βEach day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything’s possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time.β – Marie Lu, Legend
Legend by Marie Lu is possibly one of my favourite books of all time. Honestly, I’m quite a sucker for dystopian novels because the rush I get when I’m reading is so wild. The pace that Marie Lu sets for this book is exhilarating, and there are no dull moments in this book.
This story is told through two POVs between Day (Daniel Altan) Wing and June Iparis. Day is an infamous criminal who’s on the run from Republic officials with the help of his friend, Tess. At the same time, June is a prodigy, recently graduated from a Republic academy (although she’s had a good share of rulebreaking herself). When June is set on a mission to hunt down Day, they end up colliding, and everything starts to unfold as they find out their real enemies and underlying secrets.
I enjoyed this novel because the action and the plot twists were invigorating. Every time I thought I had something figured out, something just had to go wrong. I had my breath held the entire way through because of how fast-paced it was (which I love), and I couldn’t put the book down until I reached the end.
However, I felt like there were still pieces missing. I would’ve liked some more details about the world revolving around them. I had so many questions about their surroundings that were left unanswered. I also would’ve liked more time spent on Day and June’s chemistry. It felt rushed, and I wanted to see more development between them.
Lastly, I just want to put it out there that Tess and Day have the most intriguing friendship ever. Their friendship is so well developed to the point where it felt like they were siblings. The way that they cared for each other is a dream most people have, and they were always there for each other. Their backstory was so heartwarming, and it helped me realize how much time it takes to develop sincere trust. I feel like side characters don’t usually get the same amount of admiration as main characters do, which is quite a bummer- but I don’t see how anyone could not adore Tess!
All in all, this novel was an astonishing read, and I would definitely recommend it. My rating for this novel is an 8.5/10 because there were some missing pieces to the story that I would’ve enjoyed seeing.
Till next time,
Max.
I loved Legend as well! Your review was great and you express your opinion very well π
Have you read the rest of the series? What about some of Marie Lu’s other books?
We are loving your comments about each other’s reviews. I’m a huge fan of Marie Lu. I think her Young Elite’s series is my favourite though. Just wondering if anyone has read her newest book the Kingdom of Black? It is so unlike her others that I am curious to see what people’s opinions are?
Ahh yes! I’ve read her newest book, and although it’s different from her others, I really enjoyed it (probably 4/5). It had a very euphonic vibe to it! It was very magical and enchanting to read through. Also side note, the book cover is SO pretty I almost screamed when I saw it. π
Yes! I actually have read through the rest of the series, and it was really enjoyable. I’ve also read “The Young Elites” and “Warcross” by Marie Lu, and they’re both so mind-blowing. She’s such a talented author!! π Have you read any of these books before? Or anything else by Marie Lu?
Ooh I’ve read both of those series as well! They were amazing π Have you read Wildcard yet? It’s the second book to Warcross. In my opinion it’s not as good but what about you?
Yeah, I’ve read Wildcard and I don’t think it’s as good as Warcross either. It was pretty slow to get through, which is why I rarely enjoy sequels compared to the original. Though I did have really high expectations for the book so maybe it was just because of my mindset while reading through it? It was still a pretty good book though, just not something that I would rate highly. π
That’s so true! It’s hard for an author to top a really good first book. I also with how mindset changes things. When I approach a book I already have high expectations for, it’s easier for me to feel let down.
I agree so much!! I always have high expectations, especially when the book is hyped up, and everyone’s talking about it. Though I’ve encountered some people who accidentally spoil the plot twist or ending, which sucks π