Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Release Date: November 28th 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought

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.

If I EVER put off reading such a fabulous book again, I assure you I might do something suicidal. Why I didn't devour this the moment it arrived, is beyond me. Books like Legend, are exactly the reason why YA-dystopian has become my favorite genre. Heart-pounding and full of action, Legend was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride! DO NOT MISS IT!

June was such an independent, strong and kick-ass heroine! (and I mean KICK-ASS both mentally and physically!) The girl fights better than half the military men, who are twice her age, and her head works in miraculous ways that no one can decipher but her. She possesses all the admirable qualities I look for in a YA protagonist, without coming off as too perfect or unbelievable.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but she's almost on par with ROSE from VA on my list of favorite YA heroines EVER! 

Day, the most wanted criminal in The Republic frequently causes havoc but The Republic has never been able to catch him, no matter how hard they try. At first I was a bit skeptical of how a 15 year-old can become a notorious criminal  and managing to leave each 'crime scene' without ever being caught but after meeting him personally and reading about those stunts, I have to say, the boy is a genius! You'd think that a criminal has no heart, doesn't give a crap about anything, but Day is possibly the most caring and kind-hearted criminal you'll come across. Everything he does- stealing and doing illegal things- was for the benefit of his family and the poor.

I was utterly amazed by Marie Lu's splendid world-building! We're exposed to this tragic world where a diffident plague strikes every year, causing the deaths of so many innocent people from the poor sector. The government had dominated every inch of the place; military guards are everywhere and your every move may be watched. The population is pretty much divided in two categories: those who pass the Trial at the age of ten will survive, while those who fail...well...let's just say they're never see again. This may sound like every other Dystopian world, but unlike every other Dystopian book, the world-building is one of the main focus of the story, and Lu has successfully created it in a way that I felt like I was living in such a destructed place as well.

Legend was not only entertaining, but thought-provoking as well. Some scenes felt so real, that I wondered if, perhaps, similar actions have been performed in the past (like, methods to prevent protesters from advancing further). Overall, Legend was action-packed and plot-driven with the perfect amount of romance. Like, I said above, don't miss out! It's a guaranteed keeper!