Legend by Marie Lu: A Review

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Speak
Series: Legend #1
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Pages: 305 (Paperback)
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

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.

Okay. So this is my second time reading this book, the first one being in 2013. Believe it or not, I am still as impressed this time around. It's not that it's rare for me to be impressed but you know.

Anyway, let me talk about the characters. I love June and Day. They go through life with their own weight to carry and the way they deal with it is so admirable.

June is a prodigy. She got a perfect score in The Trial which everyone has to go through by the age of 10. She is incredibly smart and strong. However, what I like most about her is that she can be bad-ass and sentimental at the same time which is something that I think I should see more in YA. Most of YA characters that have an awful past are either really stoic or just a damsel in distress. June is the main lady I need to start off my year. Also, her relationship with her brother is one of the most wonderful things in life. Too bad he died.

Day is the most wanted criminal there is. Never been caught. The Republic does not even know what he looks like. He's been through a lot. His family doesn't even know if he's alive. I love how he cares a whole lot about them. He always takes the time to watch over them and make sure they're alright. I also feel as torn up as he is when his family has to go through bad things. However, Day is little bit too perfect for my liking. Sure, he's got a few years of trying to survive the world under his belt, but I think he is just too perfect. I don't know. Maybe it's just me. Eh.

Their love story happens and develops too fast for me. I mean, it's only like a week or maybe even less and they are already 'weirdly' attracted to each other. They are still very young. This romance thing does not need to happen so quickly. Take your time, dudes.

The one thing that I don't really like about the story is that the conclusion happens so fast. I could not comprehend how June suddenly knows who killed her brother. I read that part a couple of time and still left with the feeling of "HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THIS CONCLUSION?" I still don't get it. Am I just slow? I hope Lu will elaborate the reasoning behind that in the next book.

So, to end this review. I am just going to say that I am going to finish the trilogy this year. Since school has ended for me, it should not be hard to find time to do more reading.

Alright, guys. See you next time!

Riz