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.

I want more

What an interesting premise and bunch of characters (both imaginary and not). It was too short, though! I wish it had been a full length novel instead of a novella.

The only flaw...

is that it isn't long enough. It is an excellent concept, and I hope that Brandon decided to make a full length novel with it. The potential is great!

A MUST listen!

Smart, snappy, suspenseful

Great listen! Humor, suspense, action, and an intriguing premise (actually several intriguing premises). Had never heard an Oliver Wyman narration before, but he's very good in this one.

Hope Brandon Sanderson gives us more of this(ese) fascinating character(s)!

Wonderful idea for a story

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

Legion is an excellent story, well written and very well told. The only issue I had with the story was that it was too short. (that's what you get for free, right?)
I finished listening, and immediately searched audible for other stories written by Brandon Sanderson. I Especially enjoyed the premise of multiple personalities each with their own skill set. The story is engrossing, and even funny at times.
I eagerly await another in what I hope is a long run of these Legion stories

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

I prefer longer books but I did listen to this in one sitting.

I WANT THE FULL BOOK!!!

I TAKE MY WORDS BACK!!!
I WANT FULL SERIES AT LEAST TRILOGY.

WHATEVER YOU HOPE FOR, IT IS BETTER SO JUST LISTEN AND WAIT TILL THE FULL SERIES COMES OUT!!!

What do you do when you have 47 personalities

What do you do when you have 47 personalities who act separately from you and with each other? Solve crimes, of course. Stephen Leeds does not have personality disorder (at least according to him), he is completely aware of his many personalities, knows they are not real, yet interacts with them as people. Essentially they are different aspects of his brilliant mind that each have unique skills. He can call on them to help him with cryptography, handwriting analysis, chemical engineering, even languages, and come in pretty handy to solve the most challenging mysteries.

Steven Leeds and his several personalities (you don’t meet all of them, about 10) are funny, neurotic, helpful, strange and just fun. Written in the first person, you get a myopic view of Stephen Leeds’ life, but one couldn’t imagine doing this another way.

The book is very short, not much longer than a lengthy short story, even less than a novella. That is fine, it works, though if you used one credit on Audible, you might be a little disappointed how quickly it goes. The plot and the supporting characters are ridiculous and forgettable. The point of the story is the personalities and how they interact with each other and the world. It’s good fun and worth the two hour listen.

Oliver Wyman does a fine job with the narration, keeping the characters clearly defined in your ear. His pacing is good and he remains “transparent” throughout the book, leaving the story for the listener to imagine.

Don’t look for earth shattering revelations or philosophical enlightenment from Legion, just a couple of hours distraction. Overall this is a fun listen and you’ll get through it quickly with a smile on your face.

Audiobook purchased for review by ABR.

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Solidly Showcases Sanderson's Skills

A quick and entertaining read. Sanderson's strengths are shown here, even though the short format demands a simpler story. The best part are the original characters and magic/super powers systems that he creates. A very memorable main character as well, with plenty of room to expand upon in the future.

Short but good

Where does Legion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. It is way to short, but a very interesting ride. It is a great way to introduce a character that will be used for several books to come.

What did you like best about this story?

The novelty of the main character and the possibilities that it provides.

Which character – as performed by Oliver Wyman – was your favorite?

the main charater

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

No, it was too short to get deeply invested.

Any additional comments?

This is defiantly worth a listen and I hope the author use the main character in other works.

Like they said: funny and unconventional

Oddly enjoyable, if a bit disjointed and not quite fully realized.

I could go either way: fleshing this out more could be incredible or too much of a stretch. This short is enough to sink your teeth into, yet not so much that you overindulge and feel sick afterward.

Very entertaining!

Where does Legion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best entertaining books for a drive to Taos, NM.

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

I love his character enhancements.