Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Synopsis: 
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.

My Review:
Before I read Legend, I had heard a lot of excellent things about it, and although I did not make a big effort to read it immediately, I kept the title in the back of my mind. Then, of course, I found myself at a bookstore with a little over ten dollars, and the rest is history.

There are a lot of books that have a bunch of people saying how great and wonderful they are, but when you finally get around to reading it...it just isn't that good.

Legend is not one of those books.

I would say I fell in love reading the first word, but I actually fell in love before that. First of all, I love the cover. I am more of a less-is-more kind of girl when it comes to book covers, and I think they did a beautiful job on this one. Even the font of the book is beautiful. The differences in Day and June's sections make it more clear who the narrator is (not that you would have trouble with it, but still). Not to mention, it looks awesome!

Legend is fast-paced, action-packed, exciting, and overall an excellent read. Both Day and June are great characters and narrators, and you can find yourself easily relating to - and definitely caring about - both of them. I could not put this book down, and probably spent the whole afternoon reading, but it was worth it. (Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time, after all.)

Fans of dystopia, action, adventure, and awesome books in general should definitely read Legend. You will not be disappointed.   

Review: Thief by Sarah-Jane Lehoux

*Note: This is the first blog of the book tour that I am participating in, so be sure to check out my last post if you have not already!

Okay, before I actually give my little review, I have a note to say. I am not going to post the written synopsis for this novel. I did not read the synopsis before I read it, and doing so allowed me to have my heart shocked, torn out, and stomped on. I feel that, even though it only happens before the halfway point of the novel, the synopsis gives away a detail that, if you were to read the book knowing, you would not receive the full emotional trauma experience.

With that note, onto...

The Review! *applause*

First of all, I will start out by saying that I am very excited to be a part of the book tour for this series, because I fell in love with the novel from page one. It is an absolutely stunning adventure of a story and I could not have asked for more.

The story starts out with Sevy, a wonderfully sassy and tough sixteen year old orphan who is just trying to survive. Her voice is real, and she is very easy to connect to and you can really feel emotionally attached to her. On a few separate occasions, she meets Jarro, a kind but tough hunk-of-a-man. (Their interactions in the beginning are probably my favorite part. Heartwarming and hilarious, I could not get enough!) Sevy learns that Jarro is the head of a gang and eventually convinces him to let her join. (There is a lot more to the story, but if you remember what I said before, I don't want to ruin anything.)

However, this story takes place in an entirely new world that Lehoux creates. From the elegant upper class to the orphans on the streets, stealing from marketplaces, to elves and demons and magic, the setting just makes the story even more beautiful.

The novel also takes place in different time spans, with eight years passing between the first and second part and two years passing between the second and the third. I felt that this really adds to the reading experience. Personally, I felt as if I lived through all of the days in the story, and really got emotionally attached to it. (Which may have evoked some yelling and tears, but hey. That's a beautiful thing. As long as you are in the comfort of your own bedroom.) I fell deep into Sevy's world, and I cannot say I want to get out anytime soon.

Different characters string together the plots of the story, adding up to one beautiful masterpiece. I'm sure you will fall in love with Thief, as I did. I am very excited to continue with the series.

Exciting Annoucement!

I am seriously pumped to share this! I am going to be participating in a virtual blog tour for The Sevy Series, a trilogy written by Sarah-Jane Lehoux!

The date I am participating in is May 27th, but be sure to check out all the different blogs on their designated days!

I just starting reading Thief (the first of the novels) today, and I am already half way through because I am completely in love with this novel! I'll post a real review when I actually finish it, but I will tell you that - so far - the writing is elegant, the plot is unique, and I care too much for these characters. (I'm talking yelling at my laptop as I read the ebook caring. With the windows open and everything. Oops.)

Well, I have to get back to reading, but make sure you come back May 27th to be able to hear more about this amazing series! (I'm talking excerpts and giveaways! Right on here!)

Hope all of you are having a great weekend!

Until next time,

Justine