Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend (Legend #1)
Author:  Marie Lu
Pages:  305
Publisher:  Putman/Penguin
Genre:  Dystopia
Release:  November 29th 2011
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon

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.

Powerfully Addictive

There was some buzz before Legend's release but It wasn't very noisy. However, from the reviews I read before immersing myself into this story, I knew that I will find excellent material in this book. I only heard great comments about Marie Lu's debut novel and my expectations were pretty high.Oh yes they were.

Oh my LORD! Did I say that my expectation were high? Well, Legend certainly reached all of them and went beyond the sky into the outer space! I am sure that Legend will consume readers with its highly addictive story. The dual point of view is masterfully written and I really loved reading from June and Day's perspective as well as experiencing the two different worlds they come from. Day and June are much more than lovable characters, they are admirable! However, I feel that the characters' age (fifteen) is younger from the way I perceive it. I think that June and Day are very mature and I felt that they were at least seventeen and not fifteen. Yet, we do know from the beginning that June is a prodigy so this is somehow justified. Regardless this, I love the characters very, very much. June is everything a heroine should be and Day...well...he is the most wanted criminal in the Republic of America and now he certainly is the most wanted hero among the YA readers! I am one of them!

Legend is no doubt a solid Hollywood movie material! Twist after twist, this book never stopped surprising me and kept my eyes glued to the pages! To say that there is a Shock Factor in this book is an understatement because just halfway through the book, there was a moment that caused such a big impact on me that I couldn't believe it wasn't the ending or the climax of the book. After such a shocking moment, there were still another 150 pages to go through so imagine how much more I experienced during the entire book! With that said, Marie Lu's brilliant story is more than enough to place her among my favorite authors! I simply can't wait to have more of her books in my hands.

Readers should be ready to jump from their seats, to feel their hearts freeze, to often forget how to breathe and to bite their nails to the point of bleeding while reading this book. Legend by Marie Lu is an all-consuming and magnificent debut! Shocking, powerful and addictive, Legend will certainly be a favorite among YA and dystopian lovers! A must-read!

Watch the trailer!

Visit Marie Lu's website at http://www.marielu.org/

Visit the book's website at http://www.legendtheseries.com/