Author(s): Marie Lu
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Rating: 4/5
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic of America, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors, the Colonies.
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.
Legend was thoroughly engrossing. Fast-paced and full of action, crazy risks, and personal trials, the story keeps the reader on their toes and entertained while also adding in the right amount of sweet moments and awkward scenes. Legend was well-planned and left plenty of room for a sequel, which I will definitely be reading. While sometimes not thought through, I loved the little details the author added in, as well as her style and descriptions (though these were sometimes inaccurate!). The characters were well rounded, multi-cultural, lovable, flawed, and distinct, with nice character relationships. Day was charming and fierce, nicely offset by tough-as-steel (yet somehow vulnerable) June. The story voice was convincing and well done, chapters are narrated by both Day and June, which helps you get to know their character voices and backgrounds well.
There were also some things I didn't like about the story. During June's point of view she can begin to get slightly annoying and too overconfident with herself, her opinions, and her intelligence. When characters annoy you the book can be a pain to read, but Day and the other characters make up for June and eventually she begins to grow on you. Another problem is some of the writing is also inaccurate and defies reality, (e.g. Jumping off multi-story building with a stab wound, not feeling pain of serrated knife cut, shirt as parachute...) but I find that can be fun in this type of book.
Overall, I enjoyed Legend and would recommend it. While it may annoy some older or more analytical readers, I loved most of it and couldn't put it down. Legend is available at most local bookstores or here at Amazon.com.
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