Book Review: Legend.

Title: Legend.
Author: Marie Lu.
Series: Yes, #1.
Pages: 320.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile.
Published Date: 11/29/11.
Links:
Goodreads.
Barnes and Noble.

Summary:

"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."

Cover:

The cover does it's job. I couldn't say it was my favorite, but I also can't say I hate it. It matches the story and looks okay.

My Thoughts:

First off I would like to say how much I enjoy reading books told in different points of view, especially when it comes to characters like the ones in Legend! I like seeing the world from their different perspectives and lives. I liked that the readers gets to know what both characters are thinking, feeling, and experiencing, instead of just getting one side of the story!

Legend weaves back and forth between Day and Junes point of views; two characters that seem to live in the same "world", but actually live in completely different ones. While June is living a wealthier and more comfortable life, after scoring a perfect on the Trials and living with her military brother, Day is legally dead and can't see his family for the sake of their safety.

The Trials are a set of tests based on intelligence and physical ability, that are taken at the age of ten. The score of the Trials decide what kind of life style the test taker will be living. If their scores are high, their life with be comfortable and luxurious. But if their test scores are low they will be sent to working camps.

The society Day and June are living in is experiencing almost like a civil war between the rich and poor. While the rich are living about their lives, the poor are dying more and more of a nasty plague.

When June's brother is brutally murder, June sets out to find her brother's killer and seek revenge. She leaves her home, and sets out to search in the poorer lands. June's brother was all she had left, and meant absolutely everything to her; she wasn't going to just let this go.

Day is struggling with his own problems; the government is chasing him for stealing plague medicine. He isn't sure, but he might have murdered a soldier. But all Day knows is that he needs to get this plague medicine to his baby brother as fast as possible.

I think we can all assume what will happen next, so I won't go into detail or give much away. Day and June bump into each throughout a street fight. Day takes in June, and they both start to have feelings for one another. June soon finds out who Day really is, and what he did. And can't believe she was distracted by her feelings.

But the couple soon realizes everything isn't what it seems. The world they are living in is a lie. The government, the Trials, the plague; everything is a lie. Day and June know what is REALLY going on, and need to do something about it.

I know I'm extremely late on this one! After reading a million and one reviews, and being bullied into reading Legend by both my friends from school and my blogger buddies, I've finally gotten around to reading it! I had high expectations from Legend, due to all the amazing things reviews were raving about, and I was ready to fall in love with the characters!

Overall I did enjoy the story! I found the way that this society works to be very interesting, and maybe a real possibility to become our world. The society June and Day live in is based on their physical and intellectual ability, which is already true for us today; but obviously in Legend its much more strict. I also really fancied the characters, while June is the best of the best and living a good life, Day is basically a criminal to the government. The characters really made Legend for me, and I'm excited to continue the series!