Legion

This is one of those books that, if I had the undisturbed time block, I could have killed in just a couple hours. It's an easy, YA-type read but with a really interesting concept: what if all the aspects of our personality were kitschy, stereotyped characters (calling it as it is) forming a team that helps us through our life's work? It's kind of fun to think of what your own cast of characters might look like, and how they might help or hinder you, say, before a big business presentation or something. It's a cute concept, a fun detective narrative, super easy to read, and ultimately pretty meta re: the writing process.

Although very well written, with an original premise, this short story feels like an excerpt from a much larger work. The hints at a much larger world and back story beg for a sequel. You could almost get the impression this has been published largely to whet the appetities of any passing tv producers. In any event, if you are looking for a quick read, this will more than fit the bill.

Legion is a wonderfully fun and thought provoking story by Brandon Sanderson. A short 85 page novella length (though considering how epic fantasy writers deal with story length this is probably closer to a “short story” for him) gives a perfect taste of the fascinating characters Brandon has created. Unlike Brandon's other works, Legion takes place in a modern day real world setting. It follows the adventure of a very special detective with schizophrenic-like tendencies and his search for a magical medium format camera. Though brief, this story forces one to question their relationship with science, religion, world politics, and themselves. As is characteristic of Sanderson's works, the characters are lively, diverse, and entertaining, even when they may not technically exist. Though his story touches on serious topics, the quick pacing and witty dialogue still make it fun to read. I read it in one sitting (well, with a mild interruption for lunch) and it was incredibly enjoyable. The conclusion to the story was satisfying, but left open ended enough that further adventures could be written in the future. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will enjoy the story, but I think this could be a fun read for everyone, even if they aren't necessarily fans of fantasy or science fiction. All in all a great little book, and one I highly recommend.

4.25 stars

This was a fast paced and quite humorous read! I loved the premise and all of Stephen's hallucinations, my favourite of them being, without a doubt, J.C. Since this is a novella, it is quite short, but I just wish it was a little bit longer so that some of the scenes could be elaborated on more because a good amount of the book left me craving more information. But other than that, this was a fast-paced, fun, brilliant read :)

I jumped into this novella collection with only a lick of the story's concept, for which I am glad for. The idea of creating a cast of characters only imaginary to the protagonist is one I've been trying to accomplish in my own novel. It's absolutely insane to create life outside of a person's reality when it's demanding to attract readers to the fictional world you supply, but for I am insane, so this works out.

Sanderson—unsurprisingly—puts life into distinguishing characters within the novel, especially imaginary ones. I've come out of this read having a better grip of imagination within something that is already imaginary to me. The act of Inception is the better term.

On a side note, I got some serious Inception vibes from this one, which made me relish in it even more.

This is a short novella, so I'm forgoing my usual format for a short review.

I equate this to a drug dealer. First one is free, and then you're hooked! I snagged the free audible audio book and I will happily buy any more stories Mr. Sanderson chooses to write with this character.

The main character is some kind of crazy genius. In at attempt to keep a hold of his sanity, he has created all these imaginary people who act as sort of knowledge specialists. He has one who is an ex-Navy seal who gives him weapon and tactics advice. Another who is a scholar who acts as his own personal wikipedia, to name a few.

The story was interesting and moved quick as it's so short. I rather enjoyed it.

Quick comment on the audibook: I thought the reader Oliver Wyman was good, doing voices for all the characters.

9/10

This is such a cool idea. I really hope someone adapts this into a series. The aspects are interesting and I just want to meet more of them. The way Leeds doesn't want to acknowledge that the work being done is all him is very relatable.

-1 point because it should have been longer and the motivation in the story was a bit shallow.

I'm starting to think Brandon Sanderson's writing might just not be for me. I always like the story ideas in theory, but I always feel like I'm reading a adult novel with the writing of a young adult novel. Everything I've read so far has been prioritising plot over character (my personal preference is usually the other way around), which makes the characters feel a bit too shallow to me, and so in the end I just don't care about anything going on.
I don't hate it of course, but feeling neutral at the end of the book isn't a very good sign either.

For those who doubt that Brandon is probably one of the finest new writers in the fantasy space, here is the slap in your face. This story deserves a 5 star rating for just the concept. That the concept is executed so skillfully only takes it further. The most disappointing thing about it is that its a short story. This means Brandon has not invested in a deeper or layered plot. The flow is simple, the lines humorous and the outcome mind blowing. “Legion” is my new hero:-)

Although this is a short novella, it still has Brandon Sanderson's signature writing. A unique story premise, interesting characters (considering you spend such little time with them, it's amazing how attached you get - something Sanderson excels at for sure) and a lot of interesting themes to chew over. I still can't believe he packed so much into such a short story. From page one I was hooked and felt like I went on a far longer journey than the short page count would account for. I immediately liked both the main character Steve and his ‘hallucinations' or other personalities, you don't even quite question it, you just roll with it. The story itself is a mystery with a supernatural element to it that gives the reader a lot to think on, and the reveal at the end sets things up nicely for a continuing story. Overall another well done novel by Sanderson, whether your a fan or not, this one is worth checking out. I'm really looking forward to sequel!