Legend (Legend #1)
Marie Lu
G. P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin Group
Published November 29, 2011
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About Legend
Fifteen year-old Day’s life as a fugitive becomes complicated when his younger brother is diagnosed with a deadly plague. Instead of petty pranks for cash, he must use his skills as a thief to secure the heavily guarded, highly expensive cure that will save his brother’s life.
When word of her brother’s death reaches fifteen year-old June, she earns a promotion out of school and into action as a soldier and prodigy. The general expects immediate results, and June wants nothing less than to be responsible for the capture and demise of the rebel terrorist and murderer who calls himself Day.
Though at first June believes they have nothing at all in common, she soon learns there’s much more to the Republic of America’s most wanted criminal than the JumboTrons indicate. As June closes in on her target, the situation spirals out of her control, and she learns unexpected information about the Republic darkest and most terrible secrets. If she accept the information as truth, she can’t stand idly while innocent people die.
My Review
Right from the opening scenes, Legend launches readers deep into a world of secrets and danger. Day is exactly the outlaw with a hero’s heart that none can resist, and June proves herself worthy to be called a modern heroine, able to strategize and battle her way through the thickest mayhem.
I really enjoyed both their points of view, and I especially loved them as characters. I really liked the messages about questioning the information you’re told and learning to make judgments for yourself. Learning to take a stand for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular.
This is a great start to what promises to be an excellent series. I think readers who enjoy dystopian fiction will find a lot to love in this book. I’m excited about reading the rest of the series.
Content Notes
Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild word choice, mild frequency.
Sexual Content
None.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violence
June’s brother is killed, and she is asked to examine the crime scene and determine the identity of the attacker. She participates in a street fight against a girl a little older than she is. Soldiers shoot Day’s mother in front of her family. A terrible plague with gruesome side effects spreads among the poorer sectors. These scenes are brief.
Drug Content
None.
Later books in this series have more explicit content … there is a homosexual relationship, and more descriptive physical boy girl relationships.
That’s really great information, Shannon! Thanks. I haven’t had a chance to read the other books in the series, but it can be really frustrating when there is such a variance in the type of content from book to book. Makes it tougher to make decisions about if/when it is appropriate for young readers. I appreciate your help. 🙂