On today's episode we're thrilled to have bestselling author Marie Lu joining us to talk about creating one of the most powerful and popular YA series of the decade, the page-turning dystopian saga that began with 2011's Legend. Her latest novel, Rebel, returns readers to the world of the authoritarian future state known as the Republic, with her focus moving to Eden Wing -- the younger brother who the heroic Daniel Wing has tried so hard to protect. Our frequent YA Podcast host Melissa Albert -- author of The Hazel Wood -- chatted with Marie Lu by phone about writing complex characters, incorporating disturbing social trends into her imagined world, and her forthcoming work of fantasy The Kingdom of Back. Plus, the author reveals the the plucky video game character who was her first inspiration as a writer.