Prodigy by Marie Lu Series: Legend #2
Published by Putnam Juvenile (1.29.2013)
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 371 pages
Source: From author signing
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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, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.
My thoughts
Marie Lu’s world building skills never cease to amaze me. She’s so talented at creating a convincing and detailed world! First off, there’s a map. YES. I love when dystopian and high fantasy novels have a freaking map. I’m a very visual person, I need to see the world! Also, there would be parts where she’d get all technical with military things, and it was so realistic! For example:
REPUBLIC SHIP DYNASTY | DEPARTURE: 0851 OCEAN
STANDARD TIME, 01.13 FROM PHARAOH DOCK,
LAS VEGAS, NV | ARRIVAL: 1704 BORDER STANDARD TIME, 01.13 AT
BLACKWELL DOCK, LAMAR, CO
How many authors would go that far? I don’t know why, but that part just wowed me. Finding out that the world was bigger than the Republic was fascinating, too! I enjoyed hearing about the other countries and where they stood in the future, like Antarctica:
Antarctica, believe it or not, was once uninhabited and completely covered in ice. Now, like China and Africa, it houses the world’s tech capitals and attracts a fair share of tourists.
Awesome! Kudos to Lu for the thought she put into the world! Also, totally random, but Day’s perspective is in BLUE font type. And a different font style (which is awesome because June and Day’s POVs are even more distinct). The first time I got to a chapter of his, I was like WHOA. BLUE. Suhweeet.
June and Day’s relationship in this sequel was far from perfect. There were times where they didn’t know where they stood with each other, and they drifted apart. They were doubting each other and wondering if life would be easier if they’d never met. It was heartbreaking, but very realistic. I was rooting for them, and I had faith in them when they didn’t even have faith in themselves.
I didn’t like Tess. I didn’t like how her main motivation was jealousy and hatred for June, and I really didn’t like how she tried to make a move on Day as soon as June was gone. In fact, I kinda hated her. I wanted to throttle her in June’s defense! I understand the mistrust toward June because of who she was, but Tess’s resentment of her went far deeper. It was aggravating! I think she could be a force to reckon with in Champion. Hell hath no fury…
The ending broke my heart a little. I know there’s still another book for it to be resolved…but I hated to see it end that way! *sad face*
Click cover for my audio review
Overall Assessment
Plot: 4/5
Writing style: 4.5/5
Originality: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
World-building: 5/5
Pace: 4.5/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
So I originally borrowed this book and Legend a while ago but then they went overdue, which is why I still haven’t gotten to read this series. *sobs*
I had to skim your review but 5/5 for World Building put a smile of my face! Great review, Jessi! <33
Haha you should get them again! Legend was pretty good :)
Ah I have this book and I’ve been hearing nothing but praise for it all around, so I definitely need to start it as soon as possible. I love the idea of the blue font, it seems so perfect to distinguish the two POVs, even if it’s a huge waste of ink because it’s so worth it. Also, I love how their relationship was realistic and kind of dysfunctional. I’m happy you loved the world-building, too.
Fantastic review, Jessi! <33
You should definitely get on that haha! You read Legend, right?
I also loved the map and the extra information. It made the story so detailed :) I didn’t like this much as I liked Legend, but it was a solid sequel. Great review Jessi!
I could not believe the ending of this book. Tess annoyed me a little in this book to. I listened to the audiobook so I can’t believe I missed out on the blue font.
Eeeeks this sounds really good! I think it’s AWESOME that we learn more about the other countries (that Antarctica update — looove it!). I adored Legend so I don’t know why I haven’t read this book yet! I need to get in on this ASAP. Awesome review! <3
Oh dang. I’m scared and excited to read this. And whatever happened to the buddy read? Just kidding. I’m teasing you darling. I’m so busy. Merp. I need to read this book. But I’m so afraid I’ll have trouble remembering anything from Legend. Hehe.
<333 Inky
WAIT, we were supposed to buddy read this one?? I completely forgot! D:
I remember saying we should do buddy reads on a couple of things, BUT I CAN’T REMEMBER FOR THE LIFE OF ME WHAT THEY WERE. Remind me?
(Maybe we can pick something else?)
Love, your Dory <3
LOL it’s all good. Yeah we should just pick something else. What? IDK. Lol. Honestly I can’t remember the others either. HA. I’m so lame.
Let’s be DORY together!!!
*sings Under the Sea*
Wait. Wrong Movie.
<333 Inky
Ummm……Have you read Scarlet? Or Girl of Fire and Thorns??
*shrugs and sings with you*
I REALLY need to get on reading SCarlet since I think I’m getting Cress. But no I haven’t read TGOFAT! But I do have that and need to read it. We should do that one! I just re-read Divergent and I need to pick something else up before I re-read like EVERYTHING ELSE.
Lol.
*karaoke party*
Okay! I haven’t read either and really want to, but Girl of Fire & Thorns is a priority. I really want to read it when I finish All Our Yesterdays! Buddy read? :D
OKAY. Let’s do it!! How far are you through AOY? That one I need to read too! Is it good?
Yay! Uhh, not very lol! I just started. I’m maybe 15% through, so it’s gonna take me a couple days to finish. And if I get Thornhill in the mail, I’ll have to do an emergency last minute read because I’m technically supposed to be on tour for a review for next Tuesday but I don’t have the book yet! So soon. But I shall let you know!
Honestly, I’m not impressed so far. But nothing has happened yet….
Oh dang. I hate close calls like that. :D Okay I’m flexible!! I shall read something until then!! :D Time to knock out all those unread books.
Okie dokie! I may be able to start it on Saturday, since I have the day off. We shall see :)
Sounds like a plan! We should have a hashtag! Lol.