Legend by Marie Lu

Title:  Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend #1
Genre: YA/Dystopian
Format: Finished Hardcover copy from personal library

Release Date:  November 29, 2011

 

Rating: Break the Bank!

 

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.


Review:

I really LOVED this book.  What I really LOVED about this book was how it was told from dual points of view, ala Simone Elkeles books.  I really connected with the main characters June and Day.  Our hero Day is considered a fugitive by the Republic and he is homeless and lives on the streets with an orphan that he has befriended and takes care of named Tess.

Our heroine June on the other hand is sort of a child prodigy and is in the process of finding her place in the Republic.  Then her brother is tragically murdered and June goes looking for answers.  All the information that she has leads her right to Day.  And what follows is a roller coaster ride of heartache, action, betrayal, romance and so many twists and turns you won’t know up from down….I mean that in a good way of course.

There were a few things that were pretty predictable about the book but I did not feel that it detracted from the story itself at all.  I felt like the slight predictability of those few things actually heightened the anticipation and flow of the story for me personally.

Like with pretty much all (there are a few exceptions to the rule I’m sure) there is a lot of tragedy in Legend.  But you keep rooting for June, Day and a VERY select few secondary characters.

Overall, I was BEYOND extremely happy with the book.  I most definitely will be counting down the days until the sequel is released.  Is it time yet!?