Review: LEGEND by Marie Lu

The first time I picked this book up I was browsing the YA books at Walmart. I read the first few pages and was instantly interested, but didn't do anything about it until I saw the book again while browsing the YA books in my library. Right off, I'm a sucker for a well-written dystopian. One that doesn't make me feel too depressed. One that doesn't have me asking too many questions. LEGEND certainly measured up.

From Amazon: "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."

The Rating: ***** (Loved It)


The Good:
World-building. It's such a must for a good dystopian. Lu did a pretty fantastic job. Without a lot of backstory she revealed a worrisome place that set the scene for the two main characters, Day and June. And it was exciting and page turning right off. Events set the whole thing in motion from the first chapter. I loved both characters, despite them being a little bit stereotypical dystopian--and rooted for their (romantic) collision toward each other from their first meeting. The supporting cast was fabulous as well--I've got a picture of Famke Jannsen in my head as the evil Commander Jameson.

The Bad:
Um. Well. Can't think of much to say here. I do have a ton of questions about The Republic and the Colonies, but not in a bad way, so that doesn't so much belong in this section . . . does it . . . ? (There's a reason I rated it a five-star.)

The Recommendation: 
Read it. If you're a fan of the genre, this is a book you'll certainly like, if not love. The action is great. There's romance (which, for me, is a must in pretty much every book I read). There's good triumphing over evil, and sacrifices made along the way.

The Disclaimer: Mild language, mild kissing


Buy LEGEND here.