Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu

Missing The Hunger Games?  Looking for the next big dystopian series?  Look no further.  Lu has a winner with Legend.

It’s some time in the future in what is now part of the Republic, the place we know as California.  The West Coast is not only a location prone to earthquakes, but devastating hurricanes happen with frightening regularity.  It’s also a hotbed of plague with mutant forms of the virus sprouting up in the poorer sections of the cities every few months.

If you’re from a wealthy family like June, life in the Republic isn’t so bad.  Add to her comfortable living situation the fact that she scored a perfect score on her Trial (mandatory testing given to all ten year olds in the Republic) and you have a girl on the fast track to success.  June loves the Republic and wants to be a great solider, just like her older brother Metias.

If you’re from a poorer family like Day, life in the Republic isn’t so great.  Add to his not-so-great living situation the fact that he’s on the run for his actions against the Republic.  While he’s not working for the Colonies he is considered one of the biggest enemies of the Republic.

Told in alternating chapters by June and Day (you just know these two are going to meet!) this is a great edge of your seat tale about life in a place that is good or horrid depending on where you stand and a place where nothing is at it seems to be.