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Elantris
Legion and The Emperor's Soul
The internationally bestselling author of the Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series presents two very different novellas that nevertheless showcase his remarkable gift for gripping narrative, world-building and empathetic characters. Available for the first time in one volume, a publishing event for all his many fans.
LEGION
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. As the story begins, Leeds and his 'aspects' are drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera whose astonishing properties could alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society. The action ranges from the familiar environs of America to the ancient, divided city of Jerusalem. Along the way, Sanderson touches on a formidable assortment of complex questions: the nature of time, the mysteries of the human mind, the potential uses of technology, and the volatile connection between politics and faith.
THE EMPEROR'S SOUL
When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life. An assassin has left the Emperor Ashravan without consciousness, a circumstance concealed only by the death of his wife. If the emperor does not emerge after his hundred-day mourning period, the rule of the Heritage Faction will be forfeit and the empire will fall into chaos.
Shai is given an impossible task: to create - to Forge - a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days. But her soul-Forgery is considered an abomination by her captors. She is confined to a tiny, dirty chamber, guarded by a man who hates her, spied upon by politicians, and trapped behind a door sealed in her own blood. Shai's only possible ally is the emperor's most loyal councillor, Gaotona, who struggles to understand her true talent.
Time is running out for Shai. Forging, while deducing the motivations of her captors, she needs a perfect plan to escape...
LEGION
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. As the story begins, Leeds and his 'aspects' are drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera whose astonishing properties could alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society. The action ranges from the familiar environs of America to the ancient, divided city of Jerusalem. Along the way, Sanderson touches on a formidable assortment of complex questions: the nature of time, the mysteries of the human mind, the potential uses of technology, and the volatile connection between politics and faith.
THE EMPEROR'S SOUL
When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life. An assassin has left the Emperor Ashravan without consciousness, a circumstance concealed only by the death of his wife. If the emperor does not emerge after his hundred-day mourning period, the rule of the Heritage Faction will be forfeit and the empire will fall into chaos.
Shai is given an impossible task: to create - to Forge - a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days. But her soul-Forgery is considered an abomination by her captors. She is confined to a tiny, dirty chamber, guarded by a man who hates her, spied upon by politicians, and trapped behind a door sealed in her own blood. Shai's only possible ally is the emperor's most loyal councillor, Gaotona, who struggles to understand her true talent.
Time is running out for Shai. Forging, while deducing the motivations of her captors, she needs a perfect plan to escape...
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
52 people are currently reading
4717 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Sanderson
472 books279k followersI’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
The release of Wind and Truth in December 2024—the fifth and final book in the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive series—marks a significant milestone for me. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. Now is a great time to get into the Stormlight Archive since the first arc, which begins with Way of Kings, is complete.
During our crowdfunding campaign for the leatherbound edition of Words of Radiance, I announced a fifth Secret Project called Isles of the Emberdark, which came out in the summer of 2025. Coming December 2025 is Tailored Realities, my non-Cosmere short story collection featuring the new novella Moment Zero.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, came out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that saw the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man. These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. Now that the first arc of the Stormlight Archive is wrapped up, I’ve started writing the third era of Mistborn in 2025.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, four of the five Secret Projects, and various novellas, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, released in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the three stories in Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. These two novellas are also featured in 2025’s Tailored Realities. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart, The Emperor’s Soul, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
August 15, 2024
-Quizá la versión que ofrece Sanderson de las novelas de detectives de toda la vida… de las juveniles, quiero decir...-
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. Legión (publicación original: Legion, 2012) nos presenta a Stephen Leeds, un investigador rodeado por una serie de “amigos imaginarios” o alucinaciones, más de cuarenta, cuyas habilidades son muy variadas y pueden ser aplicadas por Stephen. Una fotografía que debió realizarse mucho antes de que se inventara el proceso fotográfico introduce a Stephen en una investigación en la que hay muchos intereses en juego. Primer volumen de la saga Legión.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
-Sólida, sensible y entretenida, que no es poco.-
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. El alma del emperador (publicación original: The Emperor’s Soul, 2012) nos presenta a Wan ShaiLu, una ladrona experta en el poder mágico de la falsificación, que ha caído prisionera y su sentencia es la muerte. Los árbitros de la Facción de la Herencia, los burócratas más poderosos del Imperio Rosa y solo por debajo del propio emperador, Ashravan de los Ochenta Soles, proponen a Shai un trato para salvar su vida: falsificar el alma del emperador, en coma tras un intento de asesinato, en noventa y ocho días o menos.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. Legión (publicación original: Legion, 2012) nos presenta a Stephen Leeds, un investigador rodeado por una serie de “amigos imaginarios” o alucinaciones, más de cuarenta, cuyas habilidades son muy variadas y pueden ser aplicadas por Stephen. Una fotografía que debió realizarse mucho antes de que se inventara el proceso fotográfico introduce a Stephen en una investigación en la que hay muchos intereses en juego. Primer volumen de la saga Legión.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
-Sólida, sensible y entretenida, que no es poco.-
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. El alma del emperador (publicación original: The Emperor’s Soul, 2012) nos presenta a Wan ShaiLu, una ladrona experta en el poder mágico de la falsificación, que ha caído prisionera y su sentencia es la muerte. Los árbitros de la Facción de la Herencia, los burócratas más poderosos del Imperio Rosa y solo por debajo del propio emperador, Ashravan de los Ochenta Soles, proponen a Shai un trato para salvar su vida: falsificar el alma del emperador, en coma tras un intento de asesinato, en noventa y ocho días o menos.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
September 2, 2015
En este volumen Brandon Sanderson nos regala un dos por uno de historias en apenas 250 hojas, ambas de gran calidad; con temáticas, argumentos e historias que son totalmente diferentes entre sí pero que devorarás sin darte cuenta.
La primera de ellas es Legión, en la cual conoceremos a Stephen Leeds, un hombre que vive en una mansión con siete habitaciones, las cuales ocupan sus alucinaciones con las cuales puede interactuar. Como anteriormente era un detective, se dedica a resolver casos de gente que viene a su casa y le resultan interesantes, en este caso, se embarca en la búsqueda de una cámara que saca fotos del pasado. Ambientado en nuestra propia época pero con toques de ciencia ficción, Sanderson nos describe un pequeño episodio en la vida de Stephen, donde los diálogos entre sus alucinaciones y él me resultan la mar de cómicos, dado que aunque él tiene una personalidad bastante plana sus alucinaciones o aspectos tiene una personalidad fuerte y marcada definida sobre todo por sus interesantes habilidades. Lo que más me ha encantado es la forma de interactuar de Stephen con sus alucinaciones, el relato en si se me queda bastante corto y espero futuros relatos (ya que hay Legión 2).
El alma del emperador narra como Shai, una falsificadora de entes o elementos es recluida para realizar una reconstrucción de la mente del emperador, el cual ha sufrido un atentado por una facción rival, a lo largo de 101 días. Ambientado en el mundo pseudomedieval de Sel, mundo perteneciente a la novela Elantris, Sanderson nos narra esta historia de gran calidad que derrocha imaginación y fantasía, con un trasfondo muy rico y un mundo construido en muy poquitas páginas. Lo mejor de la novela es la evolución en la relación entre los dos personajes principales de la novela, Shai la falsificadora y el sirviente del emperador, Gaotona. Obviamente, también es maravilloso el sistema de poderes o habilidades que Sanderson describe en este relato, que según tengo entendido, aparecen en futuras novelas ambientadas en el Cosmere.
