Review: Prodigy

Prodigy (Legend #2)
by Marie Lu

Plot summary:

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, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

A Note:

I read the first book in this series, Legend, before I started this blog, so I never wrote a review, but I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!  Obviously I was very eager to read the second book. And lemme just say after reading this book, I'd goddy well kill for the third, yeah?  I just read recently that the author was inspired by Les Misérables when she created Legend, and because I'm actually listening to the musical at the moment (movie soundtrack if you are wondering) I wanted to do things a little differently in my review and drop in some leading Les Mis quotes.  It's a beautiful musical, this is a beautiful story, let's get into it!

Review:

"Take my hand, I'll lead you to salvation"
The novel begins right where Legend ended - June and Day are headed to Vegas where they receive help from the Patriots.  Where Legend describes a dystopic Los Angeles with specific details and real landmarks, the author's revision of Las Vegas was just as inventive and I liked how she melded the ideology of the repressive Republic with the legacy of sin city.  June and Day join up with the Patriots, and I have to admit, from that I assumed this story would take a certain direction that it did not take.  I felt like the author sets up a few familiar scenarios and spins them masterfully into different, unexpected directions. The plot of this book felt tighter and more intricate then the first (which is saying something!), especially as more was revealed of the post apocalyptic world and their politics, and a new perspective cast on the Republic and the Colonies.  I can't say how much I loved how the Colonies were developed.  It was an interesting twist on a dystopian future and the perfect balance to the Republic.

"There was a time when love was blind"
June and Day's romance was more deeply explored in this book.  Their backgrounds and life experiences are at odds, and the realistic issues that must come of their relationship are addressed very intelligently.  Now I didn't feel like the romance overpowered the plot and the political conflict of the story but their romance was built in a way that had me sighing and wringing my hands because they have to be together!  Especially with the introduction of other people who might keep June and Day apart.  What keeps the romance side of this story so compelling is how easy it is to imagine June and Day with these other people, because I can equally sympathize with how they feel and see what good couples they would make.  I just kept hoping June and Day will find the way to each other.

"The turning of the years"
There's even more intrigue and surprises and nail-biting suspense in this book than the last, and the world-building felt more vivid, intelligent, and realistic. The last third of this book especially had me riveted and breathlessly turning pages. And what a cliffhanger!  How on earth will that be resolved!!?   This wonderfully smart series seems to be gearing up to a profound finish, and I can not wait for the next book.

a review copy was kindly provided by the author
Prodigy is released today, check out the links below and get a copy!

Amazon  Goodreads  Author's Website  Twitter