is right for an entire city? Would it be better to let it be? Is it right to overshadow your own desire over others? I don’t find that characters inside the story come to terms with how their current world became this way so it was a welcome addition, usually they simply disagree with how society works but here, Silver tries to reason why Neo-Babel became like this and says why it’s wrong.
What really won me over was what happened from the climax onwards, it was spectacular and I didn’t know that Ngan would be able to pull it off but she did. It was gut-wrenching, shocking and I was on the edge of my seat as I read it. In that short span, many people are forced to make choices they thought they would have more time to decide on and for others, they’ve lost everything they knew about. It feels like everything is going downhill and it’s not going to work out and it was a great book feeling because you’re not even sure if it could turn around and everything would be okay in the end. It did remind me a lot of Mockingjay’s climax and evoked the same feelings. It was my favourite part of the book and it made up for all the faults in the beginning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I was so surprised by how much I loved it. Natasha Ngan is definitely an author to keep an eye out for, she’s got potential and I’ll be looking forward to her future releases.
Verdict: Tired by all the disappointing dystopians? This will turn things around!
----------------------
This book exceeded my expectations by so much, despite a few bumps where you know one of the characters is called Butterfly and is a guy which is hard to take seriously. The Elites delves deep into what it means to embrace who you are, family ties, dealing with loss, being under a dystopian society and trying to come to terms with your past. It's a powerful book and I loved it, I couldn't tear myself away from the second half.
-- Full review to come!
Originally published at Gypsy Reviews
I received an ARC direct from the publisher. Thank you!
I went into The Elites with low expectations and was wowed by it. It might seem like your typical dystopian but underneath it all, there are subtle messages about racism, family, freedom, loyalty and trying to figure out which is the side you want to be on? It has elements that you wouldn’t expect to see from many dystopians as it embraces diversity and managed to pop out such an engaging climax that was reminiscent of Mockingjay.
Silver is a Red and an Elite which means she’s one of the select few who guard Neo-Babel. All Silver has wanted to do is to live up to who she is and to prove that she is a worthy Elite and she can protect her city. But things go wrong and everything starts to crumble and everything Silver knows is about to change completely. Silver’s situation is not as good as you think, not only is she an Elite but she’s a Red too (I presumed she was probably Chinese). The people in Neo-Babel are separated according to race and Reds are looked down, reasons for this were not explained but it was stated that Mainlanders (presumably Caucasians) were of the higher ranking. I liked that The Elites sought to address racism and prove that someone is not defined by their race but rather their abilities and who they are. It provided a lot of diversity to the book as there are many cultures in the book and I definitely appreciate a book that seeks to include all cultures out there and not focus on one predominant race. It’s hard for Silver, she is an Elite but there are people who look down at her and thinks she’s unworthy because she is a Red.
When she realises Neo-Babel isn’t what she presumed, it’s difficult for her to accept that because it’s been drilled into her for so long. This side of Neo-Babel is the only side she’s known about, how can she just change her entire opinion about it in such a short span? She doesn’t want to believe that this is what is happening but she can’t ignore the facts that are staring right in her face. But it wasn’t just Silver who faced these conflicts, there were also other characters who we get to see who chose sides and had reasons for sticking to them. So we get to see from both sides and I really liked how we got to see how the characters reason why they chose to side with Neo-Babel and why they don’t. It provided more depth to the characters.
Silver is a flawed character, she doesn’t pretend to be perfect, she knows her weaknesses and struggles with overcoming them but in overall, her heart is in the right place and she knows what’s important to her. I did enjoy the other characters too, I wasn’t too crazy about the names. I mean Silver’s best friend is called Butterfly?! No matter how minor the characters were, there was layers to them and they all managed to connect to the story, somehow or another they were intertwined together. There’s a sort of hidden history behind some of them which made me wish I could find out more. I wasn’t a big fan of a part of Butterfly’s story though, I found it all a little too convenient.
The world building was good, it was straightforward and easy to visualise and understand how it came about. It was not hard to figure out how Neo-Babel worked and what was going on outside the walls of Neo-Babel. The concept of the Elites wasn’t anything very new I found but I did love the quotes in the book pertaining to them.
Silver had heard the rumours about the Elites, that they were superhuman, that they didn’t bleed. But of course they did. They were no more or less human than anyone else. And what they didn’t understand was that bleeding wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a sign of strength. It demonstrated to the world that you were vulnerable and ordinary, but when you wanted something enough, and fought hard enough for it, you were capable of doing extraordinary things. (pg. 355)
I felt that Ngan had put in a lot of thought into her book and dealing with the aftereffects of people’s choices and the part they play in defining an entire city’s fate. Do they have the right to decide what is right for an entire city? Would it be better to let it be? Is it right to overshadow your own desire over others? I don’t find that characters inside the story come to terms with how their current world became this way so it was a welcome addition, usually they simply disagree with how society works but here, Silver tries to reason why Neo-Babel became like this and says why it’s wrong.
The Council had got it wrong. No, Neo-Babel’s founders had got it wrong all those years ago when the city was first created. A person’s DNA shouldn’t dictate their lives. Skin-tone, genetics; how could any of those things decide what a person could become? That sort of thinking only bred hatred and created people like Ember who thought science had proven that their races were superior and Reds like Silver weren’t worth a thing. But science had done nothing of the sort; it was people who had used science to turn their prejudices into justifications. (pg. 330)
What really won me over was what happened from the climax onwards, it was spectacular and I didn’t know that Ngan would be able to pull it off but she did. It was gut-wrenching, shocking and I was on the edge of my seat as I read it. In that short span, many people are forced to make choices they thought they would have more time to decide on and for others, they’ve lost everything they knew about. It feels like everything is going downhill and it’s not going to work out and it was a great book feeling because you’re not even sure if it could turn around and everything would be okay in the end. It did remind me a lot of Mockingjay’s climax and evoked the same feelings. It was my favourite part of the book and it made up for all the faults in the beginning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I was so surprised by how much I loved it. Natasha Ngan is definitely an author to keep an eye out for, she’s got potential and I’ll be looking forward to her future releases.
