Short and Tweet Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend #1
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin
Publication Date: November 29, 2011
Pages: 305
Format/Source: Hardback/Purchased
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. (Cover and synopsis from Goodreads.)
This review is a perfect example of why I need to start writing my reviews right after I finish a book. I write a lot of notes, but because I wait to write my reviews until right before I post them, I end up forgetting some of the book, or I just don’t write the right kind of notes to write an adequate review. And this is definitely the case with Legend. I read six books in between reading Legend and writing this review, which means I don’t remember a lot. It’s not like this book was forgettable or anything; I just have too many other plots and characters in my head.
My friend Kate from Midnight Book Girl does this feature called Short and Tweet Review, where she writes reviews in 140 characters or less, like a tweet, and allows others to write their own reviews and link up to her post. And because I’m really having a hard time coming up with enough to write a full-blown review, and because my notes are much more about my theories, rather than comments on the characters or the plot itself, I’ve decided to write a Short and Tweet Review for Legend.
I liked the underlying theme, and was happy that certain things were revealed early on. I think the rest of the series will be even better.

Brandi Kosiner
April 15, 2014 at 6:57 pmI have such a hard time when I wait to write reviews as well, and this is a great idea!
The Bookish Manicurist
April 17, 2014 at 1:02 amWe chatted note-taking on IG, and I recall you saying you wait a while to write them up. I used to do the same thing but it just makes life more difficult! Lately I've been really good at writing them as soon as I finish the book or at least before I start a new read.
I remember enjoying Legend and I thought the sequel was ok, too.
Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist
Bittner
April 19, 2014 at 4:23 pmWow, what a precise and direct review! I know what you mean though, I hardly remember this book at all but I remember I really REALLY liked it.
Rachel Hoyt
April 20, 2014 at 1:45 amAwww, I'm the same way! I write reviews right before they go up, though I'm often finishing a book the night before I've planned to post the review, so there's not a lot of time elapsing. Sometimes that's not the case and then I can't remember. :) I love the idea of a "short and tweet" review!
I really liked Legend, but I LOVED Prodigy, as I recall, so I hope it's the same for you! (Haven't read Champion yet!)
Rachel @ Paper Cuts
Kimberly @ On the Wings of Books
April 23, 2014 at 12:54 amI was real hesitant on reading Legend due to other things but I caved and read it and totally loved it and I also really liked Prodigy and Champion, plus it had one of the best endings ever.!