Legend by Marie Lu

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' 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.

I recently finished Legend by Marie Lu. Now I have to be honest, when I first came across this book at Barnes and Noble, I was very skeptical. I read the inside cover and it didn't really sound that interesting to me. So I put it back. Then, a few weeks later, I came across the book again on my Kindle. Still wasn't too thrilled about it. I then watched a girl's review of this book on YouTube, and instantly my opinion was changed. So I bought the book on my Kindle and started reading.

From the first few chapters, Marie Lu grabbed my attention and sucked me into a world that was completely unlike my own. I am a huge fan of Dystopian novels, but I am always wary about them being too similar. This book, however, was nothing like any other Dystopian novel I've ever read. Lu created something so unique and different, and I really think there is something for everyone in this book.

Pros: Legend has many pros. First off, the main characters. I love June as a person, and I love Day as a person. They are both strong, tough characters, and they both have a certain goal in mind. June starts out strong and tough and kind of mean. She's had to live with just her brother after her parents died in a car accident when she was little, so she's learned to fend for herself pretty much. Towards the end of the book, however, and after meeting Day, you see that she begins to soften up and open up in a way that she never has before.

Day kind of starts off in the same way. He is the Republic's most wanted criminal. But since the book is told in June and Day's perspective, you see that Day really isn't the bad boy that he's made out to be. He's just trying to keep his family safe. And, like June, he softens up towards the end of the book.

Another pro is the romance. It's nothing too cheesy or teen angsty, like most YA books. Day and June's romance is almost refreshing, and I often found myself rooting for their relationship.

The final pro is the characters. All of the characters in this book are unforgettable. Even if they only play a small or unimportant role in the novel, they are imprinted in your brain forever.

Cons: To be honest, there is really only on major con, and that is this: The book doesn't seem to have a major plot. Maybe it's just me, but usually when I read a book, the beginning and middle of the book are building up to a climax, and even though this book did have a climax, I think it just took too long to get there. Nothing super exciting really happens for most of the book. Yes, it does give a lot of background and historical information, but I feel like the real climax didn't happen until maybe 3/4 of the way in.

All in all, this was a fantastic book. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Dystopian novels, or even if you don't. Legend is full of action, suspense, and romance. However, I would say this book is probably best for kids 13 and up, as it does have some pretty graphic scenes. The language is minimal.