casseyt's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this one, am keen to read the rest. Not GoS for me, but then again nothing is GoS, but GoS :p
caffeineandbookreviews's review
4.0
Mel's storytelling is refreshing, the heroin and narrator is always a strong and confident woman who knows her worth and her beauty. The Legacy series is hard to place, I'd like to say it's a dystopian novel but it doesn't seem to really sum it up, though that in itself seems to be a theme with her books.
It's a skop skit en donder book with a sexy lead and extra sexy back up roles. It's set in post apocolyptic America after a nuclear attack between countries. This ruined United States is taken over by an evil (but fucking sexy) asshole who believes that the "New United States" is best run under a dictatorship. The first book revolves around how the rebels go about trying to bring down the President and all the twists and turns that Mel throws their way.
From cowboys with hot accents and modified genetics to epic romance and feisty teenagers. There's a slight reality to the series that makes you think that the scenario laid out might actually be a possibility. Being her first book you might find the first few chapters a little difficult to really get into but you can tell how her confidence soars from there.
I want to tell you about the whole plot but I don't want to give anything away so just know this: the ending leaves you going "What the fuck?! You're kidding me right?" so make sure you have book 2 handy...
It's a skop skit en donder book with a sexy lead and extra sexy back up roles. It's set in post apocolyptic America after a nuclear attack between countries. This ruined United States is taken over by an evil (but fucking sexy) asshole who believes that the "New United States" is best run under a dictatorship. The first book revolves around how the rebels go about trying to bring down the President and all the twists and turns that Mel throws their way.
From cowboys with hot accents and modified genetics to epic romance and feisty teenagers. There's a slight reality to the series that makes you think that the scenario laid out might actually be a possibility. Being her first book you might find the first few chapters a little difficult to really get into but you can tell how her confidence soars from there.
I want to tell you about the whole plot but I don't want to give anything away so just know this: the ending leaves you going "What the fuck?! You're kidding me right?" so make sure you have book 2 handy...
ciska's review
3.0
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*
Author
Melissa Delport graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 2000.
At the age of twenty-four Melissa started a logistics company (Transmax) from the spare room of her flat and built it up to two fully operational depots in Durban and Johannesburg. Now, 10 years later, she has sold her business in order to write full time.
Melissa lives with her husband and three children in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Review
I liked the idea of a woman infiltrating on a very important position and was curious how the story would develop. Rebecca is a powerful woman with a strong will. She is very clear in choices she makes and everything has to move to reach her goal. I did have a problem with her turn around after growing up under the regiment, believing the 'lies' told to being a big part of the resistance. It is clear she is the most important person in the book. I would have liked to know more about other interesting characters like her father, Michael and Reed.
The story starts when Rebecca is still very young and quickly moves to the important action of her trying to defeat her husband. It is not always clear what happened in certain periods of Rebecca's life. Though some of these holes area filled later in the story I felt I missed important information at points. Still I kept on reading as I really wanted to know if she would manage to make it all right.
Author
Melissa Delport graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 2000.
At the age of twenty-four Melissa started a logistics company (Transmax) from the spare room of her flat and built it up to two fully operational depots in Durban and Johannesburg. Now, 10 years later, she has sold her business in order to write full time.
Melissa lives with her husband and three children in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Review
I liked the idea of a woman infiltrating on a very important position and was curious how the story would develop. Rebecca is a powerful woman with a strong will. She is very clear in choices she makes and everything has to move to reach her goal. I did have a problem with her turn around after growing up under the regiment, believing the 'lies' told to being a big part of the resistance. It is clear she is the most important person in the book. I would have liked to know more about other interesting characters like her father, Michael and Reed.
The story starts when Rebecca is still very young and quickly moves to the important action of her trying to defeat her husband. It is not always clear what happened in certain periods of Rebecca's life. Though some of these holes area filled later in the story I felt I missed important information at points. Still I kept on reading as I really wanted to know if she would manage to make it all right.
momwithareadingproblem's review
5.0
The Legacy by [a:Melissa Delport|7034215|Melissa Delport|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1376566304p2/7034215.jpg] is the first book in an exciting, new dystopian trilogy. The book begins with the haunting lines..
Who doesn't want to read this book after that?! Needless to say I was hooked from the first words to the very last. It follows the story of Rebecca Davis and her attempts to overthrow the corrupt president Eric Dane.
