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)

Good book

Love this book. Recommended by my friend who also said it was an amazing sires.

Great book!

I had a little trouble getting into the book at first, but after 30 minutes, I was hooked. Now that I've finished Legend, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Can't wait to learn what happens next. I like that there is both a hero and a heroine. I hope that the series continues to portray them as equally defiant, strong, and intelligent. Some of the action is a little unbelievable, but, if you can suspend reality, you will enjoy the book. The characters are dynamic, growing, learning, owning their mistakes.

perfect

this is the perfect young adult story. I loved every minute of it. perfect book

Definitely Tween/Early Teen

The narrators are okay, a little over-dramatic and monotonous. The bad guys were obvious and way too over-the-top villainous, and the mysteries were figured out too quickly. Things were spelled out for the listener, which is fine for the younger audience. I do like how the book was set up from two points of view to create a hero and heroine. A few surprise deaths, entertaining enough, and the right length to not drag on the romantic stuff too much.

Legendary

Marie Lu’s book “Legend”truly is a legend.With great feeling;I felt as if I was standing right next to June and Day.
🙃😻

Amazing, a new dystopian masterpiece

Just breathe taking. I absolutely loved the narrators and the story. It was a cool twist on our world and I really loved hearing both sides. Day and June’s love story was over the top which was nice. I am eager for the next book.

The story

Legend is my favorite book of all time. It’s like other dystopian books such as The Hunger Games, but I enjoy the more “strategic” side of it. Like the way both of the main characters are super intelligent and show it throughout every part of the book. Coming up with strategies and thinking or noticing such subtleties about nearly everything. The plot is great and the characters are interesting. I have yet to read the remaining two books but if they’re anything like this one, then this might just become my favorite book trilogy ever. Now if only they would turn these books into the next big movie trilogy like the others before it.

Great dystopian, really enjoyed it.

Would you consider the audio edition of Legend to be better than the print version?

Never read the print, can't say!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legend?

I can't say I really enjoyed the part where Day gets captured, but it's a pivotal moment in the book. I think that is when June really begins to see things as they are and not what the government wants its civilians to see.

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

Mariel Stern.....but only marginally. They were both good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions. This doesn't say anything about the book....I don't cry often and and it's not a funny book.

Any additional comments?

I definitely recommend this for fans of dystopian.

YA book that kept my attention

Definitely a Young Adult book, Legend nevertheless managed to keep my attention and interest. I might even consider following them onto the next story in the series.

Legend by Marie Lu

Is there anything you would change about this book?

15-year-old romance seemed cheesy and forced.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was predictable.

Was Legend worth the listening time?

Yes, but not worth a second listen, unfortunately.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the story, but it was marred by a "love" story angle that was frequently sappy and unbelievable, especially given the circumstances in which June and Day were often swooning over each other. The characters themselves were interesting, but they didn't act - and were not treated - like 15-year-olds. I would consider reading the sequels, but not listening to their audiobooks as Steven Kaplan's delivery was unfortunately monotonic.