Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Posted by

Legend
Marie Lu
Release date: November 29th, 2011

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.

Im such a sucker for dystopians. I love the energy; the rush I get from them. When I got a hold of an ARC of Legend I was thrilled. Now I know I had a good reason to. This is one of the good ones. A dystopian well worth reading!

We’ve got two narrators: the notorious criminal, Day, and the noble citizen, though a little rebellious, June. Day has escaped death before, and he’s only trying to survive while taking care of his family, especially his sick brother. June got a perfect score on her Trial and she’s trying to get revenge for her brother’s death. Their paths cross and the story takes hold in the most unprecedented way.

I truly enjoyed both of these narrators equally – which rarely happens. They both have great characteristics that make each POV really interesting and addicting. I couldn’t wait to find out how their situations would play out. It was brilliant. We go through the story on both sides, night and day, and we’re persuaded to root for each of them the all the same. It was original and well thought out.

The plot was typical dystopian; the world is completely changed and a new government has taken over, and they may or may not have everyone’s best interest at heart *cough*. The reason for the present peril and what happened to the world wasn’t explained as much as I would have liked. I hope the next instalments discloses more details. We did get enough to still make sense of it and enjoy the story, though.

It was fast paced, which is always welcome in this type of book. There were no slow or boring parts, and it also didn’t go in the direction I imagined it would. Which is great because it took me off guard and kept me really glued to the story.

This is another one not to miss, folks!

You will have a chance to enter to win this ARC starting tonight. Open internationally.


4/5 hot espressos


The following two tabs change content below.

Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

Latest posts by Giselle (see all)

13 Responses to “Review: Legend by Marie Lu”

  3. Anna

    You have no idea how excited I am about this book. I’ve seen it everywhere and I need it. Dystopian is my obsession right now, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this! I’m excited about your giveaway 🙂 I’ll be keeping an eye out for it!

  5. Amber

    I’ve been hearing nothing but good things for this novel. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I love a novel told from dual perspective and this has such an interesting premise. Thanks for the awesome review!

  6. A Canadian Girl

    I’m not a big dystopian fan but I do tend to like them when they’re fast paced. Alternative POVs is also something I usually like. Great review, Giselle! I’ve got this one on my wishlist and am looking forward to its release.

  7. Alba

    new follower and I simply love your review! short, quick and straight to the point! can’t wait for this book!!!
    and looking forward to your blog! 😉

  8. Maria Behar

    What a fantastic review! I love dystopians myself, although I haven’t read any in quite a while. Your review has made this one sound very appealing indeed! So, I’m entering your giveaway!

    It’s interesting that this novel has two narrators, and such widely different ones, too. My curiosity is certainly piqued. It also sounds like the plot is quite exciting!

    Thanks for the review and the giveaway! : )

  10. Giselle

    Thanks for the comments! I really enjoyed this (obviously) and yes the 2 narrators really make the book even better and original. I hope you all enjoy it too and good luck in the giveaway! 🙂