Book Review : Legend By Marie Lu

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. . . in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what [has ]brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Legend is the ultimate cat and mouse game.

15-year-old June is the government's greatest agent. Day is the government's number one fugitive. When a series of events leads the two to cross paths, Day becomes June's first mission and she will do whatever it takes to find him.

Lu's writing is amazing, I could visualize the the militaristic, dirty, smoke filled dark streets of futuristic Los Angeles. The different worlds of Day and June played out so vividly  that you could really tell where they stood within their society

I listened to the audio book and the male voice actor was perfect for the voice of Day, usually I find male voices sound too old but his was spot on. June's voice actress actor was okay, but I felt like the voice she put on was a little to high and nasally for a 15 year old.

Day has to be one of my favorite YA male protagonist to date. After escaping from the government clutches as a child, Day has been committing crimes and making trouble ever since. I mean he's like Batman hiding in the shadows taking from the government and giving to the poor.I liked how his allegiance wasn't with a government entity but to his family and friends. However I was surprised that the characters were on the younger end of the YA age scale, considering all of their accomplishments.

On a side not I also like names of the characters in this novel; June, Day, Metias and Tess. I got sort of a dark turn of the century feel from the names and the constant mention of characters wearing vest and newspaper boy caps.

 Legend relies on a lot of YA dystopian cliches. There were certain passages I felt like I'd heard them before when it came to the developing relationship between Day and June. I found the "secrets" of the government to be cliched and drawn out. I would have much rather spent more time learning about Day and June and the city they live in.

Legend features an original plot and intense action and world-building. It explores the idea of allegiance, duty and the truth at all cost.