Wow, so I finally finished Prodigy! After it sat on my shelf for a month, and then took another two months to actually read! That may sound like a bad thing to most readers. I know I usually take one or two days to actually read a book. However, this one took me so long to get through because I kept getting freaked out about where Marie Lu was taking the story. It was so intense, and all the emotions that June and Day were feeling towards each other were escalating, and old characters were coming back and secrets were coming to light, and I didn’t know who to trust anymore! I knew that if I was going to really enjoy the last two thirds of the book, I just need to sit down and READ IT in one sitting. So I went outside to my backyard, lied down on top of our picnic table with my cool shades, a glass of water, and my dog panting beside me, and I read the book. I didn’t notice the heat, I toned out of all the bugs flying around my legs (after a few good swats they stayed away), and the only time I moved was to adjust the book to block out the sun. I was so absorbed and so happy that I was reading this book and enjoying it (while cringing, and sighing, and yearning, and screaming). What made me initially kind of stop reading was when Day and June get separated. After all that work to get them together (plus all the sexual tension buildup), I almost cried. Then the whole thing turned into a love-square!!! A square guys! I was like, what is Marie Lu is trying to do? Separate them and show that they don’t need each other? NO. That is not allowed. They both may be independent, confident, and motivated badasses, but they NEED each other! At this point it was about one third of the way done. I was crying inside. I hated what the author was making those poor characters go through. But in the end, it was necessary. You’ll see why. It doesn’t involve sunshine and daisies, let me tell you that. I was screaming (inside, but still screaming nonetheless), when I got to that ending. But it was what the story needed. The pacing is excellent. Legend and Prodigy have a very similar feel in that both characters endure a lot of emotional and physical pain but survive it by relying on one another and on their own smarts. June returns to being her cold, calculated self, but her introspection reveals how much she’s changed from her past naïve outlook. However, she’s still very optimistic. Day, on the other hand, is somewhat of a pessimist. Everything that has gone wrong in his life up until this point, has, so it makes sense that he’s a little (a lot) cynical of the system, of leadership, of relationships . . . I think I felt the most for him throughout this book because he has to watch June infiltrate her old government and pretend to be her old self while trying to suck up to the new leadership Meanwhile, he has to do everything he can for the Patriots in order to make sure that June and him can get out of this mess alive. I did not see those twists at the end coming. I thought the whole plot was pretty straight-forward. I knew what to expect from June and from Day. Then everything went out the window and got ran over by a truck. I was like, WHAAAT?? Maybe it was because I hadn’t read it in an entire sitting that I hadn’t picked up the clues. What was also interesting was seeing the Colonies’ point of view and how they live. It was . . . enlightening. I think Marie Lu raises some interesting questions during this point (I won’t give anything away), but it forces the MCs to really critically evaluate the institutions and structures they are being coerced and manipulated by unconsciously. In the end, everything comes together beautifully. It was what I was hoping for and more. And then the last couple of chapters just tore that apart. Champion had better not give me a heart-attack, because I don’t think I can stand any more of this emotional and action-filled intensity.

4.5 stars. Wow. Prodigy is amazing! The perfect blend of mystery, action, romance, and politics! It does start of very slow, and its dull and boring at first. But when the story finally picks up, it keeps moving. I remembered all of the things I love about Legend, especially the writing. The love aspect is great, and definitely keeps the story alive. We explore the same characters we love and watch as they grow and develop. We are also introduced to some more great characters, and the ones we saw very little of in Legend, such as Keade, Tess, and of course, Anden, we get to see more of and get a deeper understanding of who they are. There is no denying that June and Day are good for each other, but there will always be one difference between them that is a big factor and is mentioned constantly: class. While June is wealthy and, even in the enemy's hands, is treated like a princess, Day has been living in the slums, and has had to work for everything he has. They are so alike yet so different, which is what makes them a good couple. Im excited, yet nervous, to see what Lu has in store for them. Now, i dont want to spoil anything for you, but we get an inside look at the Colonies, and how different life in the east is different from the west. We also learn how the US collapsed, and how it split into two. We get to see what other parts of the world is like, too, which is a rare thing to find in a dystopian book, but absolutely fantastic! I love how the cover of each book is explained inside of the book. Brilliant! Prodigy is full of surprises, let me tell you that. There are some intense and fiery moments between June and Day, and just when you think everything is better, another bomb is thrown that changes everything, and everything falls into place. The ending is... Fantastic? Horrible? I dont know! All i know is that its heartbreaking that Lu left us off where she did! Im going to have a hard time waiting for the next book, let me tell you that! Prodigy is an amazing sequel. I just didnt love it... Does that make sense? Anyway, its awesome! Lu incorporates real life aspects about politics that we can relate to, and constructs a brilliant sequel, taking on difficult topics and gives insight about loyalty that is mind blowing. Each character has to make tough decisions and face rough choices, especially one; which is better, doing whats right and best for everyone, or doing what you want to do, even if you are being selfish. And sometimes its hard to determine right from wrong. But, seriously, Prodigy is fantastic, totally reaching new levels of awesomeness!