Un volumen imperdible para todo aquel que le guste la fantasía. Dos relatos que se pueden leer en un par de tardes, que se devoran solos y que te dejaran la mar de satisfecho.
La primera de ellas es Legión, en la cual conoceremos a Stephen Leeds, un hombre que vive en una mansión con siete habitaciones, las cuales ocupan sus alucinaciones con las cuales puede interactuar. Como anteriormente era un detective, se dedica a resolver casos de gente que viene a su casa y le resultan interesantes, en este caso, se embarca en la búsqueda de una cámara que saca fotos del pasado. Ambientado en nuestra propia época pero con toques de ciencia ficción, Sanderson nos describe un pequeño episodio en la vida de Stephen, donde los diálogos entre sus alucinaciones y él me resultan la mar de cómicos, dado que aunque él tiene una personalidad bastante plana sus alucinaciones o aspectos tiene una personalidad fuerte y marcada definida sobre todo por sus interesantes habilidades. Lo que más me ha encantado es la forma de interactuar de Stephen con sus alucinaciones, el relato en si se me queda bastante corto y espero futuros relatos (ya que hay Legión 2).
El alma del emperador narra como Shai, una falsificadora de entes o elementos es recluida para realizar una reconstrucción de la mente del emperador, el cual ha sufrido un atentado por una facción rival, a lo largo de 101 días. Ambientado en el mundo pseudomedieval de Sel, mundo perteneciente a la novela Elantris, Sanderson nos narra esta historia de gran calidad que derrocha imaginación y fantasía, con un trasfondo muy rico y un mundo construido en muy poquitas páginas. Lo mejor de la novela es la evolución en la relación entre los dos personajes principales de la novela, Shai la falsificadora y el sirviente del emperador, Gaotona. Obviamente, también es maravilloso el sistema de poderes o habilidades que Sanderson describe en este relato, que según tengo entendido, aparecen en futuras novelas ambientadas en el Cosmere.
Un volumen imperdible para todo aquel que le guste la fantasía. Dos relatos que se pueden leer en un par de tardes, que se devoran solos y que te dejaran la mar de satisfecho.
May 21, 2015
Legion: 3/5 stars
This one follows Stephen Leeds who has these hallucinations of different people that have varying abilities. He calls them his 'aspects,' and their skills come in handy, helping him solve cases for people. I found this one to be quite silly and fun with great snarky characters. It's only 75 pages long, so it's quite brief, and I would've liked to see how Sanderson could develop this into a full length novel. There were a few problematic elements to the story in regards to how he portrays the Middle East and some religious/political topics. However, as a whole, it was short, sweet, and fun.
The Emperor's Soul: 4/5 stars
This novella was excellent! It's set in the same world as Elantris, though has very little in common with it other than some geographical references. It follows Shai, a Forger, who is hired to recreate the soul of the emperor who was recently attacked by assassins and left with brain damage. It all has to be done in private so the country doesn't know their emperor is incapacitated. And Shai has only three months to do the work of a few years. I felt like for Sanderson did an excellent job in approaching philosophical topics such as the soul, beauty and art, and continuity of the individual in a fun, magical way. Wonderful read!
This one follows Stephen Leeds who has these hallucinations of different people that have varying abilities. He calls them his 'aspects,' and their skills come in handy, helping him solve cases for people. I found this one to be quite silly and fun with great snarky characters. It's only 75 pages long, so it's quite brief, and I would've liked to see how Sanderson could develop this into a full length novel. There were a few problematic elements to the story in regards to how he portrays the Middle East and some religious/political topics. However, as a whole, it was short, sweet, and fun.
The Emperor's Soul: 4/5 stars
This novella was excellent! It's set in the same world as Elantris, though has very little in common with it other than some geographical references. It follows Shai, a Forger, who is hired to recreate the soul of the emperor who was recently attacked by assassins and left with brain damage. It all has to be done in private so the country doesn't know their emperor is incapacitated. And Shai has only three months to do the work of a few years. I felt like for Sanderson did an excellent job in approaching philosophical topics such as the soul, beauty and art, and continuity of the individual in a fun, magical way. Wonderful read!
July 8, 2015
¿Alguna vez leeré algo que no me guste de Sanderson? Lo dudo mucho.
Muy buenos historias, las dos con un muy alto nivel de fantasía y originalidad.
El primer cuento —Legión— me atrapó desde su primera página. Es muy corto pero en tan pocas palabras Sanderson me cautivó con su capacidad para innovar el género.
Me llamo Stephen Leeds, y estoy completamente cuerdo. Mis alucinaciones, sin embargo, están todas bastante locas.
Con respecto al segundo —El alma del Emperador— el autor me vuelve a sorprender con un tipo de magia inimaginable excepto para él; un sistema complejo que me enamoró. Al igual que el primer trabajo, es muy ameno y no decae nunca.
Hay... ocasiones en que es preciso aceptar la ayuda de la oscuridad para contener una oscuridad aún mayor.
Muy buenos historias, las dos con un muy alto nivel de fantasía y originalidad.
El primer cuento —Legión— me atrapó desde su primera página. Es muy corto pero en tan pocas palabras Sanderson me cautivó con su capacidad para innovar el género.
Me llamo Stephen Leeds, y estoy completamente cuerdo. Mis alucinaciones, sin embargo, están todas bastante locas.
Con respecto al segundo —El alma del Emperador— el autor me vuelve a sorprender con un tipo de magia inimaginable excepto para él; un sistema complejo que me enamoró. Al igual que el primer trabajo, es muy ameno y no decae nunca.
Hay... ocasiones en que es preciso aceptar la ayuda de la oscuridad para contener una oscuridad aún mayor.
March 20, 2019
Legión y El alma del emperador, dos historias cortas que se funden en un solo libro. Me han encantado ambas. Legión ha sido increíble. El protagonista me dejó cautivada por su singularidad. Todas sus alucinaciones fueron realmente fascinantes de conocer y la verdad es que me he quedado con ganas de leer algo más extenso. El alma del emperador no se queda atrás. Ambientada en el mundo de Elantris, nos presenta a Shai una falsificadores única y muy talentosa que debe hacer el trabajo de su vida si no quiere acabar muerta. Dos historias cortas muy diferentes entre sí que me han dejado con ganas de más y que he disfrutado muchísimo.
January 24, 2021
Legion:
When the opening sentence of a book states;
"My name is Stephen Leeds, and I am perfectly sane. My hallucinations, however, are all quite mad"
Well I instantly know this is the right book for me.
Although a mere 72 pages in my edition, this is one hell of a good yarn.
In the short time we spend with the wonderful Stephen Leeds , who is a sort of private detective, we are introduced to an assortment of his 'brilliant friends' who help him with his cases and who are all in fact his own hallucinations, some of whom don't realise that they are hallucinations, which gives rise to some very funny moments in the story.
We go on a fast, very fast paced adventure that manages to also include some complex and intelligent questions such as; the nature of time,
the potentially dangerous uses of technology, politics and religion and more.
The other thing that I'd like to point out, and that amazed me, is that for the short time we spend with them, the character development, even that of the hallucinations is fully realised
This is my first 'toe dip' into the imagination of Brandon Sanderson and it was so good.
