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)

I'm Interested

I went through this title quickly (as in less than one day quickly) which simply means that it was good enough to keep me interested for the entire length of the book. I actually didn't expect it to be as good as it was (having just completed the let down that is Allegiant) but I was pleasantly surprised. It had interesting characters, awesome plot twists and even a seemingly well thought out storyline.

In this title the government seems to be at it again in yet another futuristic world. We have two genius kids who are pit against each other due to a series of unfortunate circumstances. The author doesn't shy away from death which I appreciate (I always find it way too coincidental when I read books like these and no one of somewhat importance dies in the book). The characters all seem to be rather interesting as they currently are and the book leaves a whole lot of room for growth in them which will be particularly interesting to see. Another nice thing about this title is the action. When it started to pick up... It really picked up.... Fast and furious action which was actually of the believable nature more often than not.

The only disconcerting thing I find is their love at first sight thing that seemed to permeate the fated meeting between Day and June. I get they would be automatically intrigued (at least) by each other if only for the mere fact that they both probably are of genius IQ proportions (like things such as those either have the effect of bonding or repulsing you), but they seemed to have fallen head over heels for each other pretty quickly.

I liked the narration when the Steven Kaplan (the male narrator) was doing it.... I had to get used to Mariel Stern (the female narrator) which I am pretty sure shouldn't be the case; midway through the book I really didn't mind her much. They did a credible job at getting the story across which I am pretty psyched about.

I must say, all in all I am interested and intend to blaze through all these books.... Yup..... I'm interested.

loved it but...

this is a great story, kept me on edge the whole time. the only thing that i thought could improve were the narrating. they were not very good at portraying the characters in their monotoned voices. i think it would have made the story even more enjoyable if the narrators put more effort in acting out the characters.

GREAT take on dystopian YA

What did you love best about Legend?

The fresh take on dystopian lit. Strong female character from the start.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Day because he is the unexpected hero. He's the peoples hero when the government is oppressing them even if he didn't ask to be.

Any additional comments?

READ THIS TRILOGY

Great book

It's such an amazing book it makes you laugh, cry and feel all the feels highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys dystopian romances like divergent I had an amazing time listening to this book and its so convenient because you can be walking home and listening to your book that's one thing you can't do with real books. :)

Great story

Love both readers. This story is filled with excitement and adventure. You start caring about the characters and can't wait to see when and how the story will twist. Great story!

Great book

Loved this great book and can't wait to see what will happen next in the next book

Legend by Marie Lu

One of the best books I have read! I can't wait to read the next one. Good job Marie Lu

Predictable teen novel

It is a story of two 15 year-olds, and the characters seem naive. Although an interesting plot, the author leaves a few important consequences of the story too easily and the novel lacks depth and nuance of the characters. Probably a perfect novel for teens.

Slow start, but...

The narration of this book made it very hard for me to get involved in the story. I like the plot, but because the performance was lacking, had to stop at first. You get used to it and start to get into the story which is pretty good.

Such a great story.

I loved the story but sometimes I felt that the reading was flat, I could understand the voice of June but I felt like Day needed more energy to it. It was still an excellent book to listen to.