Legend by Marie Lu

The back cover says this is "a romantic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world" and that's exactly what it is. It's a fast-paced story of June, a wealthy military prodigy and an excellent strategist, and Day, a defiant young criminal fighting against the evil Republic. As you might guess, the two characters are fighting against each other but end up attracted to each other. It's a good story with lots of action and intrigue and yes, romance. It kept me interested but it did not have the "wow" factor that I thought it might have. I think if it had come out before The Hunger Games (and so many other post-apocalyptic romances) it would have a lot more of an impact on me. I hate to compare every post-apocalyptic book to The Hunger Games--it's kind of like comparing every fantasy to Harry Potter. But the truth is, teens will make these comparisons and they are hungry for books that will blow their minds and rock their worlds. Legend was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to readers of futuristic fiction, but I can't say it is as complex, mind-bending, or as well-written as Suzanne Collins' books.