I wish it had been longer, not that it felt rushed at the end but because I was thoroughly enjoying myself reading it. I do have a 'bind up' with all 3 Stephen Leeds stories in, from which I will read #2 and #3 straight after I finish this.
Great stuff 4.5 rounded up to 5*
The Emperers soul:
Shai is a forger and she's been given the toughest job of her life, she has to make the Emperor a new soul and her life depends on it.
How did Sanderson pack so much into fewer than 140 pages? How did he give us characters so well formed and developed with back stories even and multiple totally different lives for one of them?
The world building is incredible, the descriptions second to none. I feel like I've been in the palace, seen the painting, spent time in the room were Shai was imprisoned which she made better with her forgery.
I've visited a whole new world reading this beautiful story. I've learned about a magic system over the duration of the book and not just had a huge 'info dump' to confuse me.
I've learned new words such as 'Soulstamp' and 'Soul casting' and 'Essence mark' and along with Legion this has been a phenomenal introduction to Brandon Sandersons universe and I cannot wait to continue my journey.
5 *
When the opening sentence of a book states;
"My name is Stephen Leeds, and I am perfectly sane. My hallucinations, however, are all quite mad"
Well I instantly know this is the right book for me.
Although a mere 72 pages in my edition, this is one hell of a good yarn.
In the short time we spend with the wonderful Stephen Leeds , who is a sort of private detective, we are introduced to an assortment of his 'brilliant friends' who help him with his cases and who are all in fact his own hallucinations, some of whom don't realise that they are hallucinations, which gives rise to some very funny moments in the story.
We go on a fast, very fast paced adventure that manages to also include some complex and intelligent questions such as; the nature of time,
the potentially dangerous uses of technology, politics and religion and more.
The other thing that I'd like to point out, and that amazed me, is that for the short time we spend with them, the character development, even that of the hallucinations is fully realised
This is my first 'toe dip' into the imagination of Brandon Sanderson and it was so good.
I wish it had been longer, not that it felt rushed at the end but because I was thoroughly enjoying myself reading it. I do have a 'bind up' with all 3 Stephen Leeds stories in, from which I will read #2 and #3 straight after I finish this.
Great stuff 4.5 rounded up to 5*
The Emperers soul:
Shai is a forger and she's been given the toughest job of her life, she has to make the Emperor a new soul and her life depends on it.
How did Sanderson pack so much into fewer than 140 pages? How did he give us characters so well formed and developed with back stories even and multiple totally different lives for one of them?
The world building is incredible, the descriptions second to none. I feel like I've been in the palace, seen the painting, spent time in the room were Shai was imprisoned which she made better with her forgery.
I've visited a whole new world reading this beautiful story. I've learned about a magic system over the duration of the book and not just had a huge 'info dump' to confuse me.
I've learned new words such as 'Soulstamp' and 'Soul casting' and 'Essence mark' and along with Legion this has been a phenomenal introduction to Brandon Sandersons universe and I cannot wait to continue my journey.
5 *
March 31, 2020
So here is my first official Brandon Sanderson read and I will admit that I enjoyed it - I wasn't so shocked to be honest as considering his popularity he must be doing something right
So you have two stories here - the first a science fiction thriller Stephen Leeds also know as Legion. I will have to admit the idea of the character and the plot device were very clever and highly enjoyable. This was a relatively short story at only 77 pages long it still had enough time to develop and good yarn.
The second was an out and out fantasy but focused on a very clever idea. This was considerably longer but still really only a novella.
I will admit that both stories are part of larger bodies of work (there are two other stories about Legion and the Emperors soul is set in the same universe as Elantris) so there is plenty more to go and explore though sadly neither were referenced in this book.
So for my first foray in to the worlds of Brandon Sanderson I would say that not only was a success but also highly enjoyable.
So you have two stories here - the first a science fiction thriller Stephen Leeds also know as Legion. I will have to admit the idea of the character and the plot device were very clever and highly enjoyable. This was a relatively short story at only 77 pages long it still had enough time to develop and good yarn.
The second was an out and out fantasy but focused on a very clever idea. This was considerably longer but still really only a novella.
I will admit that both stories are part of larger bodies of work (there are two other stories about Legion and the Emperors soul is set in the same universe as Elantris) so there is plenty more to go and explore though sadly neither were referenced in this book.
So for my first foray in to the worlds of Brandon Sanderson I would say that not only was a success but also highly enjoyable.
May 6, 2016
The sign of a good short story is that you want more, both these stories left me wanting more. As usual Brandon Sanderson has created worlds with unique magic systems (or in one case mental illness), and left you with an enjoyable read.
November 30, 2022
"Me llamo Stephen Leeds, y estoy completamente cuerdo. Mis alucinaciones, sin embargo, están todas bastante locas."
Pero que gozada de libro(s), y que bien y bueno escribe este hombre. 6 años sin leer nada suyo desde que empecé allá por 2016 con "Nacidos de la bruma" (5 estrellas como 5 soles cada uno, como no) y me ha encantado volver a sentir lo que es leer un Brandon Sanderson. Una pena que me de pereza liarme la manta a la cabeza (por ahora...) y empezar con una nueva saga suya, porque seguro que no defrauda.
Sobre los dos libros de esta reseña. Del primero ("Legión") decir que me lo leí del tirón. Y del segundo ("El alma del emperador"), que no me lo leí del tirón porque no tenía tiempo de hacerlo, pero que siempre que podía "me escapaba" para leer ni que fuera un poquito más. Así de enganchado me han tenido. Y aunque suene contradictorio, por un lado me quejo de la pereza que da empezar una saga/trilogía, y ahora me voy a quejar de que es una pena que estos dos no fueran más largos (aunque "Legión" tiene continuación, por ahora en inglés). Me habría encantado leer más "aventuras" sobre los protagonistas de los dos libros.
Es increíble la capacidad de Sanderson para crear sistemas de magia (o poderes) tan bien hilados, originales y divertidos, la imaginación a la hora de crear historias y lo completos que son sus personajes. Y poco más tengo que decir.
¡Leed a Sanderson!!
"En una ocasión, su tía Sol le había dicho que sonriera ante los peores insultos y replicara a los menores. De esa forma, ningún hombre conocería su corazón."
Pero que gozada de libro(s), y que bien y bueno escribe este hombre. 6 años sin leer nada suyo desde que empecé allá por 2016 con "Nacidos de la bruma" (5 estrellas como 5 soles cada uno, como no) y me ha encantado volver a sentir lo que es leer un Brandon Sanderson. Una pena que me de pereza liarme la manta a la cabeza (por ahora...) y empezar con una nueva saga suya, porque seguro que no defrauda.
Sobre los dos libros de esta reseña. Del primero ("Legión") decir que me lo leí del tirón. Y del segundo ("El alma del emperador"), que no me lo leí del tirón porque no tenía tiempo de hacerlo, pero que siempre que podía "me escapaba" para leer ni que fuera un poquito más. Así de enganchado me han tenido. Y aunque suene contradictorio, por un lado me quejo de la pereza que da empezar una saga/trilogía, y ahora me voy a quejar de que es una pena que estos dos no fueran más largos (aunque "Legión" tiene continuación, por ahora en inglés). Me habría encantado leer más "aventuras" sobre los protagonistas de los dos libros.
