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TL;DR: In the Republic, a military state in what was once the western United States, fifteen-year-old June Iparis is a celebrated prodigy from a wealthy family. Day is the country's most wanted criminal, a poor boy who fights the government. When June's brother is murdered and Day is blamed, she sets out to catch him, but what she discovers about the Republic changes everything.
Table of Contents
Legend at a Glance
| Author | Marie Lu |
| First published | 2011 |
| Type | Dystopian novel |
| Best for | readers who want a fast, action-packed dystopian story with two strong narrators |
Legend is the first book in Marie Lu's Legend trilogy, published in 2011. It tells the story in alternating chapters from June's and Day's points of view. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes violence, death, plague, executions and government cruelty.
Main Characters
- June Iparis: A brilliant young soldier from an elite family.
- Day: A daring rebel from the slums.
- Metias Iparis: June's older brother, a captain.
- Commander Jameson: June's harsh commanding officer.
- Thomas: A soldier and friend of Metias.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Two lives
June scored a perfect 1500 on the Trial, a test every child must take, and is trained for the military. Day failed his Trial and was supposedly sent to labor camps, but he escaped. Now he steals medicine and sabotages the Republic's army. His family, including his mother and brothers, lives in poverty and fear of a deadly plague.
Murder
June's brother Metias, a captain, is killed during a break-in at a hospital, and the evidence points to Day. Furious, June goes undercover in the poor sectors of the city to find him. She meets a boy who helps her when she is attacked. Without knowing it, she has met Day. They become friends, and she begins to fall for him.
Capture
June discovers who he is and reports him. Day is captured, and his mother is killed in the raid. His younger brother Eden has been taken for plague experiments. June feels guilt and confusion. She learns from Metias's hidden blog that he discovered secrets about the government and its plagues.
Secrets
June learns that the Republic deliberately spreads plagues in poor districts and that Thomas, not Day, killed Metias on Commander Jameson's orders, because Metias knew too much. The Trial is also used to remove “undesirable” children. June realizes she has served a corrupt government her whole life.
Escape
Day is sentenced to death. June secretly plans his escape. Day's older brother John takes his place in the execution, sacrificing himself. June and Day flee together, wounded and hunted. They decide to join the Patriots, a rebel group, hoping to change the Republic. Their story continues in Prodigy.
5 Key Takeaways
- Governments can lie to control people.
- Loyalty can be misplaced.
- Opposites can understand each other.
- Family is a powerful motivator.
- Truth can change your whole life.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Privilege can blind people to injustice.
- Courage means questioning what you were taught.
- Sacrifice can save others.
Who Should Read Legend?
Read Legend if you enjoy fast dystopian novels, dual narrators and stories about rebellion. It suits teens and adults.
About Marie Lu
Marie Lu (born 1984) is a Chinese-born American author who moved to the United States as a child. She worked as an art director in the video game industry before writing. Her books include the Legend trilogy, The Young Elites trilogy, Warcross and Wildcard. The Legend series has sold millions of copies.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Legend:
- How do June and Day see the Republic differently?
- Why did the Republic kill Metias?
- Was John's sacrifice necessary?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Legend is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Legend, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is quick, exciting and emotional.
Check price of Legend on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Prodigy by Marie Lu: the second Legend book
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: a young rebel against a cruel government
- Divergent by Veronica Roth: a teen discovers the truth about her society
Related: Warcross by Marie Lu: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legend about?
A young soldier hunts a rebel she believes killed her brother.
Who wrote it?
Marie Lu, in 2011.
Who are June and Day?
A prodigy soldier and a wanted rebel.
What is the Republic?
A military government in the former western United States.
What is the Trial?
A test that decides children's futures.
Who killed Metias?
Thomas, on Commander Jameson's orders.
Who takes Day's place?
His brother John.
Is it a series?
Yes, the Legend trilogy.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 300 pages.
Is there romance?
Yes, between June and Day.
What comes next?
Prodigy.
Is Legend a good choice for fans of The Hunger Games?
Yes. It has the same mix of action, rebellion and a corrupt government.
Is Legend worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a fast, action-packed dystopian story with two strong narrators. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.