8. Legend

Book #8: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Published: November 29, 2011

Pages: 305

4 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

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' 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.

There was so much action packed into 300 pages that there was no place to stop and take a break. Lu throws us into a dystopian future of America, where there is a war much like the Cold War, where states are battling for power. The Republic trains soldiers very young, and June, one of the narrators, got a perfect score on her test and is not a military prodigy. She has no problem with this future set out for her, that is, until she meets Day. Under false circumstances, she gets to know him before she realizes he is the criminal wanted for her brother's death. Well, that just complicates things doesn't it? At what point do you try to push aside the feelings you have for someone or trust them when they say they are innocent?

June soon discovers more about the Republic than they let on. This is the main plot point of most dystopian thrillers. All seems well and the government is running the country to a tee until someone finds out something they shouldn't and a rebellion is started. What's a good dystopian without a rebellion?

The story is told from both June and Day's perspective. It's a nice way of writing it, because then we already know just how innocent Day is and we also know why June has found him. The story is mainly about what you would do for the people you love and that is a great way to tell a story. Even if it's taking place years in the future, in a completely different world, you still have the same mentality when it comes to family and friends. There is still humanity, even in a world full of war and chaos.

Secrets, betrayal, death and life, all come together through the eyes of two young pawns in a war they may not see coming. Nothing is what it seems and the more they uncover the truth, the more they need to escape it. The writing is realistic and the plot is fast-paced, keeping you turning the page an eager to find out what will happen to June and Day and the ones they love. This book stands alone in the aftermath of The Hunger Games, following the dystopian trend, but also leading its own. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

"Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time...You try to walk in the light."