Quickie Review: Legend by Marie Lu (Legend Trilogy #1)

Legend | Marie Lu | Putnam Juvenile | Legend #1 | 305 pages | Young Adult | Dystopia | 5 Stars | Source: Bought
Release Date: November 29th 2011
ISBN13: 9780399256752
Goodreads

Goodreads 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.”

Review:

I had huge expectations when it came to this novel. I have followed its hype for over two years and Marie Lu is a sweetheart on social media. A combination of high expectations and a genuine want to enjoy Legend ended up playing out well for me!

Legend follows the story of June, a 15 year old prodigy born to one of the wealthiest families in what used to be the United States and now is the Republic.  After the death of a brother, she is reeling and with Day as suspect number one she is finding the best way to execute her revenge.

This turned out to be one of my favourite dystopias! I think the market is so saturated with them at the moment and this really is a diamond among the rough. The world building is on point. On the one hand we have June’s perspective from a privileged lifestyle and on the other hand we have Day’s who is on the receiving end of a man hunt living hour to hour.

I am not the biggest fan of a dual POV. I usually end up getting lost and having to skip back to the start of the chapter. This, however, was not the case with Legend. I found myself being able to distinguish the dual POV with ease.  June and Day are so well developed. They both have very distinct voices with absolutely no danger of confusion!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I think it is a very strong start to a trilogy and I can’t wait to get to the other books and see what is next from Marie Lu!

Goodreads Average: 4.18/5 (out of 149,043 ratings) <– A very strong one!

 

Comic Newb – Graphic Novel Review: Saga Volume #1

Saga Volume #1 | Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples | Image Comics 5 Stars | Source: Bought | 160 pages | Collects issues #1-#6 | Science Fiction | Fantasy
Release Date: October 23rd, 2012
ISBN13: 9781607066019
Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis: 

“When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.”

Review:

To say I am a comic newb would be a huge understatement. I love looking at comics, I have probably sniffed a couple in my time, but I have never actually read one.

Up until a couple of months ago, I had never heard of this comic book series. High fantasy mixed with sci-fi are usually not my thing at all. However, after seeing this around so much I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

Saga was the perfect intro and start for me when it came to the world of comics. The rumour that comics lack in plot is blown out of the water. We have a strong female heroine in the form of Alana and Marco who a loving and caring father to their child who has just come in to the world. A world that is falling apart that is.

When reviewers were saying this series was funny, they were not wrong. Saga is hysterical from start to finish. I genuinely found them funny and the characters had whit all the way through.

A small commentary on the illustrations. They were absolutely beautiful. You can already tell you are in for a treat by the cover but they are still breath taking.

I wholeheartedly recommend Saga Volume #1. I think this is perfect for both newbs and people who have always loved comics. I will definitely be carrying on with this series and I can’t wait to get a hold of volumes 2 & 3

Goodreads Average: 4.37/5 (out of 28,289 ratings)

Small warning: See where it says for adults in the synopsis? It means it! Places in this graphic  novel are explicit and there is cursing so proceed with caution! 

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1)

The Forest of Hands and Teeth | Carrie Ryan | Gollancz Publishing | The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1 | 5 Stars | Source: Bought | 310 pages | Young Adult | Zombies | Horror 
Release Date: March 10th, 2009
Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis:

“In Mary’s world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?”

Review:

The Forest of Hands and Teeth was one of those books that I wanted and bought within a couple of days of hearing about it a few years ago. Once on my shelves, I ever so slightly forgot about it. I am sure many of us are guilty of this. Quickie rundown: I am so glad I finally got round to this.

Every now and again you come across a book where you genuinely don’t know what is going to happen past a certain point. Who and if someone was going to die, if they would become infected, etc. It was truly gripping and I found my heart was pounding throughout, especially towards the last 100 pages. It was definitely a case of anything can happen and will happen.

Our main character comes in the form of Mary. She is probably is incredibly selfish. But, as time went on, I found it was for good reason. Her mother has been telling her stories about the ocean ever since she was a child and now possesses a need to get to it in any way she can.  It is a chronic need you see in every pages. She simply needs to see what is beyond the village, beyond the forest and beyond the infected that hang around the barriers constantly.

One element that I loved in the novel was the society in which it was set. I think the world building and logistics were so on point. They were described in enough detail to keep it interesting an informing rather than boring. The whole concept of how the village came to be and the Sisterhood was so intriguing.

Overall, this has to be one of my favourite zombie reads. It is brutal and doesn’t pull any punches. They are surrounded by zombies, so someone is going to die and the author does not care if you like the character or not!

Goodreads Average: 3.61/5 (out of 56,280 ratings)