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)

Enjoyable narrator

Any additional comments?

Fairly short listen, good narrators, somewhat predictible plot. Reminded me of the Matched/Crossed series.

Couldn't stop listening

Where does Legend rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is in the top 10

What other book might you compare Legend to and why?

A lot of comparisons could be drawn to Divergent or Hunger Games. Mostly the dystopian future will be why those comparisons would be made. Legend takes a different turn that I liked a lot better.

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

No I've never listened to either of them. That said I loved the tandem reading. There were two main Characters and the two narrators switched back and forth as each chapter was written from the perspective of a different protagonist.

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

Yes. I didn't think I would get into it but as I started to listen and really get into the pace of the story I didn't want to stop. The pacing of the book is so well done Marie Lu is a fantastic writer she does a great job of creating that "one more page" effect. An important trait among those who write young adult fiction.

Any additional comments?

Don't let the fact that you've already read the Hunger Games or Divergent keep you from reading this one. Legend surpasses both of them I believe.

I can't wait to listen to the rest of the series.

A great read if you were a Hunger Games Fan.

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

I truly enjoyed the audio edition over just reading the print version. The way the narrator's draw you in makes for a great experience.

What other book might you compare Legend to and why?

I would have to compare this to Divergent or The Maze Runner. This type of Dystopian literature is super sci-fi but not over fantasied.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Day Escapes the Hospital. He seems like an amazing fighter based on the way the fight was described.

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

I didn't just want to listen to this book in one sitting, I did. It was a great day to listen too. :)

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.