Legend (Legend #1)

   Once again I was swept away with high recommendations and hype over a book. In this case the book is Marie Lu's Legend. I know many people who really enjoyed or loved this book, but I thought the book was just okay and really didn't offer anything new or exciting since the last YA dystopian book published. 

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’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.

Review: Legend is your usual concoction of YA dystopian tropes along with a dash of forbidden romance, some adventure and intrigue. Just avoid my big mistake in reading the inner panel of the book where the virtually the entire plot is written out and spoiled for you.
 Our heroine is named June, an exceptionally gifted prodigy who is being groomed to become a military star a la Ender in Enders Game by Orson Scott Card. When her brother is mysteriously and senselessly murdered, she embarks on a mission to find his killer. All signs point to one person, a boy named Day, a notrious criminal who is already wanted by the Republic. 
  While I thought both both June and Day were likable characters, I didn't really find anything that would set them apart from the other numerous YA dystopian characters that I've met. Sure, they had moments that made me smile and root for them, but ultimately I thought their cat and mouse chase as well as their insta-romance happened just a little too conveniently for me. I actually wanted to learn more about the big mystery behind why the government is so interested in Day's brother. While there are some great action scenes in the book and the pace moves rather quickly, I grew bored with the book since the plot was incredibly predictable. There is absolutely no fun in seeing where the plot goes where you already know what will happen before the characters do. Legend reads like a first book since there really aren't enough answers found and the world building is very weak.
  Though Legend is probably one of the better YA dystopians released and it does have its entertaining moments, I wanted something with a bit more depth and originality. Since I didn't feel compelled to see where these characters go in the story, I don't plan on continuing with the series. I would, however, recommend this series to readers who are looking for another series to tie them over to the film release of Catching Fire.


Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and violence. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu, Article 5 by Kristen Summons, Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Roar by Emma Clayton