Legend by Marie Lu
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam
Age Group: Young Adult
Shelfability: Covet/Acquire
Pages: 305
Format: ARC
Source: BEA
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
Legend has everything I love about a good dystopian. Even more than that it has everything I love about a good novel!
Awesome characters, fabulous writing and a thrilling story.
The novel is told in alternating chapters between Day and June. Each character had it’s own font and font color. I can’t remember seeing that in any other novel with duel perspectives. I really hope it’s in the finished novel!
I loved how Lu portrayed these two characters. They are on different ends of the social spectrum, yet they share many more similarities than differences. It would be easy to see these two characters switch roles completely and seamlessly. Which brings me to my next point.
Kick ass heroine! I loved that June could her own and then some!
Legend holds several surprises within it’s pages. I have to admit that a few things were a bit predictable, although it didn’t make me like the story less. If anything it made me like the story even more. They weren’t obvious elements, but Lu does such a wonderful job creating the world and her characters, readers may figure out a thing or two before June and Day.
Overall Legend was fabulous. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!