Legend (Marie Lu's Legend Series #1)

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Overview

A New York Times bestseller!

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 ...

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Legend (Marie Lu's Legend Series #1)

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More About This Book

Overview

A New York Times bestseller!

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.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

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Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble

They are both teenagers, but they come from incompatible worlds. An offspring in one of the Republic's elite families, June is being groomed to for military leadership; child of the slums Day is only fifteen, but he is already his country's most wanted criminal. When June's brother Metias is murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect and June, his most fervent pursuer. But when the paths of the two finally cross, they discover that they not only have things in common; they have a mission that must now share.

From the Publisher
Praise for Marie Lu’s New York Times bestseller LEGEND: 
 
From ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:
“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”

 
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
 
 
From USA TODAY:
“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.”
 
 
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“an action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu’s debut is a stunner. . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come. ”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from KIRKUS REVIEWS:
 “A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from BOOKLIST:
 “[D]elicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from VOYA:
 “A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike.  Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:
 “This book stands out . . .”
 
 
FROM KAMI GARCIA, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
 
 
FROM SARAH REES BRENNAN, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.” 

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

Don't miss the highly-anticipated sequel, PRODIGY!

Featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S MUST-LIST!
 

From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“Marie Lu has beaten the curse with Prodigy. . . it has all the chivalry of Robin Hood and all the shine and grime of Blade Runner . . . The well-drawn worlds, political undercurrents and the believability of the characters make it all feel fresh . . . Lu proves that a Book 2 needn't play second fiddle, providing intrigue and deep pleasure all its own.”
 
 
From THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS: 
“. . . clear your calendar to allow yourself the luxury of reading this book in one or two sittings. You will be shaken . . .”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
 “Lu opts for a high simmer of intrigue in her sequel to Legend…taut and insightful.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from SHELF AWARENESS:
“Stunning follow-up to Legend . . . The thrilling action and futuristic settings are sure to please fans of Divergent.”

From the Publisher

Praise for Marie Lu’s New York Times bestseller LEGEND: 
 
From ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:
“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”

 
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
 
 
From USA TODAY:
“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.”
 
 
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“an action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu’s debut is a stunner. . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come. ”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from KIRKUS REVIEWS:
 “A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from BOOKLIST:
 “[D]elicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from VOYA:
 “A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike.  Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:
 “This book stands out . . .”
 
 
FROM KAMI GARCIA, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
 
 
FROM SARAH REES BRENNAN, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't miss the highly-anticipated sequel, PRODIGY!

Featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S MUST-LIST!
 

From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“Marie Lu has beaten the curse with Prodigy. . . it has all the chivalry of Robin Hood and all the shine and grime of Blade Runner . . . The well-drawn worlds, political undercurrents and the believability of the characters make it all feel fresh . . . Lu proves that a Book 2 needn't play second fiddle, providing intrigue and deep pleasure all its own.”
 
 
From THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS: 
“. . . clear your calendar to allow yourself the luxury of reading this book in one or two sittings. You will be shaken . . .”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
 “Lu opts for a high simmer of intrigue in her sequel to Legend…taut and insightful.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from SHELF AWARENESS:
“Stunning follow-up to Legend . . . The thrilling action and futuristic settings are sure to please fans of Divergent.”

Ridley Pearson
Overpackaged, over­hyped first novels are done a disservice by their publishers, with untested authors expected somehow to justify all the gloss and glitter of a full-bore prepublication promotional blitz. Too many just don't merit the attention. I could only stand up and cheer, therefore, for Marie Lu's Legend. A fine example of commercial fiction with razor-sharp plotting, depth of character and emotional arc, Legend doesn't merely survive the hype, it deserves it. What Legend delivers is a walloping good ride with an emphasis on believability.
—The New York Times Book Review
Publishers Weekly
Lu’s debut is a stunner. Weaving the strands of SF dystopia, police procedural, and coming-of-age—with touches of superhero and wild frontier traditions—she fashions a narrative in which the action is kinetic and the emotional development is beautifully paced. June, a prodigy from the elite class of the disintegrating Republic, is being groomed for a military career when her brother, a captain, is murdered. June is quickly drafted into the team tracking his accused killer, a spectral and maddeningly persistent outlaw known as Day. June’s life has been shaped by intellect, and to be driven by an emotion as ungovernable as grief makes her vulnerable in painful, dangerous ways. Day has known grief all of his life, but is no more immune to it than June is. The chase unfolds against a plague-infested Los Angeles of Gotham-like grit that Lu conjures with every nuance of smell, sound, and sight. First in a series, this story is utterly satisfying in its own right and raises hopes high for the sequels to come. Ages 12–up. (Nov.)
Marie Lu
Praise for Marie Lu’s New York Times bestseller LEGEND:
 
From ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:
“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”

 
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
 
 
From USA TODAY:
“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.”
 
