Review: Legend (Legend #1)

Title: Legend (Legend #1)
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Speak
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads 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.

Review:

June is a prodigy, who got the only perfect score on the trial that everyone has to take as a child in the Republic which used to be known as the United States. Her older brother is a high ranking commander. When he is killed suddenly after a robbery, the criminal mastermind, Day, is the lead suspect. June is enlisted to find Day and bring him in. However, they learn that they have a lot in common. They work together to uncover the secrets that the authorities are hiding.

In this futuristic world, a plague keeps infecting the residents. It was eerily like the pandemic we are experiencing today, though there was more to it than a spontaneous illness. There were so many twists, which made this a quick read.

The story alternates between June’s and Day’s perspectives. The two alternating chapters were also printed in different fonts and colours, which made it easy to differentiate between them. I haven’t seen many books formatted in that way, and I really liked how unique it was.

I’m so glad I finally read this book. It was on my wishlist for a long time, and it was just as good as I expected.

What to read next:

Other Books in the Series:

• Prodigy
• Champion
• Rebel

Have you read Legend? What did you think of it?