The Book That Kicked Off a Nonstop Weekend of Reading

Legend is the first book in a dystopian trilogy by Marie Lu. Set in a divided, post-apocalyptic nation, it follows two teens from opposite worlds. June is a wealthy, elite military prodigy loyal to the Republic, while Day is the Republic’s most wanted criminal, born in the slums and fighting against government oppression. When June’s brother is murdered and Day is accused of the crime, she’s sent undercover to track him down. But the more she sees of Day, and the world he lives in, the more everything she believes starts to unravel. 

At its core, this is a Romeo and Juliet-style story set in a crumbling society, featuring a badass heroine and a clever heartthrob, both determined to set things right and make society better.

Now- let’s be honest, a lot of dystopians follow a similar formula. The setting is in a strict, fear-driven society where the government controls everything. Inequality runs deep and personal freedoms are stripped away. Typically, the hero begins as loyalist only to gradually awaken and fight back. But Legend stands out. Sure, June and Day both come to question the lies they’ve been taught. Yes, they both discover how blind loyalty can become a dangerous thing. But what sets this story apart is the intensity of their cat-and-mouse chase and the emotional pull of their dual perspectives in a journey that doesn't seem to end, even on the last page.

This is a story about trust, loyalty, and the cost of truth in a world where every choice sets off a chain reaction. As June and Day make decisions to protect their families and stand by what they believe is right, each action is paired with a response, and sometimes that cause-and-effect relationship brings out consequences. It serves as a reminder that the biggest risks often accompany the toughest choices, and perhaps a little chaos, too.

-Lauren