The Legacy (novel)
| Author | Gemma Malley |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Declaration Trilogy |
| Genre | Drama novel |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
Publication date | 4 January 2011 |
| Pages | 268 pp |
| ISBN | 978-1599905679 |
| Preceded by | The Resistance (novel), The Declaration (novel) |
The Legacy is the final novel of the Young Adult Trilogy by Gemma Malley, published in 2011.
Plot
When a Pincent Pharmaceutical van is ambushed by the rebel group known as the Underground, its contents come as a huge surprise-not drugs, but corpses in a horrible state. It appears that the pharmaceutical company's top drug, Longevity-which is supposed to eradicate disease and ensure eternal life-isn't living up to its promises. Now a virus is sweeping the country, killing hundreds in its wake, and Longevity is powerless to fight it. But when the unscrupulous head of Pincent claims that the Underground is responsible for releasing the virus, it's up to Peter, Anna, and their friends to alert the world to the terrifying truth behind Longevity before it's too late.
Major Characters
- Anna Covey – Anna lives together with Peter after their escape from Grange Hall and the events that followed. She takes care of both her younger brother and her own daughter.
- Peter Pincent – Anna's husband
- Jude Fitz-Patrick - Peter's half brother
- Pip - The leader of the underground
- Richard Pincent - Peter's grandfather
- Sheila -Anna's dark traitor friend
Background
In the year 2040, scientists create Longevity, a drug which prevents death but does not halt the aging process. People continue to have children although there are no longer any deaths, and this quickly leads to over population. As a result, in the year 2080, the Declaration is introduced. This is a document which must be signed before an individual is allowed to take Longevity, and in doing so they agree not to have any children. There are exceptions to this. For example, wealthy politicians may take the drug and still have children. Many people are resistant to the Declaration. They still want to have families, but cannot give up the chance to live for an eternity. Children born to these individuals are offensively referred to as "Surplus". In some countries, the Surpluses are killed the moment they are born, but in countries such as Britain, they are taken from their parents at birth to live in "Surplus Halls." They are taught that their existence is a crime against Nature, and that the only way they can atone for their parents' sins is through hard and constant labour.
The Prequels
Gemma Malley's The Declaration series is made up of The Declaration (2007), The Resistance (2009) and The Legacy (2010).