Legend by Marie Lu: A Review

Hello all!

Today, I have a review of Legend by Marie Lu. It's a good one! So read the review and let me know what you think below!

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin

Publication Date: 2011

Source: Library

Blurb from Goodreads: (Blurb below and picture above are not things that I own; I am only using them for review purposes)

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. 

Genre: Futuristic “Us versus Them” YA Romance---> Evil society, rebellious teens must stop them: Okay, before you gag about this being done over and over, this one is good. It's done really well, so it's okay, I assure you.

Cover: Honestly, when I first saw the cover, I thought it looked a little plain, but now I’ve upgraded plain to it being understated. After reading the book, I feel that it’s pretty fitting of the feel of the society depicted.

Plot: The story is told in a back and forth format, which worried me at first, but both parts are done well, the MMC’s (main male character’s) especially. Day is done fantastically, and June isn’t lacking either. There was a good balance of action on both sides, and both sides were used to progress the story. The stakes were high, and that goes with the “genre” it’s in, and I feel it was done well. Heart-pumping for the win! 

Romantic Element: This portion was good. One thing I wanted to mention is the fact that both Day and June are “pretty,” and normally in YA the characters are quirky or unclassified pretty and it takes that special someone to see his or her hotness. But in Legend, Lu made it so everyone knew that the two were hot stuff, and Lu had the characters not be pretentious. They use their looks, acknowledge that they both have them, and they move on to more important things. I liked that. It felt more original. The romance wasn’t hot and heavy, but it was there, and it kept you reading. 

Overall: I heard this book was good, and I wasn’t disappointed. I also heard people say that if you liked The Hunger Games (<3), then Legend is for you. I would say that that statement is fairly true. If that kind of story appeals to you (like it does to SO many people), then Legend is FAR from a disappointment. The only thing I’m upset about is having to wait for further installments to get more.

So, what do you all think? Did you like it? Do you want to read it? Let me know below!

Now to leave you with a song to write by, “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes.Why? Because it fits...

Happy Reading and Writing, y’all!

The Fault in Our Stars: A Review

Blurb from Goodreads: (I not own but am using them for review purposes only.)

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Source: The Library

Genre: A Cancer YA Contemporary Romance that isn’t a cancer story (i.e. isn’t just about the main characters having cancer). Hint: DON’T shy away from this because of the cancer element. I almost did, and that would have been a HUGE mistake.

Cover: It’s okay. I wasn’t as impressed with it at first, but I can’t really think of anything that would work better--> and so by that reasoning, it’s successful. I like the color choices.

Plot: It may feel oh-so-slightly slow moving at the beginning, but it’s necessary, and the payoff is worth it. This book is kind of amazing, and it is definitely awesome possum. The trouble with reviewing it? I don’t want to give anything away. I’m not going to rob you of its greatness. Just know, it really starts to move, and you get super invested in the characters, whether or not you realize it. 

Romantic Element: LOVE. I am officially fictionally in love with Augustus Waters. Note: I didn’t even have to Google his last name. I knew it. Why? Because I. Am. In. Love. How often have you heard me say that here? Not very, that’s for true.

Overall: Genius. Love. Hearts and hearts and hearts. I made people read it so that I could talk to them about it. I reacted like I haven’t reacted to a book in my recollection. I didn’t think I was a John Green reader. I had tried and failed to read his stuff before (not his fault. circumstances outside of my control usually---like due dates), but this one stuck, and I am SO glad it did. My recommendation? Read it and come back here and talk about it because I want to talk about it more!

And here’s a song to write by, one of my favorites by Panic! At the Disco, "There's a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet," just because...

Happy Reading and Writing, y'all!