Set in the future on the western coast of what was once the United States, the Republic (as it is now known) is at war with its neighbors, the Colonies. Rumors circulate among the citizens that the Republic and the Colonies were once one nation called the United States. Leaders of the oppressive communist-like Republic have obliterated proof of the United States and rule the citizens through fear, intimidation --- and the promise to protect them from the warring Colonies and the plague. 

"A stark setting, engaging characters, secrets, traitors, treachery, sacrifices and touches of romance make Marie Lu’s debut an engaging novel that is almost impossible to put down."

Fifteen-year-old freedom fighter Day is the most wanted criminal in the Republic. A product of the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, Day is smart and stealthy. His reputation for being crafty and courageous among the citizens who live under the repressive Republic regime is legendary. The rebel group the Patriots want to recruit Day, while the Republic is determined to capture and destroy him. His mother believes he is already dead. Day exists in the shadows and operates by his own rules, within his own agenda. He is forced to barter, steal and battle to save up money for an anti-virus that could save his family and other citizens from the plague that seems to strike randomly.

June is also 15 years old. An orphan raised in an elite environment by her brother Metias, who is a captain in the Republic military, June is a prodigy. She is the only person reported to ever achieve a perfect score during the mandatory test called the Trail. Because of this, she is being groomed for greatness within the Republic elite.

After her beloved brother is murdered, June is put on a fast track to hunt down Day, the criminal the Republic has charged with killing Metias. Day proves to be an elusive prey, but June eventually crosses paths with him, only to find that he is not at all what she expects. June is a loyal soldier, but when does blind obedience cross the line and become immoral?

Told from the alternating points of view of Day (in gold lettering) and June (in black lettering), LEGEND is a fascinating futuristic thriller that pits two of the best-of-the-best against each other --- both driven by love of their family, but on opposite sides of the law. A stark setting, engaging characters, secrets, traitors, treachery, sacrifices and touches of romance make Marie Lu’s debut an engaging novel that is almost impossible to put down.