Saturday, January 5, 2013

Review & Giveaway: Prodigy by Marie Lu


Prodigy (Legend, #2)Prodigy by Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Preorder: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
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:

He is beauty, inside and out.
He is the silver lining in a world of darkness.
He is my light.
(This quote was taken from an uncorrected proof.)

An amazing installment to the Legend series, which only goes to show that Marie Lu’s commanding voice and powerful narrative deserves top spot in the YA Dystopic genre! Loved this book!!

Over a year ago, Legend shot up to the top as my favorite dystopic series. After finishing and loving the first book, I could not wait to get my hands on the second installment. Luckily, I was able to get a copy of this ARC, so let me just gush a few words about Prodigy before I really tell you how I feel… IT.DID.NOT.DISSPOINT!! PURE.GENIUS!!! Absolutely brilliant installment to this stand out series!! Prodigy did what most middle books in series fail to do, which is up the stakes in the game and create even more of an excitement for the series.

I have to admit, now that 2012 is quickly coming to a close, I was fortunate enough to enjoy second book installments for a few of my favorite series including Unravel Me, Crossed, and now Prodigy. One thing I’m excited about is that where in the past, most middle books seem to bring the series to a standstill or just simply disappoint, what I’ve experienced this past year for the ones I’ve pointed out is that my top three are only getting better, which is pure excitement!

In Prodigy, June and Day are on the run from the Republic. When they find their way to the Patriots whose main objective is to bring down the controlling government, June is forced to abandon her alliances with her previous sector in order to protect Day. A plan is formed using Day and June as the key players, but as the stakes are raised and the truth begins to unveil itself, they must each decided how much are they willing to sacrifice and what it will mean for both of them?

In this book, the relationship of June and Day really developed to a significant degree. I truly found myself rooting for June and admiring her choices throughout this installment. I was a bit disappointed in Day, especially after one of their harsh encounters, but I do understand why certain things were said and done. I feel Elector Primo Anden played a flawless role by adding the right amount of tension and conflict in June and Day’s relationship. I can’t wait to see how certain events play out with these three characters, especially when June discovers what Day was unable to share with her. That last moment was pure torture!!

Also, I have to acknowledge the strong secondary cast of Kaede, Tess, Razor and to a lesser degree Eden, which each served as motivating factors for both June and Day to make hard choices and come to difficult conclusions. They each added a layer of complexity to the story that did nothing short of keeping me captivated in the outcome.

Overall, I’m right back where I was over a year ago… which is chomping at the bit for the next installment. Marie Lu has truly come to be one of my favorite YA authors that delivers a perfect novel with an intriguing plot, well balanced cast and perfectly executed flow. I’m hooked and I can’t wait for her next book. Well done Ms. Lu!!

5 Snowflakes

Because we loved this book so much we are giving away a preorder of it to one lucky follower!  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!  This is open to anywhere The Book Depository ships! 
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38 comments:

  1. My favorite scene in Legend? Umm, I think it would be when June saved Tess and met Day! Well, I like when she saved Tess more actually. ;)

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  2. Great review hun! I loved Legend..so I can't wait for Prodigy. My favourite scene was when they kiss in the ally - LOVED IT! Thank you for the chance.

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  3. SPOILERS - The one were Day's brother sacrifices himself. So sad, but so beautiful.
    Penny Pe

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  4. I don't know my favorite scene, but I do know i loved the book :)! And I can't wait for prodigy

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  5. I loved Legend so much, I don't know about one scene. I liked the tension of the scene inside the prison. This is one of my favorite books. And, I loved Prodigy just as much as you did!

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  6. Oh my gosh! I am currently reading Legend (started it yesterday, a little late I know :)) and so far I like it!
    Prodigy is sounding good!
    Thanks for the giveaway

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  7. I love the part where June is stabbed in the ribs and Day takes care of her. :)

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  8. It's hard to choose only one scene. Maybe the kiss... Dunno...

    Thanks for the giveaway XD

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  9. I loved Legend but can't pick out a favorite scene. I loved the entire book!

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  10. Ummmm The entire bloody book :D So good!

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  11. I haven't read Legend yet. But it's one of my next reads!

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  12. Thanks for a great post and giveaway! I just got Legends (for Christmas) and I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Can't wait!

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  13. I haven't yet read Legend, but I keep reading great things about this author. Her books are at the top of my list to read next.

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  14. I haven't read Legend yet, but I have the book already on my tbr pile!
    I've heard amazing things about the book and can't wait to read it!

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  15. I haven't read it yet. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  16. Haven't read it yet, I'm waiting for Prodigy to be released so I won't have to wait for too much. Thank you for the giveaway :)

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  17. Just ordered Legend last week, so it's on it's way. Would love to win this too, so the wait won't be too long!

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  18. Well, the alley scene obviously stands out, but of course I loved so many scenes in the book! I just also loved all of the scenes dealing with June's journey to discover the truth about her brother's death. SO excited for this book!!!! :D

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  19. I really liked Legend because it did not disappoint me at all. I loved reading both June & Day pov. But what I really liked from the book was June relationship with her older bother. And Day willingness to do anything for his family.

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  20. When June finally realize who Day was!

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  21. The end-how they escaped and the whole thing with Day's brother. Very well-written and emotional!

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  22. I`m reading it right now, so...not sure yet :)

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  23. i think when when June saved Tess and met Day

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  24. I'm not sure, there are.so plenty to choose from. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    -Riz Bulatao

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  25. The best part for me was the end, heartbreaking but full of hope. I can't wait to read Prodigy :D

    Thanks!

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  26. Wonderful review Arlene! I was so heartbroken reading this. While I wasn't pleased with Day and his decisions, I hope things get fixed for him! :(
    I NEED for things to work out! I guess we can grill Marie when we see her in February. :)

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  27. My favorite scenes are the most emotional ones. Even though I may not enjoy what's happening, I still enjoy when an author is able to make me feel strong emotions through their writing. So my favorite scenes in Legend all happen to be the most tragic, not that I enjoy tragedy. Anyway, they're (I'll try to keep it vague so I don't spoil) when John makes a sacrifice, when John gives Day advice on staying strong, when Day is on the roof of his house, and when the people are protesting. All of these scenes made me tear up.

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  28. I haven't actually read ledgend yet, but i have reserved it from the library :)

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  29. I don't really have a favorite scene. I loved the whole book. So much win. I cannot wait for this one! Great review and thanks for the giveaway! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :D

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  30. The whole book was full of awesome, but i really loved the ending. Can't wait for Prodigy to come out.
    Thanks for a giveaway! :)

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  31. I haven't had the chance to read Legend yet! I'm looking forward to reading it though. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  32. The ending was epic. definitely memorable

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  33. Hmm, well maybe while they were on the streets/in the alley. Aw, a great first kiss...

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  34. My favorite scene was when the truth was revealed! :D

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  35. Amazing review! Can't wait to read this!
    My fave scene... I really liked the scenes with June and her brother - I loved Metias! And the scenes with June and Day, obviously! I love Day! :D
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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