 
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“an action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu’s debut is a stunner. . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come. ”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from KIRKUS REVIEWS:
 “A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from BOOKLIST:
 “[D]elicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from VOYA:
 “A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike.  Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:
 “This book stands out . . .”
 
 
FROM KAMI GARCIA, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
 
 
FROM SARAH REES BRENNAN, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.” 

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

Don't miss the highly-anticipated sequel, PRODIGY!

Featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S MUST-LIST!
 

From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“Marie Lu has beaten the curse with Prodigy. . . it has all the chivalry of Robin Hood and all the shine and grime of Blade Runner . . . The well-drawn worlds, political undercurrents and the believability of the characters make it all feel fresh . . . Lu proves that a Book 2 needn't play second fiddle, providing intrigue and deep pleasure all its own.”
 
 
From THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS:
“. . . clear your calendar to allow yourself the luxury of reading this book in one or two sittings. You will be shaken . . .”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
 “Lu opts for a high simmer of intrigue in her sequel to Legend…taut and insightful.”
 
 
STARRED REVIEW from SHELF AWARENESS:
“Stunning follow-up to Legend . . . The thrilling action and futuristic settings are sure to please fans of Divergent.”

 

VOYA - Anna Foote
Day is just fifteen years old, but he is the Republic's most wanted criminal. Day opted out of society after failing his Trial at age ten, and since has launched an attack for survival that the Republic views as treasonous. Despite the presence of surveillance cameras in every corner of the city, the Republic has no image of Day to broadcast over sector JumboTrons. Little wonder, then, that the Republic puts recruits from a premiere military family on Day's case. When Captain Metias Iparis is killed—possibly by Day—his sister June must continue the hunt on her own, while mourning her brother. Commander Jameson has supreme confidence in June, since she scored a perfect 1500 on her Trial. The themes of Legend—fairness and rebellion—will resonate with a broad range of teens and tweens, providing them a well-written, emotionally satisfying read. A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike. Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read while they await Katniss' movie debut—and, most likely, Day and June's. Reviewer: Anna Foote
Children's Literature - Loretta Caravette
America, as we know it today, is no more. Now there is 'The Republic' and 'The Colonies.' This is a dark, forbidding but hopeful story told from two different points-of-view: June from the Republic and Day, from the slums. This futuristic story has enough narrow escapes, murder, clashes, secrets, and a little romance, to grab and hold the attention of any reader. Day, while only fifteen, is something of a legend. Known for foiling the workings of the Republic, he destroys military property and hinders war efforts against the Colonies. There are charges of assault, arson, theft—and now, murder. When Day goes to a hospital to steal some medicine for his family, the Republic tries to capture him. In all the excitement Captain Metias is killed, and Day is said to be responsible. Captain Metias is June's brother. June, fifteen years old as well, is good at tracking fugitives. Now she has a personal vendetta and will stop at nothing to find the person responsible for her brother's death. Two very clear voices, rich in detail that creates a vivid world in the future. The title doesn't do the story justice. Reviewer: Loretta Caravette
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up—In this futuristic tale told in alternating voices, the United States has devolved into factions and California is a part of the Republic. The people are oppressed, except for the privileged few, and Day is carrying out a raid on a hospital for plague medicine for his family. Readers learn that he has been fighting against the Republic for some time, with phenomenal success. Unfortunately, his raid ends with a Republic soldier wounded, and Day is also injured while making his escape. The other narrator is June, who is Republic-trained, privileged, and also in possession of remarkable abilities. She vows vengeance on her brother's killer—he is the wounded soldier. June knows about Day, and she also knows that he doesn't kill, so why did he kill her brother? It's a good question, since he didn't. There is plenty of intrigue and underhanded dealing going on, mostly by Republic officials. The mystery surrounding June's brother and the constant recurrence of various strains of plague are solved by the end, with June and Day joining forces to fight injustice. The door is left open for a sequel since June and Day make their escape and head toward the Colonies (the western part of the former United States not including California) to seek aid in their fight against tyranny. The characters are likable, the plot moves at a good pace, and the adventure is solid. This is a fine choice for those who enjoyed Gemma Malley's The Declaration (Bloomsbury, 2007), Cory Doctorow's Little Brother (Tor, 2008), and fans of the "Star Wars" franchise.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX
Kirkus Reviews
A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. Fifteen-year-olds June and Day live completely different lives in the glorious Republic. June is rich and brilliant, the only candidate ever to get a perfect score in the Trials, and is destined for a glowing career in the military. She looks forward to the day when she can join up and fight the Republic's treacherous enemies east of the Dakotas. Day, on the other hand, is an anonymous street rat, a slum child who failed his own Trial. He's also the Republic's most wanted criminal, prone to stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When tragedies strike both their families, the two brilliant teens are thrown into direct opposition. In alternating first-person narratives, Day and June experience coming-of-age adventures in the midst of spying, theft and daredevil combat. Their voices are distinct and richly drawn, from Day's self-deprecating affection for others to June's Holmesian attention to detail. All the flavor of a post-apocalyptic setting--plagues, class warfare, maniacal soldiers--escalates to greater complexity while leaving space for further worldbuilding in the sequel. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes. (Science fiction. 12-14)
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780142422076
  • Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
  • Publication date: 4/16/2013
  • Series: Marie Lu's Legend Series , #1
  • Pages: 336
  • Sales rank: 1366
  • Age range: 12 - 17 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.70 (w) x 8.06 (h) x 0.90 (d)

