Legends edited by Robert Silverberg

Legends edited by Robert Silverberg

715 pages (Paperback)
Fantasy Fiction


Legends is a collection of short stories and novellas by some of the most prominent authors in fantasy. They include: The Little Sisters of Eluria by Stephen King, The Sea and the Little Fishes by Terry Prachett, Debt of Bones by Terry Goodkind, Grinning Man by Orson Scott Card, The Seventh Shrine by Robert Silverberg, Dragonfly by Ursula K. Le Guin, The Burning Man by Tad Williams, The Hedge Knight by George R.R. Martin, Runner of Pern by Anne McCaffrey, The Wood Boy by Raymond E. Feist and New Spring by Robert Jordan.

I felt that the stories fell into three categories: Introductions, Stand Alones and Humorous. I should note here that I have read the books these stories are based on for Jordan, Le Guin, King and Jordan. This could influence my outlook on these stories as I know a lot of background that isn’t necessarily a part of this book.

The introduction stories by King, Goodkind, Silverberg, Le Guin, Williams and Jordan all seemed to be an introduction to their “world.” This isn’t to say that they weren’t interesting in themselves, but that they seemed to be saying “Hey! This is what my world is about now go check out the “real” story.” Since I feel this was the point of this book that is ok. I am just trying to be honest about what I read. The Sisters of Little Eluria involves Roland the main character in the Dark Tower series. He gets laid up in a small town on his search for the man in black. Debt of Bones introduces you to Zed a main character in his Sword of Truth series. The Seventh Shrine probably stands by itself the best of this group. Silverberg draws you into a murder mystery while drawing you into his world. In fact, I will be picking up a full novel by him as the world did seem very interesting. Dragonfly follows a young lady on a quest to learn the way of magic. Although it doesn’t tie into the other books directly it feels very much like the books in her world. The Burning Man also stood by itself but felt like an world introduction as well; having not read his books this could be misplaced. His story telling has me interested in finding out more about the world he has created. This story was creepy. A young girl comes to live in a haunted castle and a captured witch is forced into servitude. New Spring by Jordan could be the Prologue for his Wheel of Time series. We meet Lan and Moiraine. We discover how Moiraine becomes an Aes Sedai, a magic user, and how Lan is bonded to her as her protector.

McCaffrey’s Runner of Pern also fits in the “introduction” category as well. Unfortunately, I had to keep it separate because this was the worst story of the entire book by far. All though the others in the “introductions” were stories that could be enjoyed by themselves Runner of Pern wasn’t much of a story at all. Although it started out seeming like it could lead somewhere it had no climax and went nowhere.

The Hedge Knight and The Wood Boy both seemed to stand on their own feet. As I said the books in the introduction section could as well, but seemed to lead onto something else or only tell part of the story. Both of these had a beginning, middle and end that was satisfying by itself. I am a big fan of Martin, I know this story doesn’t relate to the rest of his books so that could have some influence. In it we follow Dunks ascension to knighthood. The Wood Boy tells the tale of a young man’s journey to save a kidnapped young lady at great danger to himself.

The last too stories are focused on having fun. Both the Sea and the Little Fishes and The Grinning Man take the fantasy genre and have fun with magic. The Sea and Little Fishes is about a witch contest that is always won by the same woman. This year she is asked not to participate; she agrees, but still has an impact on the contest. The Grinning Man follows travelers using their knowledge and magical powers to outwit and chastise those that are taking advantage of others. Both stories were lighthearted and enjoyable.

I found the book to be an easy engaging read. All of the writers are enjoyable to read and other then McCaffrey each story was very entertaining. Magic, witches, knights and mystery fill the book.

Style-Readability: 4 Great read over all. This is a must for any fantasy fan. Shouldn't be to surpising considering the great authors involved.

Intellectual-Emotional Impact: 2 The book isn’t about intellectual matters and it is hard to get emotionally involved in less than 100 pages.

Long Term Impact: 4 Most of the writers were famous at the time it was published. Fans of even one of the authors will be interested in this for years to come.


Overall 10 out of 13. Anyone somewhat interested in fantasy would find this a good read. It is a must is you are a fantasy fan.

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