Es increíble la capacidad de Sanderson para crear sistemas de magia (o poderes) tan bien hilados, originales y divertidos, la imaginación a la hora de crear historias y lo completos que son sus personajes. Y poco más tengo que decir.
¡Leed a Sanderson!!
"En una ocasión, su tía Sol le había dicho que sonriera ante los peores insultos y replicara a los menores. De esa forma, ningún hombre conocería su corazón."
September 6, 2020
Tengo que decir, que legión ya me lo he leído en su nuevo formato de tres relatos.
Y que lo que voy a reseñar es el relato que esta incluido en "Arcanium ilimitado" que es el del Alma del emperador.
El alma del emperador es un relato "corto", corto para ser Sanderson, de unas 150 paginas. Esta historia creada por el magnifico Sanderson, esta ambientado en Asia, ya que como nos cuenta en la nota del autor, cuando vivió allí es cuando empezó a escribir esto.
Nuestra protagonista, es una Falsificadora, que será "obligada" a falsificar el alma del emperador, el cual ha sido atacado y esta a punto de morir, y aunque quienes la obligan a falsificar el alma están en contra de este método, su interés político esta por encima de todo. Este hecho, de falsificar el alma de alguien nunca se ha hecho y será un gran reto para nuestra protagonista.
Un relato que nos hará pensar y reflexionar sobre que es único en una persona, si pueden imitarse todo tu ser, tanto fisicamente como mentalmente, te hará pensar si es algo ético o todo lo contrario. Te mantendrá enganchado las 150 paginas porque querrás saber si nuestra protagonista, lograra escapar y también si lograra falsificar y de que manera el alma del emperador jugandose la vida.
Los demás personajes también me han encantado, y mira que siendo tan corto no da para mucho, pero veremos la personalidad de muchos de ellos y como cada uno tiene su interés por diferentes cosas.
Fantastico relato y recomendado para empezar con Elantris y todo el mundo de este gran autor.
Y que lo que voy a reseñar es el relato que esta incluido en "Arcanium ilimitado" que es el del Alma del emperador.
El alma del emperador es un relato "corto", corto para ser Sanderson, de unas 150 paginas. Esta historia creada por el magnifico Sanderson, esta ambientado en Asia, ya que como nos cuenta en la nota del autor, cuando vivió allí es cuando empezó a escribir esto.
Nuestra protagonista, es una Falsificadora, que será "obligada" a falsificar el alma del emperador, el cual ha sido atacado y esta a punto de morir, y aunque quienes la obligan a falsificar el alma están en contra de este método, su interés político esta por encima de todo. Este hecho, de falsificar el alma de alguien nunca se ha hecho y será un gran reto para nuestra protagonista.
Un relato que nos hará pensar y reflexionar sobre que es único en una persona, si pueden imitarse todo tu ser, tanto fisicamente como mentalmente, te hará pensar si es algo ético o todo lo contrario. Te mantendrá enganchado las 150 paginas porque querrás saber si nuestra protagonista, lograra escapar y también si lograra falsificar y de que manera el alma del emperador jugandose la vida.
Los demás personajes también me han encantado, y mira que siendo tan corto no da para mucho, pero veremos la personalidad de muchos de ellos y como cada uno tiene su interés por diferentes cosas.
Fantastico relato y recomendado para empezar con Elantris y todo el mundo de este gran autor.
December 4, 2017
En este libro se reúnen dos historias cortas, Legión y el alma del emperador. Estas dos historias son brutales y me dan a conocer a un escritor fabuloso, que mejor manera para iniciarse con Sanderson. Después de terminar este libro quería saber más y siento que podría nacer una serie de libros con los protagonistas de ambas historias.
Los dos cuentos me parecen brillantes y me impresionan porque el escritor logra crear historias entretenidas y a la vez ser profundas. No solo era la historia, son los personajes, las situaciones.
Los dos cuentos me parecen brillantes y me impresionan porque el escritor logra crear historias entretenidas y a la vez ser profundas. No solo era la historia, son los personajes, las situaciones.
August 22, 2014
This is more of a 4.75* book and it's a hard one to give either 4 or 5 stars to because there are two different novellas set within it. I always tend to enjoy Sanderson's work and have nearly always rated his worlds and stories and characters as 4*s or higher and that's why when I ended up giving 'Legion' 4*s and 'The Emperor's Soul' 5*s I couldn't go with an even split at 4.5 as the second novella, which I LOVED, was a lot longer than the first, and therefore my rating is staying at 4.75*s be it awkward or not :P
Now, as I said this contains two novellas both are different, both have a vastly distinct tone, and very different ideas and flavours, but both are distinctly Sanderson's work. The first story is about a young man named Stephen Leeds who, essentially, has a very split personality disorder. He has hallucinations which he sees in his mind. He knows that his hallucinations are not real, knows that people think him mad, but his hallucinations, whether they are real or not, are pretty flipping awesome!
Each person who he sees has their own specialities and skills and each is like a fraction of his personality which has been divided off. They are all fairly amusing in their own ways, and I loved this story so much because of them more than Stephen himself, whom, a lot of the time, seems only to be an interpreter. There is J.C - the comical and gun-oriented hard-man who is all about destruction, defence and attack. He's the trouble-maker of the lot, the one who tests your patience, but he's also fairly loveable once you get past all that.
Then there's Ivy, a whizz at interrogation and deducing people's intentions and emotions, Tobias who is unreasonably clever, and many more.
Stephen has the ability to call new hallucinations at will for certain purposes and when he becomes mixed up in a top-secret situation which went wrong, he uses the help of his many 'friends' to solve what has happened and work out what to do...
On the whole I loved the characters within this and the idea that it showcased a small glimpse (although not genuine) into the life of a schizophrenic character, whilst also being wonderfully amusing, highly intelligent and a good story all round. I would love to see this made into a mini detective short story series as I feel it certainly has the potential for that, but knowing the number of incredible magical and inventive systems Sanderson crafts for his stories I am sure something new will come along to distract from that! On the whole, 4*s and a fun, fast read.
The second story, The Emperor's Soul, was the one I LOVED and the reason I loved it so much is that the main character, besides being a rather kick-ass female with intelligence and wittiness, she's also set in a world with an awesome concept and a wonderful backstory to boot.
This is the story of Shai, a forger who has been caught whilst attempting to steal and replace a priceless painting with her forgery. She believes that she's destined for execution and although she's skilled at escape, this time it seems impossible... until, she's given a chance, in return for helping to create the world's biggest forgery and cover up, she will be released and freed.
I loved this story so much because it felt so original, creative and just downright fun. The idea that you can craft an object or soul into something better and the idea that this comes only with much study, hard work and learning I felt was a valuable lesson and a wonderful story. I cannot begin to say all the reasons that I loved it, but just know that this is my favourite short story in a long time, and I would HIGHLY recommend reading it because I didn't guess what was going to happen and I just thoroughly enjoyed the whole time reading it.
A wonderful world, a unique adventure, and a beautifully intelligent leading lady, what more could you want? 5*s One of the best Sanderson short stories I've ever read too!
If, like me, you haven't bought this collection yet but have been thinking about doing so for a long time, I would 100% say it's SO worth paying for and that there;s no question in my mind that if you like other Sanderson works then you'll love these. I also think they would be excellent starting places with his work if you have yet to read any so by all means please go and buy, then read, these novellas. :) 4.75*s
Now, as I said this contains two novellas both are different, both have a vastly distinct tone, and very different ideas and flavours, but both are distinctly Sanderson's work. The first story is about a young man named Stephen Leeds who, essentially, has a very split personality disorder. He has hallucinations which he sees in his mind. He knows that his hallucinations are not real, knows that people think him mad, but his hallucinations, whether they are real or not, are pretty flipping awesome!
