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...
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons (Penguin)
Released: November 29, 2011
Genre: YA Dystopian
Series: Yes - #2: Prodigy, January 29, 2013
Source: Library
Once known as the western coast of the United States, the Republic is now a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors, the Colonies. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic's highest circles.Born into the slums of the Republic's Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives might 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. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June tries desperately 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 to which their country will go to keep its secrets.
The world of the Republic is so vividly portrayed, from the wealthy elite to the street kids - everything is so detailed that as you read, you feel when the characters move from one to the other. When June enters the Lake Sector, you don't have to work to remember that she's out of her comfort zone. The way events are described through her eyes lets you absorb her feeling of being out of place. And when Day is in the other part of the Republic, again it's obvious that he doesn't belong there, just from the way he moves and talks in contrast to the very different behavior of the people who do belong.
What makes this so important is the way June and Day interact, both before they're allies and after. There's always a clear division between them, even as their similarities and shared goals become clearer, even as June is swayed by Day's accusations against the Republic. Their relationship is so much richer because of this, because their personalities match the places they came from. This changes though, toward the end of the book, and I'm assuming it will change even more in Prodigy.
I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops, but also I'm impatiently waiting to find out just what secrets the Republic is hiding, what the story with the Colonies and Patriots is, and I'm hoping we get to see a little more about how the United States ended up divided and at war with each other...
Prodgiy comes January 29, 2013!
