A word to the
wise that this book is the last in a trilogy. I do my best not to include
spoilers, but I don’t promise that there aren’t any.
The Republic.
Patriots. The Colonies. A nation divided with a group clinging to the idea that
there can be peace between the two. The Patriots are disbanded (or dead),
leaving the young new Elector to worry about other matters, such as a threat of
war from the Colonies over a plague outbreak and the continued weeding out
(a.k.a. execution) of Senators and dissenters who would attempt to assassinate
him. Fortunately for Elector Anden Stavropoulos, he has June Iparis (the
prodigy) and Day (the legend) on his side. June is training as one of three
Princeps-Elects, signifying that one of them will someday lead the Senate. And
Daniel Altan Wing – “Day” – once the Republic’s most notorious criminal, is now
a national hero. How the tides have turned.
They’re turning even more, and not
for the better. The Colonies have a powerful new ally in the Confederate
Nations of Africa. Even more powerful than Africa? The nation of Antarctica,
which has a long-standing rivalry with Africa. Their economy is thriving, and
their technological advances are extraordinary and impressive. Life in Ross
City, Antarctica, is a game that’s brilliant enough to reduce crime to
practically nil. They’ll help the Republic push back the Colonies, but their
parameters seem almost impossible.
One thing Antarctica requires is a
cure to the virus. Anden thinks clues to the cure lie in Day’s brother’s body,
but Day isn’t about to let the Republic get their hands on Eden again. He’ll do
anything in his power to keep Eden safe, and June, too, but he’s in a worsening
state that may not allow him to help anyone.
Overall, “Champion” was a satisfying
conclusion to this YA dystopian trilogy. It didn’t end all wrapped up with a
nice bow. Instead, it ended with the prospect of a new beginning or a new
chapter. I enjoyed the finale book, which read swiftly. Lu is a deft writer, as
showcased by how smoothly the book reads. Are there awkward moments? Sure.
Always. Some may think them technical glitches, but in this case, I felt they
added more details that readers might be interested to know. I also enjoyed
Lu’s foray into international worldbuilding with the visit to Antarctica. With
its game base, it made me think of “The Sims,” making me an instant fan of Ross
City. I would have loved to read more about Lu’s Antarctica. I’m thinking a new
trilogy, but this time set in Ross City …
One Legend. One Prodigy. Two heroes.
Will either be Champion?
Book One: Legend
Book Two: Prodigy