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. 

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: 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.