Review - Legend, by Marie Lu

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.

(From GoodReads)

My Review

Legend is a fast paced, tense look at dystopian society and the people who barely survive through it. I have to say, I did like Legend. But by no means was I blown away by the story.

Legend offers a bleak look at the future. Civil war and natural disaster has torn the United States in two, but I felt more background was needed to make me care. Death and despair run rampant in the streets. People are often struck down by the plague. I think you probably get what I'm saying.

Legend was told from alternating view points of June and Day. Day is a rebel, determined to take from the Republic and give to those in need. I would call him a futuristic Robin Hood. June is a member of the elite, those who thrive in the Republic. She takes orders without question and believes what she is told by those above her. June and Day were both sympathetic characters that I eventually come to care about. Tragic circumstances bring them together and they both struggle to remember that the other is the enemy.

Legend was full of deception, mystery, and surprisingly, loyalty. I have to say that I really didn't become invested in the outcome until over halfway through the story. I feel the reason I was slow to come around is due to my growing tiredness with dystopian books in general. These days, I can predict exactly what will happen in each dystopian I read. They've become formulaic and predictable. I'm not trying to blame Legend in particular for my apathy. It just happens to be the book that broke the camel's back, as it were.

But, like I said before, I did gain interest in Legend. I grew to care for the characters and their future. And I will give Marie Lu props for holding no bars. She has no qualms with striking any character down. Her characters, good and bad, were engaging. And while I felt the book didn't bring anything new to the table, it was a nice, but not great, read.

Favorite Quote:

"When I look to my side, I see a boy holding out his hand to me. He has bright blue eyes, dirt on his
  face and a beat-up old cap on, and at this moment, I think he might be the most beautiful boy I've ever
  seen."

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: November 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

Find Legend at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Book Depository  |  Barnes & Noble

* I received Legend for a blog tour, hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews. *