Verdict: Tired by all the disappointing dystopians? This will turn things around!
----------------------
This book exceeded my expectations by so much, despite a few bumps where you know one of the characters is called Butterfly and is a guy which is hard to take seriously. The Elites delves deep into what it means to embrace who you are, family ties, dealing with loss, being under a dystopian society and trying to come to terms with your past. It's a powerful book and I loved it, I couldn't tear myself away from the second half.
-- Full review to come!
October 14, 2013
"There is a rumor that the Elites don't bleed."
Phenomenal.
I love the writing.
I love the concept.
I love the subtle love story.
I love the kickass action.
I love Neo-Babel.
I love Butterfly.
Damn. Natasha Ngan is a very gifted author (and so young too! we're of the same age.) Congratulations for such a good read!
I love the world of Neo-Babel that she created where all of the culture we came to know live in one city and despite the differences, racism and a bit of discrimination among the Mainlanders and Reds, they survived within the walls. It reminded me a lot of Marie Lu's Legend and C.J. Redwine's Defiance but in it's own way unique and beautifully written. The world building is good and made me think how it was to live in such a diverse environment.
I can easily imagine myself aboard a shisha boat chatting with Mainlanders or running along alleys with the Limpets. It was that good.
Despite the kickass action it was an easy read and conveys not only adrenaline but also the different emotions of each character.
Characters. Silver is a young girl chosen as one of the Elites because of her extraordinary DNA. I like her perseverance to become one of the best and to prove herself among society.
She was a born Red and not many from the race were given the chance to be trained. She was stubborn in a lot of ways and often the reason that gets her in trouble. Fans of rising strong heroine will definitely love her.
Butterfly. is such a weird name for a boy. But I did not think much of that while reading about him because I love his caring, strong character. His emotions are raw, real and catching. I feel sad for him and the fate that became of his family. There are also characters that I would personally like to bitchslap (ahem, Ember ) and would like to know more about.
The Pace was too fast. Everything seemed a bit too rushed but in a way, is also good since it takes few action books to get my attention. Every page was littered with heart-pounding action and
it'll make you want to stop for a while to digest every single thing that just happened.
Subtle Love Story . I will give kudos to this since there is no vomit-inducing instalove. Yey! Butterfly and Silver's relationship developed based on their friendship, maturity and time spent with each other outside the city walls.
"Just don't forget her blood runs Red."
The racial discrimination seems only natural on such a multicultural environment and there are thousands of people who experience this every single day, dystopian world or not.
The Ending was a bit open for me. I wish that there's a second book wherein we will read more about the new Neo-Babel. It was a great story about being human and humane in the face of a dangerous new world. Love it!
October 25, 2013
The Elites was such an enjoyable debut from Natasha Ngan and one of the first books for a while where I've really been able to immerse myself in the world, characters and plot-line. Ngan has here a novel that has so many cultural aspects and really makes you feel that you are part of her world - Neo-Babel and, despite being set in the future, it tackles issues that are really rooted in today's society.
The way this novel was told was a highlight of the book for me. The multiple point of views were never confusing or unclear, something I've come across a lot lately, as the characters were so well-developed and really, people that you ended up caring immensely for. The various narratives were all equally strong: with different personalities, ideas and ways of life. The time taken to develop and understand the characters really paid off: I rooted for them(sometimes - there are a few 'villain' types written in), felt for them and even cried for/with them! I should have counted how many times I was left jaw-dropped at something I had just read, scrambling to re-read the sentence because of the surprises thrown at me.
The characters became favourite fictional friends of mine! They weren't perfect but, had flaws: things that had really taken an effect on their lives. Just like I said previously about the time taken to develop them, each character has a backstory and it's shown how it effects what they do during the novel. There is an exotic-theme woven into this book, it combines different cultures and makes Neo-Babel come alive. The writing is well-crafted and brilliantly detailed: never losing the main focus of the novel. It allowed me to picture the scenes vividly, and was also interesting to see what would happen in a City made up of different cultures.
While I was reading, this book barely left my hand. I finished within a number of days - which would have been a lot less without the stresses of school. It was captivating, exciting and thought-provoking - and with topics that will stay with you for quite a while after reading.
Personally, I'm so glad this is a stand-a lone as it worked really well. I got to go on this journey with characters I loved but, Ngan was able to tie everything in the closing chapters like a boxed-gift. I was left with no burning questions that would go straight through the book - but had tears brimming in my eyes instead! Finally, I don't need to spend months waiting for a sequel!
The only reason this book didn't get five stars from me is the fact that it takes time for this book to really begin. It's a slightly slow start, with a few strands of it hard to understand, but soon after the President's Assassination you get a fell of what this book will continue to be. This is a brilliant debut and one of the best reading experiences I have had for a while.
The way this novel was told was a highlight of the book for me. The multiple point of views were never confusing or unclear, something I've come across a lot lately, as the characters were so well-developed and really, people that you ended up caring immensely for. The various narratives were all equally strong: with different personalities, ideas and ways of life. The time taken to develop and understand the characters really paid off: I rooted for them(sometimes - there are a few 'villain' types written in), felt for them and even cried for/with them! I should have counted how many times I was left jaw-dropped at something I had just read, scrambling to re-read the sentence because of the surprises thrown at me.