Meet the Author

Marie Lu

New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu (www.marielu.org) graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one boyfriend, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 706 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(494)

4 Star

(141)

3 Star

(42)

2 Star

(7)

1 Star

(22)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 710 Customer Reviews

  • Posted Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Amazing Book!

    It took me a while to come up with this review, cause well I wasn't sure what to say. I love it so much that I am speechless. I don't think that words can do this book justice, but I will try to do my best with out spoiling it.

    What grabbed me the most about this book is the thrilling adventure that the plot goes on. So much excitement that fills with reader that is leave you reading faster. I enjoyed reading along as the plot plunged faster into amazing ride of fighting and adventure.

    The characters of this book were divine. Written so passionately, you feel the characters come alive in your heart as you feel their emotions. The betrayal, the hurt, the learning of truth that blinds their eyes. I admit that a certain parts of this book, my mouth hung open. Both characters, June and Day fight for what they believe and know. Many uncovered truths will shed light of what they really know.

    The love interest is just the way I like it. Complicated yet simple. Many obstacles stand in their way. I adore that June and Day are a perfect match. They are flawless, yet flawed. Strong, yet weak. Love, yet they sacrifice. These two make me want to laugh yet cry. As the reader, I hung to their every thought and emotion. I love it.

    If you want a well written, adventurous book, filled with non-stop exposed the evasive techniques of the government have you dodging every corner, every page turn. I loved that Ms. Lu created such a world that every reader can't contain themselves and we must share. Legend is an amazing book! It "Awed" me through and through. This book is a must read!

    120 out of 126 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Sep 17 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    One of my favorites!

    There is just the right amount of action and romance in this book to keep me hooked! It reminds me very much of the hunger games and has the same idea. Two teens are forced to hunt each other down but end up falling in love and they end up questioning all they have ever known. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

    49 out of 56 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jan 05 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Truly Disappointing

    I am amazed this book received so much hype, and incredulous that it is being compared to The Hunger Games. I read the Hunger Games trilogy in two weeks, whereas it took me three weeks just to get halfway through Legend.

    Let's start with some nit-picky points... Did anyone edit this book before it went into print? On more than one occasion, when Lu refers to the "capitol," she spells it "capital." I'm also surprised no one thought to axe her extreme overuse of parentheses. They were unnecessary, and greatly interrupted the flow of the text.

    Of course, the flow wasn't that great to begin with. I get that the characters are teenagers and therefore should "sound" as such, but Lu goes to great lengths to convince us that Day and June are smart. Beyond smart, really. And yet, they come across with the same level of intelligence as any average teen and at times, even the class delinquent. They are not memorable, witty, or even likable.

    The plot was predictable and the circumstances under which Day and June met was cliche. Love at first sight? Really? Oh, and of course they are both beautiful... Yawn. Which brings to me another point of confusion... what exactly does Day look like? Lu describes him as having blonde hair and bright blue eyes, but when June looks at him, she sees a Caucasian/Asian mix. Ummm... I live in Southeast Asia, and I can tell you right now that I have yet to see anyone of Asian descent with blonde hair and blue eyes.

