Rebel

In this fourth installment of the Legend series, Lu revisits Daniel "Day" Altan Wing; his brilliant younger brother, Eden Bataar Wing; and Day's love interest, June Iparis. Ten years after Day incited a revolution that brought down the Republic, he is an agent in the Antarctican Intelligence Service in Ross City, the world's most advanced--and purportedly its fairest--metropolis. Residents live within a game-ified, level-based social and economic system that monitors and incentivizes good behavior with points; these unlock leveled privileges that control access to education, healthcare, housing, and jobs. But fundamental problems plague the allegedly egalitarian society, reminding the siblings of a tiered pre-revolution Republic. Day is willing to look the other way if it keeps Eden safe, but the injustices Eden sees in Undercity, where those of lower strata are forced to live, push him to take risks that place him in the path of Dominic Hann, a warlord intent on toppling the system for his gain. This tale of intrigue, alliances, and love will draw Legend fans and new readers into a fascinating world whose combined layers of privilege and surveillance draw comparisons to many present-day social ills. Ages 12--up. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency. (Oct.)

Years have passed since the events of the original Legend trilogy (Legend, rev. 11/11, and sequels), and Daniel Wing now lives in Ross City, Antarctica, where he works in the intelligence service for the fledgling nation, while his younger brother, Eden, is attending university there on scholarship for his engineering prowess. Antarctica may provide relative anonymity for the brothers, but its sociopolitical foundation is shaky, as the countrys system of rewards and punishments does not offer true opportunities for social mobility, leaving a vast underclass seething with desperation and resentment. As Eden ventures into the Undercity to help a friend, he gets drawn into the clutches of the very crime lord that Daniel has been unsuccessfully tracking. Meanwhile, June has arrived in Antarctica on a diplomatic mission, and Daniel still has feelings for her. In alternating first-person narratives, the book hurtles to its climax as both brothers find themselves in danger, torn by strong feelings of love, loyalty, and honor. The setting isnt as fully realized here as in the original trilogy, but fans will welcome the opportunity to revisit these beloved characters, and the tried-and-true formula of adventure, suspense, and romance once again proves satisfying. Jonathan Hunt March/April 2020 p.84(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.