Picking up nine days after Legend left off, we find June and Day fleeing from the chaos created in the wake of their escape from the Republic. With no other options available, they head to the Colonies and turn to the Patriots for shelter. In exchange for the medical help Day so desperately needs, Day and June agree to work with the Patriots and assist them on their next mission. But the plan requires them to be separated, and as new information comes to light, both Day and June strive to uncover the truth and do the right thing before it’s too late to go back. Prodigy starts out slower than Legend, providing a lot of background info. on the war before the action really kicks off about half-way through the novel. Once again, Lu does a wonderful job of world-building, creating two distinct and believable societies in the Republic and the Colonies. As we learn more about each faction, it becomes difficult to discern if the military severity of the Republic is really so much worse than the corporate control of the Colonies. The lines between good and evil are blurred even further when it comes to the leaders of both sides. What originally seemed so black and white in the first book is thrown into question as both main characters struggle to determine who really has the best intentions. While the story focused more on Day in the first book, June is really given the chance to shine in this installment as she attempts to work her way back into the Republic. As she becomes more deeply entrenched in her old life while still trying to remain true to Day, I found myself growing more and more sympathetic to her plight. The secondary characters also change and grow considerably in Prodigy. Tess who was so supportive and sweet becomes bitter and distrusting, while Anden who originally seemed little more than a shallow pawn develops into one of the more interesting players on either side. An unpredictable ending steers the story towards a new and exciting direction for the final installment in the trilogy. While not quite as gripping and action packed as Legend, Prodigy answers many questions and progresses the story to an exciting new place. I look forward to the conclusion of Day and June’s story in the third book (which is rumoured to be titled Champion).

Just putting it out there right now I was so torn by the end of this one. Naturally I was a huge Legend fan and figured I would find the same in Prodigy, which I did but so many roles were reversed and so many things changed. The book was closed with the slightest bit of anger when I finished but I read it so quickly and loved almost every moment of it! With an entire new edge, so much on the line and a new playing level Prodigy is every bit the literary treat that Legend was. Being on the run and being the Republic's enemy #1 was hard enough before but now Day is supposed to be dead and the Republic knows different. Despite injuries and many issues Day and June decide to go to the Patriots, not only look for a place to hide but to see how Tess is. This is where all the trouble starts. The Patriots have a plan but doesn't everyone who wants to get to the top? The problem no one really knows the others motive. Though this does give way to an action packed and quick paced novel that will leave you wanting more, it also tests the limits of Day and Junes feelings and trust of each other. Deception and assassinations plots will push everyone to the limit in this installment. Once again I fell in love with Day. This time however he was the June of the story. A little blinded to what is really going on around him. Now Day is blinded because of everything that the Republic put him through and to be honest I'm not sure I could really blame him at times. The most important thing didn't change though, his feelings for June. Despite everything she initially put him through he sees who she really is and trusts her. Even in times that he isn't sure he should. Though his hesitation about trusting June was mostly brought upon by Tess. Sweet, innocent, little Tess made it very clear that she didn't trust June and planted a few seeds of doubt within Day. I really felt that this novel really let June shine. With her eyes opened to everything that is really going on she is a much stronger character. The only thing that I found didn't progress with her was her trust in her own feelings. She just wouldn't let herself let Day know that she felt for him, what he felt for her. Rather than that June pushed herself to the limits and risked more than ever. She doesn't let anyone else cloud her judgment and has become more kick ass than I had even expected. How do I finish this up... There were ups and downs but ultimately this one pulled its weight and shifted things around. The descriptive and devastated world that Lu created in Legend is changing. The way you think things are just might not be what they seem and same with the characters. Filled with twists, turns, change and action Prodigy is not to be missed. If you are a fan of dystopians don't miss this one. Quotes I don't trust him because I don't understand how he can afford to hide out in such nice quarters. An officer's quarters, in Vegas of all places. -June "Stop." I'm a little surprised by how loud and irritated I sound. I've never raised my voice to Tess before, and I regret it instantly. I can hear her jealousy in every word she says, the way she spits June's name out like she can't wait to get it over with. -Day Another eruption of cheers. I stay frozen where I am. What're you supposed to do when a bunch of people are yelling your name like they're completely cracked? I have no goddy clue. -Day

