The Western coast of the United States, known as the Republic, is at war with the colonies. Born in a poor district and raised on the streets, Day is the Republic’s most wanted criminal while June, a military prodigy born into a rich family, is hot on Day’s trail to avenge her brothers death.

 

June and Day suddenly cross paths when Day is accused of murdering June’s brother, Metias. Now, the two are caught up in a mess that no one can fix, with Day trying to save his family and June doing anything to kill her brother’s murderer. But, they discover that everything is not what it seems. Is June wrong about Day? Is Day’s brother really sick?

“Legend,” by Marie Lu is a magnificent book. The book tells the story of two kids who come from different ways of life and discover that they aren’t as different as they seem. June, through anger and sadness of her brother’s death, tracks down Day. At the same time, Day’s brother is diagnosed with the plaque. Day works hard all the time to help provide for his suffering family. In a shocking turn of events, they come across the secrets of the Republic, and the truth behind the government. How far will the government go to keep their secrets hidden? Constantly in danger and now working together to survive, how long can June and Day keep these secrets hidden?

This book is one of my favorites. Out of the many things I loved about the book, I would say the storyline is most appealing. Similar to other popular dystopian books, “Legend” is fast paced and keeps the reader hooked all the way to the end. Even though this book is set in the future, I think it relates to readers’ everyday lives. Also, I learned from this book that everything is not always what it seems. June and Day learn through challenges that even though they were told they were enemies, the government had lied to them. As June and Day continue on their journey, they uncover the shocking truth of Day’s family and the death of Metias. With no one to trust, June and Day put faith in each other and try to protect what they have left. June and Day teach as that it’s important to believe in others and ourselves.

Not only is “Legend” an extraordinary book with a powerful message, it is a 2013-2014 Lone Star book. Pick it up, to travel into the future as June and Day uncover the truth about the Republic and themselves.