About the Book

Book: Elite

Author: Kristen Young

Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction

Release date: September 14, 2021

Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?

Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.

Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?

Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A Scottish-born Australian author, Kristen Young has worked in children’s and youth ministry for decades. She writes fiction and non-fiction for teens, and always has a notebook on hand to capture stray story ideas. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and enjoying a little too much chocolate.

 

More from Kristen

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” ― G.K. Chesterton.

Why do we write fiction? There are lots of reasons, really. We write because we have something 
to say. Maybe we write because we just love creating stories. Perhaps we love to entertain. Or 
perhaps we write because the stories want to be heard, and we’re just letting them fly. 

Or perhaps we know that people want stories for a deeper reason. When life is hard, and work 
is a struggle, and the world seems just a little too difficult, it’s a great time to escape into a 
different place. Another world, where even though bad things happen, we know there will be a 
happy ending. 

The responsibility of authors is a heavy one. Our readers entrust their imaginations to us for a 
short time, allowing us to draw them into a different place. We give them people to follow, and 
let them see the world through other eyes. Dilemmas, threats, relationships and opportunities 
— all of these things provide a journey for readers, and give them the chance to explore 
alternate ways of dealing with life’s problems. We give people the thrill of knowing that even 
under the heaviest challenges, there is a chance to grow and survive. 

Chesterton said that children didn’t need to learn about dragons, but to know the dragons could 
be overcome. Perhaps even as adults we need a little bit of that, too. 

MY REVIEW 

Sometimes remembering a traumatic event  can be harmful or it can set you free. Flick is now starting to have memories that she can’t quite grasp yet. I think she was a little shocked to find out what her real name was. But for my review I am choosing to use Flick as it is familiar to readers. I’m not sure everyone is happy that  Flick is experiencing memories. What if she finds out that somewhere hidden in her mind is a dangerous situation that could cause damage to many? I’m already trying to turn the pages as fast as I can to see what happens next.

For me there was an uneasiness as Flick starts her training as a watcher. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I felt something was off. The author really delivers a story that stirs emotions that range from terror to complete peace. I noticed that Flick is struggling with doing something in her past that stops her from feeling accepted. I know I have felt that way many times. We have all messed up at one point, but the good news is that we are forgiven. I appreciate the way the author uses faith in the story that delivers great life lessons. The description of Lyric is filled with love and hope. I liked when Hodge says, “he takes your broken melody and replaces it with his own. He doesn’t force you to follow him.” I loved  this moment when Flick realizes she can be healed from the painful memories and have a better life. 

The last part of the book is so so good. Here we find out who to trust and who has been deceiving everyone. It is an adrenaline rush as I walk beside Flick and watch as everything around her starts to crumble. Will everything she holds close be destroyed by hate? It is a heart ponding moment as Flick and Hodge try to do the right thing. The enemy is closing in and there is no time to second guess decisions. The author leaves me wanting more after I read the last page. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 30

Artistic Nobody, September 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 2

Inside the Wong Mind, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 4

Library Lady Kid’s Lit, October 5

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 8

Blogging With Carol , October 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 9

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 11

Worthy2Read, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

Through the fire blogs, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11dca/elite-celebration-tour-giveaway