On the heels of their great escape June and (the presumed dead) Day try to track down the last of their friends and family before they make a run for it to the fabled Colonies - where life is supposed to be better. But their plan comes crumbling down as The Republic has its own shake up when the Elector Primo dies and his young son Anden takes his place as the new figurehead. With The Republic in such a fragile state of transition the Patriot rebels seize the opportunity and offers Day everything he could want: retribution against The Republic for his family's death, his brother back and a better life in the Colonies ... the catch? The two biggest celebrities of The Republic have to come out of hiding to very publicly execute the new Elector. I love the cover and its more grungy spray painted feel. Like the symbol on Legend, the meaning of the falcon like bird is revealed in the book, so it's a cover with a deeper meaning! I'm also a total sucker for deckle edged binding (uneven feathery paper edges). Aesthetically my favorite part of these books is the contrasting font colors for Day and June. This time Day get's this gorgeous deep blue instead of gold. While it might not add much to the story, it's a small detail that sticks out in a reader's mind and helps mark the transition from June to Day easily while reading. I know a lot of people were disappointed that Legend didn't tell us much about how The Republic was formed or the rest of the world. Prodigy reveals it all! Or at least everything important. We get a quick world history lesson and if you thought life in The Republic was bad, wait until you see what's outside. Lu creates a shocking and eerily probable world in The Colonies that will leave you wondering where you would rather be. June - the prodigy of The Republic and at one point their greatest weapon. She gave up her life of luxury and prestige to be with Day and to fight against the festering corruption and secrets that were plaguing The Republic. She grows so much in this book! While she still kicks a tonne of butt, we get to see her more analytical and political side. The way she reasons and rations situations, plots and interacts with others makes me completely forget that she's only 15 years old! Day - the champion and hero of the poor just wants to pick up the broken pieces of his life and move on. He's willing to do anything for it, even something he hates like killing. I'm glad that even though he was a pawn in a plan he didn't forget who he was at his core, and his values. People's ideas and opinions about him and June constantly assault at him but he keeps up healthy amount of skepticism and trust in June. This time characters that make a somewhat brief appearance in Legend are a bit more central to the plot such as Tess and Anden. Tess - who was this innocent street urchin that was like a little sister to Day. Her attitude shift completely surprised me, the persistence and dogma in her words made her seem like a master interrogator of the Patriots. When I first met Anden - I approached it like a paranoid Patriot with a "kill all Republic scum!" [heh Star Wars] kind of attitude and I was just waiting for Anden to slip up and reveal his true nature. But Lu doesn't make it so easy. She creates villains that hide in plain sight and I was never sure who was going to betray whom until the big reveal! With these two characters Lu drives a wedge in early on between Day and June and we end up with this love 'U' that I was both uneasy and curious about at the same time. Class and wealth will always be a problem between Day and June - I just wished that it wasn't repeated so often by absolutely everyone. Loaded with action, political tension and a few stolen moments between June and Day the ending is what took the cake. In a spectacular bout of action, death defying flight and riots Lu manages to craft an ending that gives hope for a better world but at a terrible cost. That ending, *sigh* it just gets you right in the feels. That ending leaves me so conflicted for what I think/want/hope for in the next installment now entitled 'Champion'.

I am a major fan of the Dystopian genre, something about it speaks to me as a reader. Even so, I was late to get on the “Legend” train so to speak as I only picked up Marie Lu’s first novel of the series (Legend) in early January of this year. I fell in love with the characters immediately, and with the author’s writing style. I enjoyed reading the dual perspectives of June and Day though the alternating inks in the book became a little distracting. I had high hopes for Prodigy. Prodigy picks up exactly where Legend ended and we find Day and June searching for the Patriots in Vegas and hoping to be reunited with Tess. Tess is one of my favourite characters in the books. Resilient, forgiving and strong, Day needs her and has leaned on her much more than he realizes. Though the relationship between Day and June is sudden and complex it is written so well that it is believable. They trust one another when from an observers point of view they should be doing anything but trusting each other. Though not as action packed as the first novel, I was still completely engaged. I found the descriptions of the world they live in whether that be the Republic or the Colonies compelling, and we also discover in Prodigy what the catalyst was for the division in America. I can’t even talk about that ending. (tears) A gripping follow-up to Legend and I can not wait for more. For more reviews check out: www.lostinthelibrary.com

