Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend
Legend #1
Author: Marie Lu
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Released: November 29th 2011
Review Source: Gift
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) 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.

THANK YOU, Yara for being my Secret Santa (again) this year and giving me this fantastic series. I had heard a lot of buzz about this series, but never had the time to actually get to it. I wish I had bought Legend and read it sooner. I was also lucky to have received an ARC for Prodigy, so I was able to read both Legend and Prodigy back to back. I know that people are looking for something new and refreshing when it comes to dystopian novels, and Marie’s writing in Legend and Prodigy bring just that. She takes dystopian novels to another level.

Day and June both live in the Republic, but both had very different up-bringing. Day grew up in the slumps and has been on his own since he was 10. He had to dig through garbage dumps in order to get food to survive. His father died years ago, when he still lived at home. After taking the Trial, and “failing” he was taken away by the Republic and later escaped and lived on the streets ever since. His family, believe that he is dead. His older brother, John is the only one that knows that he is still alive. People in the different cities that have been making them sick and even die. The Republic goes around to everyone’s house and tests everyone to see if they are contaminated. If they are, they mark the front door with a symbol and confine the whole family to their house, until they get better, or die. Day has been driving the Republic insane with blowing up their war ships and stealing things from them. So he is on top of the Republics most wanted list. 

June, was born into a wealthy family. Her father worked for the Republic and her older brother was up in the ranks too. After both of her parents died, Metias, her brother, stepped up and raised her. At 15, June has been labeled the Republic’s prodigy, meaning she scored a perfect 1500 on her Trial – a test that all kids take to see if they are smart enough to continue education. June is the only one known to have scored a perfect 1500 of her Trial. Then June’s life shatters when her brother is murdered and Day has been accused of killing him. Now, June takes it upon herself to seek out Day and bring him to the Republic’s doorstep, but June doesn’t expect for what happens next. The Republic isn’t what she was raised up to believe and discovers lies that have been kept from her. Will Day be the one to open her eyes or will she allow Day to be captured and revenge her brother’s death? You will have to read it for yourself. 

What an amazing story. This was definitely a page turner – I couldn’t get myself to put it down. I totally recommend Legend to all the die-hard dystopian fanatics out there.

P.S.: Today Ana will participate in a phone interview with Marie Lu. So look out very soon for the phone interview transcript and a giveaway soon.