Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: young adult, sci fi, dystopian
Format/Source: Hardcover, bought
Status: final book in Legend trilogy :(

Summary:

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

A word of caution: Although I am going to avoid major spoilers for Champion, there will be some spoilers for Legend and Prodigy in my review. If you haven't read the series yet, you may want to turn away from my review, run to your preferred bookstore/library/reading app to snag copies of the series.

Review:

Champion takes place a few months after Prodigy. Day is dealing with the fallout of his Big Revelation and enjoying being reunited with Eden in San Francisco. Meanwhile, June is busy with her new job in Denver, and they haven't seen each other since Prodigy, which is depressing. Despite that, things are looking up for our characters and the Republic as a whole–at least until everything goes to hell (of COURSE it does). Yeah, you knew it had to because otherwise, why would we bother reading the book? Plus, it's Marie Lu. After Prodigy, I knew things would have to kick it up to eleven because that was a pretty devastating ending. You've been warned. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.

The saddest yet best part of the book is watching Day's decline. On the one hand, it's incredibly depressing to watch this strong, vivacious character lose much of his vitality. It's like his whole person pales, and it's really upsetting to witness. On the other, I say this is the best because it's so real. Day's deteriorating condition more than anything else made me trust that Marie wasn't wimping out on this finale. Everything is so believable, and I felt so drawn into this novel. The emotions I felt about Day are equal to what I felt while reading the final chapters of The Fault in Our Stars. No, not kidding.

June continues to be one of the best female ya protagonists ever. I love that she's both logical AND emotional. We all know June is crazy smart, but she doesn't let that turn her into a robot. She's still loyal and loving and thoughtful. The three things June loves most are Day, Ollie, and Metias so how could we not love her? It's wonderful that she still allows herself to grieve her brother, but she doesn't let that prevent her from doing her job. And I absolutely love that June is so conflicted about her options. Day is as well, but I think June has more at stake. Day will end up on his feet whichever side he chooses, but June...maybe not so much. My love for June was forever confirmed when she made two really big decisions in this book. They were quite possibly the bravest and best choices I've ever read, ya or not, and I am behind them 100%.

I am very satisfied with the direction Marie took Champion in. It was a really fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Champion moved at a really good pace. I like the break in between Prodigy and Champion becuase it gave everything a chance to settle before the final bang. The look at Antarctica was brilliant. It was short, but I thought it was one of the coolest added details, and I couldn't stop thinking about those scenes afterward. I feel like all the big plot points were addressed well, and with the small things, for once, I'm okay with not known all those little details. Champion is one of the books where I feel like the story goes on, and those little details will work themselves out. As far as the epilogue goes, I thought it was brilliant. I love June's big choice, I think it was selfless and awesome, but that epilogue really gave me hope. I feel like things are going to work out well for everyone who survived. ;) But I'm not gonna tell you who exactly that is. You're just gonna have to read it to find out!

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About the Author:

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

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Giveaway:

I have a SIGNED copy of Champion up for grabs! Open to US & Canada. Entrants must be 13+. Giveaway is open until 12 AM CST December 6. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries that are not in accordance with my giveaway policies as stated in the Review & Site Policies tab at the top of the page. Good luck!

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