1.16.2021 | Saturday

Legend

Item: Legend
Rating: 5
Author: Kim

category: Book Reviews
tag(s): young adult
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title: Legend
author: Marie Lu
series: Legend #1
published: 29 November 2011
publisher: Speak
genre(s): action, dystopian, romance
pages: 307
source: library
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | BookBub | Goodreads

rating:

| series rating:

the blurb

Once unknown as the western coast of United States, the Republic is now 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 military prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic's highest circles.Born into the slums of the Republic's Lake Sector, 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. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June tries desperately 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 to which their country will go to keep its secrets.Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, Marie Lu has written an exhilarating first novel that is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

my review

Legend is the first in a young adult dystopian series set in an imagined future America. The world is very different from that which we know now, split into The Republic and the Colonies. This book is set in The Republic, a place where there are clear lines between the Haves and the Have Nots, a place suffering from a constantly changing plague that rans rampant among the Have Nots.

At a young age, children are required to go through The Trials, a battery of tests that determine the course of their future. Those that do well are set on a path of success. Those that don’t are generally assured of a life of drudgerey. And those that fail are sent away, to labor camps far from home. The Republic controls by propoganda, and by fear.

The story is told from two perspectives, that of June and that of Day, both of whom are only fifteen. June is a newly minted soldier of The Republic. She’s brilliant, which often leads her to be cast as a troublemaker. In reality, she’s always followed the party line of The Republic. But then she meets Day, an enemy of the statewho is thought to be a Patriot, a rebel. Meeting him changes everything for her.

There is so much to love about Legend! It’s dystopian (one of my favorite genres), but it’s also rich with aspects of mystery, action, adventure, and romance. And the character dynamic is wonderful! June and Day are very different people, coming from very different places within the world of Legend. And while there was romance, it wasn’t instant, and it didn’t feel like the only focus of the storyline. It felt realistic, developing naturally.

If you love dystopian, and a book with a multifaceted storyline, then Legend is a great book to read!

About Marie Lu

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. :)

I graduated from the University of Southern California in ’06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.

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