Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu

Release Date: November 5, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Amazon•Goodreads

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything. 

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Almost a year after the events of Prodigy concluded, Day and June have maintained radio silence. Day has a position of command in the military, while June is in the running to become the Princeps-Elect, and everything seems like it's quieted down.

But of course it hasn't; otherwise we wouldn't have this gem that is the conclusion to the Legend series.

I realized that I failed to put into words what exactly differentiated Lu's series from most dystopians. I think it's because I honestly couldn't put a finger on it until now.

In a typical dystopian novel we get to see the corrupt, antagonistic government (the Republic) from the eyes of our rebellious protagonist (Day), who fights to topple the pernicious regime. That is the trope--and it is in some way, shape or form fulfilled by every dystopian novel I've ever encounter. Which is fine, really, I like that sort of thing. I'm a proponent of the underdog archetype. But I don't think I've ever come across a series wherein you get to experience the misaligned society from the perspective of an insider. At least not an insider that you are meant to sympathize with and eventually root for.

So basically, June makes this series what it is. She is the character that I followed and supported straight from the beginning--mainly because I didn't think she was an idiot, but also because she carried such conviction it was difficult not to be swayed by her ideals.

I'm also just slightly more inclined to be patriotic rather than revolutionary. What?! I like order.

Furthermore, it's unique that we find ourselves rooting for the government we were conditioned to despise from the beginning. I think it speaks volumes about Lu's story crafting that she strayed from the conventional "let's start a rebellion and join that stupidly ideal society right over there." It rings more true and somber that Day and June realize that their imperfect society is a better option than the enemy (the Colonies). The grass is not always greener on the other side; and a corrupt, yet reforming, government is often better than no government.

Although June's trust is deeply misplaced in the first novel and she is made out to be some kind of turn-coat in the second, I'm excited that we finally get to see her in a kinder light. Champion allows us to view June in a non-biased setting. She is finally fighting for the right side and nobody is trying to tell her otherwise. And naturally, she kicks @$$.

Am I a fangirl? Why, yes--yes, I am.

Quick synopsis (MILD SPOILERS?): Fighting breaks out. June and Day must work together again. Romantic tension. Eden is brought into the mix. Science. Is this government worth fighting for (again)? June: Yes. Day: I'm not so sure. Romantic tension. Allies? We need allies. Science. Explosions. Science. Romantic tension. Plot twist. Resolution. Will they stay together (aka: Romantic tension)? Wait, didn't Day have [SPOILER]? I don't know, you'll have to read the book to find out.

Did I enjoy the final installment in the Legend series? I think my 5-stars answers this adequately. But for the sake of being redundant. HOLY COW, I LOVED THIS BOOK! THE FIGHTING, THE TENSION, THE ENDING--I LOVED IT ALL!

If you read the first two and were satisfied but not impressed, I think Champion will rectify that issue. I was completely satisfied, if not a little traumatize (though slightly uplifted). It was a beautiful ending.

So please, go read this. Tell me what you think. I'd like to have a coherent discussion about this series.

Later, loves!

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time. 

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Hive & Heist by Janine A. Southard

Queen & Commander (Hive Queen Saga #1) by Janine A. Southard

Release Date: March 1, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 266
Goodreads • Amazon • B&N

**WINNER 2013 IPPY AWARD — Silver Medal for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror E-Book**

On a world where high school test scores determine your future, six students rebel. They’ll outrun society as fast as their questionably obtained spaceship will take them.

Rhiannon doesn’t technically cheat the Test. She’s smarter than the computers that administer it, and she uses that to her advantage. She emerges from Test Day with the most prestigious future career possible: Hive Queen.

Gwyn & Victor are madly in love, but their Test results will tear them apart. Good thing Rhiannon is Gwyn’s best friend. Rhiannon can fix this. Queens can do anything.

Gavin is the wild card. Raised off-planet, he can’t wait to leave again... and he’s heard of an empty ship in orbit. The Ceridwen’s Cauldron.

