The Midnight Star

January 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-Following The Young Elites and The Rose Society, this conclusion to the trilogy wraps up Adelina's story. Once again, Lu pulls in aspects of mythology and dark fantasy to take readers on an intense ride told in alternating points of view, from ruler Adelina's (in first person) to love interest Raffaele's (in third person), along with other characters' third-person perspectives. In this last installment, Lu continues to enhance the character development that has been building throughout the trilogy, but this is really a plot-driven novel that follows Adelina's quest to save her imperiled realm. The most dramatic action is saved for the last few chapters, which are full of answers and resolutions as well as deaths and reunions. Though Adelina is an antihero, readers will still root for her during her quest to save herself and the Elites. Lu provides an emotional, heartbreaking, and quick read. It doesn't stand alone, but teens who have relished the former books will appreciate this one. VERDICT Readers will need to be familiar with the previous volumes to enjoy this conclusion to the series. Expect demand for this in libraries where Lu's titles are already popular.-Morgan O'Reilly, Riverdale Country School, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 15, 2016
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Lu brings her Young Elites trilogy to a thunderous close with this final installment. Illusion-weaver Adelina Amouteru has gained more powerand a crueler reputationthan she'd ever dreamed. Now a conqueror queen, she unleashes her brutal justice on a society that once debased people like her: those who bear the scars (and, occasionally, mystical powers) left by a deadly disease. Adelina's beloved sister, Violetta, has fled to the Elites, who once sheltered and trained Adelina before she betrayed them, and Adelina wants her back. But Adelina's powers are faltering; her illusions cause her to weaken, she hears terrible voices in her head, and she's plagued with vicious nightmares. The powers of the Elites are failing, too, and when Violetta falls mysteriously ill, Adelina must once again join forces with them to save both her sister and the world she's hated. Lu puts the final pieces of this world into place here; the scope only grows as her beautifully developed characters prepare to take on the gods themselves. The Rose Society (2015) remains the strongest volume of this trilogysome readers might find Adelina too easily forgiven as her dark heart thaws and her redemption arc beginsbut this is a worthy, bittersweet end. More than ever, it is the bond between sisters and the struggle to be human that take center stage in this heartrending finale.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Expect the full Lu: author tour, Comic-Com promos, floor displays, the works.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)