Legend by Marie Lu
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.
I made a mistake. On my last trip to Colorado I only brought ONE book with me (!) That went about how you’d expect it to go…ending with me visiting a bookstore, looking for a paperback for the plane, and starting yet another series. Le sigh.
But. At least this book has been on my TBR for a long time now. So there’s that.
I ended up reading the whole book during the plane ride which is 2 hours and 25 minutes so yeah…you could say I liked it! And just like that, I’m lusting after another trilogy. Ugh. At least the two books are out so I don’t have to wait for them to be published…
I read the About the Author section and curiously enough, Legend was inspired by the relationship between Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert in Les Miserables. Like Throne of Glass, you would never guess the inspiration for the story without being told. I enjoy finding little easter eggs like that.
Legend was fast-paced, entertaining, and still managed to bring something new to the genre. I’m such a sucker for smart characters and even smarter writing and this book had both in droves. I really liked both June and Day and am excited to see where the series takes them. I did not see the plot twists coming, which is always a bonus. Another solid entry in the dystopian YA genre. At the last conference I went to, one of the agents said dystopian YA is over for now which makes me a little sad as that is one of my favorite genres to read. But at least I haven’t exhausted the supply yet!
One thing I’m curious about in the series is if The Republic was the result of California seceding from the rest of the US…it does certainly seem like that’s a possibility here. I hope it’s addressed sooner rather than later!