The characters became favourite fictional friends of mine! They weren't perfect but, had flaws: things that had really taken an effect on their lives. Just like I said previously about the time taken to develop them, each character has a backstory and it's shown how it effects what they do during the novel. There is an exotic-theme woven into this book, it combines different cultures and makes Neo-Babel come alive. The writing is well-crafted and brilliantly detailed: never losing the main focus of the novel. It allowed me to picture the scenes vividly, and was also interesting to see what would happen in a City made up of different cultures.
While I was reading, this book barely left my hand. I finished within a number of days - which would have been a lot less without the stresses of school. It was captivating, exciting and thought-provoking - and with topics that will stay with you for quite a while after reading.
Personally, I'm so glad this is a stand-a lone as it worked really well. I got to go on this journey with characters I loved but, Ngan was able to tie everything in the closing chapters like a boxed-gift. I was left with no burning questions that would go straight through the book - but had tears brimming in my eyes instead! Finally, I don't need to spend months waiting for a sequel!
The only reason this book didn't get five stars from me is the fact that it takes time for this book to really begin. It's a slightly slow start, with a few strands of it hard to understand, but soon after the President's Assassination you get a fell of what this book will continue to be. This is a brilliant debut and one of the best reading experiences I have had for a while.
August 26, 2013
'The Elites' is 23 year old Natasha Ngan's first book and is a hugely impressive debut. I'd heard a lot of buzz about it prior to publication so I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy and delve into the incredible world that Natasha has created.
The story takes place against the backdrop of the city of Neo-Babel, which is still standing after the wars and destruction that destroyed everything else around them. It features two unusual characters Silver and Butterfly who are two of The Elites, chosen to protect the city because of their exceptional DNA. The Elites are the fastest, the most intelligent and the most adept and it's a role that carries great prestige and honour. After a series of events and the abduction of Silver's parents, the two friends discover a dangerous truth about Neo-Babel that changes their whole future and makes them question everything they have always believed in.
I loved the friendship between Silver and Butterfly. I could tell immediately that they would always look out for each other and that really came across in the story when they each find themselves in some difficult situations. Their relationship is pivotal to the book but does begin to evolve half-way through. Personally, I wasn't too keen on this but I may still change my mind.
This book has been compared to 'The Hunger Games' but I actually think it's very different to that series. I would say it leans more heavily towards the fantasy genre. It has an unusual cast of characters, a unique backdrop and a story with true heart, which all combine to make this an amazing read. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a stunning debut that I'm sure readers will adore.
The story takes place against the backdrop of the city of Neo-Babel, which is still standing after the wars and destruction that destroyed everything else around them. It features two unusual characters Silver and Butterfly who are two of The Elites, chosen to protect the city because of their exceptional DNA. The Elites are the fastest, the most intelligent and the most adept and it's a role that carries great prestige and honour. After a series of events and the abduction of Silver's parents, the two friends discover a dangerous truth about Neo-Babel that changes their whole future and makes them question everything they have always believed in.
I loved the friendship between Silver and Butterfly. I could tell immediately that they would always look out for each other and that really came across in the story when they each find themselves in some difficult situations. Their relationship is pivotal to the book but does begin to evolve half-way through. Personally, I wasn't too keen on this but I may still change my mind.
This book has been compared to 'The Hunger Games' but I actually think it's very different to that series. I would say it leans more heavily towards the fantasy genre. It has an unusual cast of characters, a unique backdrop and a story with true heart, which all combine to make this an amazing read. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a stunning debut that I'm sure readers will adore.
December 15, 2013
The Elites is a wonderful blend of action, adventure and romance. I barely had time to scratch myself when I picked it up to read and I STILL could not put it down!
This is such a unique story of two teenagers (Silver and Butterfly) who are part of a secret-service-style organisation for futuristic city Neo-Babel. When Silver fails to stop an assassination attempt on the President (epic fail for Silver!) and her parents go missing, she is thrown into what could only be described as a journey of self-discovery outside of the city walls with her bestfriend and love interest (woohoo!) Butterfly.
The Elites will have you gasping for breath for a range of reasons. First the romance, which includes a kiss in the rain (swoon). And, secondly, the fact that the author Natasha Ngan has not shied away from the blood and gore that comes with guerrilla warfare. It is seriously brutal (I would have had to close my eyes a few times if it had been a movie!).
Ngan also managed to draw me into a number of different storylines through her use of different perspectives. I actually found myself barracking for characters I initially loathed, which is testament to her character development. Her style of writing is also extremely beautiful (e.g. …her red hair bouncing around her face like an excited flame. …now she was outside the city and inside the huge arms of the world, and its size lapped at her like a wave.)
SO… if you are looking for a book that gives you edge of your seat action and adventure, coupled with real human emotions, do yourself a huge favour and go and get The Elites.
This is such a unique story of two teenagers (Silver and Butterfly) who are part of a secret-service-style organisation for futuristic city Neo-Babel. When Silver fails to stop an assassination attempt on the President (epic fail for Silver!) and her parents go missing, she is thrown into what could only be described as a journey of self-discovery outside of the city walls with her bestfriend and love interest (woohoo!) Butterfly.
The Elites will have you gasping for breath for a range of reasons. First the romance, which includes a kiss in the rain (swoon). And, secondly, the fact that the author Natasha Ngan has not shied away from the blood and gore that comes with guerrilla warfare. It is seriously brutal (I would have had to close my eyes a few times if it had been a movie!).
Ngan also managed to draw me into a number of different storylines through her use of different perspectives. I actually found myself barracking for characters I initially loathed, which is testament to her character development. Her style of writing is also extremely beautiful (e.g. …her red hair bouncing around her face like an excited flame. …now she was outside the city and inside the huge arms of the world, and its size lapped at her like a wave.)
