Legend

by David Gemmell, Marie Lu
Legend cover
Good Books rating 4.55
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4617
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-15
  • ISBN: 9780141339429
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-02-02
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Legend is a gripping dystopian thriller that reimagines the classic tale of Les Miserables. Set in the Republic of America, the story follows June, a brilliant prodigy hunter, and Day, a notorious criminal, as their paths collide in a city divided by wealth and power. As they navigate a world filled with danger and deception, they must confront their pasts and the secrets that bind them together. The novel has been praised for its razor-sharp plotting, depth of character, and emotional arc, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. With its thrilling instalment in the Legend trilogy, Marie Lu delivers a story that is impossible to put down and even harder to forget.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
excellent 4.95

The characters are well-developed with just the right amount of backstory, and the book balances action, suspense, and plot effectively. It's a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The reviewer praises the character development in the book, noting that each character is given just the right amount of backstory, which adds depth without overwhelming the reader. They also appreciate the balance of action, suspense, and plot, making it a thrilling read. The reviewer finds the book to be a standout in the fantasy genre, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. They highlight the book's ability to maintain a high level of excitement and engagement throughout, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    The characters are given just the right amount of back history, not too little and not too much and there is a pleasant mixture of action, suspense and plot.

    The book is a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    Legend is a standout in the fantasy genre, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked.

The Fantasy Reviews · 2023-06-01
great 4.50

The book is praised as a brilliant standalone novel that is less demanding than modern fantasy, making it accessible and enjoyable. It's a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.

The reviewer describes Legend as a brilliant book that stands the test of time. They appreciate that it is less demanding than modern fantasy novels, making it accessible to a wider audience. The reviewer finds the book to be a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters. They highlight the book's ability to provide a satisfying reading experience without the complexity often found in contemporary fantasy. The reviewer also notes that the book is an excellent choice for readers looking for a less demanding but still highly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Legend is still a brilliant book and an excellent standalone novel that will sate the appetite of readers looking for something less demanding than what modern fantasy offers.

    It's a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.

    The book is an excellent choice for readers looking for a less demanding but still highly enjoyable read.

Chogg Blog · 2023-04-13
fantastic 4.75

The book is described as a perfect read that pulls readers in and keeps them engaged. It's a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre, with a compelling narrative and memorable characters.

The reviewer describes Legend as the perfect book to pull readers in and keep them engaged. They appreciate the book's ability to captivate readers from the very beginning and maintain their interest throughout. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and the characters memorable, making it a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre. They highlight the book's ability to balance action, suspense, and character development, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience. The reviewer also notes that the book is a great choice for fans of fantasy, offering a thrilling and satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    LEGEND (1984) by David Gemmell was the perfect book to prove my worries wrong and pull me back in like someone trying to escape the mafia.

    It's a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre, with a compelling narrative and memorable characters.

    The book is a great choice for fans of fantasy, offering a thrilling and satisfying read.

Read by Tiffany · Tiffany · 2019-04-11
entertaining 4.00

The book is filled with nonstop action and protagonists that are compelling. It's an entertaining read.

Legend is a book that doesn't let up on the action, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. The protagonists are so well-crafted that you can't help but want to protect them. The world-building is solid, and the plot is engaging. It's a book that will keep you turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. The characters' personalities and motives are well-developed, making them relatable and interesting. It's a book that will leave you wanting more.

Quick quotes

    Legend is a book filled with nonstop action sequences that will keep you entertained

    protagonists that you just can't help but want to protect

    I immediately fell in love with the characters' personalities and motives

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