HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend (Legend #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Release Date: November 29, 2011

Format Read: Paperback

Description from Goodreads: 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 to keep its secrets.

I know, that was fast. I just posted about getting this book last Friday. If you think that was fast, then I probably shouldn't tell you that I read it in four and a half hours...

But I did. And now I kinds see what everyone's been talking about-- this book is freaking GOOD. June and Day? Um, yes. Ship. Shipshipship. And the ship is currently sailing, too, as of the end of LEGEND, so I'm just over here singing hallelujahs. Don't mind me.

Moving on!

While the dystopian world that LEGEND placed me in felt familiar, the characters were new, and I easily found myself loving them for their quirks and attitudes. The world was interesting, what with the idea of the Trials and the way at which your future is decided based upon your test scores (But not like in the DIVERGENT world!).  And of course, I absolutely adored Day and his ties to his family and his criminal life being about more than just random acts of defiance.

Four stars, of course, to LEGEND and it's beauty. If you like dystopia and rebel acts against a government force that is much bigger than you, read LEGEND. Don't be slow like me. 

Now onto book two.

Happily,

Stephanie