Book Review: Champion (Legend, #3) by Marie Lu
Ah, Marie Lu! Just when I thought my heart could handle the emotional rollercoaster that is Legend, she swoops in with Champion and reminds me that I’m merely her puppet in this game of feels. Having finished this book a month ago, I still find myself grappling with its intense ending. Between the gut-wrenching plot twists and characters that felt as real as my own friends, Lu has once again crafted a story that lingers long after the last page.
In Champion, we dive back into the tumultuous world of June and Day, but this time they’re facing external threats from the Colonies, who are using a raging plague as an excuse to invade the Republic. The stakes are higher than ever, especially as Day battles his own deteriorating health. It’s heartbreaking to see our hero—previously the embodiment of hope and strength—struggling against forces both external and internal. The line, “Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know,” resonates deeply. It captures the essence of this finale—life is fleeting, and nothing can be taken for granted.
The pacing of Champion differs somewhat from its predecessors. Gone are the wild, heart-pounding action sequences we initially relished. Instead, we get a more character-driven narrative that forces us to confront the vulnerability of both Day and June. This shift felt realistic; after all, facing the emotional and physical decline of a beloved character naturally slows the tempo. And yet, even within this more subdued approach, Lu masterfully weaves in plot twists that left me gasping—how does she do this?
Let’s talk about June! In this installment, she shows remarkable development, grappling with guilt and uncertainty while trying to navigate her feelings for Day and her growing relationship with Anden. There’s a depth to her character that feels incredibly relatable. At one point, June reflects, “It’s my fault,” and I was left aching for her. The complexity of her emotions is beautifully portrayed and serves as both a strength and a burden.
And Day, oh Day… Watching his strength slowly ebb away while still striving to protect Eden and the Republic truly shattered me. His poignant introspection, “What makes me lose my breath, though, is that he’s leaning heavily on a pair of crutches,” evokes visceral sympathy. Day is not just a character; he is a symbol of resilience amid despair. My heart ached with every turn of the page, and I found myself rooting for him so fiercely that it was almost painful.
As for the relationships in Champion, they are complicated and vivid. June and Day’s love story is the epitome of a star-crossed romance, brimming with tension and unspoken words. What may have originally started with passionate kisses now transforms into a love laden with sacrifice and uncertain futures. I screamed at the pages several times, questioning why we, as the audience, had to endure such anguish. Why did you do this, Marie?
In conclusion, Champion isn’t just a finale; it’s a literary experience that challenges what it means to love and lose. While it may leave some readers emotionally scarred (my heart is still recovering!), it’s a must-read for fans of character-driven narratives and bittersweet endings. If you’ve ever wondered how much pain one can endure in the name of love and hope, Champion will take you on that heart-wrenching journey.
So, whether you are a new fan or a long-time reader, prepare yourself. Marie Lu has delivered a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the cover. And perhaps, like me, you’ll find solace in penning your feelings down, hopefully until Rebel arrives to provide some much-needed relief.
Happy reading!
