Reviews

Legend
Title: Legend, The Legend Trilogy
Author(s): Marie Lu
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

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.




Cinder
Title: Cinder, The Lunar Chronicles
Author(s): Marissa Meyer
Genre: YA, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Rating: 5/5

Summary: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Okay, I kept on seeing this in libraries or in bookstores. It looked pretty cool, but something about it made me cautious to buy it. That was a huge mistake. I don't know why I hesitated for so long to read it. Cinder is easily one of my favorite books. Based off of the classic fairy-tale, Cinderella, this book captures the beauty and enchantment of the original tale, while also adding its own unique futuristic twist. The book had a wonderful pacing and an stunning narrator. I'm pretty sure I didn't put the book down, even to sleep. Cinder's voice was funny and realistic, and paints vividly beautiful pictures in your mind. Cinder also contains very diverse plot details, with bits of action, laughs, romance, and even a few more awkward moments you can relate to.

Honestly, I have very few complaints about the book, except for the next one, Winter, needs to come out sooner. You can find a copy of Cinder and the rest of the series at a local bookstore, or here at Amazon.com.

Iron Trial

Title: The Iron Trial
Author(s):Cassandra Clare and Holly Black
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

     The book is centered on 12-year-old outcast, Callum Hunt. Callum knows both his parents were mages who attended a school called the Magisterium. His father has always told him to beware the danger of magic, as it is responsible for his mother's death. Callum knows he must never use his magic, so when it becomes time for him to be tested to go to the Magisterium, (this is quoting the summary-one of my favorite lines) 'he tries his best to do his worst, and fails at failing'. Cal ends up being accepted as an apprentice, and is suddenly thrust into the world of the Magisterium. There he will face many challenges, the greatest of which dealing with his own identity.

     Personally, I am a huge fan of both Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. This book was pretty great. The writing flowed smoothly and kept my attention. Unlike most co-authored books, this did a great job of keeping a clear voice, and the little sarcastic remarks added in kept me smiling. Callum's character is complex, with both many flaws and strengths. He differs from many modern protagonists in the fact that he is actually very rude to the other characters. That being said, he does have endearing little quirks and a soft side that is brought out as the book goes on.
     The plot was perfect, and although there are a few awkward spots and places where you can guess ahead, there are many jaw-dropping plot twists, and the ending is completely unexpected and different from most things I have recently read.
     I loved the quirky side characters, both human and animal. They were creative and complex, and added a cute touch to Callum's adventures. The fantastical imagery also masks some deep lessons learned by the characters.

     My one complaint is the underdevelopment of the side characters. The story goes deeply into Callum's head, and you do even get a bit of back story on his close friends, but most of the other characters are pretty static, and Callum is the only one who undergoes a major change.
     Besides that, this was a beautiful story that any Harry Potter lovers will enjoy. The book is aimed at young people, but teen readers might get a kick out of this too.


     If you are interested in reading this, you can pick it up at a local bookstore or here, at Amazon.com


Thanks for reading!