Ridley Pearson
Overpackaged, overhyped first novels are done a disservice by their publishers, with untested authors expected somehow to justify all the gloss and glitter of a full-bore prepublication promotional blitz. Too many just don't merit the attention. I could only stand up and cheer, therefore, for Marie Lu's Legend. A fine example of commercial fiction with razor-sharp plotting, depth of character and emotional arc, Legend doesn't merely survive the hype, it deserves it. What Legend delivers is a walloping good ride with an emphasis on believability.
—The New York Times Book Review
Publishers Weekly
Lu’s debut is a stunner. Weaving the strands of SF dystopia, police procedural, and coming-of-age—with touches of superhero and wild frontier traditions—she fashions a narrative in which the action is kinetic and the emotional development is beautifully paced. June, a prodigy from the elite class of the disintegrating Republic, is being groomed for a military career when her brother, a captain, is murdered. June is quickly drafted into the team tracking his accused killer, a spectral and maddeningly persistent outlaw known as Day. June’s life has been shaped by intellect, and to be driven by an emotion as ungovernable as grief makes her vulnerable in painful, dangerous ways. Day has known grief all of his life, but is no more immune to it than June is. The chase unfolds against a plague-infested Los Angeles of Gotham-like grit that Lu conjures with every nuance of smell, sound, and sight. First in a series, this story is utterly satisfying in its own right and raises hopes high for the sequels to come. Ages 12–up. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Marie Lu’s New York Times bestseller LEGEND:
From USA TODAY:
"Marie Lu's dystopian novel is a Legend in the making."
From ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:
“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“An action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu’s debut is a stunner. . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come. ”
STARRED REVIEW from KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
STARRED REVIEW from BOOKLIST:
“[D]elicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
STARRED REVIEW from VOYA:
“A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike. Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
STARRED REVIEW from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:
“This book stands out . . .”
FROM KAMI GARCIA, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
FROM SARAH REES BRENNAN, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.”
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Don't miss the highly-anticipated sequel, PRODIGY!
Featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S MUST-LIST!
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“Marie Lu has beaten the curse with Prodigy. . . it has all the chivalry of Robin Hood and all the shine and grime of Blade Runner . . . The well-drawn worlds, political undercurrents and the believability of the characters make it all feel fresh . . . Lu proves that a Book 2 needn't play second fiddle, providing intrigue and deep pleasure all its own.”
From THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS:
“. . . clear your calendar to allow yourself the luxury of reading this book in one or two sittings. You will be shaken . . .”
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu opts for a high simmer of intrigue in her sequel to Legend…taut and insightful.”
STARRED REVIEW from SHELF AWARENESS:
“Stunning follow-up to Legend . . . The thrilling action and futuristic settings are sure to please fans of Divergent.
Marie Lu
Praise for Marie Lu’s New York Times bestseller LEGEND:
From ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:
“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
From USA TODAY:
“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.”
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“an action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu’s debut is a stunner. . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come. ”
STARRED REVIEW from KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
STARRED REVIEW from BOOKLIST:
“[D]elicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
STARRED REVIEW from VOYA:
“A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike. Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice. Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
STARRED REVIEW from LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION:
“This book stands out . . .”
FROM KAMI GARCIA, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
FROM SARAH REES BRENNAN, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Don't miss the highly-anticipated sequel, PRODIGY!
Featured on ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S MUST-LIST!
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
“Marie Lu has beaten the curse with Prodigy. . . it has all the chivalry of Robin Hood and all the shine and grime of Blade Runner . . . The well-drawn worlds, political undercurrents and the believability of the characters make it all feel fresh . . . Lu proves that a Book 2 needn't play second fiddle, providing intrigue and deep pleasure all its own.”
From THE NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS:
“. . . clear your calendar to allow yourself the luxury of reading this book in one or two sittings. You will be shaken . . .”
STARRED REVIEW from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Lu opts for a high simmer of intrigue in her sequel to Legend…taut and insightful.”
STARRED REVIEW from SHELF AWARENESS:
“Stunning follow-up to Legend . . . The thrilling action and futuristic settings are sure to please fans of Divergent.”
