Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu
4 out of 5 Stars!
Publication Date: November 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

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.

I was totally rooting for Day in this book. He is a modern day Robin Hood. He steals from the Republic and gives to those who need it, therefore making him the Republic’s most wanted criminal; mostly because of how stupid he makes them look each time he gets away with something. But like all heroes, he has his weaknesses, and unluckily for him, June is smart enough to have figured them out.

June is the smartest person in the Republic…at least on record. And the only person she has left in the world is Metias. So, ok, she might not have lived in the slums, but her life is by no means perfect. Especially now that Metias has been killed, which I was still extremely sadden by, even though it tells us in the synopsis that he dies. At first I didn’t understand her subdued reaction to his death, but I realized that she needed to grieve in private, not in front of one of the Republic’s most hardcore commanders. Also, part of her grieving included revenge. With all evidence of Metias’s death pointing to Day, June sets out to finally bring him down, once and for all.

And so begins this tale of lies, and betrayal, and secrets, and sacrifice. Because of course nothing is as it seems, especially not in June’s world. Marie Lu gives us characters to feel deep emotions for, whether those emotions vary from rage, to sympathy, to love, you’ll feel them! One of the things I love most in some books is alternating chapters between the main characters and in Legend we get to see this story from the point of view of June and Day. YAY! The action is intense. Can’t say Marie Lu is afraid of writing some very brutal and bloody scenes! And I guess the biggest question I was left with after finishing is, what is the purpose of the Republic’s evil scheme? It has to somehow play a bigger role because I don’t see the point otherwise. I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of it soon though. I can’t wait to read the next part of this mysterious story.

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