Legend by Marie Lu (Legend #1)

Genres: Young Adult, Sci-fi, Dystopian, Romance
My Rating: 3 out of 5

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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, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-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.

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This was a unique read for me because of how strong its dystopian focus is. Besides the minor romance, I wouldn't call this any other genre besides dystopian. The main reason that the focus was so strong is probably because of its choice of main characters. A lot of the time, in this type of book, the main character is usually someone insignificant and clueless. Someone who goes about their lives not really thinking about what the government's intentions might be. Not until a significant event opens their eyes.

In Legend, the main characters have been involved with the government (one way or another) for years before the book even starts. June is a soldier. A prodigy with the highest test scores in the Republic. Also the youngest officer, sent on her first mission, to hunt down the terrorist Day, at the age of 15. Day escaped the system when he was 10 and has been terrorizing the Republic ever since. They both already know their fair share of secrets when the book starts. Although, I was uncomfortable with June in the beginning. Its hard to accept a character who can watch a man being tortured without flinching.

I am also a bit uncomfortable with how YA romances are starting to get younger and younger. June and Day are both only 15. A bit weird for me to read about kids in this way. I prefer YA romances to features characters who are at least 17, and better yet are the rare few where they are 18 or 19. Some people seem to think once they hit 18 it becomes an NA, but it certainly doesn't have to. It depends a lot on the writing and its target audience, much more than the characters' ages. In Tiger's Curse the main characters are 18 and 21 and I don't think anyone would argue that its not a YA. And I can read about them making out without feeling pervy.

This book actually had a lot of action, more than books I usually read and it was pretty cool. A movie is already planned for this book and those action scene will play really well on screen. I can't wait to see them. Overall this was great. I love the intense story, but I didn't get drawn to the characters as much as I could have. I am a huge fan of romance, and maybe if the romance had been more of a focus it would have brought the characters to life for me. Tweens or not. Although, maybe the fact they were so young is the reason why I couldn't get as drawn into them as I wanted to.