I loved Rebecca! She is strong-willed, steadfast, and loyal to her cause. I mean really loyal! She leaves the life she's known to become a super-soldier (a human with traits such as speed, strength, and the ability to heal), marry a dictator so she can infiltrate his government and feed information back to the Resistance. What's not to love?! Then there's Eric Dane, the dictator president of the New United States of America (ten states that he has sectioned off from the rest). Eric is in one word sexy. He's brooding, self-centered, and has his own agenda. He also knows what he wants and how to get it. Rebecca even says in another life she could've loved him. But sadly he is evil, sadistic, and needs to die which Rebecca is trying to accomplish.
Not only is there one man in this book for Rebecca but three. Aidan is the boy that Rebecca has known her whole life, literally he was there for her birth. His father and her mother were found each other after the world went to hell and together kept their children safe. Aidan is the shy, sexy man in the book. He's her best friend, her confidante, her soulmate, but he's not my favorite character or who I'd pick for our Rebecca. No that would be Reed McCoy. Reed is Southern man so of course the drawl gets my vote :lol: but it's his devotion and loyalty to Rebecca that really got me. You see Reed has a bit of a mysterious past (sorry, that's all I can say without giving spoilers) and because of it he's known Rebecca far longer than she's known him. Like her he's a super-soldier and he fights right along side her.
The plot is what you would expect from a dystopian novel. There's lots of action, twists and turns, some tears, and yes a little romance, but what really sets The Legion apart from its predecessors is it's world-building. The author's vivid descriptions of what life is like for Rebecca and those living outside of the New United States is breath-taking. I felt like I was there because I was able to visualize in great detail the world that the characters were living in. And quite frankly that played havoc on my emotions. Not only that but the author does something else that most dystopian authors leave out, she describes in great detail the events that led to this dystopian world. It's usually one of my biggest complaints with post-apocalyptic novels that authors don't really go into the events that led to where the characters are, but Melissa Delport does and she does it with great detail. It flows with the plot well, instead of slowing it down as you may think it would it adds to it and helps you the reader empathize with the characters and their struggles. And the scary part of this whole concept is it is believable, which quite frankly put me on edge!
I read this book in just under 48 hours. I just couldn't sit it down. Oh yes and the massive cliffhanger ending ensured that I purchased book two and read it as well! If I was to compare this book with other dystopians, I would say it is similar to The Hunger Games, but darker with a bit more violence and a little more romance. It is definitely not for the young adult crowd due to its violence, strong language and a few romantic scenes. Overall, this is one of the best books I've read this year and possibly ever! I highly recommend it especially if you are like me and love a good dystopian.
I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"World War Three began on the third day of September, the year 2016.
The war lasted twelve days. Twelve days was all it took for mankind to destroy a civilization that had taken thousands of years to evolve and to almost eradicate our own species. No victor emerged from the ashes and billions lost their lives..."
Who doesn't want to read this book after that?! Needless to say I was hooked from the first words to the very last. It follows the story of Rebecca Davis and her attempts to overthrow the corrupt president Eric Dane.
I loved Rebecca! She is strong-willed, steadfast, and loyal to her cause. I mean really loyal! She leaves the life she's known to become a super-soldier (a human with traits such as speed, strength, and the ability to heal), marry a dictator so she can infiltrate his government and feed information back to the Resistance. What's not to love?! Then there's Eric Dane, the dictator president of the New United States of America (ten states that he has sectioned off from the rest). Eric is in one word sexy. He's brooding, self-centered, and has his own agenda. He also knows what he wants and how to get it. Rebecca even says in another life she could've loved him. But sadly he is evil, sadistic, and needs to die which Rebecca is trying to accomplish.
Not only is there one man in this book for Rebecca but three. Aidan is the boy that Rebecca has known her whole life, literally he was there for her birth. His father and her mother were found each other after the world went to hell and together kept their children safe. Aidan is the shy, sexy man in the book. He's her best friend, her confidante, her soulmate, but he's not my favorite character or who I'd pick for our Rebecca. No that would be Reed McCoy. Reed is Southern man so of course the drawl gets my vote :lol: but it's his devotion and loyalty to Rebecca that really got me. You see Reed has a bit of a mysterious past (sorry, that's all I can say without giving spoilers) and because of it he's known Rebecca far longer than she's known him. Like her he's a super-soldier and he fights right along side her.
