Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Acquired: Won
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 93% or A-

Buy It: Amazon

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.

My Thoughts::
When I won a giveaway months ago, I was excited about all of the books that the prize contained. But I was most excited about this book, which is why it was near the front of books to read after I read books fore review. I am so glad that I moved this book up and read it as soon as I did.

Everyone that comes across my blog knows how much I love the dystopian genre. That's because each and every one brings something new, exciting, and interesting to the table. Legend did not disappoint. This idea of taking a trial to decide if you can continue school and have a successful career was scary. One of the weirdest things was that the best jobs were in the military or politics. No one was striving to become a doctor. That is connected with the nation's forever long war that reminded me of 1984.

Something obviously big happened to the US so that no one there even remembers when we were a nation and the government tells the people that we never were. Unfortunately we never find out what happened or anything about the past. Which would usually annoy me, but since both of the main characters don't know, I guess I wouldn't be able to know either. Though, we do get some hints once and a while about the situation the country is in.

The characters were decent and I felt immediately connected to Day. His situation was precarious and as a reader you could just feel his love for his family. I was rooting for him the entire time. Day provided most of the history and interesting facts about how life is in this world. June was also a great character. You could tell how smart she was and I was impressed by how fast she'd feel out a situation and find a solution.

Overall I think that Legend was a creative dystopian read that left me hanging on it's every word. I would recommend this book to all dystopian fans or just people who wants a taste of a probably impossible future.