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.
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.
Fun, short Ideally this would have been several pages longer – I finished an hour of cardio somewhat after finishing the tale. A few short chapters from the POV of the other significant characters would have served nicely. Amazon’s ‘mood’ indicator often falls short – this has a balance of suspense, humor and some high-concept spec fic musings.Â
Sanderson creates a very interesting character in Legion, though the plot device has been seen before Brandon Sanderson is best known for epic fantasy novels, both set in his own worlds and completing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. As a big fan of Sanderson’s epics, I was surprised to see the release his 2012 science fiction novella Legion, as it’s a much shorter format than he usually writes in. Nonetheless, I’m always pleased to read more Sanderson, and while after reading Legion I still think his talents are best suited for epics, I really enjoyed the novella and am glad he’s…
A fascinating idea that ended too soon showcased Brandon Sanderson is his element, bringing an addicting story with a lot of potential, only to end just when the story got its hooks deep in you, leaving you wanting so much more. Legion, though different and not nearly as deep, is as entertaining, though not as fulfilling. Do not let that dissuade you, however. Legion provides plenty of entertainment.Â