The plot is what you would expect from a dystopian novel. There's lots of action, twists and turns, some tears, and yes a little romance, but what really sets The Legion apart from its predecessors is it's world-building. The author's vivid descriptions of what life is like for Rebecca and those living outside of the New United States is breath-taking. I felt like I was there because I was able to visualize in great detail the world that the characters were living in. And quite frankly that played havoc on my emotions. Not only that but the author does something else that most dystopian authors leave out, she describes in great detail the events that led to this dystopian world. It's usually one of my biggest complaints with post-apocalyptic novels that authors don't really go into the events that led to where the characters are, but Melissa Delport does and she does it with great detail. It flows with the plot well, instead of slowing it down as you may think it would it adds to it and helps you the reader empathize with the characters and their struggles. And the scary part of this whole concept is it is believable, which quite frankly put me on edge!
I read this book in just under 48 hours. I just couldn't sit it down. Oh yes and the massive cliffhanger ending ensured that I purchased book two and read it as well! If I was to compare this book with other dystopians, I would say it is similar to The Hunger Games, but darker with a bit more violence and a little more romance. It is definitely not for the young adult crowd due to its violence, strong language and a few romantic scenes. Overall, this is one of the best books I've read this year and possibly ever! I highly recommend it especially if you are like me and love a good dystopian.
I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
nadoislandgirl's review
3.0
This is not my usual genre, but I found the story and the characters very engaging. And what I loved is that I rarely anticipated what was coming.
I'd recommend to fans of dystopian literature.
I'd recommend to fans of dystopian literature.
ladilira's review
4.0
I struggled with the star system with this book. I give it four because it has good bones and it kept me reading. But there were some issues that I had.
If you are familiar with the show Revolution, or any other story regarding dystopian society, then this book probably will be up your alley. I felt like it was a cross between Hunger Games and a daytime TV soap opera with the amount of action and drama Delport weaves into her story. Action is constant, danger is within every turn of the page, and it drips with romance. You will never be bored and you may even be moved to tears at moments of the story. Life is fragile and tenuous in this tale of civil rebellion.
Delport does a great job at character creation. I really enjoyed many of the character personalities in the story. Southern boy Reed, who oozes sex appeal, and Sensei Kwan, who is a strong, wise teacher, or feisty Morgan, ever the protective sister, were some of my favorites. I even kind of liked the antagonist and supposed evil president Eric Dane. Many of her characters were complex and had quite a bit of depth to them.
There was also a heavy amount of martial arts style fighting in the story that while not uncommon, was different and fun because of the extensiveness. It is one of those stories you could see going to screen because it could translate well, with the action being hand to hand combat and a deadly car chase that gets the adrenaline running. You will probably have a hard time setting the book down because there is never a good time to pause it.
I have to add that I think the cover of the book is pretty spectacular. It is eye catching and mysterious. Cover design get two thumbs up from me. This was a good interpretation and caught my eye for sure.
While the content of the story was solid and exciting, I do feel there needed to be more work done with the beginning development. I personally needed to see more of the protagonist's evolution from normal every day girl to extreme rebel. The flashbacks that occur throughout the story to showcase the development were not enough for me to feel like I understood where the protagonist was coming from. At times, I felt the protagonist was a selfish character even though her goals were for the betterment of others. I would have personally felt more invested in her quest if the story had included a more in-depth showcasing of the horrors of Dane and the comradery of the Rebeldom and barren lands. You get this more towards the end, and by then it was a little late for me. For me, the second half of the book was much more enjoyable than the first half. There seemed to be an initial lack of personal motive to move her forward. She wasn't born to be a rebel leader, in fact she spent most of her life living a happy, naive life. So when she suddenly changes her tune, it just doesn't sit well with me. Additionally, there were quite a few issues with formatting and lack of transitions. One minute she'd be in a market and then the next sentence she was at home in her bathroom. I think this book would have benefited from being edited more thoroughly. It was distracting overall as a reader and while I am nit picking here, this story is about United States but the author uses British spelling.
However, even with these cons, the story is still worth reading and I feel that the content is compelling enough for readers to look past these issues. I would recommend it to friends and strangers who like this genre. It is at heart a good story and with some refinement, I believe Delport will prove to be a promising new author to pay attention to.
*I was given a free copy for an honest review.
If you are familiar with the show Revolution, or any other story regarding dystopian society, then this book probably will be up your alley. I felt like it was a cross between Hunger Games and a daytime TV soap opera with the amount of action and drama Delport weaves into her story. Action is constant, danger is within every turn of the page, and it drips with romance. You will never be bored and you may even be moved to tears at moments of the story. Life is fragile and tenuous in this tale of civil rebellion.
