{ARC} Book Review ---> Legend by Marie Lu

Legend: 
     (Legend #1)  

By:  Marie Lu

Published By:   Putnam Juvenile

Published Date:  November 29th 2011

Pages:   Hardcover 336

Read:  August 2011

Book Cover Rating:  4

Tags:  Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy Fiction, Apocalypitc, Adventure 
Why the Mad Scientist read this book:  Signed ARC from BEA 2011.  It sounded like a wonderful fun adventure. 

First Lines:   My mother thinks I'm dead.

Concoction of a Review:

Legend is an action packed book set in future Los Angeles.  The United States is no longer United... or better known as the Republic.  The commander is cruel, lethal, and I would like to see where she fits into the story more with book two.  I believe that if a country and it's government thinks they are amazing and doing right by all of their people I would have to say, "what is the catch?"  I mean who doesn't love blackmail and corruption?!?  *Shakes head*


When the Republic is not busy being corrupt they are off at war with the Colonies.


The inky goodness here alternates between June & Day.  I admit the Mad Scientist loved the gold lettering.

June

A 15 year old prodigy who had a perfect score on her trial.  (Futuristic SAT basically.)  She is also a serious kick-butt chick.  June is excellent at military activities such as expertly handling guns & scaling buildings in record time, nonetheless, she has a feminine wardrobe that made me envious of our little hero.

She was rich thing but very humble about it.  How could you not enjoy her?

Her life is tossed upside down when Metias, her brother was murdered.  She was pulled out of university to fulfill her military duties...  Including the capture of the Republics worse criminal  ---> Day.  She was happy to take this job knowing that she could not let Metias's killer walk around.

Day

Day had the Mad Scientist from the very beginning.  Poor, caring, blue eyes, and well, just too interesting to not enjoy reading about him.  Darn my little heart swooned for him & felt sad when the worst was going on.  Why Day?  *tear*

He was from the poor area of the Republic where things just were not kind.  Illegal fights, starvation and plague was to be had on the streets.  Yet, our handsome 15 year old endeared without carrying one of those ugly chips on his shoulders.

He was very found of his family even if they thought he was dead.  He tried to protect them in every way possible... one day it meant doing the most incredible thing!

Tess was a poor girl that he ended up befriending.  She was medical wonder as well.  Strong yet vulnerable at the same time made her a wonderful side character.  I adored her greatly.  Day protected her and she looked after him just the same.

Here is how I picture Day:  As Emile Hirsch...

**Side Note:  Mad Scientist is specifically thinking of the longish blonde hair from the movie, Lords of Dogtown.  His long hair flowing as he skateboarded down the ramp is perfect for this book!**

The Clash


June was wondering about in the poor sector doing undercover work, looking for the murderer.  Just so happens everyone thinks it is Day.  She ended up getting into an unfortunate predicament when protective Day swooped in and saved her even though she was a stranger.  He fell for her and she... You will just have to read to find out *wink wink*


From then on their lives are woven together.  From opposite sides of society and trying to make it in the world.

---

Overall, *pops parasol* let me be honest here.  Legend nhas scandal, murder & adventure.  However, I did set this book down half way through for a day or two.  I did not feel the desperate need to get back to it.  Although, Day did bring me back.  Curiosity will kill the Mad Scientist one day.


I also admit that I loved the second half of the book!!  I'm so glad I did not forget to finish this one.

*Purchased this book for myself which did not impede on my Mad Review.  It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

4.7 Blasts --->  Most Desirable

A dystopian book that the Mad Scientist actually enjoyed.  I'm hooked on Day and await book two.

Challenges:

• Morbid Romantica 2011 - Forbidden Romantica
• 111 in '11