Each person who he sees has their own specialities and skills and each is like a fraction of his personality which has been divided off. They are all fairly amusing in their own ways, and I loved this story so much because of them more than Stephen himself, whom, a lot of the time, seems only to be an interpreter. There is J.C - the comical and gun-oriented hard-man who is all about destruction, defence and attack. He's the trouble-maker of the lot, the one who tests your patience, but he's also fairly loveable once you get past all that.
Then there's Ivy, a whizz at interrogation and deducing people's intentions and emotions, Tobias who is unreasonably clever, and many more.
Stephen has the ability to call new hallucinations at will for certain purposes and when he becomes mixed up in a top-secret situation which went wrong, he uses the help of his many 'friends' to solve what has happened and work out what to do...
On the whole I loved the characters within this and the idea that it showcased a small glimpse (although not genuine) into the life of a schizophrenic character, whilst also being wonderfully amusing, highly intelligent and a good story all round. I would love to see this made into a mini detective short story series as I feel it certainly has the potential for that, but knowing the number of incredible magical and inventive systems Sanderson crafts for his stories I am sure something new will come along to distract from that! On the whole, 4*s and a fun, fast read.
The second story, The Emperor's Soul, was the one I LOVED and the reason I loved it so much is that the main character, besides being a rather kick-ass female with intelligence and wittiness, she's also set in a world with an awesome concept and a wonderful backstory to boot.
This is the story of Shai, a forger who has been caught whilst attempting to steal and replace a priceless painting with her forgery. She believes that she's destined for execution and although she's skilled at escape, this time it seems impossible... until, she's given a chance, in return for helping to create the world's biggest forgery and cover up, she will be released and freed.
I loved this story so much because it felt so original, creative and just downright fun. The idea that you can craft an object or soul into something better and the idea that this comes only with much study, hard work and learning I felt was a valuable lesson and a wonderful story. I cannot begin to say all the reasons that I loved it, but just know that this is my favourite short story in a long time, and I would HIGHLY recommend reading it because I didn't guess what was going to happen and I just thoroughly enjoyed the whole time reading it.
A wonderful world, a unique adventure, and a beautifully intelligent leading lady, what more could you want? 5*s One of the best Sanderson short stories I've ever read too!
If, like me, you haven't bought this collection yet but have been thinking about doing so for a long time, I would 100% say it's SO worth paying for and that there;s no question in my mind that if you like other Sanderson works then you'll love these. I also think they would be excellent starting places with his work if you have yet to read any so by all means please go and buy, then read, these novellas. :) 4.75*s
February 7, 2025
4.5 Stars
Am I being too generous with Sanderson? No, I don't think so, but I do believe I was very lucky to have picked up this book now. It was perfect timing.
This book contains two novellas. Legion: 5 Stars and The Emperor's Soul: 4 Stars.
My name is Stephen Leeds, and I am perfectly sane. My hallucinations, however, are all quite mad.
Legion is a short modern thriller with some sci-fi elements. It is the story of a genius man, burdened by his gift and brilliancy, trying to solve an incredible case. As a way to cope with the world and himself, he creates or generates hallucinations. These are different people and personalities inside his head. Every one of them is an expert on an specific field. With their help, Stephen embarks on a mission that could change the world.
This novella is not only original, funny and exciting, but it also raises a few existential questions that I really enjoyed. It was fast paced, entertaining and simply awesome.
And the fact that I read it while rewatching some of my favorite Sherlock episodes while waiting for the season finale was utterly perfect.
The second novella, The Emperor's Soul, is a story set in Sel, the fictional world that Sanderson created in Elantris. Also, because I finished Elantris only a few days ago, it was perfectly timed.
This story follows Shai, a girl who was captured by the Empire while trying to steal the imperial Moon Scepter. As a way to survive, she must make a bargain with the Emperor's closest "ministers". There was an attack on the Emperor not long ago. He was deeply affected and some factions now believe him dead. Shai must try to save his life in the only way possible. By Forging a new soul.
This novella, although set in Sel, has little connection to the events of Elantris. It takes place in another land, maybe in a different time, with another Empire and another magic system. Although it has many similarities to the system from Elantris, it's a bit different. I must say I really enjoyed how Sanderson played with the idea of being able to change history and thus change people or objects.
It took me some chapters to get into the story, mostly because I thought it'd have more resemblance with the novel, but I ended up loving Shai's journey.
This book is a great place to start reading Sanderson. It's quick and entertaining and there's some great characters, relationships and intriguing plot.
Am I being too generous with Sanderson? No, I don't think so, but I do believe I was very lucky to have picked up this book now. It was perfect timing.
This book contains two novellas. Legion: 5 Stars and The Emperor's Soul: 4 Stars.
My name is Stephen Leeds, and I am perfectly sane. My hallucinations, however, are all quite mad.
Legion is a short modern thriller with some sci-fi elements. It is the story of a genius man, burdened by his gift and brilliancy, trying to solve an incredible case. As a way to cope with the world and himself, he creates or generates hallucinations. These are different people and personalities inside his head. Every one of them is an expert on an specific field. With their help, Stephen embarks on a mission that could change the world.
This novella is not only original, funny and exciting, but it also raises a few existential questions that I really enjoyed. It was fast paced, entertaining and simply awesome.
The second novella, The Emperor's Soul, is a story set in Sel, the fictional world that Sanderson created in Elantris.
This story follows Shai, a girl who was captured by the Empire while trying to steal the imperial Moon Scepter. As a way to survive, she must make a bargain with the Emperor's closest "ministers". There was an attack on the Emperor not long ago. He was deeply affected and some factions now believe him dead. Shai must try to save his life in the only way possible. By Forging a new soul.
This novella, although set in Sel, has little connection to the events of Elantris. It takes place in another land, maybe in a different time, with another Empire and another magic system. Although it has many similarities to the system from Elantris, it's a bit different. I must say I really enjoyed how Sanderson played with the idea of being able to change history and thus change people or objects.
It took me some chapters to get into the story, mostly because I thought it'd have more resemblance with the novel, but I ended up loving Shai's journey.
This book is a great place to start reading Sanderson. It's quick and entertaining and there's some great characters, relationships and intriguing plot.
May 13, 2016
Legion: 4 stars
Seeing as this was such a short novella, this story was incredibly complex and was really well delivered. It was so interesting to see a more contemporary, mystery/thriller story from Sanderson and he handled it perfectly. I don't think there are any limits to what that man can do!
The Emperor's Soul: 5 stars
WOW. ABSOLUTELY WOW. The main character in this story, Shai, was ridiculously well crafted and the details in this novella were exquisite. I'm not going to outline the plot for either of these stories because I found it very refreshing and fascinating to go into reading them without knowing anything.
The (magic?) system of Forgery was fantastic and I adored all of the little things that linked this novella with Sanderson's Elantris. With the exception of The Slow Regard Of Silent Things by Pat Rothfuss, this is the best short story I have ever read. I could cry it was so good.
