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)

Great story - Performance, meh

This is a very good story. Not only is it dystopian - so quite popular with the teen reader - but it also has a strong element of mystery, as well as enough suspense to really keep it moving. The narrative structure also speeds the plot along, but can be a bit of a distraction for younger readers - some have a little trouble keeping track of who is telling the story - if they are reading the book. Listening helps "readers" track the narration - but the performers here weren't exactly "spot on." The male narrator was trying to keep in character with Day and did a decent job. The female narrator, however, I guess was trying to maintain the edginess of June's character but succeeded in sounding on the verge of screech at times. There was a high-pitched whine to her voice that was most unpleasant. I truly was grinding my teeth at times wishing for her to stop talking.

Amazing Book

I loved this book! It is an amazing read and once I reached the end I came racing to read the next. I would totally recommended this book if you like realistic fiction and sci-fi.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Loved

The audio book is great. The book was great. Loved the series. I recommend it.

Good, but predictable

The narration was good, I liked that they switched male and female voices when the perspective changed from chapter to chapter. It drove me absolutely insane, however, that both of the narrators said 'liberry' instead of 'library'. The story itself was good, though very predictable and a little cheesy. Cookie-cutter YA dystopian novel.

Definitely recommend!

I honestly loved this book! I would’ve changed some things, but I’m not the author:)

Some surprises, some predictable, all enjoyable

This is my first Lu book, and I cannot wait to start the sequel. There were a lot of plot twists that I did not expect and was very surprised, pleasantly. Some way through the book I was able to guess some of the stuff that ended up happening which I think is probably something that's pretty common and books of this type. I did not want to stop listening to this book and I am very much looking forward to the sequel!

Brilliant

It was absolutely excellent. The story’s plot was perfect and the performance made me feel like I was right there through every act. I could literally imagine it all. Overall I really fancied it.

Good Story, Hard to Listen to

The story itself: not bad. I read this when I was younger and it seemed to hold up better back then. Certain parts can be a bit cringe-worthy, but overall has some compelling plot twists.

The narration: could be much better. The voice for June irks me, and when she imitates talking as another character I cringe deeply. If they were going for a narrator to resemble the character, it was a swing and a miss. Day's voice was better, but still didn't fit his personality or attitude. Just sounded wrong

Likeable and hateful characters. Intriguing plot and action. Overall very good.

I haven’t read the other books yet. I think it is appropriate for my teens and that they would enjoy this. My younger kids would have a hard time with the violence. The performance from the male is good. The female performer is not varied enough for me. It sounds unemotional which isn’t my taste, she doesn’t break into different characters well. Still enjoyable.

For fans of Divergent and Hunger Games

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is definitely a YA story but is told well and I liked that there were two readers. Gave the story some character.

If you’ve listened to books by Marie Lu before, how does this one compare?

Have not.

Which character – as performed by Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan – was your favorite?

No preference.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Have not done that before but I was able to stop listening when needing to focus on something else so I guess no.

Any additional comments?

The voice really makes the story. Even if it is a good story the voice can kill it. These two did a good job and fit the characters well. Helped make the story good.