Book Review - Legend, by Marie Lue

“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.” 

Here's my review of Legend, by Marie Lue.

Insight into the book 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'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.

    It has been months, since I've read a fast-paced book, and even longer since I read something based in a dystopian world.  I was so pleased with this, and can't believe how long it took me to get a hold of this series!  

  The story is told from two different POV's, June and Day, both from very different backgrounds and experiences.  Day is a wanted criminal that escaped from the Republic, with every intention behind his actions to help his family.  His youngest brother, Eden, has the plague, that has killed many people in different sectors, and Day's goal is to break into the Republic and find a cure.  Keeping a low profile, his older brother, John, is the only family member that knows he is alive.  When breaking into the Republic's hospital to find a cure, he knives a young captian, named Metias, killing him (or so we think).  He escapes, but not without many injuries, and no cure.

  June is a loved prodigy from the Republic.  She got a perfect score on her Trial, and is incredibly smart and quick.  Her family is dead, except for Metias, her brother that is also adored by the Republic. Until, she gets news, of Metias' death, by the criminal, Day.

  June is broken and confused, these emotions soon leading to ruthless anger.  She doesn't understand why Day has killed her brother, when he's never killed anyone from the Republic before.  Going undercover, she searches the poor sectors, taking on a new mission:  kill Day.

"I will hunt you down. I will scour the streets of Los Angeles for you. Search every street in the Republic if I have to. I will trick you and deceive you, lie, cheat and steal to find you, tempt you out of your hiding place, and chase you until you have nowhere else to run. I make you this promise: your life is mine.” 

  If Legend could be described in five words: nothing is as it seems.  After reading so many books, it's rare that I find one that surprises me and leaves me really wondering what the author is going to do on the next page.  

  I fell in love with the bravery of the characters, and how June grew so much.  She uncovered secrets of the Republic, and did the right thing, despite how much it changed her life.  Not to mention the growing relationship between June and Day, absolutely thrilling to read about. 

  I had the great opportunity of meeting Marie Lue, a few weekends ago.  She was so personable and had the sweetest personality, it drew me into the book even more.  Marie talked about all of the rejections she got until she found an agent, and was published, and it motivated me so much, to never give up.  A super fun experience!