A review by mattpfarr
Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, by Brandon Sanderson
4.0
Having read Sanderson's fantasy novels, I was not sure what to expect from this. Honestly, it is very different from his other work that I've read. A lot more humor present. But I really enjoyed the stories of Stephen Leeds and his aspects. The first two books felt very episodic, while they definitely flowed, I really just enjoyed the idea of getting into each of their adventures together. I would be totally happy to have a long line of episodic style books each covering different adventures. The finale was of course very different and also very powerful.
Overall, the idea of the aspects and how they are essentially containers for his great knowledge was very cool. It almost felt fantastical in a sense although I don't think it is. I think it did a good job of balancing the aspects as fleshed out while also holding back as they are actually just a part of Leeds himself. Difficult balance but well executed. I cared about the aspects even though they were not real.
As a writer myself, the ending was really emotional and powerful. I did not see that coming at all, and it was very cool to see how he went with it. I think Sanderson is done with Leeds and his aspects but I would love to read more if he ever pens some more. It would make a great tv series too!
Overall, the idea of the aspects and how they are essentially containers for his great knowledge was very cool. It almost felt fantastical in a sense although I don't think it is. I think it did a good job of balancing the aspects as fleshed out while also holding back as they are actually just a part of Leeds himself. Difficult balance but well executed. I cared about the aspects even though they were not real.
As a writer myself, the ending was really emotional and powerful. I did not see that coming at all, and it was very cool to see how he went with it. I think Sanderson is done with Leeds and his aspects but I would love to read more if he ever pens some more. It would make a great tv series too!