Legend by Marie Lu - Book Review

Another book review. But not just any book review. This is a book I actively tracked down. Wrote the author and begged for a chance to read it. I did. I LOVED IT!

Picture Los Angeles far into the future. The United States no longer exists. It’s the Republic of America now. Picture two teenagers, both highly intelligent, one a military prodigy and the other a wanted criminal. They are heading on a collision course and when they meet, the Country will never again be the same.

There is a funny story about how I came across the book Legend, by Marie Lu. I am part of a book club that I started 8 years ago and is still going strong. At one of our monthly meetings, a friend was telling me about an author she recently emailed. She was so excited that she had gotten a return email from her that she wanted to share her news. That author was Marie Lu. Now, I have a huge respect for authors… probably because I’ll never be one… and I happen to think they are some of the nicest people around. I looked her up.

Marie had just written a new Young Adult book called Legend, the first in a trilogy, not unlike The Hunger Games trilogy. From what I could read it was destined to be the hottest new thing on the horizon. I had to read it.

I emailed Marie myself and she graciously allowed me to read and review the book.

As excited as I was reading the Twilight series and as excited I was about reading The Hunger Games… I was just as excited reading Legend. I was drawn in from page one. Legend has everything that makes a great book series. Intrigue, illness, murder, rich v. poor, politics. Reading about the state of our Country in the future hit a nerve with the events that are going on with our political system today.

I love the reaction I get when I tell people I’m reading a “Young Adult” novel. They look at me like I’m crazy. I look at them and laugh because they don’t know what they’re missing. This is the description of the book from the website, Legend The Series.

The flooded coast of former Los Angeles. Two warring nations of North America—the Republic and the Colonies.

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles.

Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious
as they seem.

From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother is murdered. And Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’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 in order to keep its secrets.

I was so giddy reading this book. One, because it’s fabulous. Two, because I was reading something that I know is destined to be a huge success. And just in case you are jumping 10 steps ahead (like I am), the book is going to be made into a movie. But don’t wait for the film… pre-order your copy and READ IT! Marie is already working on Book #2 and I am jumping up and down hoping she’ll let me read this as well.

Yes, it’s going on my Favorite Books list.

It’s not often I get so excited about a book, much less a series. This is it! I’m hooked!

I received an advanced copy of Legend to review. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are entirely my own.