Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on September 2, 2014 | 5 Comments


Review: Champion by Marie LuChampion by Marie Lu
Series: Legend #3
Published by Putnam Juvenile (11.5.2013)
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 369 pages
Source: I own it


4.5 Stars

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

My thoughts

Champion was a fast paced thrill ride and was the perfect ending to a stunning series! There was plenty of action, and the war aspect was well portrayed. It was very dark and gritty at times (the perfect picture of war). So many heart pounding scenes, especially with Jameson!

June and Day’s relationship was heartbreaking! It was sad that they had been separated for so long, and I hated that they had drifted so far apart and become so distant. I was also disappointed in the fact that they were both thinking about and looking at other people. View Spoiler »

You know who surprised me? Tess. I thought she was going to be trouble, but she ended up earning my grudging respect.

I loooove Marie Lu’s world building! It’s cinematic – so easy to picture! Everything sounds totally convincing and official, and did I mention she actually gives a year? (2055!) That earns major brownie points with me! When I wrote notes for this book (um, 6 months ago…) I said that it needs to be a movie…and Legend is now optioned, yay!! ANTARCTICA OMG. So awesome!! Can we please have a spin off series about their country?! I want more of that gaming society!

I have to say that the ending kind of broke my heart. I was sobbing because it’s just SO DEPRESSING. :( View Spoiler »

Favorite quote

“You drive me insane, June. You’re the scariest, most clever, bravest person I know, and sometimes I can’t catch my breath because I’m trying so hard to keep up. There will never be another like you. You realize that, don’t you? Billions of people will come and go in this world, but there will neverbe another like you.”

Overall Assessment

Plot: 4/5
Premise: 4.5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World-building: 5/5
Pace: 4.5/5
Feels: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5

Jessi (Geo)

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5 responses to “Review: Champion by Marie Lu

  1. I thought the ending was so bittersweet, but you are right Lu’s writing is so cinematic. I wish there was more Antarctica, I so thought there was going to be a novella.

  2. Ugh, I was almost sobbing in class when I read that [spoilers removed]… Shit, I was so sad. And in school, lol. And yeah! Antarctica was the best idea ever. I want as LEAST a novella with the game-esque idea! :) Great review. <3

  3. I actually didn’t end up like this one as much as I thought I would but I still really enjoyed it! Overall, it was an absolutely amazing series. So glad you liked it! Lovely review!

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