“Each day means a new twenty-four hours.
Each day means everything's possible again.
You live in the moment,
you die in the moment,
you take it all one day at a time."
--Marie Lu, Legend
Genre: YA Dystopia
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 305 pages
Publication Date: November 29th, 2011
Goodreads
Goodreads Description
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 ThoughtsWhat 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.
Re-read marathon for me!! Holla! June and Day. WOW! I loooooved this book the first time around, don't get me wrong. It was a day by the pool vacay binge read if that says anything. And while I remember absolutely how much I loved reading, re-reading reminded me how freakin' badass June and Day are. Oh my gosh! For real. This is why I loooooove reading books again. The first time is the best time but I totally feel transported back to where I was and how I was feeling when I'm re-reading. AND it takes off a lot of anxiety knowing how things turn out. Extra bonus.
So back to the world of Legend. Dystopian society. Republic rules. Colonies are the bad guys. Patriots are freedom fighters. To be honest, this was the one are of the story that I thought was a little underdeveloped. I haven't read Prodigy yet so I can anticipate more being explained but I wanted to know a little more about what the Colonies exactly are. Are they actual civilizations? Are they living in hiding? Not sure. Minor qualm about it but legit, the rest of the story is so awesome it didn't bother, just roll with it, when Marie wants us to know she'll tell us. :)
In this world. all 10 year olds are required to take the Trial. A series of test to evaluate their physical and mental capabilities. Your score dictates how much education and what type of job you will get. June is the only person in history to score a perfect 1500. She is the youngest, at 15, at Drake University and a complete prodigy of the Republic with a mischievous side to boot. She constantly breaks the rules and tries to push herself. She wants to be the absolute best and mentally compares herself to Day...the Republic's most wanted street criminal. Wanted for everything from arson to robbery to vandalism. This guy's MO is to bring down the Republic's military forces. Then some stuff happens and June has to infiltrate the streets and find Day.
The book is told in alternating perspectives and I could not get enough of this! There is something so gratifying as a reader to be able to get an inside look into both character's heads. I loved how they were always thinking the one thing, acting in another, and their thoughts were always so similar it was hilarious. Their relationship is just really well done. They should hate each other, they have so many reasons to, yet they just can't. Through their journey they grow to depend on each other and find strength in the other person. I just love this! The dynamic between them is just so grounded in trust and is just adorable to me. So many good feelings.
And ya'll know I can't get enough of dystopian heroes bringing down the man. This story does not lack in this element in the least. Biological warfare, oppressive government, lack of rights for the poor; this story has it all and it is all worth fighting for. Love love love.
June is suck a kickass chick. One of my favorite scenes is Day's perspective of June's fight. The little nuances he sees in her stance and how there is so much more to her than meets the eye. And Day. Oh my gosh, what a snugable, hugable, lovely character. His passion for his family made my heart bleed. His brothers were lovely, the small tidbits and flashbacks we get. He is just such a complex and complete character. Him and June both were just so steady and dependable. They thought through things logically, they did not make rash decisions which makes their actions so much more real and honest. And Tess?! LOVE her. Adore her. Want to adopt her. She also is a kickass little kid. Want to see more of her, crossing my fingers!
I love this dystopia. I love the revelations that occur with June and how she begins to see the cracks in the world she so strongly believed in. The story moves along at a quick pace. You don't really wanna put it down. The end after some stuff in the middle happens, oh my gosh. I mean, I can't say more but the ending was just so exciting and we learn so much more about everything and I sound like a rambling idiot because I can't say details in order to not ruin the plot. Ugh! But seriously, I adore June and Day. I cannot get enough of them. I cannot wait to see what they do next and I cannot WAIT to see more of the Republic dominated world!! On to Prodigy!!
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