Delport does a great job at character creation. I really enjoyed many of the character personalities in the story. Southern boy Reed, who oozes sex appeal, and Sensei Kwan, who is a strong, wise teacher, or feisty Morgan, ever the protective sister, were some of my favorites. I even kind of liked the antagonist and supposed evil president Eric Dane. Many of her characters were complex and had quite a bit of depth to them.
There was also a heavy amount of martial arts style fighting in the story that while not uncommon, was different and fun because of the extensiveness. It is one of those stories you could see going to screen because it could translate well, with the action being hand to hand combat and a deadly car chase that gets the adrenaline running. You will probably have a hard time setting the book down because there is never a good time to pause it.
I have to add that I think the cover of the book is pretty spectacular. It is eye catching and mysterious. Cover design get two thumbs up from me. This was a good interpretation and caught my eye for sure.
While the content of the story was solid and exciting, I do feel there needed to be more work done with the beginning development. I personally needed to see more of the protagonist's evolution from normal every day girl to extreme rebel. The flashbacks that occur throughout the story to showcase the development were not enough for me to feel like I understood where the protagonist was coming from. At times, I felt the protagonist was a selfish character even though her goals were for the betterment of others. I would have personally felt more invested in her quest if the story had included a more in-depth showcasing of the horrors of Dane and the comradery of the Rebeldom and barren lands. You get this more towards the end, and by then it was a little late for me. For me, the second half of the book was much more enjoyable than the first half. There seemed to be an initial lack of personal motive to move her forward. She wasn't born to be a rebel leader, in fact she spent most of her life living a happy, naive life. So when she suddenly changes her tune, it just doesn't sit well with me. Additionally, there were quite a few issues with formatting and lack of transitions. One minute she'd be in a market and then the next sentence she was at home in her bathroom. I think this book would have benefited from being edited more thoroughly. It was distracting overall as a reader and while I am nit picking here, this story is about United States but the author uses British spelling.
However, even with these cons, the story is still worth reading and I feel that the content is compelling enough for readers to look past these issues. I would recommend it to friends and strangers who like this genre. It is at heart a good story and with some refinement, I believe Delport will prove to be a promising new author to pay attention to.
*I was given a free copy for an honest review.
sibgouws's review
5.0
I've had this book for ages and never got around to reading it, which is quite a pity. All-around, super interesting and enjoyable read. I kind of see some similarities (loosely) to the times we are living in now which was a little strange but cool at the same time. I am looking forward to seeing what book 2 holds if this is the action, pace and surprises I can look forward to!
jeanz's review
5.0
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm looking forward to reading one, it sounds post apocalyptic (which is one of my favourite genres). The book also looks like it has a main character that is a strong female (another thing I like in books). I've been reading other genres for a while now so I am ready for a great dystopian/post apocalyptic read.
MY REVIEW
The covers on all this series feature hooded figures and that fits perfectly for those in the "resistance" that have to keep their own true identities hidden.
Would the cover make me pick up this series in a book store? Definitely yes, the hooded figures suggesting mystery, and the fact they are dystopian.
So the byline on the book cover, One Man, One Woman, One War really does fit the content of the book well. The dystopian aspect of the book is that the World War 3 has happened. The world has totally changed and fallen into post apocalyptic conditions and it's been everyone for themselves. Kind of a survival of the fittest regime. One man that has done very well for himself in this new system is the all powerful Eric Dane. He has chosen people who he believes will be useful in the regenerating of a community. Any one that Eric dislikes or deems their usefulness not needed has been left to starve. Eric see's himself as the new ruler.
This egotistical man needs to be stopped, but how can anyone get into his inner circle and close enough to do anything about his tyrannical rule?
This is where Rebecca come's in. I could go deeper into the plot but then I feel it would spoil your enjoyment and the discoveries you need to make about the individuals in the book and the dystopic/post apocalyptic elements in the book.
Naturally Rebecca is the other main character in this book, and wow she is one brave lady as she is the weapon the resistance choose to use to bring the mighty Eric Dane down.
There is also a scientific aspect to the book, where some individuals have been chosen and undergone a special secret procedure that gives them certain abilities such as Strength, Speed and Healing quickly. Does Rebecca have what is needed to infiltrate Eric Dane's inner circle and can she cope with what she has to do to gain his trust? Can Rebecca lie the "lie" as she needs to, to help the rebellions cause?
