Legend by Marie LuSeries: Legend #1
Published by: Putnam Juvenile on November 29, 2011
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction
Pages: 305
Source: Purchased
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Rating: ★★★★★
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.
If you’re a cover whore like me, do not push this book aside because of the cover! There were at least 5 times where I saw a review or post about this book and just skipped over it because I thought the cover was dull, boring, self-published-looking, and not that eye-catching. Finally, after some pushes and prods from fellow bloggers, I gave this book a chance. I’m so glad I did. I’ll let this quote speak for the awesomeness of the book:
I will hunt you down. I will scour the streets of Los Angeles for you. Search every street in the Republic if I have to. I will trick you and deceive you, lie, cheat, and steal to find you, tempt you out of your hiding place, and chase you until you have nowhere else to run. I make you this promise: your life is mine.
Legend by Marie Lu, Page 45
Okay, so when I finally got passed the cover, I opened up the book and was shocked. The typeface. It was different. The colour. It was…. gold? It’s so unique! I had never seen anything like it. All of Day’s chapters are in this never-before-scene-in-a-book typeface (it’s not that extravagant — it’s just different from the standard so often seen), and June’s are in a more standard typeface with black ink. So cool!
The story in this book is just so incredibly intriguing. We have June: the amazingly intelligent genius prodigy who’s training to join the most exclusive military branch. Then there’s Day, born in poverty and a criminal on the run. Then Day is suspected of killing June’s brother, so June vows to hunt him down and seek revenge (see epic quote above). She goes undercover, tracking Day and pretending to be a poor girl from the slums. Then she meets Day, but doesn’t know it’s him, and starts travelling around with him. Soon enough she finds herself liking him (and vice versa).. like really liking him. Like “You’re a sexy beast” liking him. OH MY GOD!! Tell me that doesn’t sound awesome! It sounds like the kind of action thriller TV shows or movies I like to watch.. but wrapped up in a YA dystopian sci-fi romance! Hello, incredible book. My name is Ashley and I love you. Would you like my unborn children?
I don’t even know where to really begin with this review (although I guess I’ve started already lol). All the characters are amazing. June is totally kick-ass. She almost reminds me of Sherlock Holmes in her attention to detail. She’s the kind of person who truly observes everything around her and uses the tiniest details to draw conclusions. She’s incredibly strong and proud, but more than anything, she wants to do what’s right. Even when she absolutely hates Day for supposedly murdering her brother, she still doesn’t want to see any unwarranted violence or torture. And Day… Day is kind of like Robin Hood. Sure he’s a criminal, but he only steals so he can survive and help his family and community get food and medicine. And that only touches the surface. All of the side characters are equally as interesting and I either love them or love to hate them.
Legend is so action-packed and there’s never, ever a dull moment. The plot is always progressing and kept me on my toes the entire way through. The romance that develops is one of the most interesting I’ve ever seen because of the circumstances, but it’s also totally swoon-worthy. Legend also toyed with my emotions quite a bit. June takes us through some of her memories with her brother Metias, and after knowing what happened to him, I was totally getting teary-eyed. It’s devastatingly sad and made me wish I had a brother like him (one who doesn’t get killed!).
There was zero doubt in my mind that I’d give his book 5 stars and mark it as one of my all-time favourites. I didn’t even have to stop and ponder. I ended this book in a complete daze; my imagination was in overdrive and trying to process all the awesomeness in this book!
The Verdict
I agree with everything you’ve written in this review. Absolutely everything. Especially with what you said in terms of the plot – I wasn’t bored once when I was reading it. And I’m jealous – you got a gold typeface?? I didn’t get that with my edition lol.
Great review!
Aww that sucks you didn’t get the gold typeface! It’s kind of a subtle gold colour, but it’s pretty awesome! I guess you have the UK edition? I think the cover of that one is pretty awesome but too bad about the non-gold typeface!
I think the main reason I love mysteries because I like being astounded by all the clues I missed along the way to the revelation at the end. The Sherlock Holmes comparison really makes me want to read it sooner than I have it listed on my TBR shelf. Aggh!
As a counterpoint to your initial opinion of the book, I saw it and was interested at what it could be hiding. It was so simplistic that I didn’t have any preconceived notions about what would be inside. I was actually surprised at the blurb and it made me want to read it more. I think way too often in the YA world people get caught up on covers and having pretty white girls in dresses on the front so they will sell and anything else has to be some variant on it or else too… I’m really glad this awesome-sounding novel doesn’t need the crazy cover appeal. Like The Hunger Games. It was simple, dark and unassuming. And awesome within. no one knew what they had just gotten themselves into when The Hinger Games was first published (before everyone started catching fire – pun intended)
Moving on! This review as always makes me super excited to read Legend mwahahah. Thanks for that! 😀
I really hope you get a chance to read it soon!! It’s seriously totally awesome!
I’m also glad you like the cover. If you’re into simplistic things, I can totally see the appeal there. I think I’m definitely one of those girls who gets caught up in ‘pretty’ covers. I like being able to stare at them, haha! But the fact that you like this one is fabulous! Just one more thing in the “pro” column!
I’ll definitely have to check out your review once you read Legend!
WOW! I’m glad you liked this book so much! I started reading it once, but wasn’t in the mood for this type of thing… I think I’ll give it another try in the future. Maybe the beginning is just kind of slow(er)… maybe? I don’t know, LOL.
OMG FAVORITE BOOK!!! Have you read prodigy and champion???they are so amazing. Awesome review!