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.

Great story but had some gaps I wished were filled

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

Interesting story concept

Would you be willing to try another book from Brandon Sanderson? Why or why not?

Yes, he seems to be a great writer with an great twist on the normal story.

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

The main character was the best, dealing with his condition.

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

When one person isn't enough, call on the person who's more than one

Engrossing

My biggest complaint is that it was a novella instead of something longer and more involved.
Very enjoyable and novel.

He finished before I did...

Would you listen to Legion again? Why?

Legion has an interesting plot, an intriguing narrator, and is wonderfully performed. Oliver Wyman artfully breathes life into Sanderson's words and characters. This, perhaps, is why it left me so... frustrated. I was enjoying the challenge of this tale so much when, like an insensitive (inexperienced?) lover, it climaxed without warning and rapidly rushed to resolution. I don't think I would listen to Legion again, but I would listen to another in the same series. Gifted writing is not a substitute for a satisfying ending. Do that again, Mr Sanderson, and you're cut off for good.

Well worth the read

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

Its a very interesting question of can a person fully utilize there gifts and what are the costs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character is all the characters.he understands who he is. Well at least he think he does. But it gives him purpose. This is more like Sherlock with a problem story.

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

Be all you can be.

He does it again!

Highly entertaining, and extremely well developed for a short story. Already went ahead and purchased the next book in the series, it is awesome!

Great Book

Sanderson is a Master in Storytelling. Amazing characters and unexpected situations. Waiting for the third installment to arrive

New Favorite Character

A friend recommended this to me, so I will turn around and do the same. This is a really intriguing detective novel. It has just enough of a sci-fi vibe to it to appeal to anyone and still give a lot of possibilities for other stories. If Sanderson wanted to break into the Mystery market, this would be the ticket to punch.

It's great the way he utilizes his attributes, as he calls them, to help with things when he actually is the one learning it all but that seems to be the only way he can process learning at such a speed. I know there is at least one more book with this character and I hope he keeps making them.

Bizarre and fascinating

The protagonist, Stephen, has a strange mental condition that causes him to (allows him to) hallucinate various persons with a wide range of knowledge and personalities. He is a bit of recluse, for obvious reasons such as talking to people others cannot see, but also seems very bright, not least because his hallucinations are often experts at something or other.

So, this is a short (2 hour audiobook), bizarre, unique, interesting, and creative little fantasy/action story in which Stephen is introduced along with a number of his hallucinatory personas. It becomes action packed because of course there's some stolen technology and some terrorist types and so forth.

It was an enjoyable listen (I listened via Audible) and I will probably read or listen to later installments in the series. The author's creativity and imagination really come through in this one. The narrator did a good job and did not seem to have any annoying quirks.

Interesting Concept

Brandon Sanderson continues to put on display his superb writing talents in this novelette and lays the groundwork for subsequent books in the series. Think 3 Faces of Eve and expand it 19 times with each personality having a unique talent/skill/knowledge and the MC, Legion, able to tap into each person's ability to assist in solving perplex issues whether they be crimes, lost items, etc.

I enjoyed the book but, as an introduction novel, it was too short for my normal preferences.

Oliver Wyman's performance is very good and makes for a pleasant listening experience.

Brilliant idea

The situation with the main character is brilliant! When I listen to it again, I might have to take notes to help me keep track of all of the characters.