Legend Book Review

Legend

Title: Legend 

Author: Marie Lu

Genre: Dystopian

Publication: February 2nd 2012

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 295

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Synopsis: 

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. 

My Rating: 

Review: 

Let's just say that this trilogy will be one of my favorites, if not, my favorite. It was such a crazy experience reading your book. There was a lot of gasping and screaming and wanting to throw the book at the wall out of frustration. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, bang! Something crazy and unexpected happened. I loved how Marie Lu just kept throwing insane plot twists in my face, and I didn't know whether to love her or hate her for that.  

Day and June were not some random citizens in a dystopian world. They were a really big deal. Their names were widely known: June's for being a prodigy and Day's for being a criminal. They were important not just to the story, but to the world that the story takes place in. Being a sort of celebrity was very dangerous in this book, especially when trying to break the law and rebel against the government.

What I also loved about Legend was that I actually felt something for the secondary characters like Metias, Day's family, and Tess. From the synopsis, Metias's fate is known, but his presence is still there in the book. He was a loving brother to June, and I wish his life didn't have to end that way. Tess is a young girl who Day took under his wings two years ago. She's a great person, and I really hope we get more of her in the next book. Day's caring personality definitely comes from his family. The situation Day's family is put through is horrible and broke my heart, and I hope justice is served out to those people who caused their suffering. Antagonists were just oh-so depressing as ever. I wanted to strangle them, but at the same time hug them for being haughty and rotten. I never trusted Thomas at any point of the story. He seemed suspicious and irrelevant and I didn't like him one bit. Tess was just a cute little doll. I really liked her. She was so kind and friendly and helped everyone with everything. She was so small and felt like any could've controlled her even though she's 13. 

While the book did not focus on the relationship between Day and June, it was certainly a large part of the story. It felt incredibly real and believable. Day and June were not utterly obsessed with each other; there was no love at first sight. Their relationship was really gradual, and it just kind of...happens. I really liked the whole forbidden-love element to it; they were supposed to be enemies, after all. These are two characters who complimented each other really well, and they made an excellent team. I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes them! 

Another thing very evident in this book is the siblings-love. Parts and parts of this book tackled and explored the extent of sibling-love. From Metias and June to John-Day-Eden, all exhibited unwavering love to each other. Sacrifices had been made in order to give way for the other's survival. Especially when John sacrificed himself for Day. That part almost made me shed a stream of tears down the page.  

 

Alex