Legend by Marie Lu

 my rating: 4.5/5 stars

SYNOPSIS:  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' 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.

My Review: Oh my, Marie Lu! You have definitely caught my attention with this debut novel of yours! Legend was a blood pumping dystopian that I had trouble putting down. There is so much action packed into one little book! I found myself on the edge of my seat constantly while reading it. It's a short novel, being only 305 pages with fairly large print, so I worried there wasn't going to be enough story for me to enjoy. This, however, proved to be the only minor problem with this novel. Everything else I LOVED.

The characters, oh! the characters! Can I just say how much I love June? She is such a Katniss! That being said; shes BADASS. And not in that tyrant kind of way, but in the "hey don't mess with me, or I will mess you up" kind of way. I don't know how many times I have said this already, but these kind of female characters are my absolute favorite! Oh, and then there's Day :) He's pretty much everything you would want a guy to be, and more. Charming, Loving, Brave, Handsome, and of course, a bit of a bad boy :) These two characters really stole the show for me! Their romance was enticing and I found myself wanting to see more and more of it, so hopefully in the sequel we will :) 

Because this book was told from alternating perspectives between June and Day, it made the story all the more entertaining. I  just love books that are told this way, because seeing a relationship develop between two perspectives is so much fun! If you are someone looking for a good action packed, romantic dystopian, look no further, because Legend is sure to please :)