Parents' Guide to Prodigy: Legend, Book 2

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Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Action-packed dystopian sci-fi sequel keeps suspense high.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

age 12+

Based on 30 kid reviews

Kids say that this sequel to the first book offers an engaging continuation of Day and June's story, filled with action and development in their relationship; however, it comes with more mature themes, including intense romance and violence. Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the book's portrayal of intimacy and certain plot twists, urging parents to consider whether it's suitable for younger readers due to these elements.

  • mature themes
  • intense romance
  • action-packed
  • careful for younger readers
  • plot twists
  • character development
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

PRODIGY picks up exactly where Legend left off, with the street criminal Day and former political insider June having fled future Los Angeles and the tyrannical Republic that rules it. When they meet up with the Rebels working to overthrow the government, they are recruited for an assassination attempt on the newly designated Elector. Having different roles to play, Day and June are separated, only to discover that their assignments are far more complex and dangerous than they've been led to believe.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say ( 30 ):

Prodigy avoids the sophomore slump, maintaining the narrative energy of Legend, the first volume in this sci-fi series. Author Marie Lu excels in choreographing the action scenes, keeps the level of suspense high, and pulls off a couple of neat plot twists. Some readers may lose patience with Day's and June's fits of jealousy, expecting seasoned freedom fighters to be a little less neurotic and insecure. Others will find the romantic subplots sufficiently compelling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why dystopian novels are so popular. How do you think the Legend series compares with other dystopian series?

  • What methods do governments and corporations share in coercing people to adopt certain behaviors?

  • Do you think assassination is ever justified as a method of effecting political change?

Book Details

  • Author : Marie Lu
  • Genre : Science Fiction
  • Topics : Adventures , Friendship
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Putnam Juvenile
  • Publication date : January 29, 2013
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
  • Number of pages : 384
  • Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
  • Last updated : October 9, 2025

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