Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Title: Prodigy (Legend, #2)
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin
Published: Jan 29, 2013
Buy: The Book Depository

Not only do we have a brilliant sequel here, and one that effortlessly avoids second book syndrome, but Marie Lu also proves just how far she has progressed as a writer since the release of Legend. Prodigy is better - the world-building is sharper, more precise, the characters are perfectly developed and their relationships are wonderfully polished. The improvement is impressive, and with that, we have an excellent follow-up to the first instalment and an exciting continuation of June and Day’s story.

The plot takes a different stance in this book, with the focus shifting to the role of the Patriots and their plans for the assassination of the new Elector Primo. As June and Day arrive in Vegas, they join the Patriots in an attempt to rescue Day’s younger brother and escape to the Colonies. In return for the Patriots’ assistance, the two must play a part in Anden’s death. This storyline works brilliantly. Prodigy, although initially slow-paced, is not devoid of action. Plenty of progression is made during this book without it being unrealistically staggering or overwhelming. The world-building is seamless, with little effort needed to comprehend the situation in Lu’s fictional America. We get a much better indication of the tension between the Colonies and Republic here than in Legend, and are even rewarded with a trip into the mysterious opposing side. In the meantime, Lu does not make the mistake of neglecting her characters.

Despite June and Day being painfully separated for a large part of the book, as in Legend, we get to follow the story through two perspectives, so there is ample opportunity for character development on both sides. June is as strong and determined as ever, and also suddenly more likable for it. Day is just as convincing, if not more, with a little sliver of vulnerability breaking through his street-toughened exterior. Their romance is not a focal part of the plot, but it is pleasingly present and emphasised in the most appropriate places. The two together make a wonderful team, and create just as much of an impression separately. If that was not evident in the first book, then it certainly is now.

There are hints of a potential love triangle (or perhaps even a love square), but these are not too pronounced. Lu is smart enough to keep it to a minimum, but makes the most of the occasion to sharpen Tess and Anden’s characters. As the new Elector Primo, and a very key individual of the story, the latter is the more interesting of the two, and Lu’s subtle development of him is excellently incorporated. Several other characters make an appearance in this book, most, if not all of them, adding just the right amount of weight and tension to the plot. Prodigy is one those books where, no matter who is narrating, or which set of characters is present, it is constantly engaging. Come the ending – and what an ending it is! – it is easy to appreciate the wider contribution each character makes.

Calling the last few pages a cliff-hanger doesn’t seem quite accurate here, but my poor emotions will tell you otherwise… It is shocking, heart-breaking, and unexpectedly bold. Not that further reason was needed to be back for the final instalment, but this certainly seals the deal.

Rating: 4.5 stars