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.

Unique & Imaginative

I don't know if this should be considered sci-fi or if, like Diana Gabaldon's
novels, they need a separate category: fiction multiple personality mystery?
Either way, I thoroghly enjoyed this, & wish there were more. As a RN for
more than 30 yrs. I have KNOWN people similar, but not as coherant!

Good imagination.

If only I can be divided like that, doing multiple things at the same time.

Very cool and unique

The savant concept gets an interesting new look here the with the hallucinatory aspects of a schizophrenic's mind as the main cast of this superb novella. Quick but very entertaining. Sanderson is a favorite of mine, so I'm biased. But honestly even if I was not a fan this one is impressive for originality.

Entertaining short work from Sanderson

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

I recommend this to all readers who enjoy Brandon Sanderson's work. Unlike the majority of his work, Legion is short contemporary fantasy. If you have never read any of his other works, this may be a good "bite-sized" portion to help you determine if you like his style. However, be warned that his other major novels are much longer and not set in contemporary times.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the manner in which the "multiple personages" were handled. Rather than a story about a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (multiple personalities), Sanderson uses visual and auditory hallucinations to make the personalities "real" and distinct characters.

What about Oliver Wyman’s performance did you like?

The reader, Oliver Wyman, is able to imbue the various personalities with distinct voices which aids the listener in keeping them separate.

Any additional comments?

My only complaint is that it was too short! I believe that there is enough material to make a longer novel or maybe a series. Psychologically, Legion is an interesting and deep character and the interactions between and among Legion and his personas make it fun and interesting.

Hooked by the Summay

The last few lines , when he made his last aspect guaranteed that I will buy every new novella that comes out . Waiting for them to make this a tv series

Good, short listen for fans of Sanderson

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

It's an enjoyable, short read that fans of Brandon Sanderson will greatly appreciate.

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

The book is short (only about two hours) so it's definitely a book for one sitting. It's delightful how the main character and his highly skilled cast of imaginary friends interact and solve the main conflict.

Fun story, but this is the raw audio

Any additional comments?

Audible has failed to edit this audio. In the middle of a sentence the reader will say "Here's an alternate" and then repeat the line slightly differently. Or if he misread a sentence he will read it again correctly. Those are recording artifacts that are supposed to be edited out but haven't been. Pretty amateurish.

Extremely Original

Definitely original and entertaining. I love how Stephen's mind worked, and what he manages to accomplish with it. Enjoyed the personalities that were presented and their interactions with Stephen and each other. Loved, loved, loved the Camera. Could you imagine what would happen if it existed?!! The book was the perfect length in my opinion, and I hate short books. Will definitely be reading more Sanderson.

Very interesting story.

I really enjoyed the concepts of this story. very unique stuff and presented well. Would like a full book.

I want more

Very nice ideas - this would make a great TV show- Mr Sanderson is very talented