    I love young adult books, whether it's adventure, dystopian, romance, or fantasy. But Legend is hands down one of the most tediously boring books I've read in years.

    37 out of 88 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Thu Aug 11 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    Couldn't put it down.

    To everyone who loved the Hunger Games books this is at least as good if not better. The story and characters grabbed me from page 1. Why this is classified as a young adult (Hunger Games was also young adult) is beyond me as I believe all ages will enjoy it. Going to be a bestseller or I don't know my books!!!!

    37 out of 40 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Sep 16 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Review: Legend

    I feel almost guilty giving this a three. It seems like everyone who has read it so far has really liked it. But I found it really predictable and slow at times. I do have to admit that what this story has going for it is the characters. Day and June are what kept me reading.

    Day is really the key to this story. I was instantly intrigued by the fact that Day disappeared on the day of his test and then went on to become the most wanted criminal in the Republic. I loved the fact that nobody knew who he really was or even what he looked like. His criminal activities reminded me of a futuristic Robin Hood. And as we get to know him better, I realized how smart this guy is. And not just book smart, but all around mentally equipped to deal with anything. I really began to wonder how he failed his test.

    I wasn't sure what to think of June at first. I disliked that she blindly followed the Republic. But then she's been raised to believe in it. I was really impressed with her tracking skills and her ability to access any situation. I was a little surprised at how long it took her to realize that the boy who saved her from the fight was really Day. And then I was even more shocked that she turned him at the drop of a hat. But even she wasn't expecting the events that unfolded that made her question all that she had been taught.

    It was the storyline that really got to me. While the truth behind everything wasn't known to me until June uncovers it, I had basic ideas behind everything that was going. Nothing surprised me. Since the story seemed to follow a formula, I sometimes didn't feel a need to turn the page as quickly as some other stories. I still think I will read the next one though. I wonder how deep the viciousness of this government goes. Plus, I really did like Day and June.

    20 out of 30 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Dec 28 00:00:00 EST 2011

    Blown away!

    Great read if youre looking for something to read after the Hunger Games trilogy. Amazingly written with characters you feel deeply connected to. I highly recommend this as a MUST READ!!!

    19 out of 21 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Wed Nov 30 00:00:00 EST 2011

    I Also Recommend:

    Voodoo Kiss (Ancient Legends Book 3)
    A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends Book 1)

    great

    Marie Lu is a fantastic writer. A well written, very satisfying read

    11 out of 21 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sat Jan 28 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Wanted to love it... just didn't fall for it...

    I'm not totally sure how to word this review. I really, really wanted to love Legend. I really did. It got a lot of hype, I've seen great reviews on it, and it's selling really well.

    But, I just didn't... love it.

    I think my main problem was that there was almost too much detail and not enough at the same time. I felt like about a quarter of the detail there was in the book could have been left out, and then from there the book needed to be about twice as long as it was. I never felt like I fully understood the world of Legend, and I never really loved the characters that much. I hate to say it, but I think Legend is a book that I won't remember much about 6 months from now.

    Man, I feel terrible writing this review...

    I will say that I will read the next book. I do think it may be better, with more world building and more development behind the characters.
    3.5 out of 5 stars.

    10 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Thu Jan 05 00:00:00 EST 2012

    more from this reviewer

    This book is incredible!

    I had been hearing so many great things about this book and I was really excited to read it. I won an audio book version from A Life Bound By Books. I have listened to audio books before, but this is my first time actually reviewing one. I absolutely loved the book. The characters are very well developed and the story progressed at a great pace. I loved hearing the book switch back and forth from Day's perspective to June's. They are both such strong, smart characters full passion for the things they believe in. The narrators for the audio book were fantastic. They really portrayed the characters well.

    I instantly liked Day. He is a very compassionate and caring person. He is not just a lowly criminal. I really loved getting to know his character and why he is a "criminal" on the streets. There is so much to the story of Day, and I was shocked at how things unfolded.

    June is a very likable character too. She is The Republic's prodigy. Perfect score on the test. She is also a bit of a trouble maker, which is fun. We first meet her when she is getting in trouble for scaling the side of a building off campus. She's very smart, strong, and brave. She is insightful, and not someone to mess with.

    I loved the interactions between Day and June, both when she didn't know who he really was, and especially after. There is so much more going on than you would think at first. There are a lot of surprises. This story is so well crafted and intriguing. It really blew me away! It is now solidly in my top favorites for dystopian novels. It's action packed, suspenseful, emotional, and just phenomenal.

