Review of LEGEND

LEGEND, the debut novel from Marie Lu, is a fantasy thriller set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Day, a rebel fighting the Republic, and June, one of the Republic's best soldiers, seem like an unlikely couple, but tragic events throw them together. June eventually begins to doubt the Republic's mission, thanks to Day and some journals that belonged to her brother. The exciting conclusion leaves the reader anticipating the sequel. 4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of CINDER

CINDER, a debut novel by Marissa Meyer, is a very creative retelling of the Cinderella story. Set in the future in plaque-ravaged New Beijing, it is populated with cyborgs, androids and Lunars as well as some fascinating humans, including a Prince Charming. There is also an evil stepmother/guardian, stepsisters who obsess about clothes and an android who is the closest to a fairy godmother.

Cinder is a top-notch mechanic, usually covered in grease, who meets the Prince when he comes to her to fix his android. As the plague quickly moves through the marketplace, Cinder's role in finding a cure is layered with a threat of intergalactic war and hints of Cinder's true identity.

The ending makes us long for the sequel, but we'll have to wait because there will be three more books in the series. Highly Recommended - 4 Elves