Review + Giveaway: Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu.

Title: Prodigy
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend
Book #: 2
Pages: 384
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.43
T.B.Published: Jan. 29th, 2013

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.

Taschima's POV:

Let's just put it like this. If you read Legend and liked/loved it, you are going to love Prodigy, and if you read Legend and sort of thought it was okay then let me tell you YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE PRODIGY. There is just no way around it, this book is so hard not to love. Its even hard to find a fault in it, because to tell you the truth I think it has none. Everything, from the deliciously flawed characters to the magnificently crafted story line, is amazing. I do not regret one second spent in this book. Prodigy kicks major ass.

The moment you think you have everything figured out is the moment you are dead wrong. I thought Prodigy was going to follow this linear plot where the bad guy was widely recognised and he needed to be defeated. Kind of like The Hunger Games in a way. President Snow was powerful and evil, and he really needed to be taken down. But while Prodigy may have started out that way it's linear plot quickly dissipates and you are left with a twist. You start off fighting against the Republic, but much to quick, like June, you begin to question if you should be fighting against the new Elector or supporting him. Prodigy is sure to test the reader's loyalties as much as the characters. Because while June may be changing her mind when it comes to defeating the new elector, Day is nothing if not dead serious about taking the Republic down.

Which is where our romance begins to take hard blows. One of the biggest themes in Prodigy is trust, specially where to place it. Because trusting one movement versus the other can break down nations, as well as relationships. June and Day had a rocky start in Legend, and Prodigy is no different. You can see how much these characters want to trust each other, and how much they depend on one another not only as lovers but as partners. They are each other's crutches in this world full of uncertainty. But realistically they have known each other only for so long, and they have already hurt each other in some ways even if it was involuntary. The way they work their way to each other was definitely a high point in the story and without this inner doubt the story wouldn't have been half as believable and touching.

Every story depends on it's characters. Day and June, they've grown up so much. If they started out as rebellious teenagers they ended up as strong new adults, willing to do anything and take high leaps in faith for not only each other but also for their country. June, in this book she was my favorite. If Legend was more about Day I feel like Prodigy is more about June. It's totally about both of them, both have to overcome huge tests in their lives, but June for me grew up the most. Day as well by the end of the novel.

There's other characters like Anden and Tess who definitely make a come back. I loved who I wasn't supposed to love and hated characters that I previously thought of as endearing. Here is one of my updates while reading Prodigy:

"ITS A FOURSOME!!!! A Four way love affair!! OMGUI@*RY@)(R%*#)~! Not the main reason I am enjoying the book but it certainly makes things interesting (specially since Anden is such a freaking cutie that I think I may be falling for him). But there's a conspiracy here that is making me go all O)*@UHJFUHSN, EXCITING!!"

Just... keep an open mind. Tess is a bit of a bitch this time around though lol At least she seemed like that to me.

Finally, the ending. Oh holy baby raptor Jesus. It was HEART BREAKING. I was left in a puddle of my own tears, wondering if and how things will turn around on Book 3. I am not even sure they can, or if I want them to. It seems like book 3 is going to be very interesting... in 2014. COME ON!! Write a little faster Miss Lu!

This is how the ending left me... Too much feelings!

All I know is that Legend #3 is BOUND to kick some major ass. I wonder if we are going to go some years into the future, that would be cool. Or if we are just going to pick up weeks, or months after. I hope for the former. I wonder what is going to happen to the Republic, to Anden, to Day, and to June. But most of all I really hope Tess never comes back into the picture. Her mood swings annoyed me lol

Now, for the good stuff. The giveaway!

Giveaway Rules!

1. Follow Bloody Bookaholic.
2. Leave an email, and maybe say hi, in the comment section so I can contact you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are plenty of options to go around, and they are very easy to achieve so good luck guys!

Number of winners: 1

This contest will end February 2nd, 2013. Enough time to give many of you a chance to enter! Spread the word!

U.S. only.