Both Luciano and Alan fit in the system. They don’t need to leave. Only their devotion to Rhiannon spurs them to join the Cauldron’s crew.

Spaceships. Blackmail. Anywhere but here.



Hive & Heist (Hive Queen Saga #2)  by Janine A. Southard

Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads • Amazon • B&N

Queen Rhiannon and her Hive have found safety on John Wayne Station, but with no way to pay their docking fees or Victor’s medical bills, their debts are racking up quickly. Thankfully, Gavin gets a job with American Space Ranger M3L-15-A, who’s hot on the trail of dangerous criminals.

The teens move in with their Ranger benefactor, but when they revisit their ship to pick up personal belongings, they realize their Alcubierre tensor jet has been stolen!

If Rhiannon and her Hivemates ever hope to leave, they must find and steal back what’s theirs. But far from home and among strangers, who can they trust? Will they be stuck on John Wayne for the rest of their lives?

Excerpt from Hive & Heist

Steal back their ship’s engine... or be stuck on this foreign station forever!

Keeping her tone hushed in case a local wandered too close, Rhiannon outlined her plan. “We have seven days till we take back what is ours,” she said.

There was a small cheer. This, this was what she was made for. She could strategize; she could organize; she could direct her people along the optimal paths.

“Gavin.” Her voice was sure, commanding, and he straightened to a near-military posture. “You’ll have the theatre’s production vehicle, so I’ll need you to be the getaway driver.”

He coughed. “Ah, but, the sheep?”

“You’ll bring the lorry to me after you drop off the sheep, so be sure to pick them up early and to take Gwyn with you. She’ll keep the lambs quiet.” Next. “Alan.”

He acknowledged her with a mumbled my lady, overbright excitement turning his hazel eyes almost entirely green.

“You’ll go along with Gavin and Gwyn to make sure we get all the parts. If the jet’s been dismantled or damaged, determine what to take and what to leave behind. Put the jet in the truck as soon as you have it.”

Trust. “Luciano.” He fixed her with grave, dark eyes. She, the center of his attention. “You’ll keep in touch with everyone. I trust you to be my eyes and ears.”

Luciano went to his knees before her, pressing his forehead to the back of her hand. “I am honored, my lady.” Soon all four Devoted were on the floor, each bending one knee. “My lady,” they said in eerie unison.

Check out the other stops on the tour!

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About the Author

Janine A. Southard writes and edits speculative fiction in between working on videogame projects. She’s attended more than the average number of universities, which she claims is a FEATURE. (“Oxford educated, but Californian at heart.”) She’s also lived and traveled in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle with a husband (and a cat) and sings with a Celtic band.

Website   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Pages: 560
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

The wedding between Emperor Kai and Queen Levana is just around the corner. Cinder has a plan, interrupt the wedding and save Kai from Levana's evil (but probably perfectly manicured) hands. But first, she needs the help of the only Lunar hacker she knows: the adorable, socially awkward Cress.

Let's just talk about Cress. Because I love her. For someone who spent seven, pretty formative years of her life in almost complete isolation, she is surprisingly sane. Extremely socially awkward, but sane. Also brilliant. And she has a mile-long crush on Thorne, which I can totally relate to. I'd like to think that she and I would be home gurlz.

But seriously, her back story is heart-wrenching. Her mistress, the right-hand thaumaturge of Queen Levana, has kept her stranded in a satellite, doing odd-jobs for Her Majesty. She has been emotionally abused for seven years, and I think it speaks volumes about Cress that she hasn't broken under her circumstances. And think about the courage it must have taken for her to reach out to Cinder in the first book. She is the understated heroine who dreams of adventures and stories, but cannot see that she is braver than any hero she has ever read about--that she is creating her own hero's journey. It is endearing, and--maybe I'm getting too sentimental--but I think it's a testament that even the most timid of people can accomplish great feats.

