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 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.

Hunger Games Divergent Cross

If you could sum up Legend in three words, what would they be?

Know Thy Enemy

What other book might you compare Legend to and why?

I think it's a cross between Hunger Games and Divergent. It follows the same post apocalyptic theme as those novels do with a love story added in for readers. It might mirror Hunger Games more because the government is out for the underdog character Day. However, I do see the parallels to Divergent. Young teenagers, fighting for what they believe in, to survive in a world that pits each other against one another.

What three words best describe Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan ’s performance?

Both give good performances for their individual characters.

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

Yes- the death of the family members in the book.

Any additional comments?

It's a great book. I've recommended it to several students in my classroom who've enjoyed it.

Exceded my expectations!

Everything about this book I loved, though it's a typical dystopian/post apocalyptic teen novel I felt the author approached the style in a much needed new light.
The actors were believable and did a great job of distinguishing the different characters throughout the narration and I never felt taken out of the story.
I recommend this book for anyone who thinks that reading is boring, I know I sure did, but I definitely plan on buying a copy of this book and the next 2 just to read them and I'm super excited about it. I think that says a lot about someone who's never cared about reading.

I won't tell anyone to listen to this.

Love the story and the content of the book. would tell anyone to read it.

WOW! Give me more... .

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

Yes, the book was amazing. It was fast pace, interesting and well written. The author obviously spend some time on this gem. It was great. I loved this story and can't wait to start the next one.

What about Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan ’s performance did you like?

They did a great job and at first I thought the female voice was going to be the death of me however, as you proceed with the book it wasn't noticeable. Great performance for the two of them.

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

The book was a little of everything. It kept you guessing and it was great. The end (without spoilers) I almost cried but then was overcome with relief and excitement to listen to the rest.

Any additional comments?

I purchase the next two books and plan on listening them non-stop. I loved this story. Worth the purchase.

Even Great in Reverse!

I am SO impressed with this series! Especially since I had to read it backward. For the most part, I read it on my local library's Kindle and listened to the library Overdrive version. This last book, book one, I actually had had the chance to buy the Audible version. I figured I will eventually buy all of this series (Kindle and Audible) so that someday I would read it in the correct order. If it is good and held together reading it the way I did, imagine how good it is reading it the right way!

Spoilers are hard to avoid as I write this. In fact, I thought by knowing what was to come I wouldn't be able to continue. Then something happened between Metais and Day. Something seemed off as I remembered what was to happen in book two. Luckily, by the end of book one that issue revealed itself properly. Everything else held together very well. Again, I am so impressed with the world, characters and story that Marie Lu (author) built.

In this first book, you get to see how June and Day meet and start falling for each other. I had wondered about that. You get to see how Day meets Tess. You actually meet Day's family. You meet all the people who play crucial roles later in the series and now you know why (if you read it back to front, that is).

Yesterday, I saw that Legend is on sale on Amazon. It is $3.00. If you can, I suggest you buy it. If I had more than a dollar to my name, I would buy it now. Alas, that will have to wait.

Now a comment on the narration by Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan who play June and Day respectfully. I don't know if this is their first narration gig or if they were finding their voices to these characters, but this one felt like they were new. Especially, Mariel Stern, whose voice appeared higher and a little crackly in comparison to the later books. Maybe she was attempting to sound younger? And, of course, if they recorded them in order that would still be the case, right? But as this story continues both voices become stronger and true to the characters. I was often in a situation where wearing headphones and listening were impossible and I had to read the book strictly by sight, and there were times my eyes were tired and I just listened, either and both methods hold up and maintain a fantastic story. An author who writes very well, combined with narrators who read very well, makes a wonderful experience, even in a dystopian world.

Yay! Really Liked!

What made the experience of listening to Legend the most enjoyable?

This book reminded me of "Hunger Games" sort of.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that the concept of the underdog rising.

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

The audio book was great and I liked having multiple people reading.

Not bad

If you're looking for a basic dystopian read then this is a pretty good book. Nothing amazing or creative but will do the trick in a pinch. Especially after you've read The Last Tribe and it's sucked so bad you need something, anything to take your mind off the hours of your life wasted on that garbage