Legend by Marie Lu: Book Review

Title: Legend (Legend #1)
Author: Marie Lu
Published: November 29, 2011 by Putnam Juvenile
Copy: Paperback [bought]

Legend



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.

-o-
I've heard good reviews about Legend and decided to give it a try. And am very thankful I did.
Okay, let me share my thoughts with you:
  1. The criminal-Republic agent combo and plot was not really unique but I think it was played out very well, especially since it has its own twist. (I'm not going to spoil you guys!)
  2. I liked that both protagonists' perspectives were given. It did not leave me guessing what the other was thinking or feeling. Well, you could say that I don't like uncertainty much.
  3. I liked that June and Day were rational beings but not really emotionless. I hope in the next two books, they will not be the too-cheesy couple.
  4. June and Day are fifteen years old! They're too young but some of their thoughts, Day's especially, were inappropriate for a fifteen year old kid. And perhaps yes, their circumstances matured them but still. I think it would have been acceptable if they're seventeen or eighteen? Or maybe it was just me coming from a conservative family? I don’t know.
  5. Anyway, I also expected Legend to have more action-packed scenes. I think the book focused more on introducing the characters, which was not really a bad thing. But yeah, I guess I expected too much.

I'll give this book 4.5 stars. Same dystopian elements, but it looks really promising. I will read Prodigy soon but not until I get a copy of Champion! :)



That's all folks!