Legion and The Emperor's Soul: 4.5 stars overall
Seeing as this was such a short novella, this story was incredibly complex and was really well delivered. It was so interesting to see a more contemporary, mystery/thriller story from Sanderson and he handled it perfectly. I don't think there are any limits to what that man can do!
The Emperor's Soul: 5 stars
WOW. ABSOLUTELY WOW. The main character in this story, Shai, was ridiculously well crafted and the details in this novella were exquisite. I'm not going to outline the plot for either of these stories because I found it very refreshing and fascinating to go into reading them without knowing anything.
The (magic?) system of Forgery was fantastic and I adored all of the little things that linked this novella with Sanderson's Elantris. With the exception of The Slow Regard Of Silent Things by Pat Rothfuss, this is the best short story I have ever read. I could cry it was so good.
Legion and The Emperor's Soul: 4.5 stars overall
November 20, 2014
I've not yet read Legion, this rating is only for Emperor's Soul! So I just finished Emperor's Soul and I just can't form words. I don't think I've ever read a Novella as amazing as this one. So beautiful!! Bsan is just amazing and all I can say about this is that if you have the chance read it!!!
July 31, 2018
Otro ejercicio de ingenio e imaginación magistral por parte de Brandon Sanderson. He leído únicamente "El alma del emperador" que, por otra parte, está compendiada en "Arcanum Ilimitado: la colección del Cosmere" y me ha parecido una historia correcta y de fácil lectura, sin el típico final sandersoniano, esto es, fulgurante y frenético, donde todo adquiere sentido y el autor nos obsequia con alguno de sus consabidos giros inesperados.
Y claro, por ello, no la voy a catalogar al nivel de sus obras maestras; pues sería ridículo equiparar una historia de narrativa breve con las principales y descomunales sagas del de Nebraska. Eso sí, recomendada sin duda y con algún que otro guiño al colosal mundo del Cosmere: en concreto al sistema de Sel.
Y claro, por ello, no la voy a catalogar al nivel de sus obras maestras; pues sería ridículo equiparar una historia de narrativa breve con las principales y descomunales sagas del de Nebraska. Eso sí, recomendada sin duda y con algún que otro guiño al colosal mundo del Cosmere: en concreto al sistema de Sel.
May 17, 2017
twee korte verhalen, leuk maar mocht wat meer zijn :-)
January 22, 2016
Y Brandon Sanderson lo vuelve a hacer, este hombre tiene una imaginación inagotable y un gran conocimiento para mantenerte intrigado en sus historias, este libro nos presenta dos historias la primera se llama Legión y nos presenta a un personaje muy interesante y tridimensional su nombre es Stephen Leeps o “Legión” como todos lo conocen y es que este hombre es quizás el hombre más inteligente en la faz de la tierra pero al parecer no le gusta aceptarlo y desarrolla una enfermedad mental estilo esquizofrenico con el síndrome de personal disosiativa, creando alucinaciones o “aspectos” como él los llama, provistos de cualidades muy especiales, el cual él puede echarle mano con solo consultar al aspecto en cuestión, para que se entienda si Leeds quiere aprender algún idioma en especial basta con que llame al aspecto poliglota para valerse de dicha habilidad y así con sus diferentes alucinaciones , que parecieran tienen vida interactuando con Leeds y entre ellos, esto hace que interactué con sus aspectos y nos muestre equipos que le ayudaran en sus casos , como si del grupo del Dr. Hause se tratara, díganme si no se antoja hacer una serie con dicho personaje y es que al leerlo pareciera un piloto de alguna nueva serie de tv, adictivo, original y ligero, 5 de 5, recomendado.
El alma del emperador
Quien dice que para contar una historia de magia y fantasía debe de ser en libros inmensos, pues la segunda historia El alma del emperador nos platica un relato impresionante en poco más de 140 páginas y nos regresa a lo acostumbrado por Brandon Sanderson, entregándonos una historia bien desarrollada con un universo propio y un sistema de magia bastante complejo y muy bien estructurado, el mismo Sanderson cuenta que esta historia se desarrolla en Sel universo ya conocido por los que ya leímos Elantris, aun que de esto nada, no lo note hasta que lo menciono, pero bueno, la historia recae en Shai una falsificadora la cual es capturada y condenada a muerte, pero un suceso hace que se le ofrezca su libertad a cambio de una falsificación, un trabajo que precisa del mejor en estos menesteres, así que Shai acepta este trabajo ya que le propone un gran reto, aunque sabe que todavía la mataran al terminarlo, ella debe y planear su escape antes de que todo termine, magnifica emocionante y que te deja esperando mas , 5 de 5 sumamente recomendable.
El alma del emperador
Quien dice que para contar una historia de magia y fantasía debe de ser en libros inmensos, pues la segunda historia El alma del emperador nos platica un relato impresionante en poco más de 140 páginas y nos regresa a lo acostumbrado por Brandon Sanderson, entregándonos una historia bien desarrollada con un universo propio y un sistema de magia bastante complejo y muy bien estructurado, el mismo Sanderson cuenta que esta historia se desarrolla en Sel universo ya conocido por los que ya leímos Elantris, aun que de esto nada, no lo note hasta que lo menciono, pero bueno, la historia recae en Shai una falsificadora la cual es capturada y condenada a muerte, pero un suceso hace que se le ofrezca su libertad a cambio de una falsificación, un trabajo que precisa del mejor en estos menesteres, así que Shai acepta este trabajo ya que le propone un gran reto, aunque sabe que todavía la mataran al terminarlo, ella debe y planear su escape antes de que todo termine, magnifica emocionante y que te deja esperando mas , 5 de 5 sumamente recomendable.
March 11, 2015
Legion- 3 stars
Emperor's Soul- 5 stars
I thought this was a nice bindup of two Sanderson novellas, but they are not related what-so-ever, and they actually aren't even in the same genre. The first story is a contemporary, with a hint of thriller? It's about a schizophrenic who personifies his hallucinations, and solves mysteries with them, so I'm not sure what genre that would fall into. The second is a good old high fantasy, Sanderson's homeground.
Legion- I enjoyed this! It was a fun short story, but not anything amazing. As always, Sanderson has great set ups, so the whole idea of this plot was really fascinating. It was really unique, and I was definitely interested-at the beginning. For some reason I just wasn't totally into this story the whole way through, so occasionally I got bored. Also, while the characters were really interesting, and I could tell they were well crafted, they didn't stick with me at all, and I never really felt connected. Overall though, a really fun read, and enjoyable.
Emperor's Soul- I gotta say, after the first story, I wasn't expecting anything amazing with the second one. However, I was blown away, this is the best novealla I've ever read. I definitely think Sanderson's strength is fantasy, because this was fantastic. It amazes me how he can create a whole world, and make it feel fleshed out in 100 pages, when other books I've read can't do that in 400+ pages. The world was completely unique, and the magic system was as imaginative as ever. The plot was simple on the surface, but the way the magic system got expanded upon, I would love a full length novel with that as the main magic system. Also, how did he even manage to explain the government of this world, how can he do that in this little amount of pages? The characters were also great, and while I don't even remember the characters in Legion, I loved Shai, and all the other characters had a lot of depth as well.
Overall- If you like Sanderson, I think you'll enjoy this. Even though I wasn't overly thrilled with the first story, I still liked it and the second story made up for it.
