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, Female reader could be better

Love the story. Very engaging and well written.

Would love to hear it with a better female reader. The word “parents” is plural and she reads it as parentses. Edamame is read as edame.

Not finished with it yet, but these errors stand out like a sore thumb.

Great Book

Listened to this book for an assignment in class and has no trouble getting through it despite not enjoying books too much. Would definitely recommend.

More poignant and relevant now, than when I read it as a kid.

Lu really asks what if police brutality kept going? Would it be worse in the future? What is the worst rendition of the SAT? How can what we're doing now being turned into the worst possible future? And the vision she posits feels spot on.

Excellent Narration! Good Read!

Any additional comments?

Hmmm I reserve my five stars for books that make me sit in the parking lot for lengthy periods of time instead of entering the office/house/store because I just have to find out what happens next. Although I never had a 'just can't put it down' moment with this book, I still found it pleasant and entertaining. I like the dystopian genre and this one has wonderful descriptions of how America may be during that time - I actually wish the author had gone further with some of the descriptions. I also like YA novels because they aren't filled with graphic love scenes etc. Thankfully this book didn't push that envelope with the kids either. Overall, I would recommend it for a beach read/listen or since it isn't too long you could probably fit it into a lazy rainy day.

great for hunger games/ Divergent lovers

Good start to another dystopian series. If you liked Divergent - chances are you will like this as well. Loved the dual narration as well - made it much more enjoyable to hear the first person perspectives of the protagonists from different voices.

Good story, great narration!

It was a pretty decent story with a strong male protagonist. This is rare in the YA world and I enjoyed the story. The audio book narration is great, it really allows you to escape into the book!

Riveting

A fast paced and enjoyable performance. Looking forward to book two of the series. Enjoyed every minute.

So close!

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

I always prefer a combination of both. This book, however, I never listened to the audio book alone. I always read along with a physical copy I purchased. Though the two readers did a phenomenal job giving each character emotion.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legend?

The story had several 'Oh! Now I get it!' moments. I might be slow, but it was fantastic to finally piece the story together. Whenever I did, I became more and more anxious to continue reading.

Which scene was your favorite?

(Spoilers) When the story started to describe rebellion and mass chaos, I was immersed. Marie did a brilliant job at creating a dramatic, vibrant sense of standing up for yourself.

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

Given the right mood, I'd love to sit down and enjoy a great book any day (who wouldn't?). But it was not something I tried, or even really considered for this book.

Any additional comments?

Lots of love. Literally. The two main characters have page after page of them each describing their undesirable love for each other. It got really annoying, really quick. If I do give up on the series, it will be because of this.

One of the only multi-narrator books I enjoyed.

I actually liked this story. It was interesting and held my attention the whole time. I am a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction. I will definitely get the sequel. The narrators were good. It took me a bit to get into the dual narrators, but I enjoyed it.

Great story!!!!

Would you listen to Legend again? Why?

Yes, yes, yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legend?

The ending left you wanting more, feeling sad but hopeful.

Have you listened to any of Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I'd love too as they are both amazing

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book. Their love for each other along with their struggle due to past events, left you hurting with them, understanding their feelings, but yet, hoping that they would get through it for the sake of their love for each other.