She is the Neville Longbottom of The Lunar Chronicles.

Bless her, I'm getting all weepy-eyed. It's too much--I'm getting all the feels.

Back to the plot: in exchange for her help, Cress stipulates that Cinder and the gang have to rescue her from her solitary satellite. In case you can't tell, this is the Rapunzel interpretation of the series. And yes, her hair. Oh my gosh, her hair.

Gah! I want to tell you guys what happens, but I hate giving spoilers. Suffice it to say that Cress and Thorne are just so freaking cute it hurts. I was just dying from their cuteness.

This novel is definitely more action-packed than its predecessor. From daring escapes to Lunar showdowns to crashing a royal wedding, it is one heck of a ride. And I have to say that Cress might be my favorite out of the series.

I think it brilliantly showcases the best of each character: Thorne's eternally optimistic and roguish nature, Cinder's quiet, yet unwavering determination in the face of opposition, Wolf's loyalty, Iko's humor and Dr. Erland's determination to right his wrongs.

The end of this novel is also heart-breaking. It gives you a glimpse of Princess Winter's (the protagonist of the final book) life, and the terrifying reality that she faces everyday so she won't be like her step-mother. It's certainly disconcerting, but I am so excited for when it comes out. Everything's pointing to a fantastic conclusion to what has been the best series I've come across in a while.

If nothing else, I hope I've at least conveyed my enthusiasm about this series. Seriously, they're great books, and I hope some of you guys get a chance to read them.

So go read! Go relive your childhood with a fantastic twist!

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Timesbestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo


Release Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.


Do you guys remember my Shadow and Bone review? Same thing. Loved it.

Alina never asked for this. She never asked to be the Sun Summoner. She never asked to be a Saint. She never asked to be hunted across the world by the most powerful Grisha to ever have lived. But she is. Alina must come to terms with the fact that she’ll never be free—that something, someone, will always be there to expect something from her.

The second installment of The Grisha Trilogy is less action-y and more political. Alina and Mal’s flight from the Darkling doesn’t last long, before they are drawn back into the fold (no, not the Fold) of Ravka. While they were fleeing, they learn that the Darkling staged a failed coup and that Ravka is on the brink of civil war.

Temporarily, they find themselves in the grasp of the Darkling as he hunts the northern seas for another legendary amplifier for Alina to wear. And guys, there are pirates! I’m serious. Pirates. I love pirates. Oh, I’m sorry, I think they prefer to be called privateers in this book (read it, you’ll get the joke).

Anyway, the captain of the ship, Sturmhond, is dreamy and just a tad-bit crazy. Not Darkling crazy—I’d like to think I have better taste in crazy than that. But for realz, he is everything a privateer-loving girl could dream of. And his sense of humor is after my heart. I think you guys will love him!

Fast forward: they’ve escaped the Darkling and now they’re forced to forge unlikely alliances as they head back to Os Alta.

This is where the book takes on more political tones. Everyone in Os Alta has a motive, even Alina. She must learn how to play the game of politics, so that she can have a chance to save Ravka. However, the deeper she gets drawn into court life, the more she is drawn to power and the further she gets pulled away from Mal.

Slowly, Mal and Alina realize that they are changing—that they are no longer the orphans from Kermazin. As the gap widens between them, they must fight for their survival and the survival of Ravka.

However, like always the Darkling is looming in the shadows: terrorizing Alina as he is gathering his forces for another attack.

I’m sorry; my summary doesn’t do the book justice. But trust me: this book is great! It’s still filled with Russian Folklore, and I love it. For those of you who have seen it/speak Russian, there is a part that straight-up made me think of Летучий Корабль (Letuchy Korabl: The Flying Ship). Watch the link, please.

That movie just makes me crack up, every time (specifically the merman part at 8:12). It’s so weird!
It doesn’t really pertain to the book, but you guys will get what part I’m talking about after you read it/watch the movie.