SO… if you are looking for a book that gives you edge of your seat action and adventure, coupled with real human emotions, do yourself a huge favour and go and get The Elites.
May 26, 2013
Phenomenal read - completely absorbing from the first page!
This book combines beautiful writing with compelling storytelling to create a credible and completely enthralling narrative.
Neo-Babel is an exotic city of the future - a melting pot of cultures - that is completely cut off from the Outside. Its citizens are DNA-tested at birth to see whether they have the genetic make-up to be an Elite, the privileged fighters, rulers and protectors of the city.
But beneath its idyllic surface, it is a place of discrimination, lies and hatred. Our heroine Silver quickly finds that the world she thought she knew and took for granted is falling apart. What does she believe in and will she fight for those beliefs?
The Elites is so refreshing because it steers clear of the clichés found in many books of this genre. One of its (many) strengths is the dialogue between characters. It's easily overdone, overly dramatic or stiff and lifeless. But the characters in the Elites jump to life and you believe in them the whole way through. Also, the descriptions are fantastic. The world is so richly imagined and fleshed out that reading The Elites is a sensory experience.
We can expect big things from Natasha Ngan. Jump on the bandwagon now and say you were among the first ;-)
This book combines beautiful writing with compelling storytelling to create a credible and completely enthralling narrative.
Neo-Babel is an exotic city of the future - a melting pot of cultures - that is completely cut off from the Outside. Its citizens are DNA-tested at birth to see whether they have the genetic make-up to be an Elite, the privileged fighters, rulers and protectors of the city.
But beneath its idyllic surface, it is a place of discrimination, lies and hatred. Our heroine Silver quickly finds that the world she thought she knew and took for granted is falling apart. What does she believe in and will she fight for those beliefs?
The Elites is so refreshing because it steers clear of the clichés found in many books of this genre. One of its (many) strengths is the dialogue between characters. It's easily overdone, overly dramatic or stiff and lifeless. But the characters in the Elites jump to life and you believe in them the whole way through. Also, the descriptions are fantastic. The world is so richly imagined and fleshed out that reading The Elites is a sensory experience.
We can expect big things from Natasha Ngan. Jump on the bandwagon now and say you were among the first ;-)
May 27, 2013
An exciting and compelling debut from a promising young author. Protagonists Silver and Butterfly are wonderfully crafted characters; thoroughly relatable and have a truly captivating history.
They are two of 'The Elites', people chosen by their superior genetic make-up to be the defenders of Neo-Babel, a city protected and isolated from the Outside. After Silver's parents are abducted and an act of terrorism is committed in Neo-Babel on her watch, she and Butterfly set out to find Silver's parents and uncover the truth. What they find is an unexpected series of links woven skilfully by Ngan and culminates in an enlightening and enthralling climax, which leaves the reader wondering about their own perception of the world long after the final page.
Ngan's beautiful, lyrical prose crafts the city and paints a vivid picture of each landscape in the imagination of the reader. This book pushes the limits of one's own experience and demonstrates the resilience of its characters in adversity, emerging stronger and better when the image of the world as they know it is shattered. A powerful, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
They are two of 'The Elites', people chosen by their superior genetic make-up to be the defenders of Neo-Babel, a city protected and isolated from the Outside. After Silver's parents are abducted and an act of terrorism is committed in Neo-Babel on her watch, she and Butterfly set out to find Silver's parents and uncover the truth. What they find is an unexpected series of links woven skilfully by Ngan and culminates in an enlightening and enthralling climax, which leaves the reader wondering about their own perception of the world long after the final page.
Ngan's beautiful, lyrical prose crafts the city and paints a vivid picture of each landscape in the imagination of the reader. This book pushes the limits of one's own experience and demonstrates the resilience of its characters in adversity, emerging stronger and better when the image of the world as they know it is shattered. A powerful, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
January 23, 2015
(its books like this that makes me love working in a book store)
I read this book in almost one sitting, refusing to move from the chair until I knew what happened. That is a rare thing for me- I have not read a book that could do that in a few years.
The world, the characters, everything in this is convincing, as if you could close the book and open your eyes to the world you were reading about. You felt good when the characters fell good, your heart broke when theirs did. You wanted to reach into the words and hug them.
Just...I love this book. LOVE IT.
(a full review will go up on here and my blog when i get around to writing it)
I read this book in almost one sitting, refusing to move from the chair until I knew what happened. That is a rare thing for me- I have not read a book that could do that in a few years.
The world, the characters, everything in this is convincing, as if you could close the book and open your eyes to the world you were reading about. You felt good when the characters fell good, your heart broke when theirs did. You wanted to reach into the words and hug them.
Just...I love this book. LOVE IT.
(a full review will go up on here and my blog when i get around to writing it)
August 2, 2013
Elites is a wonderful roller coaster of a book, tender and breathtaking, with a wonderful array of characters, and a real sense of danger. Ngan really involves the reader, plunging them from one drama to the next, you really do not know whether the characters will make it or not. Not all will. As a reader you become very protective.
It also deal with very serious subjects, it’s a really fascinating look into racism and xenophobia, and a wonderful exploration of a distopia hidden as a utopia. It’s a very satisfying book, with a very moving central relationship, once you’ve started you won’t want to stop.
It also deal with very serious subjects, it’s a really fascinating look into racism and xenophobia, and a wonderful exploration of a distopia hidden as a utopia. It’s a very satisfying book, with a very moving central relationship, once you’ve started you won’t want to stop.
September 13, 2014
This is the best thing I have ever read.
It is lyrical, beautifully developed, emotive and full of passion, great characters and a great plot. The writing is superb and the pace is spot on - fast paced when it needs to be and appropriately slower paced when you need to catch your breath and let your heart rate slow back down.
