Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

Hardcover, 371 pages

Published January 29th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile 

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?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

  To see my review on Legend (the first in this series) click here. 

Marie Lu knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats and drooling for more! This is one of those books I have been waiting on the right time to read because I knew I wouldn't want to get up from it and deal with anything (feeding my children included), so a 4 hour car ride was perfect. My husband kept looking at me during my grunts, groans, fist pumps, and other noises but all in all... he is used to it! 

This amazing sequel to Legend picks up with June and Day and their quest to turn the Republic into something that they can be proud of and they find an unexpected ally... the Elector! Day and June face obstacles and deal with the emotions of a new relationship (which they still have a hard time defining) all while trying to decide if what they are doing is really for the best. There were many questions answered in this amazing novel, but of course- more were brought up and I am DYING for the next book now! (Is it November 5th yet?!) 

As with the first one, I can't get enough of these characters who are beautifully written and easy to invest yourself in. I am sure that someone has drawn the parallel between the ill-fated love before, but as with so many stories, Day and June do have that Romeo and Juliet touch. On the surface they are very different (different social classes, ways they live, up-bringing, etc.) but there is so much more beneath the surface. I know that I am not the only one so heavily invested in these two and if you haven't read the first one (or this one)... hurry up! You won't regret it! 

I am so happy that I do have one thing to tide me over until November 5th though!!

Life Before Legend (Legend 0.5)

Find out more about June and Day in this never-before-seen glimpse into their daily lives before they met in Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND series. As twelve-year-olds struggling to survive in two very different worlds within the Republic’s stronghold, June was starting her first day of school at Drake University as the youngest cadet ever admitted, and Day was fighting for food on the streets of the Lake sector. LIFE BEFORE LEGEND contains two original stories written by Marie Lu that give readers a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite characters in a thrilling new context.

Happy reading!

Legend by Marie Lu

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Dystopia

Publisher: Putnam Jubenile

Hardcover, 305 pages

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.

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. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills. (www.goodreads.com)

There is a great war going on between the Colonies and the Republic and though fifteen year old June thinks she knows where her loyalties lie, a series of events make her question everything she has ever known. Meanwhile, Day has lived his entire fifteen years on the opposite side of the tracks from June and knows more than anyone else what life against the Republic is like. When their paths cross, however, both are left questioning what they think they know and how they thought life would pan out.

This is one of those books I wish I had picked up earlier because I was missing out. I love that the genre of Science Fiction with the dystopian focus has blossomed and this is yet another great example of what has come from this literary trend. The characters, plot and setting that Marie Lu created in this novel are very well written and there is so much suspense at the end of this first in the series to leave you dying for more. There are so many things to love about the debut novel including the creative genius of having the flip flopping points of view throughout the novel and having those written in different fonts and colors. I loved that! Marie Lu definitely made her presence known with her debut novel and I can't wait to see where she takes us with the rest of this series!