Monday, June 16, 2014

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
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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.


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