NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In what was formerly known as the United States, a military prodigy and the most wanted criminal in the land find themselves unexpectedly working together as they uncover their government’s sins.
“Legend will give Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”—VOYA
“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems.”—Kami Garcia, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy
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 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, Metïas, 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 Metïas’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.
On sale: April 16, 2013
Age: 12 and up
Grade: Grade 7 & Up
Page count: 352 Pages
ISBN: 9780142422076
Reading level: Lexile: HL710L
New York Times bestselling author
Marie Lu graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one boyfriend, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.
“Marie Lu's dystopian novel is a
Legend in the making.”
—USA Today“Fine writing and excellent execution. Sequel, please!”
—Entertainment Weekly“
Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”
—The New York Times“An action-packed love story full of inventive details.”
—Los Angeles Times“Lu’s debut is a stunner . . . raises hopes high for the sequels to come.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review“A gripping thriller in dystopic future Los Angeles. This is no didactic near-future warning of present evils, but a cinematic adventure featuring endearing, compelling heroes.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Delicious details keep pages turning . . . you’ve got the makings for a potent sequel.”
—Booklist, starred review“A fast-paced blend of action and science fiction (with only a hint of potential romance) means that this one will likely appeal to male and female readers alike. Debut author Lu has managed a great feat—emulating a highly successful young adult series while staying true to her own voice.
Legend will give
Hunger Games fans something worthwhile to read.”
—VOYA, starred review“This book stands out.”
—Library Media Connection, starred review“A romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is what it seems—
Legend is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.”
—Kami Garcia, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy“A compelling dystopic world, with diverse characters, high tension and political intrigue. [If] you liked the Hunger Games, you'll love this.”
—Sarah Rees Brennan, author of The Demon Lexicon trilogy
