Legend by Marie LuPenguin Razorbill,
295 pages
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.
(Taken from Goodreads) 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.
Legend is the story of a boy who through circumstances and his own choices is the Republics most wanted criminal and the story of a girl who is the top military prodigy. And as different as you'd initially think their stories would have to be, Marie Lu has sewn them seamlessly together into this extremely fast paced and compelling book.
I heard so many good things about this book before I even got my hands on it that I wasn't sure it would even have a chance of living up to my expectations. Then I started reading. It turned out this was the least of my problems. The bigger problem was putting it down again. Seriously, to get me to do anything but read Legend this weekend you would've had to surgically remove it from my hands.
Guiding you through this you have the alternating perspectives of June and Day, which helps give such a unique insight into this dystopian world. June is sheltered and naive about what's going on around her but is sharper than a pin and is one of the smartest, strongest female characters I have read. On the other end of the spectrum is Day who has been toughened by his experiences and circumstances yet still manages to trust and love and hope. These characters are both lovable and infuriating and the way the story is told made me feel as though Marie Lu was the puppeteer jerking the strings on my emotions.
With just enough romance to leave you wanting more and an ending that will have you begging for the second book I can not reccomend this book higher!
4/5 - I lost a lot of sleep so as to finish reading this book.
Laura H
