Review Legend

Legend by Marie Lu

First Book in Legend Series

Bookologist Analysis: This book was a typical dystopian  novel, but instead the characters were a lot more interesting (hehe).

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. 

Day... don't they have the coolest name in sci-fi books, I mean seriously. The name is killer. Each day is twenty four hours, in a moment you live, in a moment you die (paraphrase of Day). This guy is a “criminal” (he’s more like a sci-fi Robin Hood) mastermind who supposedly failed his Trials (a test that decides your life with a physical, interview, and written test aka extreme SAT).  I just really connected with Day because he has this undying devotion to his family, despite what he could accomplish. He’s loyal till the end even if it means sacrificing himself for the greater good.

June... or Junebug as Metias (her brother) calls her. She’s a genius prodigy. On her Trials she got a 1500/1500- the only person to ever do so. She’s at Drake the best university in the Republic at 15, and oh, by the way she also graduates early with flying colors (straight As). June actually despite some smart people stereotypes loves her brother. I mean because of supposed murder is how she meets Day (really they were meant to be). She is strong and connects the dots. Getting through your brother’s death with his murderer, being so close to you, is something to be proud of. 

I felt the book was almost a cliché. The one thing I loved though is the characters. It is not every day you get to read about two geniuses both in FIRSTPERSON (my favorite person). The only other books like this I can think of is Artemis Fowl, but that is more fantasy. The climax I felt was a little fast. It could have been a more twisting plot. I mean I predicted the ending halfway through the book. Overall however I like the book with the tension (romantic and killer and socioeconomic) between Day and June.

The author did a complex job of building this world up. The poor sectors and ultimate testing were nice broad things. I fell head-over-heels-in-love with the little details. The different types of knots people use, where their meat comes from, and special gun types – these are the types of things that make you feel like you are there in person.  This book is over all a good one. This is going to become one of the required fantasy/sci-fi books like the Hunger Games and Harry Potter.

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Sorry, it's short! I have a lot going on with school and the holidays coming up. I might get another post up by 2014, but I'm not sure. However, comment, read, and follow. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!