This did exactly what it set out to do. It made me want to read the entire book.

This short story shows us the fascinating life of Stephen Leeds, who had a rare personality disorder. Not only does he know about his disorder, he embraces it. He sees each personality as a completely separate person who has a specific set of skills (that Stephen doesn't have) and occupies one of the rooms in his huge mansion. All this, and he still acknowledges that they are all figments of his imagination. That in itself is just a wonderful juxtaposition.

This short in itself isn't too much to get excited about, but the concept, the character(s), and the idea of the things they'll be getting into in the future is VERY exciting. Can't wait to read more!

3.5 stars
Fascinating premise and characters-just had wished it was a little longer.
Was a fast paced read that had a really fun concept, especially the hallucinations.
I've read a few of his books now-and while this wasn't my favorite- I certainly enjoyed it and would recommend.

I love this preview. The main character is so interesting and I loved learning about how his mind works. Stephen is a very unique character that really makes him stand out in the mystery genre. I was so fascinated with his story that I eagerly read the pages and wanted more! Very clever characters and story plot. Also an amazing cover that seems to really fit the main character! I would gladly buy this book for myself and highly recommend it to other people.

This was a fun novella, a bit confusing at times to follow until you got the hang of it with the hallucinations. It was a enjoyable approach to time travel. I think I'll really like the other two in the series. Thank you to Net Galley and Tor/Forge Publishing for an advanced read preview copy of the published works containing all three novellas.

Mind-bending romp through the fragmented brain of a genius

Wow! I think Brandon Sanderson has to be insane to even dream up these stories. Perhaps this is an autobiography? ;) Sanderson is one of my favorite authors, so Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds was a must-buy. It’s a mind-bending ride with a quite a bit more humor than his usual adult fare. Between the three stories, there’s quite a bit of background and satisfactory resolution of major storylines. I’d not be adverse to more Leeds stories, though.

Many consider Stephen Leeds to be insane, but he’d just tell you that all his aspects are how he compartmentalizes knowledge and skills. He’s got forty-something people running around in his head and they’re not him. Well, they are him, but they aren’t. Each is a distinct personality that exists at the same time as each other; Stephen is just the middle manager that makes them behave while they’re helping him on cases.

There are three stories included in this collection: Legion, Legion: Skin Deep, and Legion: Lies of the Beholder. In Legion, Stephen has to find a missing camera and the engineer/scientist who designed and stole it. It’s a camera that takes pictures of the past – any time and any place in the past. It could be used to see who killed Kennedy, what was written on secret documents, or if Jesus actually appeared to the disciples after his crucifixion. It could also be used to blackmail people or destroy entire religions. No one would be safe.

In the second book, Stephen must find the body of a scientist that has been stolen. It’s got massive amounts of data encrypted in its cells and DNA, as the engineering company the man worked for was inventing a way for the human body to be a data storage and computing device. “Every cell in your body contains seven hundred and fifty megs of data,” the engineer said. “For comparison, one of your fingers holds as much information as the entire internet." Gives a new meaning to the “thumb” drive. But now there’s a chance the engineer loosed a virus that causes cancer on the world. Can Stephen find the body and the pad to unlock its encryption?

In the third story, Leeds is contacted by Sandra, the one who helped him create and stabilize his aspects to maintain his sanity and balance. It’s a cry for help that he can’t ignore. Unfortunately, maybe Sandra or the people she is working with have an ulterior motive. It’s always about the money, and this time the bad guys want Stephen to figure out how to perfect an augmented reality that Sandra’s using to destroy her aspects. Even as Stephen starts losing his own aspects to violence and nightmares, he must keep track of what is real and what isn’t inside his head and outside. It’s a crazy world out there.

Twisty mysteries, humorous banter, great insights into the reality of insanity, and just a whole lot of fun. Stephen’s inner dialogues are not only fun, but feel real. You never feel that Stephen is faking, and it’s always clear through all the twists and turns that his inner landscape and its resident population is just as real as the outside world. Loved all the characters, including Stephen’s real life butler.

Highly recommended, as I’d recommend anything Sanderson, with the caveat that one sometimes has to wait several years between books. (I’m looking at you, Rhithmatist.) Luckily this collection contains the complete the Legion set.

I mistakenly believed I was receiving a preview excerpt of the upcoming third (and final, from my understanding) novella in the Legion series; this is actually the first novella, which I have previously read and enjoyed.

