The Writing Nut

This month’s Spotlight Week features LEGEND by YA Author Marie Lu.

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Legend by Marie Lu

336 pages, Hardcover

Genre: YA, Ages 12 and up

Published on November 29, 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

ISBN-10: 039925675X

ISBN-13: 978-0399256752

Synopsis:

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.

My Review

“My mother thinks I’m dead.”

With a mere 5 words, Legend author Marie Lu managed to reel me in, and throughout the rest of story, she never let up.

The story is told from the perspective of the two main characters June, and Day. Their alternating POV’s throughout the book gave me a clear picture of dystopian world from two very distinct points of view. June comes from a privileged military family, while Day was born in the slums. The two are from completely different worlds, yet as their adventure progresses, they begin to find that they share certain similarities, and perhaps even a common enemy.

The dystopian world Marie Lu creates is an intriguing one. The once great nation United States of America is now mere legend, and its eastern and western halves locked in a constant war. Violence and the pain that comes with it is to be expected. The war between the Colonies and Republic has dire social, physical, and psychological consequences on the general population, and none feel the effects more than the two main characters, Day and June.

Day and June’s developing relationship throughout the story made for an enjoyable read. It certainly created lots of social conflict, and pushed the characters to question their own identities.

Legend has a variety of thrilling action-packed scenes. One that stands out in my mind is the Skiz fight scene. Marie Lu writes in a visually descriptive way. I could easily picture the action unfolding like a movie in my mind. The story’s first person, present tense POV adds a lot of immediacy and excitement to the story’s many plot twists and turns.

All in all, Legend is a fast-paced, action-packed, emotionally catching read. I’m eager to find out how Day and June’s story develops over the next two books in the trilogy. Prodigy, the second book in the series, is slated for release next year, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

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Tune in this Wednesday for the 2nd installment in this Spotlight series, where I feature an interview with author Marie Lu!

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