A fantastical Romeo and Juliet tale set in the distant future. Born of two different worlds, of different circumstance. One is the hunter, the other hunted. Can it get more awesome than that?
Title: Legend by Marie Lu
Pages: 305
Release Date: November 29th 2011
Published by: Putnam Juvenile
Source: Borrowed (thanks, Precious!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository
Summary:
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.
There's an abundance of very powerful female protagonist in YA books these days and June is definitely one of them. She's a headstrong, short tempered teenage girl, a daredevil, a troublemaker, a girl who breaks rules because she knew she can. A child prodigy. A genius. Despite all of that, June has her own plans, born a high class citizen with the freedom to choose how her life is going to be even when her path has been set for her. Being the only person who got the perfect score in the Republic's exam, she's in a league of her own but sometimes being the best can be very lonely. When her life was shifting with the death of her older brother, June had no qualms leaving her sheltered life to pursue Day, to get revenge. June's curiosity and her driving need to get to her brother's killer tangled her life inextricably with Day's, but if anyone can fight for what they think is right, I think June is fit for the job. That flashes of being young and innocent amidst that cool exterior is what endeared her to me.
Day emerges to me as a futuristic version of Robin Hood, purposely playing as the bad guy to survive but also to help people who need it. A great mystery surrounds his existence which the readers will probably fixate until the very end of the book. He's the only one who can match June and her temper, skill wise as well. I tried not to pity Day but the things that led him to live such a hard life made me think of just how cruel and harsh life can be. His life was the exact opposite of June's and that kind of life forged him to be as strong as he is, but like every hero he has a weakness: his family. Sometimes I think he's more vulnerable than June because he had a lot to live for. He has a family. June has no one left.
A lot of people have compared this to the Hunger Games, mostly because of The Republic's similarity to The Capitol, but the ruling government in this book is a bit more cunning and sinister. It's a lot more frightening if you don't know what you are going up against. In Legend, The Republic were all about secrecy, not being blatantly evil, just manipulative and controlling, and the real evil is yet to be discovered, like the puzzling numbers and facilities Day has stumbled into while hiding.The build up for the ominous things that will happen is nicely done in this book, and I was left to wonder just how much the extent of evil is within The Republic. Two of the most notable villains I've had the chance to read: Commander Jameson and Thomas. It's one thing when you get betrayed by the government you serve but to be betrayed by your own friend? Unthinkable.
I love books that are intense from the moment you flipped to the first page, and Legend is that and more. I feel like my heart is going to burst in anticipation a few times! What a thrill ride of a read this is! Adrenaline pumping action and scenes worthy of a movie is in abundance in Legend. It's addictive. Every gun firing off, every crack of a bone, every drop of blood and every wound inflicted and more, you will not be disappointed to see it all. You start craving for it because of the amount of scenes there is in the book. I can almost picture the fight scenes in my head happening as I read through it. I also love how there's a small sense of power shift between the characters. June was deemed superior right from the start and Day was a little more low key. That doesn't always happen in YA books and I am so glad that Marie Lu was able to pull that off gracefully in the story. The dual point of views also helped create a more solid characterization for both Day and June and that made the story better. It's always nice to see a story unfold through the eyes of those who live it.
Living up to the hype and doing it well, Legend sure is a hit! Is it movie worthy? Yes. Is it addicting? Definitely. Full of hateful of villains and great heroes and heroines? Yep. Is it worth reading and buying? A resounding YES!!!
You need to read this book now!
My rating:
Content (plot, story flow, character):
Content (plot, story flow, character):
I am in awe with this book!
Stunning: Worthy of a Goddess' Praise!
Book Cover:
Looking for a futuristic feel? The cover is enough to make you feel that way!
June and Day sound like great characters! This has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while now, I think I really need to give this a try before the second book is released! Great review! :)
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