Prodigy

Author: Marie Lu
Agent: Kristin Nelson
Editors: Jen Besser, Ari Lewin
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin)
Released: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian
Series: Legend #2
Source: Library

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.
It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.  But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

Just as in Legend, in Prodigy there's a perfect blend of action and emotion, scheming and loving, heartache and heartbreak. It's a constant mass of twists and turns, so that you never know what's going to happen next, though there are clues that have your heart in your mouth wondering what it all means and how everything will work itself out.

I love the ups and downs of both June's and Day's emotions - and Tess's as well. I love that Day himself is not sure of the answers to what Tess challenges him with about June. And June doesn't always know either. Though no one is asking her those questions about her loyalty, she is conflicted and doubts her own motives, whether she thinks Anden is different because he really can be the change the country needs, or because she is deep down a Republic girl, part of the elite, and will always sympathize with them. Both Day and June being unclear about all this adds a twist to the actual events, as each of them makes decisions that could affect a whole nation.

The action is great also. I like that there's not that much real killing, that for the most part the action is people running, climbing walls, and blowing things up. It produces just the right amount of urgency in their missions, just the right amount of danger should they mess up or be caught. 

And, oh, the ending! I can't wait for the third book so that gets cleared up - and I hope it somehow works out for good! Though I can't see how any of that could be good, I'm trusting Marie Lu to keep us connected to our favorite characters...