The concept behind Legion is one which I enjoy immensely, the idea that Stephen Leeds has many illusory companions, each with their own areas of expertise - and neuroses - which enable him to access information stored within his brain, is a fascinating one.
I also very much enjoy the fact that Sanderson presents us with the challenges Stephen faces because of this - social stigma, fear of his own psyche, understanding that he is not 'normal' - rather than simply the advantages.
The realism of many of his illusory companions mental illnesses is also refreshing, and I appreciate the frankness with which he approaches the daily challenges faced by many people with a variety of mental illnesses.
I love the fact that Sanderson has managed to turn this fantastic concept into a series of short stories in which Stephen and his companions solve mysteries, and I have found the plot-lines themselves to be interesting so far.

I continue to eagerly anticipate the final novella in the series, and can't wait to read it.

Disclaimer: I've received a preview excerpt of this book which only included the first novella Legion, the rating will probably change once I've read the whole book.

My first non-Fantasy Sanderson, and it was... okay. Short and sweet, but not memorable.
I like the idea and I love how endearing Stephen's personae are, it's something Sanderson always does very well: making us love characters after a few lines of dialogues. But I'm not entirely convinced, for someone with so many personalities surrounding him, Stephen feels a bit empty. Even the plot (a camera that can take pictures of the past) sounded so interesting, but fell flat at the end. I'm a little bit at a loss.
I also have to insert my longest sigh at the introduction of el famosa Love Interest who hasn't been seen for 10 years and who was the only one who understood the Genius™ main character. But that's just me being bitter.

Legion has a lot of potential and I'm very curious about the other two novellas, this review is on hold until I've read them.

I read an excerpt from what I gather is a fix up, or a compendium of three novellas. I have not quite connected with Sanderson's fantasy, though there is a lot I like, but this I really enjoyed.

Briefly, Stephen Leeds has multiple personas, and the banter between them is what makes the story so much fun. Watching the mystery unfold while Leeds and other people in real life blip in and out of consensus reality with the personas (aspects, Leeds calls them, insisting he does not have multiple personality disorder) is what made the story so much fun.

Mr. Sanderson’ writing is great when it comes to fantasy, especially to his Stormlight Archive series. However, he should stay away from science fiction, as this is not a genre for everyone to write.

The science part is missing completely from this novella, there is no worldbuilding; this is just a work of fiction with lots of gaps between events, with a preposterous plot and an unconvincing and unrealistic main character – he has 46 alter-egos which act as hallucinations, not personalities (as he told us), but from which we met just a few - thank God for small mercies.

I said to myself that I won’t read another sci-fi work by him, after the fiasco with Firstborn , but I thought to give it another chance. Turned out to be an even bigger disappointment. He really should stick to fantasy, which he’s brilliant at, and forget about writing science fiction.

I knew this book seemed incredibly familiar, and it was, because this sample is simply the first Legion novella that was released a few years back. That said, I wanted to reread so I could give an honest review since Net Galley and Tor were nice enough to do samples.

Looking back at my GoodReads, I adored this novella when it first released. This time around I wasn't quiet as enthusiastic, but I'll still be picking up the collection when it gets a proper release.

Stephen Leeds can remember everything he's ever read, and to deal with this ability his psyche summons up aspects in the form of other people that only he can see and hear, that provide him with the information or skills he needs. He uses these unique talents to solve mysteries. It's a fun concept, and I'm glad to see that Sanderson is fleshing it out more fully. The originally novella very much feels like a proof of concept for a larger novel or series, and I'm glad to see that it is, because Sanderson's world building doesn't have a chance to shine here like it normally does. I'm excited for the full novel and I would definitely recommend it for fans of Sanderson. #LegionpreviewExcerpt #NetGalley

3.5 stars

This preview was really intriguing, I wanted to read the rest of the book! The story line was a little meh - a camera that can take photos of the past and every group wanting and willing to kill for the technology. Steven more than made up for the lack of interest in the plot though. I really enjoyed all of the different personalities and skills of his familiars. Perhaps the plot line gets better, it's hard to tell in the first few chapters how the story will develop. I really wish I had a full book to read and review, it has promise!

This is a sample of a combined trilogy, but it actually has the full first book which is only 79 pages sold separately.

The concept is very original. Jake has a reputation for getting things done, but he's schizophrenic and has effectively invisible friends, who he accepts are hallucinations, with various skills that allow him to accomplish things he doesn't believe he could do on his own.

He has a real butler and housekeeper who play along, pretending to hand drinks to his 'aspects' as he calls them and such. Anyone who deals with him has to accept that these imaginary people are his team and make enough room for them in the car or wherever. This leads to much amusement in a story that is otherwise a Mystery/Action Thriller/Spy novel.

The situation is that a company has developed a camera that can take photos from different moments in time and the main developer has stolen it. The woman from the company who comes to Jake with the case raises suspicions from one of his more astute aspects and Jake ends up watching his back from all sorts of angles.

It's a fun story and I bought the second book before I had got very far into this one. Definitely recommended for anyone with a sense of the bizarre.

