Rebel by Marie Lu

Rebel by Marie Lu is the thrilling conclusion to her Legend series and it did not disappoint! I wrote my previous blog about Legend, the first book, and ever since then, I was eagerly anticipating how June and Day's story would come to a close. It had a perfect blend of action and emotion, all within a new dystopian setting.

Quick Summary: 

Rebel picks up after the events of Champion, with June and Day now apart, each at the center of a new struggle. The Republic of America, where June is working as a high-ranking government official, is in a fragile state. On the other hand, Day is finding a new life in Antarctica, where he is working as a secret police agent. He is still trying to heal from his past wounds and step into a new role. They’re both grappling with deconstructing worlds.

Unlike the previous books in the series that alternated perspectives of June and Day, in this book, we get a viewpoint from Day’s younger brother, Eden. Though Eden was depicted as a young, struggling character in other books, this book displays his growth and wrestling with his role in the world. He faces challenges of his own and asks himself questions about family, the true reality of both of his worlds (Antarctica and the Republic of America), and the political situation they are now stuck in. The tension between the need to protect loved ones and the desire for justice for the greater good is a common theme present throughout the novel.

My Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed the book! June and Day were both already well-established characters by now, and this book concludes their story. Both Day and June have grown into strong individuals and leaders while facing a new struggle in morals and ethics. Both of their journeys, especially Day’s, felt like a natural progression, and I feel like Marie Lu, the author, exhibited their character arc smoothly.

However, the standout character in this book for me was Eden. As the younger brother, he has always been in Day’s shadow, with Day being extremely protective over his last family member. But in Rebel, he steps into the spotlight. Eden struggled with what it means to be his own person, separate from his older brother’s legacy, and he kept secrets from Day, becoming an individual, struggling with his own issues. Hearing a new perspective added a fresh, unique lens on the aftermath of the Republic’s revolution and continual choices that shaped the world. 

The pacing of Rebel was just right, and it didn’t really feel rushed. Maybe I will check out Marie Lu’s other novels!