Legend (edition 2011)

ORIGINAL REVIEW AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR

The last time I’ve read a dystopian book that had a thrilling and suspenseful plot was The Hunger Games. Now, it is Legend. This book is just amazing. It switches perspectives from our two main characters – Day (Daniel) and June. This book was action packed from start to finish. It’s hard to not get hooked on to Legend. While reading Marie Lu’s novel, I could totally feel the world as if I was there, and she just created the most kickass characters EVER. Day, 15 years old, is the most wanted criminal. June is the world’s prodigy who scored a 1500/1500 on her examination (like the SAT though it has 3 parts: a physical test, an interview, and written test).

There is a love triangle in this book, but it didn’t really bother me. The third party was the one who bothered me. Thomas. Oh my goodness I just wanted to throw that guy off the cliff. Seriously. Day and June’s romance wasn’t rushed and it didn’t take over the plot of the book. I love how there was a few twist here and there, especially towards the end. The ending was just awesome, but sad at the same time. The characters are really likable and Day is so hilarious. You’ll laugh a couple of times because of his sarcasm and remarks.

I really recommend this to everyone, especially if you’re looking for a fast paced, exciting dystopian read. This book involves guns, bombs, knives, spies, and running on roof tops. What the heck right? So kickassy. ( )

For my free choice book I chose Legend by Marie Lu. I chose it because it was recommended to me. The person who recommended it (Kristen Thorpe) did so because she knew I'd appreciate the strong female character.

The story is of two teenagers living in the Republic of America in Los Angeles. In the future children are given a test when they are 12 and it pretty much decides their entire fate. The story centers around June and Day. June is a child prodige and is the only person ever to have made a perfect score on the test, Day on the other hand failed the test and would have been euthanize if he hadn't escaped. He goes on to be the most wanted criminal in the Republic. There are announcements with his photo (which is always changing because the Republic doesn't actually know what he looks like) being broadcast on reader boards. June, who has been trained to be a soldier for the Republic since they discovered her abilities, has been assigned to track down Day and she's got a personal vendetta against him to drive her even more. Marie Lu was inspired by the relationship between Inspector Javert and Jean Valjean from Les Miserables. June and Day are seemingly opposites but they are more alike than anyone initially suspected. Just like Javert and Jean Valjean, June and Day engage in a game of chase across the city, but when they finally meet things don't go how anyone would have suspected.

I really loved this book, it was quick and engaging and it addresses the idea of being a "failure" through the story of Day. Marie Lu in an interview with School Library Journal said she specifically based the test on the SATs. She says, "For me and for a lot of my friends, it really felt like a do-or-die exam." So she literally made it a do or die exam. This book was recommended to me because of June but I like the character of Day far more. I like that one of the books messages is that failing a test does not mean you are a failure but I disliked how the book perpetuates the idea that the really special people are pretty much born with it or some special outside force causes the to be special. It was one of the things I loved so much about the Hunger Games, that Katniss was so good in the games because she had spent her who life surviving, not because she was just innately perfect. Still I thought it was wonderful and I would probably recommend it to any teen. I'm always hesitant to give anything a perfect score but I'm going to give it a perfect 10, 5P and 5Q.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/articles/interviews/893534-338/tough_lov... ( )

Come by my blog, Forever Lost in Books, for MORE reviews, giveaways, interviews and memes!

Title : Legend
Series : Legend #1
Pages : 305
Author : Marie Lu
Publisher : Putnam Juvenile
Format : Hardcover
Source : Bought - Owned

My Opinion : Legend is Marie Lu’s striking

debut novel, in books as well as in YA. And

Marie Lu has done it gracefully, with no

noticeable mistakes; an extravagant book.


Legend evolves around Day (or Daniel as we find out in the end of the book, oh, and he’s a boy) and June. Each chapter is either in Day or June’s point of view (POV). They are in a post-apocalyptic time. And their government (the Society) is fighting both the Patriots and the Colonies (or are they the same?). Until now, you may think they are both the same… nope. Day lives in the streets and is a really looked-for criminal, and June is a prodigy of the Society. That’s because Day failed (or he presumably failed) the Trials, a huge test every 10 years old has to take, and June has got the highest score: 1500/1500. Yup… nerd much? Anyways, Day supposedly killed June’s brother and last family member, but *spoiler!!!* it’s not him, but one of June’s (presumed) friends * spoiler’s done*. Oh, right, and Day got caught and is going to get killed…


I hope that my summary has got you wanting needing Legend! Because when I read Goodreads Summary, I put it in my to-reads so quickly and put it on my Christmas wishlist. And I got it!» Yippee!


The characters all have a well-developed background which is sometimes told effectively, sometimes just summarized. I personally liked Tess a lot; she reminded me of one of my best friends; caring, nice, and not a bad thought about anyone. Also, I liked the two main characters, and Day was pretty awesomely hawt!


You have to understand that I’m hurrying through this book review because I jumped on my (parent’s) computer as soon as I had finished it. I read it in about 6 hours (Take out some time eating, bathroom breaks, some stupid interruptions, and a short time RPing on the computer).


At first, the cover is super beautiful; some may think that’s why I read it, but no, it’s because of the many Goodreads reviews recommending it and the summary. I own a copy and it looks great on my shelf, just besides Shatter Me.



4/5 roses
( )

I love dystopian novels, and this was a fast and entertaining read. I love how one reviewer here described it--she said you should read it with a Dr Pepper and some Pop Rocks. A delicious high but it won't stick to your ribs. ( )

I liked this one!Will review later. ( )