Another dystopian novel? Before you write LEGEND off as another HUNGER GAMES or DIVERGENT, take a closer look. Gauntlet knows great books and only publishes the highest quality. That should tip you off that something special looms between the covers.
The story and setting might appear somewhat similar to other futuristic young adult novels – at first. But Marie Lu soon makes LEGEND her own and runs with it into magical territory. In a future America, the western side to be exact, is now known as the Republic. Oppressive for many, it exists to keep order as neighboring territories are constantly at war with it, seemingly for good reason. Yet within the Republic’s walls another danger threatens the population, a plague which appears to be on the verge of pandemic proportions. There is a vaccine, however, yet only the well to do are privy to; the remainder of the population are marked with red “X”s over their doors which boils down to a death sentence.
The protagonists seem to be polar opposites at first. June is the younger sister of a high ranking soldier in the Republic military and is being groomed for great things. Her natural talent for athleticism and quick thinking, along with a tendency for daredevil stunts places her on the fast track for the good life. Day, however, is a terrorist, at least in the eyes of the government. Akin to a modern day Robin Hood, he appears to only wish to better the life of the poor of the nation, which is most of it. When his family’s house is marked by the deadly letter, he knows he must take any step necessary to save them. On a daring mission to the hospital to steal vaccine, June’s brother is killed. All suspect the most wanted criminal – Day
What ensues is a rollercoaster of a novel, as action-packed as the other watermark novels of its kind but sets itself apart in the characterization and apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet. There is romance but Lu keeps it contained and allows the story to take precedence. When Day and June meet, the dark realization of what both their worlds truly are tempers any displays of a happily ever after ending.
In Gauntlet’s limited edition, many extras are built into the beautiful book. Ridley Pearson provides an intriguing afterword while Lu explains the motivation for the story itself and how the characters came to life. Lu is quite the artist and includes character sketches of Day and June to stand next to a pair of outtakes, an alternate ending, and profiles of the duo. Much of LEGEND was based on an early novel attempt by Lu called THE GLASS SONATA and gives a great deal of insight into Day as he evolves into the character of the final product.
Soon to be a major film, LEGEND will undoubtedly find itself standing next to those other two YA superstars and deservedly so. A stunning product from Gauntlet as always, and a fine story that will send readers looking for the others in the trilogy.
Extremely recommended for teens of all ages.
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- Black Static #44-45 - April 11, 2015
- The Halloween Children - February 12, 2015
- Darkness Ad Infinitum - November 24, 2014
- Fear City - October 5, 2014
- The Boneyard - July 24, 2014
- Double Feature: A Novel - July 24, 2014
- Never Alone - July 24, 2014
- Blind Vengence - July 24, 2014
