Review of Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Narrators: Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan
Published by: Penguin Audio
Length: 7 CDs, 9 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths--until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

I love stories that are told in alternating points of view.  There is something about knowing both sides of the story that I find extremely intriguing and it gives me a better understanding of who the characters are.

Marie Lu wrote her characters with much depth and personality. Day and June are two characters that will instantly make an impression on you.  Even though Day is a criminal, the first time you meet him you'll know that he isn't a bad person.  He is strong and self-sufficient.  The government may have cast him aside, but he's not working to take them down, instead he's just trying to keep his family safe.  June on the other hand, starts off as a government prodigy who believes in organization and structure.  She's smart, lethal and is out to hunt down Day.  Girl out to kill cute boy...always a favorite storyline in my book.

Dystopian novels are known for their world building.  Legend was no different.  There is a central government who controls it all and there are rebels trying to overthrow them.  While I did enjoy this part of the novel I didn't feel like there was anything that set this world apart from the other Dystopian novels.  I would have liked to see a more unique world. 

The narrators did a wonderful job.  I loved Stephan Kaplan interpretation of Day.  His voice was soothing and smooth.  I think he made Day's personality stand out and gave us the impression he wasn't one of the "bad guys." At first I wasn't sure about Mariel Stearn who read the part of June, but after a while her voice grew on me.  Her pitch seemed kind of young for how advanced June was suppose to be, but then it helped to remind me that June herself was fairly young. 

If you are a fan of Dystopian I would try Legend; especially because the alternating POVs adds so much to the story. 

Review of Somthing Like Normal by Trish Doller

Title: Something Like Normal
Author: Trish Doller
Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 214
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Are you ready to be blown away?  Read Something Like Normal. 

What is not to love about this book.  First, it's told from Travis's point of view as he is home for a month on leave from Afghanistan.  After being gone for a year, his life has completely changed and how does he handle it...not the best.  Travis is one of those characters that you instantly like.  He may be a jerk at times, but you know that down deep he's a great guy.  I loved how complex Travis emotions were in this novel.  Trish Doller dives into Travis's head and you really get a feel for the struggles he goes through everyday.  Not only is he dealing with PTSD, but his family is falling apart and his brother has essentially taken over Travis's old life. 

Enter Harper.  Travis was a first-class-jerk to Harper back in the day and I love how the first time she sees him when he's on his leave, she slaps him across the face.  Oh she's definitely fiesty and my kind of girl. These characters that Trish Doller writes are so relastic and authentic you feel as if they could be people you know. 

There are not many novels featuring military personal, especially in the YA field.  I though Trish Doller did an amazing job at bringing this aspect of the novel to life.  She showed not only the good stuff associated with being a solider, but also the bad.  She explored the life of an active duty officer as well as one on leave.  It was intriging and connected us to Travis on a whole other level.

I highly recommend Something Like Normal!  Trust me...you won't regret it.