The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu is an action-packed fantasy series about a plague and government secrecy. June and Day are remarkable main characters, and the setting is fully developed. I adored this series, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of dystopian novels.
Title: Legend SeriesSeries: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Also by this author: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: Nov. 2011 - Oct. 2019
Rating:
Series Rating:
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.
Series Review: The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu
There is so much to unpack in this series, but essentially, it follows a criminal and a soldier in a dystopian United States. After June’s brother is killed and government secrets are unearthed, the two come together towards a common goal. The series is thrilling from start to finish, and there are so many action scenes throughout. I especially enjoyed how we are given both June and Day’s narrations. It is hard to choose a favourite book since each instalment is so strong.
❀ Well-Developed Characters
June and Day are both fantastic characters, and they are well-developed. June is the government’s prodigy who is trying to get revenge for her brother. She is strong, prepared, and the perfect soldier. While June enjoys a life of luxury, Day lives in the slums, watching over his brother who caught the plague. Even though they are from different backgrounds, June and Day are unstoppable once they come together. Eden, Day’s brother, also becomes a protagonist in book four, and his development is interesting to read about.
❀ Interesting World Building
One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the world building. Most of the story takes place in a futuristic version of the United States in which it is divided into the Republic and the Colonies. This setting is so well-developed, and everything is explained clearly. The history of the Republic and the origin of the plague are outlined, and this makes the story more believable. In the fourth book, the reader gets to fully experience Antarctica as a setting, and I loved this game-inspired world as well.
❀ Gripping Series
The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu is a gripping series filled with action. Both the main characters are enjoyable, and the world building is excellent. I am so sad to have finished the series, although the companion novel, Rebel, was a nice surprise.
About Marie Lu
I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I shuffle around at home and talk to myself a lot. 🙂
I graduated from the University of Southern California in '06 and currently live in LA, where I spend my time stuck on the freeways.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I have started reading this series, but always end up falling flat halfway through. After reading this though I might end up pushing myself forward with it! Great post
Jordann @thebookbloglife recently posted…January TBR | 2020
it is a huge commitment to read a series. I hope that you do get the chance to finish it some day. 🙂
I so got to pick up this series soon! It sounds amazing <3 And I'm yet to read a Marie Lu book! Except for her Batman book which I read as part of the DC Icons series!
Uma @Books.Bags.Burgers recently posted…Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim // A gender-bent retelling with so much representation (+GIVEAWAY)
I always enjoy Marie Lu’s writing. Batman was fantastic! 🙂
I may have to give this a chance. I recently read The Young Elites series and was floored by how amazing it is and Marie Lu’s writing! Glad you loved this series!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters recently posted…Inspiring: A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison
Her writing always blows me away! I hope that you love this series as well. 🙂
I have the first couple of books and plan on reading the series once I’m caught up on some others. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Laura Thomas recently posted…Shifted Fate by Elena Lawson ~ Spotlight and Giveaway
I have so many series to catch up on! It is nice to sit back and binge one every once in a while. 🙂
I’ve been meaning to read this series forever, hopefully 2020 is that year.
Lily recently posted…Sophia Rose Review: When Charlotte Became Romantic by Victoria Kincaid
I hope that you love it when you get the chance to read it! 🙂
Great review! This series has been on my TBR for forever, so hopefully I’ll get to it this year!
It is one that I highly recommend! 🙂
This is one of my favorite series! Mostly because Day and June are such strong characters. And their romance isn’t so simple as other YA romances that I’ve come across. I agree that it’s hard to pick a favorite. They’re all pretty well-balanced and equally strong!
Right?! It really is a must-read series. 🙂
Great review, the series sounds exciting and intense!
Thanks, Heidi! It really is! 🙂
I haven’t read Rebel (the library claims I will get my turn soon), but this was already one of my favorite series. I cried quite a few tears at the end of Champion, so I am excited to see what Lu did in Rebel.
I hope it arrives soon and that you love it, Sam! 🙂
Great review, I would love to read these books
Thanks fro the review.
This sounds like a great series! This will go on my tbr list.
Very interesting series, great.