If there was anywhere I could choose to be right now, it would be in the world of The Elites - the world building was outstanding.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ - though be prepared to be left totally disappointed that the book actually has to end at some point, something which I have barely come to terms with yet.
It is lyrical, beautifully developed, emotive and full of passion, great characters and a great plot. The writing is superb and the pace is spot on - fast paced when it needs to be and appropriately slower paced when you need to catch your breath and let your heart rate slow back down.
If there was anywhere I could choose to be right now, it would be in the world of The Elites - the world building was outstanding.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ - though be prepared to be left totally disappointed that the book actually has to end at some point, something which I have barely come to terms with yet.
May 27, 2013
A really well written, fast-paced fantasy with exciting twists at every turn. I love fantasy fiction, and as a kid grew up with the Edge Chronicles books by Chris Riddel and Paul Stewart. The brilliant style of writing in The Elites is reminiscent of the Edge Chronicles books but with slightly more adult themes explored. I can highly recommend and am looking forward to more books exploring the world of The Elites and other universes from the creative and eloquent mind of author, Natasha Ngan.
Read
November 8, 2016Stunning detail and fast-paced action. I really enjoyed this one.
January 3, 2017
This is the best book I've read this year. If you like dystopia you must read this book.
September 7, 2013
For more of my reviews, visit Books For YA!
*Thank you Hot Key Books for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The Elites is a multicultural dystopian world full of nonstop action and shocking revelations. Enter Neo-Babel, a place for everyone but don't be fooled by this seemingly perfect world because underneath the foundation of this city are buried lies.
In a city where all nations live together, DNA became the base of social ranking and status. Those that have superior and exceptional DNA were called Elites. This people were trained since they were a kid to work for the Council in making Neo-Babel safe and peaceful. And one of them is Silver.
Silver is a junior Elite and still in training. Her first assignment was to guard her station in Hemmington House, right across where the President will be doing his speech and she was determined prove herself to everyone that she's worthy to be called an Elite. But at the day of the parade, something terribly went wrong and it resulted to a series of event that will change not only Silver's life but everyone in Neo-Babel.
Okay, first of all, the world-building of this book was SUPERB. It surprised me how imaginative and detailed it is. It felt like I was watching the story with 3D glasses or like it was projected like a hologram in front of me. The pacing and event sequencing was just right. I like how there were parts where it was fast-paced and some were slow-paced. Those slow-paced moments I'm talking about, were not like the boring and dull moments that other books have. No, not even close. The slow-paced moments of this book are the moments that should be savored, moments that should be cherished by the characters and readers like when the Elites were hanging out at the beach or when Butterfly was with his sister, Emeli. Those moments has a lot of depth and shouldn't be hurried. It's also an intergral part in the character development of each and every characters of this book.
I can easily identify myself with Silver. She's strong, stubborn and brave but still has some vulnerability. It was sad because even if Silver was already an Elite, she wasn't spared from being ostracized by others and bullied by her peers especially her senior Elite, Ember. She was underestimated by everyone because of her enthnicity. You see, she'a Red, a person with Chinese origin, which is the most inferior of all nations based on their DNA. So she was always striving and trying to prove herself. She wanted to be accepted by society and I think, that is an issue everyone can relate to. I'm also glad that she's not alone in her struggles. She has Butterfly with her to anchor her in tough times.
And speaking of Butterfly, I fell in love with him the moment he spread his wings. But life has been tough on him, lately. First, he was deceived and betrayed by the people he trusted and then his family...It was so cruel. It was unbearable to see him in that house and in that state. But I admire him for being rational despite what happened. He was so inspiring. He didn't let the society consume him and didn't let the pain and anger change him into something he will soon regret. I love him so hard because of that.
Overall, this was a supercalifragilistic expialidocious read. It's a unique dystopian world with awesome world building, complex characters, nonstop surprises, kick-ass fight scenes and no frustrating cliffhangers because it's stand-alone. Can you find anything like this? No, you can't because this book is in a league of its own. I'm telling you guys, it's worth every penny. I can't recommend this book enough.
*Thank you Hot Key Books for sending me this copy. No compensation was given or taken to alter this review.
The Elites is a multicultural dystopian world full of nonstop action and shocking revelations. Enter Neo-Babel, a place for everyone but don't be fooled by this seemingly perfect world because underneath the foundation of this city are buried lies.
In a city where all nations live together, DNA became the base of social ranking and status. Those that have superior and exceptional DNA were called Elites. This people were trained since they were a kid to work for the Council in making Neo-Babel safe and peaceful. And one of them is Silver.
Silver is a junior Elite and still in training. Her first assignment was to guard her station in Hemmington House, right across where the President will be doing his speech and she was determined prove herself to everyone that she's worthy to be called an Elite. But at the day of the parade, something terribly went wrong and it resulted to a series of event that will change not only Silver's life but everyone in Neo-Babel.
Okay, first of all, the world-building of this book was SUPERB. It surprised me how imaginative and detailed it is. It felt like I was watching the story with 3D glasses or like it was projected like a hologram in front of me. The pacing and event sequencing was just right. I like how there were parts where it was fast-paced and some were slow-paced. Those slow-paced moments I'm talking about, were not like the boring and dull moments that other books have. No, not even close. The slow-paced moments of this book are the moments that should be savored, moments that should be cherished by the characters and readers like when the Elites were hanging out at the beach or when Butterfly was with his sister, Emeli. Those moments has a lot of depth and shouldn't be hurried. It's also an intergral part in the character development of each and every characters of this book.
