A Legendary Read

Legend by Marie Lu.  ISBN 978039925675. Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 2011
I purchased the book from Amazon.com.  Format: Kindle eBook.  I also have a hard copy of this book in my library.  


Summary from Amazon.com
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors.  Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles.  Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal.  But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
What I think...
Legend is a solid addition to the dystopian YA genre.  While it has most of the essential elements for a dystopian novel, i.e. a futuristic world in uproar, a cruel government/leadership, it also has unique qualities as well.  These qualities include the military talent and charisma that characters June and Day possess.  Rooted in determination and strength, both June and Day are believable characters that readers will connect with and "root for."  Despite their differences in social background, June and Day find themselves romantically connected and working together to discover the truth about the Republic and its leaders.


I think both male and female readers will enjoy this book, especially since the chapters alternate between June's perspective and Day's perspective.  Put this book together and you have a little Jason Bourne mixed in with The Hunger Games with a dash of Divergent.