Prodigy (Legend, #2) in Shut Up & Read

Dec 12, 2015 Yzabel Ginsberg rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult, post-apocalyptic, good-ideas-but, annoying-characters, dystopia, war, romance, love-polygons

More world-building in this one... but of a kind that didn't convince me. Bad totalitarianism vs. bad capitalism... Meh.

I wasn't convinced either when it came to the characters, as these supposedly "geniuses" have sharp thoughts at times, only to behave stupidly the next. Day wasn't that much active throughout the novel, and there was *a lot* of angsting and running in circles instead of simply communicating with each other (not to mention the plot twist about Day at the end). The political plot ...more

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Jan 02, 2014 Cathy rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, people-of-color, ebook-library-available, dystopian

3.75 stars? I liked this one better than the first book. The first book was good, but just too simple, the kids were way too perfect to easily, especially at such a young age, and everything was much too black and white. This had more complexity and shades of gray. It was more interesting trying to figure out who was right and what they should do. Things weren't as obvious. And there was a lot more going on than just the plague issue that seemed like the big problem in the first book, it was sig 3.75 stars? I liked this one better than the first book. The first book was good, but just too simple, the kids were way too perfect to easily, especially at such a young age, and everything was much too black and white. This had more complexity and shades of gray. It was more interesting trying to figure out who was right and what they should do. Things weren't as obvious. And there was a lot more going on than just the plague issue that seemed like the big problem in the first book, it was significantly more complex than book one, going much further into the history and current politics of the world. It's normal for dystopian trilogies to start off without explaining much about the history or politics, then get more complex in the second and third books, I've seen it a lot. But I do still think that the first book was too simple. I didn't think there was a lack of development of the society, it was rich enough to sustain the initial story, but the characters other than June and Day were flat, especially the villains. I want to wonder if maybe they have a heart of gold, or if their motivation might be other than what appears on the surface. If so many people hadn't raved about the series I wouldn't have been excited to continue on, not because I didn't like it, but just because I wasn't left with any huge curiosity about what was going to happen next. It certainly wouldn't have stood out as unique among the many similar books in the sub-genre or in YA lit.

But I'm glad I already had this book reserved. It was definitely more interesting and for most of the book there were a lot of questions about what was going on, what people's motivations were, and who the heroes really were. In the end the characters again appeared to settle into their black or white camps, which was a disappointment, I still want to have more gray. It wraps it up too neatly. Just because it's YA doesn't mean it shouldn't be complicated. Kids know better than anyone that people aren't just one thing or another and they don't need to be talked down to. Especially in a series aimed at older kids, not the 8-12 set, though I often think that authors overly-simplify characters and emotions meant for them as well. Or meant for their parents to read over their shoulders, maybe. Sometimes the kids are ready for more than their parents are ready to accept that they are. Anyhow, in this case it seemed clear that the supporting characters would have been more interesting if they'd had a few more layers. Especially the villains. But it's a fun series and I am curious to see how the changes at the end play out in the next book, there have been a lot of game-changers. ...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Renuka rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, favorites, young-adult, science-fiction, dystopia, adventure, romance, action, war, cliff-hangers

OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED. Yeah. This is what the world has come to? Authors thinking they can just write books of this magnitude without completely blowing the minds of the readers? This is one of the most incredible things I have read. Not just because it continues at an absolute killer pace, but because every chapter you die a little more. The dramatic irony is murderous. Every time you know some thing either June or Day don't you want to kill yourself because the mounting action is just too inc OMG WHAT JUST HAPPENED. Yeah. This is what the world has come to? Authors thinking they can just write books of this magnitude without completely blowing the minds of the readers? This is one of the most incredible things I have read. Not just because it continues at an absolute killer pace, but because every chapter you die a little more. The dramatic irony is murderous. Every time you know some thing either June or Day don't you want to kill yourself because the mounting action is just too incredible. Honestly I can't remember a book where I felt so frustrated. Obviously, it was completely done on purpose, and so masterfully at that I couldn't even see past the words on the pages for a day.

I also just wanted to savor June, Day and their bittersweet romance. The angst and betrayal, the feelings. Ack, so much agony. Their trust issues were also wonderful, because they are actually still getting to know each other, no matter how perfect they are together. The division of backgrounds comes together splendidly in their arguments. Although, just as they are learning to grow and trust each other....BLAM. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING.

Yeah. There are some nasty twists in here. Lu does not hesitate to rip out the heartstrings of people. Also, not only does she introduce drama between June and Day, but she adds Tess and new Elector Anden to the equation. Can it get any more overwhelming? But it worked though. The doubt was great, even if it did cause me (a great June and Day lover) immense pain.

Finally, we learn much more about the world they live in. The split between the Republic and the Colonies, and also what happened to the other countries. (We even get to see a wee glimpse.) Overall, just an excellent, follow up to Legend, I may have enjoyed it even more and it is definitely one of my favorite books. The assassinations and conspiracy plots were so thick I was hyperventilating at some points. It truly was breathtaking and now I have to wait another year until the next. If I don't die from the suspense and anticipation. ...more

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May 26, 2013 Stephanie rated it really liked it

Much like its predecessor, this is a fantastic read. A quick summer read filled with action and intrigue and a little bit of deception presented in a tightly planned and well written book. I highly recommend this series.

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Aug 03, 2021 Marla rated it liked it

Shelves: girl-power, young-adult, adventure, series, romance, audiobook, dystopia, back-to-back, zz-2021

3.5 stars. June left behind her life and career to save the innocent Day. Now they are pursued as criminals by Republic military, though the public thinks Day was executed. (view spoiler) ...more

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