"Become a Legend"

I may not hit the correct age range for YA (young adult), but I don't care what anyone says, I will always love the YA category. This category has the ability to engage readers of all ages, but also provides interesting escapes full of relatable characters, compelling narratives, and the emotional landscape that is adolescence and coming of age. Not only do they have compelling narratives, but they can provide a nice palette cleanser between reading some of the heavier and more dense stories or topics that encompass the adult category. They have the uncanny ability to tackle complex themes including: identity, love, friendship, and the struggles of growing up, all while maintaining a sense of hope and adventure. Relatability is the number one factor in why I believe YA resonates with readers, regardless of their actual age.

In addition to relatability, let's not forgot that YA also tends to have quicker pacing allowing the reader to get to the heart of a story in a quicker time frame, higher accessibility to accommodate a wider array of readers, and oftentimes optimism, creating or leaving its readers with a sense of hopefulness. In combination with these attributes also comes the fact that YA tends to include more diversity, showcasing inclusivity and exploring a wider network of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. All in all, YA has not just one but a multitude of attributes that make it a standout category and if I haven't sold you on it yet, then I'm at a loss. In my opinion, it will continue emerging as a top contender in showcasing diverse voices, fostering an atmosphere of higher empathy as well as understanding, and continue to inspire a more positive outlook on life. In closing, my affections for YA lit will only continue to grow, and if it's not really a category you read, I would encourage you to take a chance and explore it, maybe even start with Become a Legend.

The Review

“Become a Legend” follows unlikely legend Maroon Meyers, a gangly, impulsive, and clumsy young Ethiopian man as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the mystery of his father, a local power struggle, and corruption that plagues the city East Eighty. Between a ragtag group of revolutionists keenly named the MisFits causing chaos throughout the city and crooked politicians scheming to destroy anyone who stands in their way at grasping higher power, Maroon must decide what side he’s on and who he can trust all while trying to keep what’s left of his family safe. This was a an engaging and entertaining YA / Coming of age dystopian novel that I found to also be quite smart! From the extensive vocabulary used to the multiracial characters, author Penelope Ray weaved richness and layered depth into this narrative with a multicultural blend of Spanish, Arabic, and African. I enjoyed that main character Maroon was an unlikely hero who shows growth throughout the story, a kind of underdog story. I also liked that there were tiny hints scattered throughout the story that added up to being tiny pieces of the puzzle that Maroon would eventually put together. If you enjoy smart YA or dystopian novel, I believe you’ll enjoy this story!

Finished Reading On:  April 12, 2025

Book Information

Author Name: Penelope Ray

Publisher Name: Independently Published

Published Date: March 1, 2025

Final Thoughts

   Have you read Become a Legend? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing this book for yourself, you can find it HERE.