    10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Wed Dec 21 00:00:00 EST 2011

    I Also Recommend:

    The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Series #1)
    The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Series #1)

    If you haven't read this, your life isn't complete

    This is such a gripping tale that will bring all your childhood fantasies to life.

    8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Tue Nov 29 00:00:00 EST 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Great Dystopian, More Please!

    Poverty, war, plague, fighting, family, romance, friendship. Legend is a dystopian novel that has it all. This is not a pretty book disguised as a dystopian read, this has got some definite grittiness to it, just the way it should be. The story switches back and forth from the views of June and Day ¿ who should be complete opposites due to the way they were raised, but are more alike than anyone realizes. The government might have an idea, but we aren¿t sure who is behind it all.

    This book has a lot of action which makes it very easy to read in a short amount of time. It just keeps going and going and going and no character is safe, you never know who is going to turn up good, bad, or dead. Yes, many people will compare it to the Hunger Games for the dystopian society, but Legend stands on its own and I think the more reluctant readers will gravitate towards this series for its non-stop and fast paced action. The romance is there too, it¿s not overly heavy, which is perfect for the book as it is a fight to survive type of read. While politics are a major part of the book it isn¿t complicated to follow what¿s going on and it isn¿t thrown in your face, it¿s just providing reasoning for why the world is the way it is.

    Some of the major problems that arise are seen to completion by the end of this book, but others are left open so that we have something to look forward to. It¿s a big storyline piece that will continue on and I certainly can¿t wait to grab the second book and find out the whys, who¿s, and what¿s of it all.

    Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.

    7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Dec 30 00:00:00 EST 2011

    Borrow, don't buy!

    The author of this book is new at writing and it is apparent in this book. Normally I love dystopian novels, but this was unoriginal and dissapointing. The two main characters fall in love at first sight (cliche), and the plot is so transparent that i could guess the charecters's next moves.

    5 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sat Sep 03 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    more from this reviewer

    5 STARS

    Legend by Marie Lu is AWESOME!! I really liked the flow that Marie Lu vividly illustrated through her well written story. I was surprised on how deeply engaged I was because I had my doubts with the simplicity of its cover, but within that cover there is nothing simple about it.

    Rich in action, intrigue, and suspense, a dystopian novel that will keep you awake through all hours of the night. Legend beckons you and I can't help but to ask for more!

    Daniel "Day" Altan Wing took his trials when he was only 10 years old. Every kid in the Republic takes their trials at 10. It decides whether they will be placed in the higher rankings of society or be one among the back breaking laborers living in the slums. And Day was among those who failed. With poor results he was taken into the labor camps along with the other children who didn't receive high scores. The twist is, there isn't such a thing as the labor camps. And all those who went, never came back or seen again.
    June is the prodigy of the Republic. She is the only one who scored a perfect 1500 on her trials. A bright future is ahead for her; and at such a young age (15 years) she's already a well decorated officer. Everything runs smoothly for June until Day comes along and kills her older brother, Metias. Left with no parents and now her brother, she begins her agenda of bringing down the Republic's elusive criminal, Day, and she's going to make sure he's going to get what he deserves.

    Legend by Marie Lu alternates from Day's voice to June's, but you will never mistake who your reading. Along with each character having their own designated color text, Day's being gold text and June's being black, each of the two is a distinct character with two complete different voices. I am amazed on how fluid I read Legend. It doesn't skip a beat; when June stops her tale Day picks it right back up where she left off. Another favorite I will add to my collection. I am on the edge of my seat eager for Legend's sequel!!
    I RECOMMEND!!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Okay

    Look, if u r wanting to read something that is like the hunger games , this is not the book. I got this book and thought it would be like the hunger games(which are awesome) because of the reveiws i read. Disappointed? Yes and no. Yes, because it is not like the hunger games, which i expected. The only similarity would be the setting(futuristic, high water levels, and corrupt government). No, because it was still a good book in itself.

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Apr 11 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Mixed Thoughts After Reading This...

    I seriously don't know where to start. At first, I saw the cover and considered buying it. When I did, I already noticed so many things I disliked about this book.
    The characters are so unrealistic! (ex. June graduates high school at 15). I get that she's supposed to be a prodigy but really? Get real.
    Overall, the book is cliche! (ex. both characters are considerably attractive and fall for each other against all odds; love at first sight, etc.)
    The plot is very predictable and too fast paced. The author doesn't bother keeping the reader in suspense. You can pretty much figure out the whole story in your head before reading it. Where's the fun in that?
    And is it just me or is there just too much use of parentheses? Totally unnecessary.
    All in all, this is not the best book in the world. If you must read it, definitely borrow from a library or something. Not worth your money or time for that matter.

