Legion

By: Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most significant fantasists to enter the field in a good many years. His ambitious, multi-volume epics (Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive) and his stellar continuation of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series have earned both critical acclaim and a substantial popular following. In Legion, a distinctly contemporary novella filled with suspense, humor, and an endless flow of invention, Sanderson reveals a startling new facet of his singular narrative talent, read by Audie Award-winning narrator Oliver Wyman.

Stephen Leeds, AKA 'Legion,' is a man whose unique mental condition allows him to generate a multitude of personae: hallucinatory entities with a wide variety of personal characteristics and a vast array of highly specialized skills. As the story begins, Leeds and his 'aspects' are drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera whose astonishing properties could alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society. The action ranges from the familiar environs of America to the ancient, divided city of Jerusalem. Along the way, Sanderson touches on a formidable assortment of complex questions: the nature of time, the mysteries of the human mind, the potential uses of technology, and the volatile connection between politics and faith. Resonant, intelligent, and thoroughly absorbing, Legion is a provocative entertainment from a writer of great originality and seemingly limitless gifts.

©2012 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Fascinating listen

If you could sum up Legion in three words, what would they be?

Engrossing story, with a fascinating hook

What did you like best about this story?

The way the author weaves characters/aspects into the story to provide different points of view and conflict within the main character.

Have you listened to any of Oliver Wyman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I would listen to him again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The climactic scene where the JC character earns his place.

Any additional comments?

I want to read more. The setup is fascinating.

Fresh new idea

Would you consider the audio edition of Legion to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version

Who was your favorite character and why?

The butler, he was always calm cool and collected. He seemed to be the main character's sidekick.

Have you listened to any of Oliver Wyman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

This book was a fresh new take on a detective theme. I loved the idea of the unassuming genius that was so bright he was forced to split his prodigious mind into multiple parts by way of a completely sane owner of multiple personalities. Additionally, I like how Sanderson played these out as additional characters in the story. Even the story line was new and refreshing. I got this one for free and probably wouldn't have paid for it since it was so short, but after reading it; it would have totally been worth a credit. I hope this novella project of his expands into a full series of novels (after he finishes the next stormlight book). Come on, Sanderson, write faster, I can't get enough.

A Small Taste

Stephen Leeds is a genius who has formed a unique way of coping with the masses of knowledge crowded into his brain. He's created 'aspects', each of whom has a complete personality and a separate set of skills. Some people call him a genius, some people call him insane, but no one can deny that he's extraordinary.

I love everything Brandon Sanderson has written, and Legion is no exception. Each new story or novel he publishes is astoundingly imaginative. This novella left me wanting more and I immediately picked up the sequel.

The idea of the aspects is clever and well written. I love that each one has their own mental disorder. It's easy to forget how intelligent Stephen is, he seems like a regular joe until his genius flashes out through the pages. The narration is consistent, the narrator performs subtle character voices and his voice fits well with the story.

I'd recommend this book as an introduction to Sanderson's work, you won't be disappointed.

Very good, reminds me of the Finder TV show

Very enjoyable. An interesting lead character with an interesting cast of supporting characters. I would absolutely recommend this short story.

To make this a full book there has to be a stronger "real" supporting cast and I pray the lost woman story line is not the back-line obsession with each book being just another who-done-it . I can watch the Mentalist or that Sherlock Holmes show if I want a story about a clever man focused on tracking a mystery person, solving cases as an afterthought.

Wanted More

Would you listen to Legion again? Why?

I would listen again, the story and performance was great

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legion?

I think since it was a short story, the way the storied flowed all the way to the end, and left you wanting more

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voice acting is incredible, he puts the voices and accents to each of the characters that fit well

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I listen to it in one sitting, left me wanting more

A different and peculiar triest for Sanderson

What did you love best about Legion?

I loved the concept and the way to develope characters who don't physically exist while incorporating them deeply into a short story like this.

What about Oliver Wyman’s performance did you like?

It was a solid narration. Nothing over the top note worthy nor anything that would distract the listener from the story.

Very Clever Story

Short and sweet... a very clever story... I love the concept of the story and the plot and the narrator was superb the way he read off the different characters in different voices and accents he made sound that the were truly different people not just one person reading the book.

Loved it.

Truly not a bad story

Freaked me out a bit thinking if I'd get used to the many characters but honestly it was very good

Very enjoyable

Unique and interesting, would make a great television series. Brandon Sanderson is a very talented author.

Interesting Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

We found the first part of this story a little confusing and had to really pay attention.
After we got into it, the story line was very interesting. The way the Brandon Sanderson wove the characters was very unique.