This review is part of Melody’s Summer Reading: Diversity Spotlight. Enjoy!
Legend: The Graphic Novel by Marie Lu
Adapted by Leigh Dragoon, Illustrated by Kaari
Release Date: April 21, 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
ISBN: 978-0399171895
Source: Library
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Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a military prodigy. Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives are not as sinister as they often seem. One day June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. And the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.
Having read and enjoyed Legend by Marie Lu, I’ve been anticipating reading the graphic novel adaptation since its announcement. And I finally got my hands on it! Seeing the characters come to life in full color on the page was so exciting, I can’t even begin to tell you! From the major to the minor, this was quite a treat!
I can’t say that I had well defined images in my head so I welcomed what I saw here and was very pleased. I think the introductions of all of the characters was great and I’m really hoping that they make graphic novels for Prodigy and Champion so that we can see many of these minor characters grow in their roles in Day and June’s lives. Because, so far, so good.
It’s not easy adapting a novel into a graphic novel nor is it easy showing the depth of relationship dynamics within a short amount of time but I think it was perfect here. That’s actually my favorite part about this adaptation. The characters and seeing this world come to life. Because then there’s the pacing, which I enjoyed but the transitions were not always as fluid as they could have been and some scenes could have been more layered and in depth.
There’s just so much more to this story and if I didn’t read the books, I know for sure that I wouldn’t have gotten enough out of this one graphic novel and maybe even would have felt a bit let down. This could have been much longer, still within graphic novel length territory and gotten the job done. Alas. Not quite the cherry on top but I’d definitely say it’s the sprinkles. So read the book first and then read the graphic novel and let this be a fun addition to this amazing trilogy.
Legend: The Graphic Novel By Marie Lu, Adapted by Leigh Dragoon, Illustrated by Kaari is available today.