Marie Lu wanted to try and write a modern retelling of Les Miserables . She wrote a young adult novel set in a dystopian society. The story is told from two points of view, Day and June.
I read this book in Two days, I actually had trouble putting it down. It is a good read and CBS has all ready bought the rights to turn this into a film and Penguin is putting a six figure marketing blitz behind this book. I recommend picking up a copy. CBS and Penguin are putting allot of money behind this book in hopes it will fill the void that will be left from the end of the Harry Potter books. Marie Lu wrote an amazing story that can be enjoyed by young adults and regular size adults.
Marie Lu took the time to answer a few questions for me
1. You said you wanted a modern story similar to Les Miserables. Why a Dystopian story?
I didn't realize when I was writing Legend that it was going to be a dystopian...I knew only that it was straight up sci-fi. It wasn't until I finished that I realized it fell under the dystopian category!
I didn't realize when I was writing Legend that it was going to be a dystopian...I knew only that it was straight up sci-fi. It wasn't until I finished that I realized it fell under the dystopian category!
2. How long has the idea for "Legend" been brewing in your mind?
The seed for Legend's idea started in early 2009, so it's not too long ago, but one of the main characters (Day, the boy protagonist) has actually been in my head since I was in high school. So I suppose, from that point of view, Legend has partially been in my head for quite a while.
3. When can we expect the second book of this trilogy?
Book 2 should be coming out in Fall 2012!
Book 2 should be coming out in Fall 2012!
4. CBS has bought the rights to turn this into a film.Do you think the film will be able to do justice to the vivid story you tell?
I think books and film are two very separate art forms, so the film will inevitably be a little different from the book--but CBS and Temple Hill (the production company) are both extremely passionate and very committed to the story. I think Legend is in very good hands with them and the film would definitely do the story justice.
I think books and film are two very separate art forms, so the film will inevitably be a little different from the book--but CBS and Temple Hill (the production company) are both extremely passionate and very committed to the story. I think Legend is in very good hands with them and the film would definitely do the story justice.
5. What else can we expect to see from you outside the Legend series in the near future?
I do have another story idea brewing in my head for after Legend is finished, although it's in very early stages. I'm afraid I can't say much more than that, but I hope that people who enjoyed Legend will also enjoy the new story!
I do have another story idea brewing in my head for after Legend is finished, although it's in very early stages. I'm afraid I can't say much more than that, but I hope that people who enjoyed Legend will also enjoy the new story!
