Prodigy by Marie Lu
4.5/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
371 pages
YA Dystopia
Sequel to Legend
Source: Library
Legend was one of my favorite books from 2012 so I was heavily anticipating this second book especially after seeing so much positive buzz for it. My feelings about this book are also largely positive but there may be some SPOILERS so be forewarned.
June and Day are on the run: the prodigy and the criminal, united in a common purpose against the Republic (which reminded me very strongly of North Korea in this book). They are recruited by the resistance to assassinate the new Elector, June's old compatriot Anden. But on their quest to accomplish that, they uncover some surprising realities and keep the reader on the edge of her seat.
Now of course there is so much more to this story than the romantic parts but that has been my favorite section. June and Day are an amazing, smart, powerful (would-be) couple. And the fact that some people got in the way of that made me angry. Gah, I wanted to cut Tess! Anden was less irksome, I think because he didn't know June had Day but Tess knew and a girl I thought I liked in Legend became absolutely loathsome to me. I know that these two kids do not have an easy road ahead of them (made all the more difficult by the decisions of the last few chapters) but I'm rooting for them!
Like the first book, this is again told in alternating chapters, which were very easy to fly through. Day's font is blue instead of gold this time and I found that much easier to read while it also has the bonus of matching the cover. Also like the first book, this is filled with action, tough decisions, and stunning revelations. The world of June and Day is only getting darker and murkier-there are no easy paths and the ending left me near heartbroken but relieved that there will be a book three to hopefully give some resolution.
Cover: I am wondering if the third book will have red in the cover? Could look cool with the gray/yellow and blue/black covers.
Other Opinions:
Debbie's World of Books
Gone with the Words
Holes In My Brain
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Tripping Over Books
This is one series that I wouldn't mind finding. I'll have to check my library. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
You should definitely check this series out-it's an excellent read!
DeleteBahahaha, I didn't like Tess in this one at all. From her characterization in Legend, I thought she was much younger than she really is, and the change in her character really startled me. She seems very forward for one so young, though that fits with how freaking old June and Day seem, I suppose. The romance frankly isn't my favorite aspect, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLoved the ramping up of the darkness. I feel like Lu really hit her stride here, and differentiated her dystopian series from the ones that have come before.
Right, Tess is awful! Since I liked the romance so much, I especially hated her. I love the very high stakes action of this one and am dying for book 3!
DeleteI seriously need to start this series. The upped darkness and that you enjoyed and didn't let you down from the 1st.
ReplyDeleteBrandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I was so happy to read this amazing second book after a string of disappointing second books in 2012.
DeleteI really liked the first book, so I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the sequel! You've got me curious to know more about the "stunning revelations" - I'll have to check it out soon :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Yay-I was trying to get people curious so they'll pick it up for themselves. You should read it as soon as you can!
DeleteI felt the same way about Tess in Prodigy which was frustrating because I liked her so much in Legend! She needed to GET AWAY. This series is just so good. I love the way it LOOKS - the cover, the colored fonts, and such - and I love the horrible government and the leading characters. The ending was an interesting twist and I'm really excited to see what the conclusion will bring. I have to say that this is one of my favorite series out there in this genre.
ReplyDeleteGlad other people agree with me about Tess-she just made me so mad! I cannot wait for book 3.
DeleteThe third cover in red would be cool, but red type would be way too much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one--I thought this was even better than LEGEND. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
I'm very interested in seeing the cover reveal-can't remember when Prodigy's was revealed but I guess Champion will be around the same time?
DeleteI've been across this book. When I see it online I want to read but then I saw it in the library and I was like, nah!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I will reconsider my interest now.
You should definitely give it a try especially since your library has a copy.
DeleteI just skimmed this one for fear of the spoiler-y bits, but I'm glad you enjoyed it... it sounds intense!! I did read an ARC of the first book, but I basically forget all but the most basic plot details. I think once the whole series is released I'll have to do a re-read of Book 1 and read on from there.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you'd want to wait for all three books-I couldn't! I hope you love this when you do pick it up.
DeleteTess is like a different person in this one.
ReplyDeleteThat's what it felt like to me-I was so pissed at her!
DeleteI have this one to read soon. I liked the first but not as much as you, I don't think. I definitely liked it enough to continue but I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it in. SO many series releases this Spring, I can't keep up!
ReplyDeleteHope you can get to it soon and that this just blows you away!
DeleteI still need to finish Legend. Your review makes me want to pick it back up again. I wonder if Tess is supposed to be like Eponine?
ReplyDeleteShe's a bit more forward than Eponine who never confessed her love right? Since you're reading Les Mis, you should definitely analyze that in your reviews of Legend and Prodigy.
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