Legend
A New York Times bestseller! 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.
Where Legend keeps showing up
Eight of our editors' lists feature this novel.
What you might want to know about Legend
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
In a militarized future Los Angeles, fifteen-year-old June is the Republic's youngest military prodigy. Day, the country's most-wanted criminal, has just turned fifteen. The Republic puts June on his trail.
Marie Lu's Legend trilogy has three main books: Legend, Prodigy, and Champion, plus a sequel novel Rebel. The trilogy is complete; Rebel is a follow-up set later.
Yes. Legend is YA dystopian fiction in the tradition of The Hunger Games, suitable for readers 13 and up. There is no explicit content. The protagonists are 15 in the original trilogy.
Legend was written by Marie Lu, published in 2011 by The Penguin Group.
Legend is 313 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, Legend takes most readers 5 to 7 hours to finish.
Legend is a standalone novel by Marie Lu, not part of a series.
Legend is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
