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.

Original concept

What did you love best about Legion?

While most books rewritte earlier stories with minor variations, Sanderson has invented 2 truly-new quirks. His hero is a man with many imaginary friends, but those iimaginary friends have actual knowledge. He reads one book on the hebrew language, and gets a friend who can understand it perfectly and tell him what to say. He's hired to find a guy who has invented a way to take snapshots of past events.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The puritanical psychologist. She scolded the hero so often.

Clever and Fun

Would you listen to Legion again? Why?

Although a little short for how clever an idea, It was a really great listen. That's my only complaint, that it ended to quickly, But it was very fun and I'd get the sequel.

A Great listen for a car ride or a quiet afternoon

What made the experience of listening to Legion the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable part was the narrative between characters

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the main character wasn't a hero, he was as normal as you could be, while thinking yourself crazy

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

Stephen Leeds

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Embrace personalities

A pleasant surprise - didn't think I'd like it!

Would you listen to Legion again? Why?

I would probably listen to it again, or to a continuation of the story. I've read Brandon Sanderson before (just because he finished the Wheel of Time series), and have been rather "meh" about his writing. This one - it was different. Much better. I hope he keeps writing this character.

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

Excellent reader; I've heard books that were absolutely ruined by their readers. Wyman *adds* character to the story.

Brilliant conceit for a series.

Any additional comments?

This is clever work. The interaction and independence of the aspects is tremendously fun. The humor, psychology and creativity perfect while maintaining his science fiction discipline by sticking to the rules of this universe. The mechanism of creation, limitations of access, and levels of disfunction are great. Serialized in bite sized pieces like this Legion could become a favorite.

Interesting Story, Interesting Characters

What made the experience of listening to Legion the most enjoyable?

I've read most of Brandon Sandersons' books and I can always expect to be entertained with unique worlds and interesting, unique characters. Although Legion is a short story it does not disappoint. It is both unique and entertaining and I look forward to additional works.

Looking forward to more.

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

I found the character and his insanity/ super ability very fascinating.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoined this and it is worth anyone's time.

Legion... marvel?

Wrong name and different but really good! Would love to see this as a tv show!

A fun read! Highly recommended for a quick story

If you need a break from another book or series, this will do the job!

Interesting but too short

I love the premise where a super genius creates hallucinations to help him track, categorize and process the vast amounts of knowledge that he has. The characters (including the hallucinations) are interesting, funny and quirky and combined with great writing it makes for a great base but in the end it’s a short story and in this case it’s just too short of a story to deliver a great product.

Mr. Wyman does a great job with all the characters.