Respect the Legend. Idolize the Prodigy. Celebrate the Champion. But never underestimate the Rebel.
With unmatched suspense and her signature cinematic storytelling, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of Legend for a truly grand finale.
Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother.
A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero. These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.
As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him. At least not on his own . . .
MY THOUGHTS
I was both excited and wary of the release of this book. I was excited because I loved the original Legend series, but I was wary because spin-offs always make me nervous. Yes, there is that excitement to see the characters you once adored return, but every book needs conflict, so there's also a risk that the characters who were safe in the original series will be safe no more. There is also the chance that the spin-off will be completely unnecessary. This book had the second problem.
This book takes place 10 years after the end of the Legend series. Eden and Daniel (Day) have been living in Antarctica, living in the Level system which is known as one of the best systems in place around the world. But the system has its flaws. Eden spends his time at University, but he occasionally sneaks to the Undercity, where those with the lowest Levels lives. He sees firsthand how difficult it is for those in the Undercity to raise their Levels and in joining an illegal drone race, he becomes caught up in a man's uprising.
This book follows the dual POV layout of the original trilogy. Instead of the POVs being from Day and June, we get Daniel (Day) and his little brother, Eden. I liked that the perspectives were from a pair of siblings rather than a couple. But, I couldn't connect with their perspectives. Eden is an okay character, but he didn't feel dimensional enough to me. I couldn't connect with him at all and I was completely disinterested in him. I wanted to connect with his story. I wanted this to be a great spin-off about Eden, but he just read like a flat character. He has a best friend/love interest, but she felt even less dimensional. Since the plot is mainly Eden's story, it's strange that Daniel had so many chapters. Daniel's chapters were mainly focused on his memories (them coming back to him) and June. Like Eden, his character development did not feel as strong as it was in the original trilogy.
The plot of this book really lost my interest. I think it could have been interesting, some of the elements reminded me of Black Mirror, but it did not read like a unique sci-fi read. It actually read more like an action movie at points, but without any fear, because I never worried about the characters. I knew they were going to make it out and I always felt disconnected from the emotions of the characters. The plot was also incredibly rushed, but at the same time, I felt like nothing was happening. Part of my disappointment comes from the fact that this book was completely unnecessary. The plot didn't do anything new or add anything to the character development. I think people wanted this book because of the loose ends after Champion about whether June and Day were going to get together, but I felt like that was answered in Life After Legend. [highlight to vie spoiler] Yes, that was open-ended too, but it had an optimistic feel and I knew in my heart they were going to be together. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I don't need to see a marriage proposal to know they will be together. I can imagine that myself and seeing it in this book, it did not give me the feels I expected. [end of spoiler]
IN CONCLUSION
I know this review is not-so-positive, but I'm very disappointed. This was one of my most highly anticipated books this year. I preordered it once it was available to preorder! But, the characters were flat, and it was just not a necessary addition to the series. The writing was not what I expected from Marie Lu, and I honestly wonder if the editing process was rushed because the publisher was desperate to get this book released as soon as possible. I still love the Legend series, but this did not feel like it was as developed as the original series. So, my wariness for spin-offs will continue.
I hereby give this book
2.5 Stars
Meaning: I almost liked it, but not quite
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