I can easily identify myself with Silver. She's strong, stubborn and brave but still has some vulnerability. It was sad because even if Silver was already an Elite, she wasn't spared from being ostracized by others and bullied by her peers especially her senior Elite, Ember. She was underestimated by everyone because of her enthnicity. You see, she'a Red, a person with Chinese origin, which is the most inferior of all nations based on their DNA. So she was always striving and trying to prove herself. She wanted to be accepted by society and I think, that is an issue everyone can relate to. I'm also glad that she's not alone in her struggles. She has Butterfly with her to anchor her in tough times.
And speaking of Butterfly, I fell in love with him the moment he spread his wings. But life has been tough on him, lately. First, he was deceived and betrayed by the people he trusted and then his family...It was so cruel. It was unbearable to see him in that house and in that state. But I admire him for being rational despite what happened. He was so inspiring. He didn't let the society consume him and didn't let the pain and anger change him into something he will soon regret. I love him so hard because of that.
Overall, this was a supercalifragilistic expialidocious read. It's a unique dystopian world with awesome world building, complex characters, nonstop surprises, kick-ass fight scenes and no frustrating cliffhangers because it's stand-alone. Can you find anything like this? No, you can't because this book is in a league of its own. I'm telling you guys, it's worth every penny. I can't recommend this book enough.
September 29, 2013
Review of The Elites This review and others can be found on http://www.bookishtreasures.blogspot.com
This review was a real struggle for me to write because The Elites is one of those books that is so good it is a struggle to put your thoughts into words.
From the moment I first heard about this book I knew that I just had to read it. The cover was amazing and the concept had me hooked. Over time my excitement grew and so did my expectations to the point where I actually didn’t think the book could live up. You know when your expectations are sky high? So much so that you are prepared for disappointment as you know that the chances of the book being as good as you have built it up to be are very slim. The Elites proved that slim chances don’t mean impossible.
I don’t normally mention the cover in reviews but just look at that beauty! Not only is it stunning to look at but it also matches the feel of the book perfectly. From the girl who is the perfect silver dressed in her Elite gear, to the jungle background with the rain type effect it is simply perfect. I wish I had this cover as a poster so that I could easily stare at it all day.
The Elites draws you in from the very first sentence.
“There is a rumour that the Elites don’t bleed.”
From the start this book promises action, intrigue and a riveting storyline that will leave you unable to stop reading for even the shortest moment and it really does deliver on those promises. Silver is a kick-ass highly trained fighter, an Elite. However she is also Chinese; a “red”, Part of a race that is looked down upon by all in Neo-Babel. This mixture of Silver being both considered scum and yet also one of the “ruling class” adds a very interesting element to the book.
The storyline is great, it has all the typical makings of a YA dystopian novel but with unique aspects that really made it stand out. There isn’t any already published book that this just felt like a retelling of. This book is pretty action packed and there are some very intense moments as Silver discovers what those in charge of Neo-Babel are capable of.
I loved the slight romance in this book and it was refreshing for it to be secondary to the storyline; the book would have felt complete without the romance and what we got just made the book a little extra special.
I really enjoyed how this book is told from several points of view. Not only does it give you a greater insight into the story and character motivation but it also means you get the thrill of knowing what is happening when a character doesn’t. Natasha Ngan also has a beautiful writing style; she could probably make a boring storyline into a good book simply from the quality of her writing. Everything is described and explained so vividly that you can picture what is going on clearly.
This is the best YA book I have read so far this year and the best dystopian novel I have read since Divergent (and I have read a lot of dystopia’s since then). I couldn’t recommend this book more. I am highly looking forwards to reading more by Natasha Ngan and seeing what she can bring to future stories.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my opinions or rating in any way*
This review was a real struggle for me to write because The Elites is one of those books that is so good it is a struggle to put your thoughts into words.
From the moment I first heard about this book I knew that I just had to read it. The cover was amazing and the concept had me hooked. Over time my excitement grew and so did my expectations to the point where I actually didn’t think the book could live up. You know when your expectations are sky high? So much so that you are prepared for disappointment as you know that the chances of the book being as good as you have built it up to be are very slim. The Elites proved that slim chances don’t mean impossible.
I don’t normally mention the cover in reviews but just look at that beauty! Not only is it stunning to look at but it also matches the feel of the book perfectly. From the girl who is the perfect silver dressed in her Elite gear, to the jungle background with the rain type effect it is simply perfect. I wish I had this cover as a poster so that I could easily stare at it all day.
The Elites draws you in from the very first sentence.
“There is a rumour that the Elites don’t bleed.”
From the start this book promises action, intrigue and a riveting storyline that will leave you unable to stop reading for even the shortest moment and it really does deliver on those promises. Silver is a kick-ass highly trained fighter, an Elite. However she is also Chinese; a “red”, Part of a race that is looked down upon by all in Neo-Babel. This mixture of Silver being both considered scum and yet also one of the “ruling class” adds a very interesting element to the book.
The storyline is great, it has all the typical makings of a YA dystopian novel but with unique aspects that really made it stand out. There isn’t any already published book that this just felt like a retelling of. This book is pretty action packed and there are some very intense moments as Silver discovers what those in charge of Neo-Babel are capable of.
I loved the slight romance in this book and it was refreshing for it to be secondary to the storyline; the book would have felt complete without the romance and what we got just made the book a little extra special.
I really enjoyed how this book is told from several points of view. Not only does it give you a greater insight into the story and character motivation but it also means you get the thrill of knowing what is happening when a character doesn’t. Natasha Ngan also has a beautiful writing style; she could probably make a boring storyline into a good book simply from the quality of her writing. Everything is described and explained so vividly that you can picture what is going on clearly.
