Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Legend #2

Release Date: January 29^th, 2013

Number of Pages: 384

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: ARC from BEA

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June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector. It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.
 But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong? In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action. 

Wow. I have to say; I think Prodigy was even better than Legend. There. I said it. The sequel was even more addicting than the first book, a book I devoured the moment I got it. I first read Prodigy when I got it at BEA. I just couldn’t wait to get lost in Marie Lu’s world once again. I re-read it months after, to refresh my mind and to savor this book once again. Even if I knew the second time around what was supposed to happen, it still took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The novel kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending left me heartbroken.

We learn more about Day and June in this sequel, but what I found really interesting was that they both seemed to learn about themselves. They need to learn to trust each other, but also to trust themselves. One of the things I loved about those two is that they challenge each other; they don’t simply accept what the other says blindly. They both are strong characters, and this makes their dynamic so much more interesting to follow. This also makes it that much more interesting to follow their points of view.

Their points of view are distinct, and the difference in their voices adds something really interesting in the story. It gives us a better understanding of what is happening, especially since those two characters come from completely different background. They don’t see things exactly the same ways.

I have to say, this series is probably one of my favorites right now. Marie Lu created an addicting story that simply keeps you hooked until the last page. There are simply no dull moments. If you have read and loved Legend, you will love Prodigy. If you still haven’t started this series, I really urge you to pick it up, especially if you like dystopian novel. This series is simply amazing.

About the Author:

 From Goodreads 

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.she spends her time stuck on the freeways.

To find her:

Her Website

Her Twitter

The Trailer

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.