Legend by Marie Lu - When the truth is revealed...

Imagine a world where a single three-part test could change everything about you; a high score in the trial opens new opportunities and high status, but receiving a low score means you supposedly get sent to labor camps… right?

Legend, by Marie Lu, takes place in dystopian Los Angeles, which along with most of western dystopian United States is part of the Republic. In the republic conditions are harsh due to the controlling and cruel government. The government is also the ones in charge of the trials which tests your physical abilities, knowledge, and an interview portion. This trial is what changed Day and June’s life forever. 

June lives with her brother, Metias, a high-ranking military officer, in the elite sector. She became well respected after getting a perfect score on her trial, making her the only person to receive a perfect score. On the other hand, Day failed his trial, and instead of being sent to labor camps, he and the other low scorers were experimented on by the government, and most ended with death. Day however manages to escape, and lives in the slums with his friend, Tess, and becomes the most wanted criminal. His mother and younger brother believe he died at the labor camp. However, his older brother, John, is aware that he is alive, and they both keep this as a secret in order to protect the family. Much to Day’s horror, his younger brother soon gets sick with the plague, and it becomes Day’s mission to get the plague cure, which is only available to the elites. This is when the lives of June and Day meet.

That fateful night, as Day broke into a hospital, Metias was on duty. When Day reaches the refrigerator for the plague cure, he is surprised to discover they are out of plague cures. Then, as Day begins executing his plan for escape, Metias catches up behind him, and with a single look back, Day throws his knife.

As news of Metias’ death spreads, June becomes filled with rage at the most likely suspect of his murder, Day. June is then appointed to find Day and bring him back to receive his punishment for his crimes. While June navigates this mission, she discovers a shocking truth about Day’s trial score and reveals a betrayal and truth about Metias’ death.

Out of several great things about the first book of the series, I really liked how power was depicted and the character developments. Throughout the book, there are several different examples of how power affects how a character is viewed. SPOILER: For example, Day grew up in the poorer sectors of the Republic. However, June discovers that she isn’t the only prodigy - Day also received a perfect score, but was replaced with a failing score, likely due to his connections with his father, and his low social status.

Throughout the book, there are also significant character developments. Specifically, with June, she battles a lot of emotions throughout the book. She grew up with only her brother because both of her parents died in a car crash. Following her brother’s death she is fueled with rage towards Day. However, as the mission continues, she discovers several truths about the government; the same government she had respected for years. This causes her emotions to come to her in a strong wave, after having them buried for long. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its series, and it is a great book about betrayal, facing deep truths, and more!

• Hyelynn