This is the best YA book I have read so far this year and the best dystopian novel I have read since Divergent (and I have read a lot of dystopia’s since then). I couldn’t recommend this book more. I am highly looking forwards to reading more by Natasha Ngan and seeing what she can bring to future stories.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my opinions or rating in any way*
September 19, 2013
Originally published on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk
I feel like I’ve been waiting to read this book for such a long time. Natasha Ngan has been on my radar for quite some time and I was intrigued about this YA fantasy novel that dealt with such adult topics as politics, class segregation and rebellion. I was impressed with how the author managed to make a political situation, so action packed and fast paced.
The author has created an intricate and highly detailed world which must have taken a long time to evolve. The world felt real, yet you knew it was really imaginary – if that makes sense. The writing is beautiful – such a strong descriptive voice that breathes life into this world. I could easily imagine what this world would look like.
The book is told in third person, but from three different viewpoints in short tightly packed chapters. There were a couple of times where I found myself getting slightly confused as to whose viewpoint I was reading, especially as the first part of the story is mainly Silver’s, but I soon worked this out. The story shows the contrasting lives between the Elite and the children living in the slums of Neo-Babel, which really works well.
I loved the relationship between Butterfly and Silver. They had known each other all their lives and were only just beginning to realise how they felt. As the romance gently blossomed, it was good to see that it didn’t take centre stage to the main plot revolving around finding out why Silver’s parents disappeared and where they went. In fact, it made an interesting minor plot line.
On the whole a beautifully written debut with stunning imagery and an action packed ending.
I feel like I’ve been waiting to read this book for such a long time. Natasha Ngan has been on my radar for quite some time and I was intrigued about this YA fantasy novel that dealt with such adult topics as politics, class segregation and rebellion. I was impressed with how the author managed to make a political situation, so action packed and fast paced.
The author has created an intricate and highly detailed world which must have taken a long time to evolve. The world felt real, yet you knew it was really imaginary – if that makes sense. The writing is beautiful – such a strong descriptive voice that breathes life into this world. I could easily imagine what this world would look like.
The book is told in third person, but from three different viewpoints in short tightly packed chapters. There were a couple of times where I found myself getting slightly confused as to whose viewpoint I was reading, especially as the first part of the story is mainly Silver’s, but I soon worked this out. The story shows the contrasting lives between the Elite and the children living in the slums of Neo-Babel, which really works well.
I loved the relationship between Butterfly and Silver. They had known each other all their lives and were only just beginning to realise how they felt. As the romance gently blossomed, it was good to see that it didn’t take centre stage to the main plot revolving around finding out why Silver’s parents disappeared and where they went. In fact, it made an interesting minor plot line.
On the whole a beautifully written debut with stunning imagery and an action packed ending.
December 9, 2014
So, apparently the author of The Elites is only twenty four. God, I am such a slacker!
Anyway... a decent YA debut novel. Post-apocalyptic/dystopian in genre. Interesting in that, although the inhabitants are from all over the world, the city and its culture are Asian. Most of this genre is based in America or occasionally Europe so it's nice to see something that branches out a little. I'm surprised that this isn't getting much attention when it's missing all of the terrible tropes you see in a lot of YA fiction - no Mary Sues, no instalove, no slutshaming, no 2D characters, no cringe writing, almost* no love triangles... just an interesting story with engaging characters that more people should be picking up.
*Ok, there is one... but it isn't hammed up and it isn't competitive or eye-roll-y. Actually it's rather sweet.
Anyway... a decent YA debut novel. Post-apocalyptic/dystopian in genre. Interesting in that, although the inhabitants are from all over the world, the city and its culture are Asian. Most of this genre is based in America or occasionally Europe so it's nice to see something that branches out a little. I'm surprised that this isn't getting much attention when it's missing all of the terrible tropes you see in a lot of YA fiction - no Mary Sues, no instalove, no slutshaming, no 2D characters, no cringe writing, almost* no love triangles... just an interesting story with engaging characters that more people should be picking up.
*Ok, there is one... but it isn't hammed up and it isn't competitive or eye-roll-y. Actually it's rather sweet.
Want to read
May 23, 2013Oh my God. THIS SOUNDS SO FREAKING COOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to read
August 14, 2013Oh God this book looks so freaking cool!!!!! By the way does the authoress have Vietnamese origin? If so then I'd be so thrilled because it's my home country!! Anyway, I really really hope to win this book, fingers crossed.
May 20, 2013
for fans of the Mortal Instruments series
January 30, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads. It was the second book that I won, and despite not having a pretty cover (it only has a key), I loved it when he came to my hands. Who does not love books for free? And a just released book…
This is a new author, making his debut in the world of writing, and as such we can never have a defined expectation. But I like to be surprised with what I read.
The story is narrated in the third person and especially from the Silver’s point of view. However, it starts with the point of view of Sauro and throughout history undergoes very diverse viewpoints as Butterfly, Akhezo, Cobe and Senior Surrey.
Perhaps one of the points that disappointed me the most in the all plot was in the beginning of action starting with a character that is not very important. I find this strange because usually the story begins with a character with minimal relief and not an almost extra one. Apart from that I found the story very well written and with a very well planned common thread. I liked the romantic parts, though very scarce. Not particularly liked the descriptions of the city, I think it might be more realistic. I liked the fact that this book brings me back memories of the saga of The Hunger Games, despite not much related with each other.
I will not tell anything about the story itself because I always leave it to the readers. I do not like giving spoilers that can ruin a reading for granted. So I will not speak of the characters individually because it would reveal too much in this case.
I recommend it especially to those who enjoy books with action, angst and a splash of romance to relieve tension.
--------------------------------------------
Como podem perceber pelo título, ganhei este livro no Goodreads. Foi o segundo livro que ganhei e, apesar de não ter uma capa lá muito bonita (só tem uma chave), adorei quando ele chegou às minhas mãos. Quem não gosta de livrinhos de graça? E ainda por cima acabadinhos de lançar…
Esta é uma nova autora, a fazer a sua estreia no mundo da escrita, e como tal nunca podemos ter já umas espectativas definidas. Mas eu gosto de ser surpreendida com o que leio.
