Kim Deister
Legend is the first in a young adult dystopian series set in an imagined future America. The world is very different from that which we know now, split into The Republic and the Colonies. This book is set in The Republic, a place where there are clear lines between the Haves and the Have Nots, a place suffering from a constantly changing plague that rans rampant among the Have Nots. At a young age, children are required to go through The Trials, a battery of tests that determine the course of their future. Those that do well are set on a path of success. Those that don’t are generally assured of a life of drudgerey. And those that fail are sent away, to labor camps far from home. The Republic controls by propoganda, and by fear. The story is told from two perspectives, that of June and that of Day, both of whom are only fifteen. June is a newly minted soldier of The Republic. She’s brilliant, which often leads her to be cast as a troublemaker. In reality, she’s always followed the party line of The Republic. But then she meets Day, an enemy of the statewho is thought to be a Patriot, a rebel. Meeting him changes everything for her. There is so much to love about Legend! It’s dystopian (one of my favorite genres), but it’s also rich with aspects of mystery, action, adventure, and romance. And the character dynamic is wonderful! June and Day are very different people, coming from very different places within the world of Legend. And while there was romance, it wasn’t instant, and it didn’t feel like the only focus of the storyline. It felt realistic, developing naturally. My recommendation: If you love dystopian, and a book with a multifaceted storyline, then Legend is a great book to read!