Emperor's Soul- 5 stars
I thought this was a nice bindup of two Sanderson novellas, but they are not related what-so-ever, and they actually aren't even in the same genre. The first story is a contemporary, with a hint of thriller? It's about a schizophrenic who personifies his hallucinations, and solves mysteries with them, so I'm not sure what genre that would fall into. The second is a good old high fantasy, Sanderson's homeground.
Legion- I enjoyed this! It was a fun short story, but not anything amazing. As always, Sanderson has great set ups, so the whole idea of this plot was really fascinating. It was really unique, and I was definitely interested-at the beginning. For some reason I just wasn't totally into this story the whole way through, so occasionally I got bored. Also, while the characters were really interesting, and I could tell they were well crafted, they didn't stick with me at all, and I never really felt connected. Overall though, a really fun read, and enjoyable.
Emperor's Soul- I gotta say, after the first story, I wasn't expecting anything amazing with the second one. However, I was blown away, this is the best novealla I've ever read. I definitely think Sanderson's strength is fantasy, because this was fantastic. It amazes me how he can create a whole world, and make it feel fleshed out in 100 pages, when other books I've read can't do that in 400+ pages. The world was completely unique, and the magic system was as imaginative as ever. The plot was simple on the surface, but the way the magic system got expanded upon, I would love a full length novel with that as the main magic system. Also, how did he even manage to explain the government of this world, how can he do that in this little amount of pages? The characters were also great, and while I don't even remember the characters in Legion, I loved Shai, and all the other characters had a lot of depth as well.
Overall- If you like Sanderson, I think you'll enjoy this. Even though I wasn't overly thrilled with the first story, I still liked it and the second story made up for it.
August 10, 2017
¿Cómo puede caber tanta imaginación en dos historias tan cortas?
Ambos relatos dan para bastante más, de lo bien escritos que están. Me estaban gustando tanto, que se me han hecho cortísimos...
Legión trata la historia de un hombre MUY inteligente capaz de... ¿Invocar? "alucinaciones" en forma de personas que le aportan distintos conocimientos para distintas situaciones de su vida, y que solo él puede ver. Vive en una gran mansión con un montón de habitaciones para esas "alucinaciones", y se dedica a resolver algunos casos de investigación con su ayuda. De repente aparece un caso inusual... Y poco más puedo decir sin fastidiaros la historia.
El alma del emperador es un relato un poco más largo y complejo. En él, el alma de distintos objetos puede ser "modificada" mediante unos artilugios especiales llamados "sellos de alma", siempre que se conozca su pasado y su historia, pudiendo así modificarlos para que ese elemento se "vea y se sienta" de otra forma. Nuestra protagonista, Shai, deberá intentar restaurar o "falsificar" el alma del emperador, que ha sido atacado y dejado en estado casi vegetal, para que todo su imperio no caiga en el caos. Para ello tendrá un tiempo muy limitado teniendo en cuenta la dificultad de la tarea, y será vigilada constantemente, ya que los hombres del emperador la consideran una aberración... Pero una aberración necesaria en esos difíciles momentos.
Ambos relatos me han encantado, los personajes son geniales, especialmente Legión y la forma que tiene de interactuar con sus alucinaciones, me ha hecho reír en bastantes ocasiones. No podría elegir un favorito, porque ambas historias son tan distintas y a la vez tan mágicas...
DE VERDAD, merece muchísimo la pena.
Además, me parece un buen punto de comienzo para leer a Sanderson, ya que a pesar de ser un libro corto engloba los aspectos más destacables de la escritura del autor. Creo que viene muy bien para abrir apetito, para hacernos una idea de lo que nos podemos encontrar en sus obras más largas. Algo increíble.
Ambos relatos dan para bastante más, de lo bien escritos que están. Me estaban gustando tanto, que se me han hecho cortísimos...
Legión trata la historia de un hombre MUY inteligente capaz de... ¿Invocar? "alucinaciones" en forma de personas que le aportan distintos conocimientos para distintas situaciones de su vida, y que solo él puede ver. Vive en una gran mansión con un montón de habitaciones para esas "alucinaciones", y se dedica a resolver algunos casos de investigación con su ayuda. De repente aparece un caso inusual... Y poco más puedo decir sin fastidiaros la historia.
El alma del emperador es un relato un poco más largo y complejo. En él, el alma de distintos objetos puede ser "modificada" mediante unos artilugios especiales llamados "sellos de alma", siempre que se conozca su pasado y su historia, pudiendo así modificarlos para que ese elemento se "vea y se sienta" de otra forma. Nuestra protagonista, Shai, deberá intentar restaurar o "falsificar" el alma del emperador, que ha sido atacado y dejado en estado casi vegetal, para que todo su imperio no caiga en el caos. Para ello tendrá un tiempo muy limitado teniendo en cuenta la dificultad de la tarea, y será vigilada constantemente, ya que los hombres del emperador la consideran una aberración... Pero una aberración necesaria en esos difíciles momentos.
Ambos relatos me han encantado, los personajes son geniales, especialmente Legión y la forma que tiene de interactuar con sus alucinaciones, me ha hecho reír en bastantes ocasiones. No podría elegir un favorito, porque ambas historias son tan distintas y a la vez tan mágicas...
DE VERDAD, merece muchísimo la pena.
Además, me parece un buen punto de comienzo para leer a Sanderson, ya que a pesar de ser un libro corto engloba los aspectos más destacables de la escritura del autor. Creo que viene muy bien para abrir apetito, para hacernos una idea de lo que nos podemos encontrar en sus obras más largas. Algo increíble.
February 16, 2019
Legion made me laugh and is easily the best multiple personalities disorder detective that I've ever read. It's also the only one, but still.. Enjoyed it a lot. Will be reading part 2.
The Emperor's Soul was a wonderful concept with great prose to go along with it and enough action to keep the story moving forward.
They're both very well written and have really interesting magical systems in place which I really hope are explored further. I'd honestly give both of these stories 4 stars. Most people who review here seem to find Legion lackluster, but I thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe even a little more than The Emperor's Soul). The only issue I have is that both set up really interesting premises, but the stories are short enough that they don't feel developed fully. So overall these are two great short stories that both deserve to be explored further.
The Emperor's Soul was a wonderful concept with great prose to go along with it and enough action to keep the story moving forward.
They're both very well written and have really interesting magical systems in place which I really hope are explored further. I'd honestly give both of these stories 4 stars. Most people who review here seem to find Legion lackluster, but I thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe even a little more than The Emperor's Soul). The only issue I have is that both set up really interesting premises, but the stories are short enough that they don't feel developed fully. So overall these are two great short stories that both deserve to be explored further.
April 2, 2016
Again I'm amazed by Brandon Sanderson's brilliance and the completeness of his work.
I loved Legion and The Emperor's Soul almost as much as I loved Mistbon and every other book by him.
I loved Legion and The Emperor's Soul almost as much as I loved Mistbon and every other book by him.
December 22, 2015
En realidad le puse de nota 9/10. Brillantes los dos relatos.
December 11, 2017
I found this volume at a recent bookshop's sale, where the owners were selling their old stock. There was no indication on the back cover that the stories were part of a series, so I decided to take the book with me (read: buy it). And what a gem this is!
Two independent short stories: Legion, which seems to exist in a separate version (see here), and The Emperor's Soul, of which there's also a separate version (see here). The latter is a stand-alone story set in Sel, the world in which Elantris: Definitive Tenth Anniversary Edition also is part of. I've yet to read this one, as well as The Hope of Elantris and his Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set.
