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.

I had a slap attack. "What?" you say.

A slap attack, where I literally slapped myself for not reading Legend sooner. I've had it for a while, guilty of buying it for it's flashy cover before even reading the exhilarating synopsis. 

Marie Lu whirls us through a future world where there's the poor, the plague, and the military. War is the norm.

This book had me gripping on every surface within reach. Legend was action packed and full of intensity. The author gave great detail to her tenacious characters personalities and their feelings. The settings brought these pages to reality. Lu gave great attention to the development of this story which kept my span rolling through those pages.

 

Children are tested. If they score high, they're sent to college for not education for their future, but for militant purposes. If the children score low, they are left with their poor families where the plague may consume them. Really low score... Means you have no purpose.

Day has it together. Day should be dead. Day is wanted. Day makes Spider-man look like a pussy. Day is incognito. He is a misfit, a humane criminal. His crime a purpose of survival. A pure vigilante. He's full of compassion; for his family, for his friends, for his people. He'll change this post apocalyptic world one Day at a time. He will be a LEGEND. Not before he makes a careless choice. Not before he's a target.

I really enjoyed his side-kick, Eden. She is a very optimistic, loyal friend. Someone Day is lucky to have. They were lucky to have each other.

...The tracking begins...

June is a genius, her score the highest. And she has reason to be revengeful. She's thorough and fearless; meticulous, curious, and brave. Her experience to blend in with the poor reeled in her prey. 

Turn of events bring June to realization. With the knowledge of Day and their discoveries, she realizes the Republic is cruelty at it's finest. Menacing towards their people. 

The introduction between Day and June had my stomach in a knot. I was waiting for the recognition to kick in and it had me biting my knuckles. 

Intelligence, observation, discovery and passion is a commonality of Day and June. Full of risk, they become warriors to save each other and their nation from their controlling government in this courageous and heroic read.

 

Prodigy, the second book in this exciting series is on it's way to me now. I can't wait to see where Day and June lead me next!

 

Find Legend by Marie Lu on Goodreads.

 

Purchase Legend by Marie Lu on B&N, Amazon, Book Depository

 

Kimberly