And there is so much intrigue and plot twists that I literally had to put the book down and scream into a pillow. That is not a lie. Ask my roommates; they’ll affirm it.

Actually, come to think of it, I put the book down a lot.

The only thing that bothers me about this book is Mal. I don’t know what it is about him, but I just really dislike him. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, and I understand where he’s coming from, but I just want to reach into the book and slap him out of his perpetual bad mood. Though, I guess the same goes for Alina, sometimes.

That’s the problem with books: the characters become your friends, but you can’t slap some sense into them when they desperately need it. It’s infuriating, but in a good way.

I don’t trust myself not to start writing spoilers, so I’m going to cut myself short.

I strongly recommend this book to you guys, after you read Shadow and Bone, of course. It will keep you on the edge of your seat/toes/bed/horse—wherever you’re reading this book. Alina is a wonderful character, and I love reading about her trials and tribulations! So this series is definitely taking a place of honor next to Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, for me!

Also, Ruin and Rising will be coming out in June TODAY! (JUNE 17TH!!!), and I await it with thinly veiled enthusiasm (THE ENTHUSIASM IS HERE)!

С любовью, мои дорогие!
With love, my darlings!

About the Author

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm (Holt Children’s/ Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

Website   •   Blog   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter   •   Facebook

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 372
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon


The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Um, yes. Yes, please.

This book was absolutely fantastic and I loved every freaking page of it. (Shout out to Emily for recommending it to me!)

So this book was just for me—like I quite possibly think it was made for me. Let me explain: Bardugo’s world “Ravka” is set in an alternate universe that is widely based off of Tsarist Russia, and it’s a fantasy. Have I mentioned I’m part Russian and that I have a Russian minor and that I definitely spent three months in Russia? Well I did. And like most Russophiles, I get giddy every time I get a chance to utilize my Russian skillz. (Yes, skillz with a "z"--because I'm that cool.)

Anyway, this fantasy is amazing. I found the concept fresh, even if I was imagining Avatar: The Last Airbender at some points. (The Grisha are basically benders, and it’s pretty freaking awesome!)

This is pretty much what I picture when Summoners are described:

I can go into how there is a pretty poignant commentary on wealth distribution between classes, but honestly, who wants to hear about that? And also, I feel like an ass when I start to analyze books like that (to be clear: that doesn’t mean I can’t; it’s just not my primary objective). To cut it short: it is easy to draw parallels between the gross gap between peasants and nobility from Tsarist Russia in this book. Though honestly, this entire book is a parallel to Tsarist Russia—there’s even a Rasputin, oh yes there is!

So aside from my squealing about the implementation of Russian culture and words (that part made me pretty happy), the plot is wonderful. Bardugo’s writing is vivid and imaginary and I swear to God, I’ll be super disappointed if it doesn’t eventually become a movie. There are many parts of this book that you can see so vividly, and I think it would translate to the screen in a lovely way.

Like every good YA novel, there is a romance. We all know that I’m not a huge romance person, so when I say I enjoyed it without being overwhelmed by it—that’s practically the highest compliment I can give. But really, it was sweet and endearing and even a little complicated at points, but I was pleased when it ended the way I wanted. At one point, she has two suitors (of course she does) and she picks the more logical (in my opinion, you may differ on that point) option of the two.

And oh my gosh, the villain! I love me a good villain and this guy, this guy definitely delivered. Towards the beginning of the novel, you start to think that, “Oh, maybe he’s not that bad of a guy.” And then there are these hints, or tiny details that make you begin to think, “Ope nope! Run away, Alina! Run far away now; he’s going to do something diabolical!” and she doesn’t…for a while. Yeah, I know, vague description is vague; but trust me, he is a great villain, simply because he can charm the pants off of anyone! And my favorite kind of villain is the one who is dangerously compelling.

Moving on from that mess of an explanation, I just have to say if Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight are your sort of books (like they are mine), then you absolutely must read these! They are a very similar feel, in my opinion.

So go! Read! Enjoy!