Library Journal - Audio
In her debut novel (first in a proposed trilogy), Lu offers up two kick-ass 15-year-olds living in what is now the Republic of California. Day is a street kid causing numerous problems for the totalitarian government; June is a Republic prodigy with an uncanny skill for sniffing out miscreants. When their paths inevitably cross, June hates Day because she believes him responsible for her brother's death. When she learns the truth, she tries to save Day from execution by Republic officials who hide even more horrendous secrets. VERDICT Competent readers Steven Kaplan (Day) and Mariel Stern (June) do a solid job of keeping the suspense flowing. With an impending CBS Films movie already generating positive buzz, this book is certain to be popular.—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up—In this futuristic tale told in alternating voices, the United States has devolved into factions and California is a part of the Republic. The people are oppressed, except for the privileged few, and Day is carrying out a raid on a hospital for plague medicine for his family. Readers learn that he has been fighting against the Republic for some time, with phenomenal success. Unfortunately, his raid ends with a Republic soldier wounded, and Day is also injured while making his escape. The other narrator is June, who is Republic-trained, privileged, and also in possession of remarkable abilities. She vows vengeance on her brother's killer—he is the wounded soldier. June knows about Day, and she also knows that he doesn't kill, so why did he kill her brother? It's a good question, since he didn't. There is plenty of intrigue and underhanded dealing going on, mostly by Republic officials. The mystery surrounding June's brother and the constant recurrence of various strains of plague are solved by the end, with June and Day joining forces to fight injustice. The door is left open for a sequel since June and Day make their escape and head toward the Colonies (the western part of the former United States not including California) to seek aid in their fight against tyranny. The characters are likable, the plot moves at a good pace, and the adventure is solid. This is a fine choice for those who enjoyed Gemma Malley's The Declaration (Bloomsbury, 2007), Cory Doctorow's Little Brother (Tor, 2008), and fans of the "Star Wars" franchise.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 7 Up—Fans of dystopian stories will relish the first title (Putnam, 2011) in a planned trilogy by first-time author Marie Lu. June, 15, was born into a world of privilege. Los Angeles is the home of the Republic, a proud nation battling against scum from the Colonies. Devastating plagues have decimated the population, but the elite have little to fear. June is a prodigy, having achieved a perfect score on her Trial. After her beloved brother is killed by Day, the Republic's number one criminal, June is plucked for top military service to track Day down and bring him to justice. Fifteen-year-old Day was born into the slums of the Republic. After he failed his Trial, he managed to escape certain death and has lived on the edge, watching over his family from afar and doing all he can to upset the Republic elite. He cautiously befriends June but realizes too late his mistake. Narrators Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan turn in vivid first-person performances, and the dual narration adds interest and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. Lu has written an exciting first novel with a fascinating setting, intense characters, and non-stop action. Fans of Suzanne Collins's "Hunger Games" trilogy will welcome this thrilling new series and eagerly await the sequel scheduled for fall 2012 release.—Tricia Melgaard, formerly Broken Arrow Public Schools, Tulsa, OK
JANUARY 2012 - AudioFile
In this dystopian story, two teens who lead very different lives find themselves united in their quest for truth. The two narrators alternate sections of text from the point of view of each character. June, narrated by Mariel Stern, is a military prodigy from a rich sector, and Day, narrated by Steven Kaplan, is a street criminal on the run. As Day, Kaplan reads in a calm, even voice, speeding his reading when the action gets more intense. Stern uses a young, higher-pitched voice for June and deep, stern tones for the military personnel that surround her. The narrators remind listeners that the characters are 15 years old by the way they pitch their voices, even when June and Day’s adventures make them seem much older. E.N. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. Fifteen-year-olds June and Day live completely different lives in the glorious Republic. June is rich and brilliant, the only candidate ever to get a perfect score in the Trials, and is destined for a glowing career in the military. She looks forward to the day when she can join up and fight the Republic's treacherous enemies east of the Dakotas. Day, on the other hand, is an anonymous street rat, a slum child who failed his own Trial. He's also the Republic's most wanted criminal, prone to stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When tragedies strike both their families, the two brilliant teens are thrown into direct opposition. In alternating first-person narratives, Day and June experience coming-of-age adventures in the midst of spying, theft and daredevil combat. Their voices are distinct and richly drawn, from Day's self-deprecating affection for others to June's Holmesian attention to detail. All the flavor of a post-apocalyptic setting--plagues, class warfare, maniacal soldiers--escalates to greater complexity while leaving space for further worldbuilding in the sequel. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes. (Science fiction. 12-14)
