Legend by Marie Lu

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Dystopia

Publisher: Putnam Jubenile

Hardcover, 305 pages

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. (www.goodreads.com)

There is a great war going on between the Colonies and the Republic and though fifteen year old June thinks she knows where her loyalties lie, a series of events make her question everything she has ever known. Meanwhile, Day has lived his entire fifteen years on the opposite side of the tracks from June and knows more than anyone else what life against the Republic is like. When their paths cross, however, both are left questioning what they think they know and how they thought life would pan out.

This is one of those books I wish I had picked up earlier because I was missing out. I love that the genre of Science Fiction with the dystopian focus has blossomed and this is yet another great example of what has come from this literary trend. The characters, plot and setting that Marie Lu created in this novel are very well written and there is so much suspense at the end of this first in the series to leave you dying for more. There are so many things to love about the debut novel including the creative genius of having the flip flopping points of view throughout the novel and having those written in different fonts and colors. I loved that! Marie Lu definitely made her presence known with her debut novel and I can't wait to see where she takes us with the rest of this series!