Check out the Siege and Storm review--expect Ruined and Rising to soon follow!

Do’svidaniya moi dorogiye!  (God, I love how appropriate this sign off is!)

About the Author

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. These days, she lives in Hollywood, where she indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as makeup artist L.B. Benson. Occasionally, she can be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic.

She is the author of the New York Times Best Sellers, Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm (Holt Children’s/ Macmillan). The final book in the Grisha Trilogy, Ruin and Rising, will be published in 2014. She is represented by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf.

Website   •   Blog   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter   •   Facebook

Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

Release Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

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?

In this highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller Legend, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

So Day is now free and him and June are on the run. With no where to turn they head to the Patriots, but the rebels help comes with a price. For a new leg and some supplies, they dynamic duo is enlisted to carry out an assassination attempt on the new Elector.

The second installment of the Legend series is more action-packed than its predecessor. It's interesting to see Day and June work together instead of against each other. Their skill sets compliment each other, but unfortunately their time together is short-lived.  

June is sent back to win the trust of the Elector, while Day helps the Patriots cause the usual trouble for the Republic. But something is off, and June can't help but feel something for the country she has spent her life serving. Will she be able to live up to her end of the bargain, or will her old loyalties get in the way?

Where Legend was a story of betrayal and government cover-ups, Prodigy offers a different perspective. Rather than the government being the unstated antagonist, the roles are reversed. Now Day and June are on the side of subversion.

I don't think I ever gave a character break-down in my last review, and I certainly have things to say (mainly gushing, so bear with me). Let's start with June:

June may seem like a Mary Sue at first--perfect score, dazzling military reputation and graduated by the age of fifteen--but she has her own flaws. One of which happens to be that she is absolutely terrible with emotions, specifically of the romantic variety. It's kind of hilarious that she is able to face down a firing squad, but not her own relationship. Maybe it's my own, socially awkward, romantically inhibited nature, but I enjoy watching her stumble her way through her impromptu relationship with Day.

And that leads us to our leading man: I like to think of Day as the Batman of LA. He's not the hero they deserve, he's the hero they need. He works in the shadows to bring the corruption of the government to light. Should I continue with the platitudes? I really don't understand why functioning on the periphery of the law is so alluring, but it is and it works for him. Although, I have to say he is one of the few characters I simply cannot imagine. Not in that his character is unbelievable--I just can't piece together his description...

But back to the story: I thought Prodigy was a page-turner. I loved watching them slowly piece together all of the information for the big twist. Although, the plot twist was a tad on the predictable side, but I don't think it detracted from the story. At its center Prodigy is an entertaining story.

Sorry, I realize my review is on the vague side, but I'm trying to keep from blurting out the ending, because OH MY GOD, THE ENDING! It was the most surprising unsurprising surprise ending. It was totally predictable, but I didn't think she was going to take it that route. BUT SHE DID.

It's a little on the heart breaking side, but I think it will be cathartic.

Anyway, I've really enjoyed this series thus far. I haven't completed Champion yet, but I've heard great things and I am excited about it!

So if you're looking for a completed series for your summer reading list, I would definitely consider the Legend series!

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 5, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Square Fish Books (Macmillan)
Pages: 512
Format: eBook
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. 

It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. 

As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

So yeah, I'm assuming you've read Cinder in the short period of time between that review and this one. If not, well you probably shouldn't have read the synopsis above. And you should probably stop reading...right now. Unless you don't mind spoilers, then, by all means, continue.

We left off with Dr. Erland dropping off a new state of the art foot and hand and a not so jaw dropping revelation (for us). Realizing what her true identity entails, Cinder makes good on her promise to escape and picks up a new companion along the way, the charmingly daft Captain Thorne. The American rogue. Who is by far my favorite. 

What can I say? I have a thing for pirates.

