June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

Erm. Well.

So to sum this book up: epic action, a big fat love square, a strange worldview, aaannnd... well, I don't know. It wasn't, like, terrific, but it was pretty good.

There's a really interesting dynamic between June and Day throughout the whole book. I mean, I don't know about you guys, but I've always liked June better for some reason. She's kick-butt, and yes, I know they're supposed to be exactly the same in intelligence, but Day is just dense at times. Only June, for once, needs help. But Day is still dense.

Especially about Tess.

TESS, I HATE YOU. I'm sorry. In Legend she seems like the sweetest little puppy girl ever. And then. She. Starts. Bad-mouthing. June. After everything the poor girl has done for her. On top of all that, she's into Day and is trying to stop June and Day from being together.

UNGRATEFUL. LITTLE. GIRL.

However, I wasn't sure about the direction that Marie Lu was taking her in, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens with Tess in Champion (book 3, set to come out November 5, 2013).

Oh, BTW, here's the Champion summary (no cover yet though):

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has.

URRGGH. It sounds really good, but I just don't know about the direction this series is going in, ya know?

Anyhow, Prodigy was okaay, so you can try picking it up if you've read Legend. (Then again, I may just be willing to read this series for June alone. :D)

PS: Apparently they're making a movie of Legend. Sounds good, since all the action will work really well, but Day is part Mongolian :( So I fear for the casting here.

UPDATE 5/18/2013:
Soooo who has seen the new Champion cover?

It's actually pretty cool-looking. So I guess I might read it.

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Picture from libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com

Once known as the western coast of the United States, the Republic is now a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors, the Colonies.


Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic's highest circles.


Born into the slums of the Republic's Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.


From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June tries desperately to avenge Metias's death.


But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths to which their country will go to keep its secrets.


Very good. *enthusiastic applause and cheering* This is one of those great books that no one's ever heard of. I know, I know, yet another dystopian novel. But this one's actually a real standout. (Love the cover too.) What I love is the contrast between June and Day's two worlds and the Republic's subtlety in being a dystopia.

June and Day are complete opposites, but they work so well together because of their mutual geniusness (Yeah, I know, I know, not a real word, but whatever.). Day is a criminal, June is devoted to fighting them, etc. etc. It's apparently based on Les Miserables, which I haven't read yet.

Plain and simple, I loved this. A lot. One of my favorite books, I think. Will look for next book. Feeling too lazy to write in complete sentences or do more analysis... :)

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