Legend by Marie Lu
pages: 305
released: November 2011
publisher: Putnam Juvenile
cover love: ♥
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. (from Goodreads)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 12/19/2011 ON BOOKSLIKESTARS.NET
Review:
Again. I did it again. I managed to dislike yet another much praised book. A book everyone is raving about. I wanted so badly to love this book. Even like it, just a little. But sadly, neither happened.
Legend takes place in a futuristic city in what was once California and now called The Republic. When the rich and prodigal June finds out her brother is murdered, she joins his military and goes undercover to track down his suspected murderer, a known street criminal named Day. Day has been on the street since he escaped the military after he failed his trial test. He combs the slums for any way to make money to send his family. His little brother is sick with a plague and he has limited time to get his hands on the antidote before he dies from it.
Reasons why I didn’t like it? The story felt rushed and generic. June was having the perfect adventure. She’s all brains and an expert at everything from fighting to deciphering a 24 letter code with no paper and pen. Clearly, she’s gifted. Some would say perfect. And I have a big problem with perfect. It gets boring very quickly. Who wants to read about someone who can always solve a problem and unlock every secret effortlessly? Having meltdowns, a few wrong turns and flaws would’ve made things more interesting. June has no personality. In fact, neither does Day. Though, the story is told from both their perspectives, they have no individual voices. If each chapter didn’t start with their names, you probably wouldn’t be able to distinguish who’s who. When she’s sad over her brother’s murder or he’s pining over his sick and poor family, there was no deeper meaning or layers behind their problems that could pull an emotional connection from me to them. The characters were telling me that they sad, but they never showed me they actually were. Day and June are attracted to each other, but it seemed forced (right place, right time) and on the mild side of romance.
The plot didn’t burst forth with any fireworks either. It was heavily saturated in military persona and cruelty which turned me off. In most of the dystopian books I’ve read, everyone is subjected to being tested/grouped/matched, usually in their teens. Legend is no different, except they must endure this all-important-life-changing test at the age of ten. If they fail, they must go and work in labor camps. Or worse. Ten years old? What could you possibly test a ten year-old on? Intelligence? Strength? Speed? Mentality? They’re ten! They haven’t even gone through puberty yet. Sorry, I did not buy this.
Overall, I did not enjoy Legend but I’m certain other dystopian fans will. It is getting a lot of attention at the moment and I’ve read many stellar reviews complimenting Marie Lu’s debut book. I, myself, was not impressed and won’t be continuing the series.
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