    3 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Mar 16 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Anonymous

    Best book ever!!!!!! Can't wait until the second one comes out!!!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Feb 03 00:00:00 EST 2012

    more from this reviewer

    This is LEGEN...wait for it...DARY

    In the words of Barney Stinson, this book is LEGEN…wait for it…DARY – and it definitely does not disappoint if you have been anxiously salivating for LEGEND since Kristin Nelson first mentioned it early 2011. Each page will grip you by the shirt and pull you deeper into this strange America where everything seems to function on cleverly-disguised lies. Who to trust, who to believe, who to discard, who to protect, is there anyone who is genuine enough to do the right thing after learning the truth?

    THE GOOD BITS
    {Reminescent of Ender’s Game and Divergent} There are good books, and there are GREAT books that leave you feeling exhilarated after reading them – and it is always thrilling to discover new books like LEGEND that fall ahead of the curve. ENDER’S GAME is one of my gold standards, and I am more than happily surprised to discover 2 books this year that come close to its greatness. There is something riveting about having child prodigies discover that their adult superiors may be manipulating them and enact in a fit of rebellion.

    {Day and June} I loved how well these two main characters played off each other. Although they came from different backgrounds, they both came to the chessboard with equal intelligence and resourcefulness. As much as I love Day, I will have to say that I favor June more. Most likely because she happens to be a girl who can kick butt both physically and mentally, but also because I think that LEGEND turned out to be more about June. Day may have greeted me at page 1 and had some problems of his own, but in my opinion, June did more of the dirty work of avenging her brother’s death, going undercover to sniff out Day’s whereabouts, learning the real truth about the Republic, and deciding whose side she wants to be on.

    THE BAD BITS
    {Not enough world-building} I had been hoping that LEGEND would go into how exactly North America split into two warring factions. While there is mention of the Republic and the Colonies, it does not come with a whole lot of details attached. LEGEND focuses more on the corruption within the Republic, and while that is all fascinating, how do the Colonies play into this? I am hoping the answers lie within the next book, especially considering Book 1 leaves Day and June on the very edge of new and even bigger chessboard.

    THE OVERALL
    LEGEND is well worth the wait – whether you read it now or wait until the rest of the series releases. Marie Lu has crafted a new world that stems from the familiar and branches into something wholly innovative. Smart, sensational, and oh-so-sicker-than-slick, LEGEND contains nothing but the best parts – and if a movie is in the making, all I have to say is: GAME ON!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Thu May 16 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    more from this reviewer

    Day is awesome, June is annoying

    It's been a year but I finally got around to reading Legend. The novel is a fasted paced Dystopian packed with action but I struggled with some of the storylines. The characters were a mixed bag for me as well.

    Let's start with the good things. Legend jumps right out of the gate with great world building, complex characters and an intense plot. The story moves along quickly but not so fast that you can't keep up. The alternating narratives of June and Day were handled brilliantly.

    June may be one of the two main characters but I just didn't connect to her at all. I had a hard time accepting many of the choices she makes throughout the novel. Plus her personality seemed very inconsistent. One minute she'd be the mature military operative with all the answers and the next she's a naive 15 year old who's socially awkward. Day is by far the more interesting character, at least to me. He's a flawed rebel who's brave and defiant. Living on the streets has made him grow up quick but he hasn't lost sight of the things that matter. Unlike June, Day's young age actually seems to match how he behaves and reacts to things.

    While I enjoyed the chemistry between June and Day, I would have liked to see their attraction play out more slowly. I guess I just didn't buy how quickly it all happened.

    I wasn't happy with some of the plot twists in the book. I feel like they were done for shock value instead of happening naturally, which I hope makes sense. Though I didn't love Legend I did think it was an enjoyable read and I am curious to see where its going to go next.

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue May 14 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    Amazing book!a must read

    I love the plot and the characters:) (Day rocks!!!) This book is a must read!!!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Mon Apr 09 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    My heart simply blew up after I read about june and day and bill

    My heart simply blew up after I read about june and day and billy (even though hes the enemy) I think you should not read this book because its painful to have your heart blown up

    2 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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