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Thursday, February 5, 2015

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu Review

Legend by Marie Lu
Hardcover, 305 Pages
Published by G.P. Putnam and Sons
Publication Date: November 29, 2011
Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository |
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


Synopsis: 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.

Marie Lu is a master manipulator of emotions. One minute I was smiling and the next I was crying hysterically. With a flip of a page it was like my entire world was built and then burned to the ground. It was amazing and tragic. Heartfelt and intense. I'm not sure if there are words to describe its complexity and its depth but it was awesome.

Strengths/Likes:

1) As I already said, Marie Lu is a master manipulator when it comes to emotions. It's the way she writes and the plot. Honestly, I felt a little bi-polar while reading because of how quickly I went from smiling to bawling my eyes out. There were several times I had to put down the book so I could calm myself down and allow my heart time to stop hurting.

2) Metias is definitely my favorite character. I'm a huge sucker for a loving older brother.

3) I love that we have two strong main characters. They are both intelligent, resourceful, and logical. I understood all of their reasoning, their feelings felt like my own. June and Day are both great characters.

4) The family relationships are so deep and well-described. It's not all "we're family, so we love each other." No. Their depth of feeling comes from their acknowledgement that their loved ones aren't perfect but they still protect and care for one another.

Weaknesses/Dislikes:

1) Maybe because I don't like to see my favorite characters in pain, I didn't like John's sacrifice. This particular bit of drama seemed forced and over-the-top.

2) Some of the sequences of events were fairly predictable. I just had to think about what I didn't want to happen to my favorite characters and that's what would happen.

3) I wanted a longer development of Day and June's relationship. Right now it seems that they are drawn together due to their situation but I wish that there were more time for them to get to know each other so they can have other reasons for being together.


Favorite Quotes/Moments:

1) "Metias, did our mother take care of me when I was sick? Did she do things like this?"

Metias reached over to push sweaty strands of hair away from my face. "Don't be stupid, Junebug. Of course Mom took care of you. And she was much better at it than I am."

"No. You take care of me the best," I murmured. My eyelids were growing heavy.

My brother smiled. "Nice of you to say so."

"You're not going to leave me too, are you? You'll stay with me longer than Mom and Dad did?"

Metias kissed me on my forehead. "Forever and ever, kid, until you're sick and tired of seeing me."

2) "You didn't have to stand up for me," I snap. "I could've taken it. I'll fight back."

John grabs me again. "You're completely cracked. Listen to me, and listen to me good. All right? You never fight back. Ever. You do what the officers tell you, and you don't argue with them." Some of the anger fades from his eyes. "I would rather die than see them hurt you. Understand?"

I struggle for something smart to say in return, but to my embarrassment, I feel tears well up in my eyes. "Well, I'm sorry you lost your chicken," I blurt out.

My words force a little smile out of John. "Come here, boy." He sighs, then envelops me in a hug.

3) "You're brilliant," he says. "But you're a fool to stay with someone like me."

I close my eyes at the touch of his hand. "Then we're both fools."

4) He grabs my collar and pulls me close. My shackles clank. "Ms. Iparis told me about what you did to her on the streets. How dare you force yourself onto someone of her rank."

Ah. Here is what's really bothering him--I guess he found out about the kiss. I can't help grinning, even though my face screams in pain. "Awww. Is that what's got you down? I've seen the way you look at her. You want her bad, yeah? Is that something you're also trying to earn your way up to, trot? Hate to burst your bubble, but I didn't force her into anything."

A deep scarlet rage flashes across his face. "She's looking forward to your execution, Mr. Wing. I can guarantee you that."

I laugh. "Sore loser, huh? Here, I'll make you feel better. I'll tell you all about what it was like. Hearing about it is the next best thing, isn't it?"

10 comments:

  1. Hey! I see that you`re reading "The Rose society" now. :P I hope you enjoy it as much as "The Young Elites". I am anticipating your review. :P But I am writing here, because it seemed suitable enough. :D :D

    Soo, your thought on Enzo? Isn`t he just gorgeous!

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    1. I'll have the review of The Rose Society soon. I'm almost done with it.

      I LOVE Enzo. Definitely going someone I'm considering for my next Book Boyfriend Post.

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    2. That sounds great! And what do you think about his relationship with Adelina? That has to be one of my favourite parts of the book - their bond. Especially that scene when they cuddled. <3 <3

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    3. They're cute and the chemistry is there but they're relationship makes me feel a little uneasy. I was still rooting for it though.

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    4. I think both of them are broken in different ways and that they find solace in each other. It`s like, no one else understands better, because they have not experienced such pain. I think Adelina genuinly loves Enzo. She could`ve fallen for Raffaelle`s beauty, but instead she chose Enzo. (I think Raffaelle is either bi-sexual or gay, to be honest. But he is SOO in love with Enzo too!)

      Also, there was that moment when Adelina was looking at the King`s and Queen`s thrones, she imagined Enzo there and then - herself next to him. Which may mean that she loves him enough and wants to help him take his rightful kingdom back, or worse, that she`s so mad for power that she`s out of control. I hope it`s the first. :P :D

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    5. Everything you said about Raffaelle is exactly what I think as well. Since there was no direct confirmation thought I cna't be so sure.

      I can't comment on your other stuff because I might spoil something haha.

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    6. As with Violetta, I didn`t particularly like Raffaelle, too. Maybe because I loved Adelina too much and to know from the very beggining that Raffaelle did not trust her and wanted her out (AND DEAD) asap...I don`t know. For me he wasn`t a character I could trust. And that prevented me from liking him. He is just a person of interest, you know. :P

      And don`t worry. I do not wish to be spoiled about Enzo and Adelina too. :D

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    7. I feel the same way about Raffaelle. I didn't intially like him and it got worse when I read TRS. I think him and Violetta are very similar in how self righteous they both are.

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    8. *sigh* Poor, Raffaelle. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, hahaha. :D

      I just want Adelina not to be so heartbroken anymore. But it won`t be as interesting if it happens, so I am going to wait for the conclusion. :P

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    9. Well, all I will say is that Adelina goes down a further spiral in TRS haha.

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