Another character I loved in the book was Reed. On the surface, he could be seen as a rather shallow womanising man but as you learn more about him and the part he plays within the rebellion you truly grow to love him. I also think the relationship between Reed and Rebecca is an interesting one, is the attraction that is between them that of siblings or soul mates? Rebecca and Reed's relationship has humour, comedy, a kind of camaraderie, and a mutual admiration for each other. Rebecca still loves who she considers her true soul mate, the one she had to leave behind when she agreed to do her mission for the rebellion.
As this book is set in a dystopic and post apacalyptic era you would think that no one has anything left to lose. However we also discover within this book that everyone has a weakness.
So did I enjoy the book? I really did, I kept my head down reading and didn't want the book to end. Would I recommend the book? Yes definitely to dystopian, post-apocalyptic fans. I would also urge other readers to give this one a go as this book has, action, betrayal, mystery, love and friendships. This one really does have you on the edge of your seat at times, as well as feeling like reaching into the book to help certain characters too! Would I want to read another book in this series? Yes please! It's definitely a case of "What A Twist" at the end of the book and I really just have to know more!
Would I want to read other books by this other? I do want to read more of this series, and I really like the sound of and want to read both Rainfall and the Traveller too.
I'm looking forward to reading one, it sounds post apocalyptic (which is one of my favourite genres). The book also looks like it has a main character that is a strong female (another thing I like in books). I've been reading other genres for a while now so I am ready for a great dystopian/post apocalyptic read.
MY REVIEW
The covers on all this series feature hooded figures and that fits perfectly for those in the "resistance" that have to keep their own true identities hidden.
Would the cover make me pick up this series in a book store? Definitely yes, the hooded figures suggesting mystery, and the fact they are dystopian.
So the byline on the book cover, One Man, One Woman, One War really does fit the content of the book well. The dystopian aspect of the book is that the World War 3 has happened. The world has totally changed and fallen into post apocalyptic conditions and it's been everyone for themselves. Kind of a survival of the fittest regime. One man that has done very well for himself in this new system is the all powerful Eric Dane. He has chosen people who he believes will be useful in the regenerating of a community. Any one that Eric dislikes or deems their usefulness not needed has been left to starve. Eric see's himself as the new ruler.
This egotistical man needs to be stopped, but how can anyone get into his inner circle and close enough to do anything about his tyrannical rule?
This is where Rebecca come's in. I could go deeper into the plot but then I feel it would spoil your enjoyment and the discoveries you need to make about the individuals in the book and the dystopic/post apocalyptic elements in the book.
Naturally Rebecca is the other main character in this book, and wow she is one brave lady as she is the weapon the resistance choose to use to bring the mighty Eric Dane down.
There is also a scientific aspect to the book, where some individuals have been chosen and undergone a special secret procedure that gives them certain abilities such as Strength, Speed and Healing quickly. Does Rebecca have what is needed to infiltrate Eric Dane's inner circle and can she cope with what she has to do to gain his trust? Can Rebecca lie the "lie" as she needs to, to help the rebellions cause?
Another character I loved in the book was Reed. On the surface, he could be seen as a rather shallow womanising man but as you learn more about him and the part he plays within the rebellion you truly grow to love him. I also think the relationship between Reed and Rebecca is an interesting one, is the attraction that is between them that of siblings or soul mates? Rebecca and Reed's relationship has humour, comedy, a kind of camaraderie, and a mutual admiration for each other. Rebecca still loves who she considers her true soul mate, the one she had to leave behind when she agreed to do her mission for the rebellion.
As this book is set in a dystopic and post apacalyptic era you would think that no one has anything left to lose. However we also discover within this book that everyone has a weakness.
So did I enjoy the book? I really did, I kept my head down reading and didn't want the book to end. Would I recommend the book? Yes definitely to dystopian, post-apocalyptic fans. I would also urge other readers to give this one a go as this book has, action, betrayal, mystery, love and friendships. This one really does have you on the edge of your seat at times, as well as feeling like reaching into the book to help certain characters too! Would I want to read another book in this series? Yes please! It's definitely a case of "What A Twist" at the end of the book and I really just have to know more!
Would I want to read other books by this other? I do want to read more of this series, and I really like the sound of and want to read both Rainfall and the Traveller too.
raquelreadsalot's review
4.0
What an action-packed story! I don't think the geography is 100% as it should be, but the actual plot is great. I couldn't put this book down!