Legend

By: Marie Lu

Narrated by: Mariel Stern, Steven Kaplan

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times best seller!

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, 15-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, 15-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'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 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.

©2011 Marie Lu (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!" (Entertainment Weekly)

“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.” (The New York Times)

“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.” (USA Today)

Yey for the legend

Nowdays, a large percentage of distopian books( and young adult books in general) make me want to throw my I pad on the floor and jump on it several times for a good measure, when I read the ending. It goes on- story, action,romance, and at the end they write a cliffhanger so idiotic that you wish you can shoot someone, preferably the author.
This one, however, left me absolutely satisfied. I am one of those people who believe that you can write a great novel without resorting to cliffhangers.
This book contains action, romance, character growth,etc..In my opinion , distopian novel that's actually worth reading. Reader was okay.

Loved it!

I didn't want to stop listening! I really loved the characters and I can't wait for number 2 to come out!

My favorite book!

What did you love best about Legend?

I love the style of everything. It's cool how it's like journal entries that allow you to hear both characters' point of view, so you always know exactly what both of them are thinking.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how both of the main characters are so complicated. They both have multiple layers. I also adored the romance between June and Day. They bring out sides of each other that you wouldn't normally see.

What does Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

They both sound like they really mean what they are saying, even though I know they are just reading words on paper. The only problem is that now every other narrator is disappointing!

Any additional comments?

I have never liked audiobooks previously, but I loved this series beyond words.

Excellent adventure story

This book is a great listen and you can completely imagine this after watching the first of the hunger games and knowing anything about post-war Europe. The book is compelling to finish and leaves you half expecting the end, yet missing just enough key points that the book stays interesting.

Hunger Games it is not.

Would you try another book from Marie Lu and/or Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan ?

Yes, but only if I don't have anything I think I would like better.

Would you recommend Legend to your friends? Why or why not?

Only if they are tweaking for a young adult fix before the Hunger Games or Divergent movies come out.

Which scene was your favorite?

Escaping from the Army Base and the whole decoy brother incident.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably, just because I often like to see how other interpret the scenes, characters, and emotions.

Any additional comments?

Kind of like Insurgent, this book had a bit too much "I'm not listening to nobody" (a phrase I hear much too often, yes incorrect grammar and all). Granted, not as much as Insurgent, but almost enough for me not to like the main characters. I will read the others just so I can find out what will happen but I will read everything else I have first.

Very predictable

The book was not terrible, but every time that there was a plot twist was predictable.

Favorite YA book couple/Fabulous story

After reading the Divergent Trilogy I couldn't see falling in love w/another YA book couple, WRONG! Day & June are amazing! Their back stories are well done making you relate to different aspects of each character. The story line is solid. Opposites attract and it works well in this story. I finished this trilogy in a week. That's listening in my car & reading the books at home. You won't be sorry.

LOVE!!!

Love the first book can't wait to listen or read the next!! I will be recommending this for my daughter as well.

Started slow, but improved greatly

It started kind of slow but by the second hour I was totally hooked and could not stop listening. I purchased the next 2 books right away. Nicely read.

I can't wait for the next book

This was great, good flow between the 2 main characters and I hope there is a sequel to this story or see what else the author has to read in the meantime.