Reviews for Legends II

The average rating for Legends II based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-06-18 00:00:00 Lori Rudd Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths. Legends II is an anthology edited by Robert Silverberg, who has gathered together an outstanding group of diverse stories for this collection. From George R.R. Martin to Diane Gabaldon to Terry Brooks, the big name authors have seemingly jumped at the chance to be featured here, and they have produced some fine tales, running the gamut from classic fantasy to urban fantasy to alternate history to science fiction. All of which means there is sure to be something in this anthology to satisfy or peak the interest of every reader. Naturally, however, the diverse nature of any anthology means certain stories will connect better to some individuals than others. Certain authors more palatable than others; one story more compelling than another. And since I'm a reader first and foremost that goes for me as well, and so this review will focus on and rate each story individually, so as to help others determine if this collection is one they wish to obtain. Homecoming by Robin Hobbs 5 stars This return to the Realms of the Elderlings is an autobiographical story of a hapless colonist to the Cursed Shores. Her diary entries reading like a fantastical Robinson Crusoe tale, where this civilized lady must shed her modern ways, adapt to her harsh wilderness home, and deal with the strange madness which her fellow survivors begin to succumb to. All in all, it was a fantastic story, which I would recommend to everyone. The Sword Sworn by George R.R. Martin 5 star Like so many fantasy fans, I love A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as the Game of Thrones television series. Can't get enough of anything to do with place, including the tales of Hedge Knight Dunk and his squire Egg. And this was yet another great tale of the duo, one where Dunk's loyalty to his liege is challenged by the realization of how and why this elder knight has fallen on such hard times. The Yanzoo Queen by Orson Scott Card 2 stars I can't say I've ever been a huge fan of this author or his alternate history series featuring Alvin Maker. And this story of the didn't convert me, but I'm sure fans will enjoy this one, especially all the famous historical figures who make appearances. Lord John and the Succubus by Diane Galbadon 1 star Outlander is another series I've never really gotten hooked on. It just doesn't appeal to me. And this supernatural thriller set during the Seven Years War with a good deal of eroticism mixed in did not appeal to me either. In fact, I DNF'd it about halfway through. I'm sure fans of the series will love it though. The Book of Change by Robert Silverberg 2 stars A Marjipoor story set in both the past and present, presented through the eyes of a frivolous poet. I couldn't really get interested in it, but then again I've never enjoyed the Marjipoor series. The Happiest Dead Boy in the World by Tad Williams 2 Stars Orlando Gardiner, a virtual reality caretaker of a V.R. universe, must solve a mystery while dealing with the unique problems of his occupation. A nice sci fi/fantasy genre blender will some good moments, but it just felt a little flat to me. Beyond Death by Anne McCaffrey 4 stars An emotional Pern story filled with love, grief, and peace after death. The quasi-religious overtones might bother some, but they aren't specific to any particular religion, merely of a spiritual nature. Be that as it may, I have to admit Anne McCaffrey really tugged on my personal heartstrings with this one, causing me to nearly tear up a few times. The Messenger by Raymond E. Feist 5 stars This simple story of a young messenger doing his duty no matter the cost during wartime is probably my favorite of the whole collection. Definitely, the action and drama of whether our youth will survive gripped me, but even more so, the character's simple heroism, dogged determination, and unswerving dedication was what made me love his story so much. Threshold by Elizabeth Haydon 5 Stars A great cataclysm is about to destroy the kingdom. The majority of the inhabitants of the land have taken to the seas to escape. Left behind is a group of dedicated individuals determined to find and aid any stragglers, hoping against hope the cataclysm never comes. This emotional tale of self-sacrifice, dignity, and the true beauty of the human spirit an amazing read, filled with deep emotions. The Monarch of the Glen by Neil Gaiman 4 stars American Gods continues here with Shadow traveling the world and being sucked into an ancient ritual. Gaiman delivers a mysterious, compelling narrative which will satisfy old fans and encourage others to give American Gods a try. Indomitable by Terry Brooks 4 stars A nice, light Shannara tale which picks up a few years after the conclusion of The Wishsong of Shannara. Brooks doesn't change his style any here or subvert any classic fantasy tropes, but he does deliver a self-contained journey which is filled with likable characters engaged in an entertaining, fast-paced adventure. Honestly, it is probably the best thing I've read by Brooks in many years. If you were keeping count I thoroughly enjoyed most of these stories. I even discovered a few series that I definitely intend to try (Gaiman's American Gods) and a couple I intend to revisit in the near future (Feist's Riftwar). Certainly, there were a few which I didn't love (Outlander), but overall, this was a great anthology, one which I would encourage others to give a try.

Review # 2 was written on 2010-07-06 00:00:00 Bruno Sakowicz The stories I read from this collection are: 'The Sworn Sword' by George R.R. Martin In the same league as its predecessor, 'The Hedge Knight', and its successor, 'The Mystery Knight', all three of which tell tales of the hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. 'The Yazoo Queen' by Orson Scott Card Another interesting alternate America story about Alvin Maker and his pupil Arthur Stuart. Like 'Grinning Man', which featured Davey Crockett, this story features appearances by multiple famous historical figures. 'The Monarch of the Glen' by Neil Gaiman This novella functions incredibly well as an epilogue for American Gods, especially considering Shadow is already in Europe at the end of that novel, and apprehensive about returning to America, which is addressed in this story.