Review: Legend

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Series: Legend #1

Release Date: November 29^th, 2011

Number of Pages: 305

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: Penguin Canada

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.

Wow! That book was amazing! I can’t believe I didn’t read it as soon as it came out. I was surprised with a review copy this week, courtesy of Penguin Canada. As soon as I got it, I read it. It was much more than I was expecting, and I had high expectation, after hearing so many great reviews about it.

This book follows two main characters, June and Day. They are in a way both side of a coin, so different, yet so similar. It is hard for me to say whom I preferred between those two. Day was the courageous and dedicated young man. What I liked the most about him is how he was ready to do anything for his family. I liked that he was good, even if he had been been living on the street for a while, fighting for his survival in a way. Yet, he never resorted to killing others to survive. That’s one of the thing I really liked about him. There’s also the way he acted with Tess that made me really like him as a character. It showed how good he really was.

June, on the other hand, had everything given to her. She is a prodigy for her Republic, a little troublemaker, but also ready to do anything for her brother, her only family left. I liked her evolution, the way her view changed of the Republic. It didn’t change in a day simply because of a boy, or simply because she doesn’t believe in what they are preaching. It comes slowly, and that I liked. I wasn’t sure how they would bring that at first, her being so deep in the military. Yet, the change was extremely believable.

I really enjoy the world built by Marie Lu. I found it to be captivating, believable and well written. I already can’t wait to read what will happen next to June and Day.  It was a pleasure to read, and it was a book I simply couldn’t put down once I started it. I was simply hooked from the first few pages until the end.