Early Review Legend by Marie Lu

Legend
Author:Marie Lu
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Legend Book #1
ISBN:   039925675X
ISBN13: 9780399256752
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Librarything Early Reviewers 

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.

I am on a bit of a Dystopian kick and LEGEND definitely kept me wanting to read more. There was a lot of action, adventure and entertainment. The story is told from 2 different points of view. June is 15 year old (although she seems way older to me, I had a bit of a hard time picturing her as 15) She is the golden child. The only one in history to get a perfect score on the test everyone takes to determine their future. She is strong, goal oriented, And has a plan for her future (or so she thinks). Day is the is the most wanted criminal. He's just as smart, and focused as June but he failed the test and was sent off to die. Instead he escaped and starting raising heck against the republic. He is loyal, smart, honorable and nothing like June thought he would be like.

I enjoyed both characters POV's they were both well spoken. Like many of the Dystopian's I have read the world building is fantastic. I cant even imagine being as creative as all these fabulous authors are as they write the worlds their books take part in. I am always amazed at how easy it is to picture the places that are described and I loved every minute of the futuristic Los Angeles that June and Day live in. The storyline was filled with great action scenes, romance, kick butt characters and fascinating adventures. If you love dystopian you wont be disappointed in adding LEGEND to your bookshelf. It stinks to have to wait for book 2 to come out.

I gave it 4/5 stars