Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 305 pages
Series: Legend # 1
Source: Library
Summary
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.
Review
When I learned that the inspiration for this novel had come from the movie of one of my favorite books Les Miserables, I just had to read Legend. This book is everything one could ever hope for! The author's writing style had me hooked from page 1 and the brilliant story would not let me put this book down.
Legend is told by two different characters: Day and June, I find this to be extremely important because it allows one to see things from both Day and June's point of view. If this novel had been solely in Day's point of view, readers would not be privy to June's innermost thoughts or know her side of the story, without that knowledge June would become the "bad guy" and thus readers would instinctively start to loathe her. The same can be said about Day if the novel were in June's point of view. I can't decide who my favorite character is, Day and June are both very intriguing. Day is selfless, he always puts the well being of his family before his safety and at times even before his very life. June is a prodigy, she is everything one could ever hope to be: brave, brilliant, and beautiful.
What makes this novel unique is that Marie Lu does not try to make her characters perfect (personality wise). Both Day and June have their flaws like all humans, and like all humans they also think semi-evil thoughts at times, get angry and make mistakes.
Legend is fast paced and once you start reading it you won't want to stop, I started this novel in the morning and finished it sometime in the evening, hungering for more. Thanks to ALA Anaheim I have an advance reader copy of the second book Prodigy. I recommend this book to anyone that loves action!
Favorite Quotes <3
1.“Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time. "
2."When you stand out there," John continues in a hoarse voice, "keep your chin up, all right? Don't let them get to you."
"I won't."
"Make them work for it. Punch someone if you have to." John gives me a sad, crooked smile. "You're a scary kid. So scare them. Okay? All the way until the end."
For the first time in a long time, I feel like a little brother. I have to swallow hard to keep my eyes dry. "Okay," I whisper.”
3.“You try to walk in the light.”
4. "June has never looked more beautiful than she does now, unadorned and honest, vulnerable yet invincible.”
