Thursday, October 6, 2011

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)
by Marie Lu
Release: November 29th, 2011
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Source: Unsolicited from publisher
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.....read more at Goodreads.
June is the hunter, and Day is the hunted. A military prodigy from the upper ranks, June has known no other life than the one she's had with her brother, Metias. A criminal mastermind from the slums, Day's constantly on the run. When June is charged with the task to capture Day - the only suspect in her brother's murder - she makes it her mission to succeed. But the more June submerses herself into the hunt for Day, the more secrets revolving around the Republic begin to surface...  

Utilizing a dual narrative in Legend, Lu gives readers two opposing extremes of the Republic through the perspectives of Day and June. Day's kindhearted nature and affinity for very dramatic escapes help make him an exciting character. He's no fool, and it's amusing to see how he keeps June on her toes. June's superior attitude is slightly off-putting in the beginning, but more likable aspects of her personality begin to slowly appear as the novel progresses, and I quickly found myself rooting for her as well. The closer Day and June came to finding answers, the harder I found it to set this story aside. Legend can be summed up into three words: thrilling, captivating, and spectacular. 

Highlights: Conspiracies, fight scenes, action, (likely improbable but still awesome) escapes, fast-paced writing, and plenty of twists and surprises to make up for the ones I discovered early on. The setting itself is intriguing, whether it's the slums or the richer districts. Characters came to life with every turn of the page, and a good deal of the relationships that were formed seemed authentic. I loved how much Day cared for his family, it made him even more endearing to me. 

Lowlights: June and Day can, at times, almost seem like the exact same person1 when reading. Also, just a couple moments required a bit of suspension-of-disbelief in order for me to move past it. 
Rating:   

1 If it weren't for the very obvious differences in font/font color, I would've gotten confused during a couple points. There are some personality differences, but also a good deal of similarities too. However, this can be somewhat explained by something important that they have in common.


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11 comments:

  1. This book has a lot of hype so I'm glad you enjoyed it despite its weaknesses. I really can't wait for this one to be released. :) Great review!

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  2. It sounds good, but then you mention font and colors and I start to wonder. Not something I like when ti changes

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  3. AWESOME!!! I'm so excited to read this one. Despite the similarities between June and Day it sounds like a fantastic read. Thrilling, captivating and spectacular are pretty high praise:)

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  4. It's not often that an author can successfully distinguish between two different character POVs, I find. But other than that, the action and concept sounds superb! I look forward to reading this one!

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  5. This one looks like a fun read! Glad you enjoyed it. :) I haven't read a dystopian in a while--might have to try this one!

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  6. It's so hard to strike the balance when writing dual perspectives -- seems like she was able to do it some of the time but not all. Oh well. I'm still so jazzed for this book! Come on, November!

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  7. I'm so excited for Legend. Good to know that there's lots of action and that its thrilling...makes me want it even more now.

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  8. I really need to read this one! I keep seeing it around! Your review has convinced me that this is something I need to read!

    Now I'm off to Amazon!

    Thanks for the great review, Lea!

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  9. Despite the few character flaws, I'm so excited to start reading this one! I've been waiting until we got closer to the release date, and I think it's time! Great review :)

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  10. I really liked this book, too! I had issues with the development of their relationship. They spent all that time hanging out in the slums when she was searching for Day and there wasn't really any conversation to speak of. It felt like they never really talked. As separate people though, they were so awesome. I loved that Day already knew the truth and we didn't have to watch him figure out that the government sucked and yet...there were still so many surprises. That ending WAS INSANE! Awesome review!!:D

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  11. I have this one in my TBR pile so I'm happy to hear that it's good. The plot sounds fabulous as does the characters. Thanks for the great review! :)

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