3.5*

This might not be the best example of Sanderson's work for anyone wondering what the hype is about, simply because it's different to the epic fantasy series' that Sanderson is known for.
I really enjoyed the ideas that are explored in 'Legion' and, of course, it is well written. The only thing it was lacking for me is the world-building that I've come expect from this author. I personally just prefer a bit more to sink my teeth into in that regard. That being said, it's still a great introduction to a series, and I'm looking forward to continuing with this story.

~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~

So this is slightly unusual. I knew I had read this book before. I hadn’t realised until I saw the cover was already uploaded to my blog that I actually reviewed it back then, too. I forgot to cross-post it to GoodReads, and I rarely go back further than a month or two in my blog archives, unless I have a reason to. You can read that first review here.

This time around, I didn’t have as much trouble settling into the world of the book, perhaps because I remembered enough from the previous read. Stephen and his halluncinations can be tricky to get your head around, though, since you are reading his interactions with all of them, despite the fact the other characters cannot see them.

I enjoyed the the book considers the tension between science and faith, particularly within one person. It never passes any judgement over which it thinks is “correct” – some characters feel one way while others feel another and they both get an even playing field for their stands.

The book is quite short (under 100 pages), and in some ways it does feel like a series opener rather than being able to stand on its own two feet. There is a mysterious woman linked to Stephen’s past, and the mysteries of the camera that can take photos of the past are not fully answered. However, I think casual readers would still enjoy this. I originally read it back when the second and third books weren’t out, and I don’t remember being too frustrated. That said, I have the second one on standby now so that I can go and read more of these characters.

I received an advance preview of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com. I knew this would happen. I get a free preview of the book, love it, then have to wait until it comes out to finish it. It's good to see Sanderson broaden his scope a bit into something a bit different. Stephen Leeds and his aspects have great personality you find yourself actually coming to like them as real people too. Also, as I have always loved science and hold an engineering degree AND I'm fairly religious, the plot of this book is VERY intriguing. I'm definitely going to pick this book up when it releases to see where it goes!

Thankyou to NetGalley, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Books and Brandon Sanderson for the opportunity to read a preview excerpt from the upcoming book Legion: The Many Lives Of Stephen Leeds.
I am hooked. I loved reading this preview and certainly cannot wait to read the rest of the book.

I received a preview excerpt of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ever since I read "The Reckoners Series," I've become one of the many fans of Brandon Sanderson. When I saw this available in Netgalley, I didn't hesitate to request. I was so excited that I didn't notice that it was only a preview excerpt. However, I am still glad that I read another masterpiece by the brilliant writer.

Stephen Leeds, AKA Legion has a mental condition which made him see multiple hallucinations with different personalities. These aspects, as he calls them, possess a variety of skills which made some people curious and considered him a genius.

He finds himself caught up searching for Balubal Razon, a Filipino inventor who made a camera that can capture the past which may result in altering people's belief and the society itself. The exploration of the human mind is the most interesting part of the story.

Being a Filipino myself, I am quite proud that one of the characters in this novel is a Filipino himself. Sanderson did quite a good job researching everything, both political and religious beliefs that are mentioned in this book. I just cannot wait to have a copy of this book and know what will happen next.

I have previously read many of Sanderson's work and enjoyed his fantasy narratives. When I saw this I read thoroughly excited and requested it straight away.

I found however that this felt a little like I had read something similar previously. While it was an ok deaf it didn't pull me in like his previous works.

I will be interested to see whether the story had more draw when I reread the full publication

I got a copy by Netgalley for my free and honest opinion

Another hit by the brilliant write Brandon Sanderson!

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. Now imagine if you wish to understand human anatomy, he hallucinates a persona who happens to know everything about human anatomy. While that is absolutely brilliant it also must drive someone mad crazy.

Stephen gets drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera that can alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society. This is a fantastic, brilliantly written and a quick read that I would recommend for everyone.

Once again Brandon Sanderson shows whether he is writing a masterpiece like Stormlight Archive/Mistborn or a short story; he excels all expectations.

4.25 stars

Stephen Leeds has hallucinations which manifest as multiple persons who share a mansion with him and his staff. He realizes they're hallucinations but talks to them each and utilizes each for their talents or mental strengths. They help him to solve cases.
When a woman (Monica) shows up claiming there's a camera that can take pics of past events in a present location with what appears to be undeniable proof, Leeds and his companions take on the case.
While they don't solve the case in the way which Monica wishes - getting her a working camera, Leeds and his companions think they figure out how it works.
It ends there but I need to finish this book. It's amazing. Does Leeds find Sandra, the woman who opened his mind to discovering all these hallucinations and utilizing his brain? Does he find out the workings of the camera? If so, is the knowledge shared or buried?
Really like this book and writing style. Would recommend to anyone!