BOOK REVIEW - LEGEND by MARIE LU - LEGEND # 1 - YA DYSTOPIAN - PENGUIN

By: Marie Lu

Published By: Penguin

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from Library, 290 Pages

RATING: 4.75 DAY STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

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.

This fan made trailer is not too bad for Legend.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

“Few people ever kill for the right reasons, June,” he said after a long silence. “Most do it for the wrong reasons.”

I’m coming a little late to the Marie Lu, Legend series parttaay, but I’m so glad I found the time to start it.

This is a very popular YA dystopian series and I can see why. June and Day are both highly likeable characters. I loved reading this dual pov book.

I’ve been complimented on my appearance before. But never in his tone of voice. Of all the things he’s said, I don’t know why this catches me off guard. But it startles me so much that without thinking I blurt out, “I could say the same about you.” I pause. “In case you didn’t know.”

A slow grin spreads across his face. “Oh, trust me. I know.”


The only thing I will say about this first installment, that I felt quite strongly about, is these kids are both fifteen, they just do not come across as fifteen year olds. Seventeen I could believe a lot more.

But , no matter.

I loved how this story was broken up into two parts within the book.

Sure, I’m still wondering a bit about why Day had what he had done to him. Those questions will no doubt be answered in Prodigy.

Marie is tough on her characters, and I really appreciated the length she went to with her action scenes and the visuals I had playing away like a movie in my head.

I will admit I did predict a fair amount of the plot, but it may just be me. For what I did pick up on, quite easily, I think got balanced out for me with how well written her dystopian world was and how much I loved the characters, even the sub characters.

I’m quite liking how YA authors are giving female characters the Commander type role. Women can be just as lethal with their orders as men.

Boy! Commander Jameson is a piece of work. She needed a stinky dead fish slap from me.

I felt she plays the part very well.

I loved being in Day’s pov. He is a misunderstood character who has quite a heart, but he also is very good at what he does.

June, the Republican Agent, has been essentially brain washed to fight for the Republic, I liked watching her get with the program and start putting two and two together.

I feel very excited for Prodigy and then Champion.

This was a fast paced, exciting read with some awesome action sequences. Marie made these kids fight it out and losses come in this highly believable, fictional dystopian world.

Marie made sure she brought it.

This is a dystopian read for both YA readers and adults. I really enjoyed this book I nearly read it in one sitting. I had trouble putting it down.

Michelle