Review: Life Before Legend by Marie Lu

Life Before Legend

Author: Marie Lu
Pages:38
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: January 15th 2013
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Find out more about June and Day in this never-before-seen glimpse into their daily lives before they met in Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND series. As twelve-year-olds struggling to survive in two very different worlds within the Republic’s stronghold, June was starting her first day of school at Drake University as the youngest cadet ever admitted, and Day was fighting for food on the streets of the Lake sector. LIFE BEFORE LEGEND contains two original stories written by Marie Lu that give readers a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite characters in a thrilling new context.

My Take:

Before there was Legend, as a twelve year old boy Day had to survive the streets of the Lake sector. His knee is wounded and tries to help those he nows needs it. Taking a job for a couple days we see how Day spent his early days surviving. With a little help from a girl who is just a little older than him, Day can't help but imagine life not on the run a setting up their on the lake. Of course dreams don't always come true and Day has first hand knowledge of this.

Drake University is the place every citizen wishes to get into but starting at the age of twelve can be tough. For June being the only Prodigy is privilege and shouldn't be taken lightly. but do you expect when you enter a school reserved with teens who look down at her and not up. Starting trouble is one of June's strong suits and even when its the first day. Of course being late to the first day is not her fault but the school seems to think it is. 

Life Before Legend, offers a chance to look into the lives of June and Day before they met and before their true story can be said. They both seem to adjust and know that survival is key. Of course both live in separate areas and gain a different experience, both are learning skills that help them become the Legend they are meant to be.  

5/5 stars - Extraordinary

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)

Author: Marie Lu
Pages:305
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: November 29th 2011
Author Website | Twitter | Facebook
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: Own

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.

My Take:

Imagine life ahead of our time, a place what we do as a living isn't apparent. Where our government is split up and paints you as a criminal when all your doing is preventing supplies of guns to kill those around you. Day lives this life because he can't see any more chaos and he so he stops cargo being shipped and gives his family a little more time. Failing the trials at the age of ten usually means slavery or worst death, so even though he failed he was given a opportunity to do something. Of course when the Republic wants you they send in the best.

Following orders is in any hand book and given a chance to end a criminal like Day is a step up for June. At the age of ten June was the only on to have a perfect score and was named a prodigy, taught by the best she knew her training would give her a open window for Day. Of course opening your eyes to the truth is not something June thought Day can do. With time running out and the Republic wanting their own justice June has to go against the cause that which brought her up and follow her better judgement. Could a future be in the cards for both June and Day, or will the government prevent a future.

This was a master piece, to see as a possible future it opened up my mind to endless possibilities and of course I couldn't help but smile knowing full well this would make an excellent movie. There were moments where I held my breath and hoped for the best. Day stands up for his family but also starts a rebellion not even realizing he can. At the same time June tries her hardest not believe in a conspiracy but in the end the truth adds up and had me the reader smile because she realized her home wasn't what she thought it was. They were both brilliant in that being able to keep moving forward, Lu mastered the grand scheme and had me believing the end was very much near. So looking forward to Prodigy and pick up where this left off.

5/5 Stars - Epic