Legend: a book recommendation
5 out of 5 stars.
Hold. Onto. YOUR HATS. Marie Lu’s Legebd is going to sweep you away. From page 1, this book is a page-turning thrill ride.
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’ 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.
After meeting the charming, Robin-Hood-esque Day, we’re plunked into his one heckuva dystopian world. Lu had me at the word “jumbotron”–any futuristic world that has that full, 1984 feel is bound to draw me in. Add in some Romeo & Juliet type romance, and I’m a goner.
Oh yes, did I mention the delicious romance? Because Lu does a fantastic job with it. The minute we meet the cool, calculating June, we know that she’s both a complete foil to Day as well as his complete complement…and we’re just *rooting* for them to get together. Not that their romance is anything easy. Considering he’s the most wanted criminal in the Republic and she’s the military’s star spy, they’re hardly in a position to fall head over heels. But the attraction between them is undeniable (and sizzling!).
If you like thrilling action (a là Divergent), clever mystery (a là Sherlock [no joke, June totally reminds me of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlck!]), or high-tension romance (a là Romeo & Juliet), then you’ll definitely want to pick up Marie Lu’s Legend.
You tell me: have you read Legend? What did you think?
♥
March 19, 2012 @ 2:41 pm
I looooved this book! I read it last week in like a day. It’s pretty much unputdownable. I’m doing a full review of it for next month’s Whatcha Reading Now, that’s how much I liked it. 🙂
March 19, 2012 @ 9:45 pm
Ack! Yay! I’m so glad you agree. June kind of reminded me of Iris–what with the whole conflicting loyalty, corrupted government thing. 😉
March 19, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
I LOVED Legend! Day and June were so fantastic, and I loved all the side characters as well, even Metias who wasn’t around for long.
March 19, 2012 @ 9:45 pm
I know! POOR METIAS!! He was such a sweetie. And Thomas–sooooo creeptastic!
March 21, 2012 @ 1:58 am
Oh, I liked this one too! I think the aspect I liked most about it was the mystery — it was a quieter, more subtle sort, which made it the perfect flip side to the high-tension government action. I actually felt like a romantic relationship between June and Day didn’t need to develop, b/c I could’ve imagined them as awesome BFFs, with all their kickassery. But it worked, I suppose. 🙂
March 26, 2012 @ 3:19 am
I definitely liked the mystery–how she had subtle hints at the beginning that showed up in full force at the end. I can’t WAIT for book 2!
April 1, 2012 @ 10:44 am
Yeah I absolutely loved the book!!! I finished it last night and it was amazing! I like the romance between June and Day, as well as the gripping storyline! =)
August 4, 2014 @ 10:33 am
My. Holy. Flipsticks! I borrowed this book from a friend, and I had no idea what to expect. I’d never heard of the book before, but boy was it worth it.