Champion: How a "threequel" should be written - Henry G



 Champion by Marie Lu is the third book of the Legend trilogy. Champion brings a fantastic end to the dystopian novel trilogy while also allowing the author to add an epilogue that perfectly fits in with the trilogy. My purpose in this blog is to explain why Champion is the perfect "threequel" by comparing it to a not-so-awesome sequel, Akata Warrior. 

    In case you have not read the first two books in the trilogy, here is a summary. Legend, the first book in the trilogy, shows a dystopian future where the United States has become the Republic. The story follows two protagonists, June, a military prodigy, and Day, a wanted criminal. On one fateful night, June's brother is killed, and Day becomes the prime suspect. June is assigned to capture Day, but as she investigates, she uncovers government secrets and corruption. The two characters soon discover that their real enemy is the Republic and become partners and soon lovers, in crime. In the sequel Prodigy, June and Day are on the run from the Republic. They join the rebel group known as the Patriots, with plans to overthrow the government. As they navigate political intrigue and rebellion, June and Day face challenges that test their relationship and loyalty. The sequel ends with June and Day being separated because June has to become the Princeps of Elect (second in command of the Republic) to make the Republic a better place.

    In Champion, the Colonies are at war with the Republic and there is a plague. Eden, Day's brother, is the only hope of finding a cure as he was experimented on by the Republic before. While Day is debating on whether to let the republic test on Eden or not, June finds out that Day only has two more months to live due to severe brain injury. They find that Eden is not the origin of the virus, and June realizes that she might've caught the plague before and gets tested. While June isn't the origin of the virus, it's close enough and scientists develop a cure. Day, now the hero of the Republic, tells everyone not to surrender but to fight, and a fight breaks out in LA. June and Eden are attacked at the hospital and when she defeats all the soldiers, she finds a fatally injured Day. Day went into a 5-month coma and when he woke up, he forgot everything about June. After Day recovers, he and Eden go to Antarctica so Eden can go to school there. The "threequel" ends with a 10-year timelapse where June and Day finally meet again, and Day introduces himself to June.

    Champion is the perfect "threequel" to a trilogy because it not only advances the plot from the previous two books but also sets up an ending that fits well by itself but can also be expanded upon. Unlike Akata Warrior, which basically repeats the same plot again, fights the same enemy, and has the same characters with no development, Champion introduces a new enemy, and new character development and manages to close it all out with a very heartbreaking ending. Champion gave new definitions to old characters like Eden trying to become more than just the brother of the Republic's hero. Champion also revisits the reader's older memories by bringing the protagonists back to where the first book took place, showing how much they have changed within the span of 3 books. 

    In conclusion, Champion is the perfect example of how a good "threequel" should be written and I recommend this book, and the entire trilogy, to anyone who likes a good dystopian novel.

Comments

  1. Yuto InoueJanuary 12, 2024 at 6:04 PM

    Hi Henry. I remember getting into this series in 7th grade when it was our in-class book. Even though I also think that it is better than the Akata Witch series, I would also say that I did not enjoy the third book as much as the original book, Legend. I found the story pretty chaotic with the different groups of people. There's also a 4th book in the series, Rebel, which I would love to read a post on if you ever read it. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ElliotthegreatFebruary 1, 2024 at 6:15 PM

    Hey Henry, this book looks rather interesting and it definitely showed much promise than Akata Witch, I look forward to reading this but I should probably read the first two. Good Job

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BJFebruary 5, 2024 at 6:58 AM

      I agree with this opinion, I think it did show more promise than Akata Witch.

      Delete

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