Rachel Rambles About Legend

Legend by Marie Lu

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.
  

Woah. This book is freaking awesome. It was such a crazy experience reading this book. There was a lot of gasping and screaming and wanting to throw the book at the wall out of frustration. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, BANG. SOMETHING CRAZY AND UNEXPECTED HAPPENS THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING. Marie Lu just keeps throwing insane plot twists in your face, and I don't know whether to love her or hate her for it. Just kidding. I totally love her for it.

Legend alternates between the perspectives of Day and June, two fifteen-year-olds living in the Republic. In a lot of ways, they are completely different. Day is a most-wanted criminal living on the streets, while June is a wealthy prodigy working for the military. But as the book progresses, it is revealed that the two characters actually have a lot in common. They have both suffered terrible losses, and they are both extremely smart and gifted.

Day and June are not some random citizens in a dystopian world. They are a Really Big Deal. Their names are widely known: June's for being a prodigy and Day's for being a criminal. They are important not just to the story, but to the world that the story takes place in. Being a sort of celebrity is very dangerous in this book, especially when trying to break the law and rebel against the government.

While the book does not focus on the relationship between Day and June, it is certainly a large part of the story. It feels incredibly real and believable. Day and June are not utterly obsessed with each other; there is no love at first sight. Their relationship is really gradual, and it just kind of...happens. I really like the whole forbidden-love element to it; they are supposed to be enemies, after all. These are two characters who compliment each other really well, and they make an excellent team. I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes them!

Even though Day and June are so young, they are capable of everything that an adult is capable of. In fact, they are treated as adults most of the time. I think it's really awesome that two kids can be so smart and mature and responsible and aware of the world they live in. Since I myself am fifteen, it was really refreshing to read about intelligent and capable people my age. I admire June and Day for their bravery and strength and awesomeness.

If you are a fan of dystopian books, I think you will love Legend. It has a kind of Hunger-Games-ish feel to it, while managing to be completely different. (That makes sense, right?) Anyway, I'm really glad I picked this book up.

By the way, I picked up a signed copy of this book at Doylestown Bookshop in PA. Look at the shiny gold signature! :)

 -Rachel