A review by snazzysie
Legend by Marie Lu

adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Legend was an interesting read that had me hooked from the start; it was impossible for me to read just one chapter in a sitting, and had I not been reading multiple other books over the last few months, I probably would've finished it much quicker, as it is fast-paced and the chapters are relatively short. I enjoyed the story being told in the different perspectives of the two main characters. I wouldn't necessarily consider the characters lovable, however maybe it's just the upsetting circumstances they were put in that didn't particularly bring out the best in them. Speaking of, the futuristic world Marie Lu has built in this book is truly scary. What's maybe most scary is that it's not that far off from the world we live in now. Of course it is much more harsh and extreme than our common first-world cities today, and it surprised me that Los Angeles was the city she chose to portray, considering the attitude of the population in the book is very patriotic and military dependent. 
I would've preferred the story if it had been less violent, especially considering the main characters are 15-year-olds, but I did still appreciate the rebelious-uncover-the-truth-and-fight-back-againt-the-government kind of vibes (reminded me a little bit of The Hunger Games in this way, how different sectors are treated differently, the rich against the poor, which was given more depth with a perspective from the inside in Legend). <spoiler kinda> I also liked the twist with the reveal of a secret enemy. 
This was a solid read, 4 stars, but don't think I will continue with the rest of the trilogy. I feel like the ending satisfied me enough, and I'm not that interested <spoiler kinda> in June and Day's life on the run, or the problems they might face now that they are in a relationship>, but I did enjoy the writing style, and have other books by Marie Lu that I'm looking forward to reading :) 
age rec for 15+
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