Thousands of miles away in Toulouse, France, Scarlet Benoit is searching for her grandmother, whom nobody seems to care about. In the midst of all the confusion with Cinder's escape and the threat of a Lunar war, she meets a shy-looking street fighter who simple refers to himself as Wolf.

That's right ladies and gents, we have ourselves a Little Red Riding Hood interpretation. I'm going to be honest, Little Red Riding Hood has never been my favorite, nor do I keep up with the new interpretations of it. However, I think that making Red a kick-ass wolf hunter is a trope. 

Scarlet is less of a wolf hunter, but she is pretty kick-ass. 

Wolf offers Scarlet his assistance to find her grandmother, hinting that he may have an idea of who has taken her. And, well, the rest is kind of spoilers, so let's just say she accepts.

Meanwhile, Cinder is searching high and low for any information about her childhood--the times she can't remember before her surgery--and she finds out more than she might've wanted to. 

So, the second installment of The Lunar Chronicles is still wonderful and exciting and everything that Cinder was, but it definitely felt like a transitional novel. Don't get me wrong--I love the characters, but the plot wasn't as...well, I can't really specify what it was that bothered me. 

It was good--don't misinterpret my hesitancy--but I felt like something was missing. I still consider it a page-turner and definitely highly recommend it, but I just want to let you guys know that I felt like something was off. Maybe it's just that I'm not a fan of the original story. Actually, that's really probably it. So don't worry about it. 

Anyway--keep reading the series! The third and most recent installment, Cress, is awesome. Expect the review soon, because I'm going to write it as soon as I finish this sentence!  

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

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.

Legend is in it's own category as a dystopian, I think. Centuries ago, floods plagued the US and eventually causing a chasm to form between the Eastern and Western states. In the western half, now referred to as the Republic, is a militarized zone. 

Divided amongst strict echelons, each citizen must take the Trial at age ten to determine their place. The highest scoring receive the best education and proceed to pursue either a political or military profession. Those who receive a moderate test score get some education, their college is selected for them, and they take more functional jobs. Low scorers get little to no education and get the menial jobs of society.

Those who fail are killed.

Enter Day: our mysterious protagonist who failed his examination, but miraculously lived through the horrific experiments the Republic conducted on him. Well...not according to the records. Officially, he died five years ago.

Taking his aggression towards the Republic to the streets, Day is now a vigilante--a legend among the people. He does anything in his power to fight against the Republic military and bring justice to the poor sectors of his city (which is LA). So when Republic soldiers do a sweep of his home sector and marks his family's door with a strange three-lined X, signifying it's a plague house, he sets out to get some cures conveniently housed in the military hospital.

When his operation goes south, he has to go on the run again...but this time, he has the Republic's golden girl on his tail.

June is the only person to ever score a perfect score on the Trial. Serving as a special agent, she is given free-reign to track down the notorious criminal. Using her training and her natural intellect, she gives him the most elaborate game of cat and mouse he has ever had a part in...except he doesn't even realize that the prodigy is tracking him down.

Naturally, their paths cross, sparks ensue and the rest is history!

I really enjoyed this story. Where good there is no distinct good or bad side--it's all a matter of perspective. Marie Lu has definitely given this series a lot of thought. As a former art director in the video game industry (consider me jealous, by the way), Lu has a very keen ability to describe a scene. Her imagery is pervasive, vibrant and really adds to the style.

The only aspect of the story that constantly throws me for a loop is when I remember that June and Day are both fifteen. And that really shouldn't confuse me, because it's a YA novel, but for some reason it just irks me. They don't act fifteen--they act like they're in their twenties. Granted, they are not average teenagers and their childhoods certainly aged them beyond their years.

Also--this doesn't really bother me, just terrifies me--the concept of a standardized test determining your place in society is hardly novel, but it was something that disturbed me. I thought that the SAT determining where you go to school was bad enough, but for it to categorize your entire social status? That is the stuff of high school nightmares....

For all the dystopian lovers (and I know there are a lot of you folk out there), this is definitely a must-read!  

       

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.