Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Series: Legend (Legend Part 1)
Author Info: Website | Twitter| Goodreads
Characters: Tess, Thomas, June Iparis, Day, Metias Iparis
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre Type: Dystopia
Publication date: November 29th 2011
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile      
Format: Hardcover
Pages:  305 pages
Source: Bought
Challenge: 2013 Reading Challenge

LEGEND is the start of a great new young adult dystopian series.  With this fast paced, action packed, romantic thriller you just can't go wrong. One of the things I enjoyed most about Legend was the alternating points of view told by Day and June throughout the story. These two characters really made the book. It was great to see the story progress through these two very different teenage characters, letting us get to know them both on a very personal level. This to me, worked really well for this story. I felt there was a great balance between the depth of character we feel for Day and June, the steady action sequences that keep me turning the pages, and the mystery that I got to enjoy as Legend slowly unfolded.

Ms. Lu gives us just enough of a setting background in Legend to get the story rolling. Through the alternating points of view of Day and June, we learn that due to some sort of apocalyptic catastrophe, the Earth has been ravaged, it’s landscape vastly change. We also learn that what was once considered to be the western part of the United States is split, and is now home to the Republic. The Republic has become a nation that is perpetually at war with its neighbors the Colonies, and is reminiscent of US Civil War. We have the Rebels fighting within the Republic was well as a war between these new states. I would like to have a little more detailed information on what happened between the states, since it plays such a pivotal role in this story.

I’m not sure if she was worried about weighing the book down, but if you're like me, one of the best parts of Dystopian books is the detail describing what happened. Tell me why there is a totalitarian sort of government and what caused the post-apocalyptic terrains on Earth. How about the technology? Anyways, I wanted a little more dirt so to speak.

When Day and June meet, both from very different worlds, we know things are going to get interesting. 15 year old June is born into one of the Republic’s most affluent districts. Since childhood she has been groomed for the Republic's highest military circles. Whereas fifteen-year old Day was born into the slums, and is the country's most wanted criminal for Rebel activities. When June’s brother Metias is mysteriously murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect and June is determined to hunt Day down, and avenge her brother’s death with his capture.

Day must fight to keep his family alive and safe, all the while remaining out of June’s and the Republics hands. These chain of events are what cause Day and June to cross paths. A sort of Spy meets Spy, and all is not as it seems. After a drastic turn of events brings these two together,  Day and June must uncover sinister truth behind their countries war on the colonies, the Rebels and a mysterious plagues that keeping showing up in the districts poor sectors.

This book was really great. I totally enjoyed this page turner. Like I said earlier, Ms. Lu will not waste your time with long, drawn out, boring scenes. Legend really is an action packed thriller. The interaction between Day and June was wonderful. This was by far the best part of reading Legend. Day and June’s unique voices really shined through by using alternating dialogue. It gave me a such good perspective of what each character was going through, especially  as the story began to unfolded and became more intense..  I am so glad I finally got the chance to read Marie Lu’s book Legend. The best part is, I don’t have to wait for book two. ;)

Rating: 4 Stars

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