What's On My Kindle - February

It's that time again! Time to see what I've been reading, and this winter weather has definitely been encouraging for cuddling up with a good book. This month I continued to indulge in YA fiction by reading a trilogy that is claimed to be for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games, and one that I bought because I like the author. Here are my reviews:

1. The Siren by Kiera Cass

I chose this book because I am a big fan of Kiera Cass' series The Selected. This book however, is very different. From Greek mythology I was aware of what a siren is, a woman of the sea whose singing can bring men to their deaths, but its never been something I've explored or been intrigued by in literature.

This book is from the point of view of Kahlen, a siren in the modern world, and her relationship with the Ocean (a god-like being) and her desire for a romantic relationship with a man (which is of course, strictly forbidden...never mind that her voice would cause him to commit suicide in seconds.)

The book took a long time to dive into the action, and even then it wasn't necessarily suspense filled or exciting. I give this book three stars, but I don't think I can recommend it. It was an OK read. I think if they had jumped into her relationship with the man sooner and spent more time developing that relationship it would have been better.

2. Legend by Marie Lu

Book 1 in the series follows Day, the number one rebel against the Utopian society called The Republic. He has a history of non-violence, but loves to create trouble. When his pattern is broken and he kills an officer, the officer's sister June, a prodigy in the Republic graduates from school early to track him down and avenge her brother's death.

June is successful in finding and delivering Day to the Republic...but something doesn't quite add up about the Republic's autopsy and Day's version of the story.

I have to say I was hooked from the beginning. I was a bit weary of reading another distopian novel after the disappointing conclusion of Divergent. But I decided to give it a chance, and I'm so glad I did! What I love about the books in this series is that they include mystery, action, romance, and political intrigue.

3. Prodigy by Marie Lu

So if you haven't figured it out by now, Day is the Legend Book 1 refers to. Book 2 is all about the Republic's prodigy June. ******SPOILER FOR BOOK 1*****

After June helps Day escape his execution, she struggles to trust the Colonies. She still feels loyalty to the Republic and must work to view both sides objectively. However the Republic has big plans for her and in exchange they will give Day the surgery he needs and help him find his brother. June gets swept up in a plot to kill the new Republic leader in order to save Day...but something's not quite right. June must decide how to proceed while separated from Day.

This book continues to develop the characters of Day and June and their complicated relationship. I love that Marie Lu really looks at the dynamic between the two characters and how their history has a detrimental impact on their future.

4. Champion by Marie Lu

The conclusion to this series leaves The Republic's people looking for a champion. And who better to pull them all together than the man of the people Day. June is working closely with the new Republic leader while Day cares for his brother. Day must decide how to lead the people whether it is in favor of the rebels and the Colonies, or of sticking with the Republic and their new leader who promises change. It all may be for nothing as the the Republic and Colonies head toward war.

Ok, enough recap. Let me tell you why I liked this book. It does a great job of resolving the series in a way that is agreeable to the reader. Well, I guess I should say agreeable to this reader. It's not a happily ever after and it's not a disappointing mess like the Divergent series. I give Marie Lu major props for her ending. The conclusion to the last book in a series can make or break the whole thing...and she does a good job. Honestly it was a brilliant move on her part, she found a way to bring closure to the characters while still leaving it hopeful.

Ok so go read the Legend Series! 

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