Legend - Book Review

Legend– Book Review

Marie Lu

YA Dystopian

Synopsis:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. 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.

Review:

I had heard many good things about Marie Lu and was really looking forward to reading her debut novel Legend which, I’m pleased to say was totally amazing. Despite not being quite what I thought it would be – it really was a fantastic read with plenty of action, drama and intrigue and just a dash of romance thrown in.

The story is about two teenagers who live in a dystopian world where the military and republic rule America under a tyrannical thumb. Born on two opposite sides of the track, fifteen year old June is an exceptional prodigy of a military family and an up and coming star among the republic. However living in perfect contrast to June’s world is Day, a notorious criminal who does his best to help the poor while scraping by on life himself.

But when June’s brother is found murdered and Day labelled the number one suspect – the two of them suddenly find their lives entangled together in a web of deceit, death and intrigue. But what they both don’t know is that they have a common enemy… and only by working together do they stand a chance of surviving against the deadly plots laid down for them by the republic…

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Told from the dual perspectives of both June and Day the reader is given a very clear view of what it is like to live in a world ravaged by the republic – both from a military and criminal viewpoint. It was also great to read how despite their completely different upbringings, both Day and June where driven and manipulated through their feelings and empathy towards people in need.   

As a main character June was intelligent, strong willed and (despite being inside her head) often hard to read. However while this could be a little frustrating it prolonged the suspense of what would happen next and of how June would react to the next situation thrown at her.

Day on the other hand was very straightforward. Motivated into action by the love and protection he felt towards his family, he has a kind heart and unlike June – he was right all along in thinking the republic was evil and tyrannical. He’s also a pretty bad ass character and capable of causing some serious damage. The relationship that develops between him and June is sweet but they have yet to reach the stage where they work well as a couple. I’m hoping the romance will develop more in the next book and that these characters will get a chance to develop their feelings more.

Otherwise the plot was fantastic and moved at a nice pace. The setting was interesting and described in such a way that it felt very real and the writing itself was brilliant. Full of secrets, action and suspense Legend was a really good read and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel. 4 Stars!