A história é narrada na terceira pessoa e principalmente do ponto de vista de Silver. No entanto, começa com o ponto de vista de Sauro e ao longo da história passa por pontos de vista bastante diversificados como Butterfly, Akhezo, Cobe e Senior Surrey.
Talvez um dos pontos que mais me desiludiu na história, o início da ação começa com uma personagem a que não se dá muita importância ao longo do livro. Acho isso estranho porque normalmente começasse a história com uma personagem com um mínimo de relevo e não com um quase figurante. Tirando isso achei a história muito bem escrita e com um fio condutor muito bem planeado. Gostei das partes mais românticas, apesar de muito escassas. Não gostei particularmente das descrições da cidade, penso que poderiam ser mais realistas. Gostei do facto de me trazer memórias da saga dos Jogos da Fome, apesar de não ter muito a ver.
Não vou contar nada da história em si porque deixo sempre isso para os leitores. Não gosto de estragar uma leitura dando Spoilers de mão beijada. Sendo assim não vou falar das personagens individualmente porque isso seria revelar demasiado neste caso.
Recomendo especialmente a quem gostar de livros com ação, revolta e uns salpicos de romance para aliviar a tensão.
This is a new author, making his debut in the world of writing, and as such we can never have a defined expectation. But I like to be surprised with what I read.
The story is narrated in the third person and especially from the Silver’s point of view. However, it starts with the point of view of Sauro and throughout history undergoes very diverse viewpoints as Butterfly, Akhezo, Cobe and Senior Surrey.
Perhaps one of the points that disappointed me the most in the all plot was in the beginning of action starting with a character that is not very important. I find this strange because usually the story begins with a character with minimal relief and not an almost extra one. Apart from that I found the story very well written and with a very well planned common thread. I liked the romantic parts, though very scarce. Not particularly liked the descriptions of the city, I think it might be more realistic. I liked the fact that this book brings me back memories of the saga of The Hunger Games, despite not much related with each other.
I will not tell anything about the story itself because I always leave it to the readers. I do not like giving spoilers that can ruin a reading for granted. So I will not speak of the characters individually because it would reveal too much in this case.
I recommend it especially to those who enjoy books with action, angst and a splash of romance to relieve tension.
--------------------------------------------
Como podem perceber pelo título, ganhei este livro no Goodreads. Foi o segundo livro que ganhei e, apesar de não ter uma capa lá muito bonita (só tem uma chave), adorei quando ele chegou às minhas mãos. Quem não gosta de livrinhos de graça? E ainda por cima acabadinhos de lançar…
Esta é uma nova autora, a fazer a sua estreia no mundo da escrita, e como tal nunca podemos ter já umas espectativas definidas. Mas eu gosto de ser surpreendida com o que leio.
A história é narrada na terceira pessoa e principalmente do ponto de vista de Silver. No entanto, começa com o ponto de vista de Sauro e ao longo da história passa por pontos de vista bastante diversificados como Butterfly, Akhezo, Cobe e Senior Surrey.
Talvez um dos pontos que mais me desiludiu na história, o início da ação começa com uma personagem a que não se dá muita importância ao longo do livro. Acho isso estranho porque normalmente começasse a história com uma personagem com um mínimo de relevo e não com um quase figurante. Tirando isso achei a história muito bem escrita e com um fio condutor muito bem planeado. Gostei das partes mais românticas, apesar de muito escassas. Não gostei particularmente das descrições da cidade, penso que poderiam ser mais realistas. Gostei do facto de me trazer memórias da saga dos Jogos da Fome, apesar de não ter muito a ver.
Não vou contar nada da história em si porque deixo sempre isso para os leitores. Não gosto de estragar uma leitura dando Spoilers de mão beijada. Sendo assim não vou falar das personagens individualmente porque isso seria revelar demasiado neste caso.
Recomendo especialmente a quem gostar de livros com ação, revolta e uns salpicos de romance para aliviar a tensão.
December 6, 2013
Silver is an Elite in training - an agent designed to kill. She lives in a city called Neo-Babel hundreds of years in the future when the earth is no longer as we know it, but she is also a 'Red' - an ethnic Chinese - and therefore in the lower half of society. On the day of her first assignment guarding the city's council, everything goes wrong. With her parents missing and the city in uproar, Silver is forced to confront life Outside - beyond the walls of the city. She sets out on a journey to find her parents and ultimately, the truth.
THE ELITES was a fantastic, thrilling read. I read it slowly to make sure that I could savour every last drop and I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes dystopian or fantasy. For me, it felt like a hybrid of the two forms. I went into it expecting to read a dystopian YA novel, but there were lots of fantasy elements too that I thought were brilliant.
The main fantasy-esque factor for me, was the amazing attention to detail with regards to world-building. I'm all about world-building and it was executed so well in this novel. Neo-Babel is colourful, fascinating and well-thoughtout. I loved the mix of cultures and that's what made this book so 'different' to other YA novels. It really stood out and it was immensely enjoyable.
THE ELITES was a fantastic, thrilling read. I read it slowly to make sure that I could savour every last drop and I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes dystopian or fantasy. For me, it felt like a hybrid of the two forms. I went into it expecting to read a dystopian YA novel, but there were lots of fantasy elements too that I thought were brilliant.
The main fantasy-esque factor for me, was the amazing attention to detail with regards to world-building. I'm all about world-building and it was executed so well in this novel. Neo-Babel is colourful, fascinating and well-thoughtout. I loved the mix of cultures and that's what made this book so 'different' to other YA novels. It really stood out and it was immensely enjoyable.
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