After absolutely loving Legend, I thought it would be impossible for its follow-up to be just as amazing... but wow, Marie Lu sure surpassed my expectations! Prodigy somehow manages to be even better than its predecessor. Marie Lu delivers a dystopian novel brimming with thrilling action and suspense from the very first page! After June helped Day narrowly escape from the Republic, the pair have fled Los Angeles and made their way to Las Vegas, where they find themselves out of options and at the mercy of the Patriots when Day's injuries prove to be too serious to carry on. In exchange for the Patriots's aid, there's only one condition: they have to help assassinate Anden, the new Elector Primo. June must return to the Republic to get close to Anden, while Day remains behind to spread a message of hope to the public that he's still very much alive. My senses were constantly on high alert as I read along, suspicious of anyone close to June and Day who could possibly harm them. The Republic is on a manhunt trying to capture them, the Patriot rebels want them to further their own cause... and even the Colonies, all the way on the other side of the warfront, have expressed interest in them too. Everyone wants a piece of June and Day, so it's no wonder the stress and pressure are beginning to take its toll. It's certainly enough to make anyone feel helpless, but I loved how they followed their convictions and made their own decisions, rather than blindly following the orders of others. Much like in Legend, June is very analytical and constantly aware of her surroundings. She catches the little details no one else notices and makes the connection that something isn't right about the Patriots, even if she can't fully explain it. She can't forgive the Republic for how they silenced her brother, Metias, but the more time she spends with the charismatic Anden, the more she's unsure if helping the Patriots is the right answer. In the meantime, Day meets more Patriots and is reunited with his best friend, Tess, but there's a tension in the air between them that he's reluctant to acknowledge... Until I have a copy of the final book in my hands, I'm just going to deny the fact that Marie Lu dropped a huge bombshell right at the end of Prodigy. I need Champion! Like. Right. Now. Prodigy is an intense read which unfolds before your eyes like a cinematic experience. Loyalty. Trust. Betrayal. Marie Lu holds nothing back in this exhilarating sequel to Legend. You can also read this review at: http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.ca/2013/02/prodigy-by-marie-lu.html

Prodigy starts out on a completely different note than Legend. Day and June are now working together and running for their lives. The tension and action is already cranked up and you’re on edge wondering what will happen next. I love Day and June. I loved how their personalities grow as they experience things together but I also like that their differences were kept intact. Things just wouldn’t be right if they weren’t such different people, with different ideas and beliefs. But it is their differences that make them stronger. (Do you think I said different enough?) They help each other see things from different perspectives and that helps them become better people all around. I also really liked that they don’t give up on one another when the going gets tough. They’re willing to give each other the benefit of the doubt even when things look suspicious. I think in a “normal” world they would be the ultimate power couple. Prodigy also gets an A+++ for world building. Not only does the world feel like it’s springing to life in front of you, Marie Lu takes time to explain how the world got the way it did and how it operates now. I hate when dystopian novels simply have “Random Horrible Government X” with almost no explanation for how the world got that way and why people sat passively by and let it happen. Marie Lu gives the reader excellent perspective and history and I thought the entire situation was believable and logical. I also loved that we got a look at the Capitol, the Patriots and the Republic and were able to see the positives and negatives of each. No government system is perfect and Prodigy is upfront about it. I thought all the characters in Prodigy, new and old, were pretty well developed and intriguing. The only one I really had a problem with was Tess. I really liked her in Legend but in Prodigy she just fell a little flat for my taste. I couldn’t quite buy her storyline and I kept wanting to reach into the book and shake some sense into her. Hopefully she goes back to her regular self in book 3! Overall I found that Prodigy was different from Legend but in a good way. It didn’t have that same high action feel (although it was high drama) but in exchange the series has become a lot more detailed and thoughtful. Recommendation: An absolute must for fans of Legend. This is one sequel that will not disappoint. This and other reviews at More Than Just Magic (http://morethanjustmagic.org)

I loved Legend but Prodigy is even better. It follows Day and June as the fight against a decadent government administration. Torn apart for a time each try to find a way to help the Resistance and find instead new revelations about themselves and those they care about. An excellent book but I hope there's another because the ending left me reeling with questions and frustration.

ok, so I was absolutely hooked on the first book, Legend, and I didn't think there was another book coming out in the series-but now it's going to be a trilogy! I can't tell you how good this book is- but if you like Hunger Games, Divergent, Mortal Instruments, etc. you will fall in love with this book!