Prodigy

Prodigy
Legend Book Two
Written By Marie Lu
Supernatural, Romance, Dystopian
Published January 29th 2013
384 Pages
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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?

Prodigy begins with Day and June on a train bound for Vegas to join the Patriot movement, while fleeing the oppression of the republic. On the run, the relationship between Day and June is strained. He despises republic soldiers and still can't silence the nagging doubts he has whether he can trust her. June has given up everything for Day, her position as the infamous young republic prodigy, her wealth and now needs to instill her trust with Day, finding his brother and making it to the colonies.

When the leader of the Patriots, Razor, wants to strike a deal, June doesn't hesitate to agree. Kill the the new Elector, the young and attractive Anden, son of the former elect, and the Patriots will ensure the return of Day's brother. Day has envisioned the colonies as a free and proud land and a chance for a better life.

June knows something isn't right, on the verge of illness, she is planted to be captured by the republic. When she is finally taken to meet with Anden, she quickly releases that he isn't the same leader his father was. He's young, he wants a free society for the people of the republic and his ideas are sure to upset the senate and Republic traditionalists. So why do the Patriots want him dead?

Beautifully paced and written. The world created by Marie Lu is so detailed, and you can't help but feel immersed. My only annoyance is the use of '...Yeah?' at the end of a line of dialogue to turn a statement into a question. Be prepared for a few emotional shocks, and an ending that may leave you a tad deflated.