Legion is about Stephen Leeds (his full name, Legion being his nickname), who suffers from schizophrenia. He considers himself sane, but his hallucinations absolutely not. However, his hallucinations lead lives of their own, as if they are real people, who live in the same house as Stephen. And they sort of do, since Stephen lives in a big house, with enough rooms to house each of his hallucinations. Even when going on a trip of ordering something, it'll be for five people.
I like how each hallucination has an own personality: J.C. (a former SEAL, very passionate about guns), Ivy, Tobias, Monica, ... One has an interest in history, another in psychology, ... All aspects of Stephen's personality that help him through life.
While he's mocked for his "illness", there's one organisation/company that's willing to hire his services. Especially to investigate the disappearance of Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera that can take pictures of the past. One has to be on location to take such a picture, of course.
Sanderson has a very fluent style, which allows for a quick read, and yet feel really drawn into the story. It's not really fantasy or science fiction per se, more like a detective story with a sniff of the aforementioned genres. This is short enough to be very enjoyable, but I certainly wouldn't mind it being turned into a full-blown novel. I also found it quite original in how he used schizophrenia to create such an exciting story.
--------------------
The Emperor's Soul takes place in an Asian setting. The Emperor Ashravan's wife, the Empress, was murdered. This led to a period of mourning for the Emperor, but one he didn't/couldn't get out of. This has an impact on his psyche, his mental health. The regular healers were found neither worthy nor skilled enough to heal the Emperor. That's where Shai, a Forger, comes in. She was previously captured for stealing and forging the Moon Scepter, a very important and expensive painting. She's offered freedom if she can manage to create (forge) a new soul for the grieving Emperor. The population is kept at bay with excuses, so as not to cause chaos. But the arbiters, whom you could consider the real leaders, like the government, have their own reasons for helping the Emperor through a forger. They want to influence him. So Shai is provided an offer, but not the proper amount of time for this project. All has to be done in three months; a normal period is at least one year, if not two.
Shai works with soul stamps (which she's also made for herself, to be able to transform as circumstances demand it; but hers were taken from her when she was caught), which she has to create and carve herself, based on the info she gets about the Emperor: official and non-official. Obviously, not all goes well. She's put under guard (24/24), doesn't get to leave, doesn't get much sleep (as she only has three months to fulfil the task), but is also chained to her room through a blood seal, put there by a Bloodsealer as a sort of detection system, which has to be renewed each day. When she would try to escape, he would know and send his demons to catch her. There's also captain Zu, who hates her guts very badly. He's the type that will execute orders, but doesn't really think things through.
Of course, with all these regular Big-Brother-is-watching-you type of visits, blocks and shackles, it's not easy to also plot your escape. But Shai seems to have enough time and energy to spend time working on a new soul for the Emperor and renewing/restoring the state of her room (walls repainted, window glass repaired, etc.). How Sanderson described the magic system, the political struggles, the difference in beliefs / spirituality (how each thing and person has a soul, which also explains why certain forgings/improvements work like it was originally meant to be), and so on... Marvellous how open-minded Sanderson is in using this theme in his stories.
Like all good stories, all's well that ends well (not in the least because Shai added a more personal touch to the Emperor's soul stamps), and that not every human being is corrupted by the (political) system, that some still do value integrity and authenticity - I'm looking at you, Gaotona. Something our present world needs very badly.
Another very worthwhile story, without the smallest doubt. I'll put Elantris a bit higher on my TBR-pile.
Two independent short stories: Legion, which seems to exist in a separate version (see here), and The Emperor's Soul, of which there's also a separate version (see here). The latter is a stand-alone story set in Sel, the world in which Elantris: Definitive Tenth Anniversary Edition also is part of. I've yet to read this one, as well as The Hope of Elantris and his Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set.
Legion is about Stephen Leeds (his full name, Legion being his nickname), who suffers from schizophrenia. He considers himself sane, but his hallucinations absolutely not. However, his hallucinations lead lives of their own, as if they are real people, who live in the same house as Stephen. And they sort of do, since Stephen lives in a big house, with enough rooms to house each of his hallucinations. Even when going on a trip of ordering something, it'll be for five people.
I like how each hallucination has an own personality: J.C. (a former SEAL, very passionate about guns), Ivy, Tobias, Monica, ... One has an interest in history, another in psychology, ... All aspects of Stephen's personality that help him through life.
While he's mocked for his "illness", there's one organisation/company that's willing to hire his services. Especially to investigate the disappearance of Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera that can take pictures of the past. One has to be on location to take such a picture, of course.
Sanderson has a very fluent style, which allows for a quick read, and yet feel really drawn into the story. It's not really fantasy or science fiction per se, more like a detective story with a sniff of the aforementioned genres. This is short enough to be very enjoyable, but I certainly wouldn't mind it being turned into a full-blown novel. I also found it quite original in how he used schizophrenia to create such an exciting story.
--------------------
The Emperor's Soul takes place in an Asian setting. The Emperor Ashravan's wife, the Empress, was murdered. This led to a period of mourning for the Emperor, but one he didn't/couldn't get out of. This has an impact on his psyche, his mental health. The regular healers were found neither worthy nor skilled enough to heal the Emperor. That's where Shai, a Forger, comes in. She was previously captured for stealing and forging the Moon Scepter, a very important and expensive painting. She's offered freedom if she can manage to create (forge) a new soul for the grieving Emperor. The population is kept at bay with excuses, so as not to cause chaos. But the arbiters, whom you could consider the real leaders, like the government, have their own reasons for helping the Emperor through a forger. They want to influence him. So Shai is provided an offer, but not the proper amount of time for this project. All has to be done in three months; a normal period is at least one year, if not two.
Shai works with soul stamps (which she's also made for herself, to be able to transform as circumstances demand it; but hers were taken from her when she was caught), which she has to create and carve herself, based on the info she gets about the Emperor: official and non-official. Obviously, not all goes well. She's put under guard (24/24), doesn't get to leave, doesn't get much sleep (as she only has three months to fulfil the task), but is also chained to her room through a blood seal, put there by a Bloodsealer as a sort of detection system, which has to be renewed each day. When she would try to escape, he would know and send his demons to catch her. There's also captain Zu, who hates her guts very badly. He's the type that will execute orders, but doesn't really think things through.
Of course, with all these regular Big-Brother-is-watching-you type of visits, blocks and shackles, it's not easy to also plot your escape. But Shai seems to have enough time and energy to spend time working on a new soul for the Emperor and renewing/restoring the state of her room (walls repainted, window glass repaired, etc.). How Sanderson described the magic system, the political struggles, the difference in beliefs / spirituality (how each thing and person has a soul, which also explains why certain forgings/improvements work like it was originally meant to be), and so on... Marvellous how open-minded Sanderson is in using this theme in his stories.
Like all good stories, all's well that ends well (not in the least because Shai added a more personal touch to the Emperor's soul stamps), and that not every human being is corrupted by the (political) system, that some still do value integrity and authenticity - I'm looking at you, Gaotona. Something our present world needs very badly.
Another very worthwhile story, without the smallest doubt. I'll put Elantris a bit higher on my TBR-pile.
March 7, 2021
Dos muy buenas historias cortas de Brandon Sanderson. Mi interés principal era El alma del emperador por ser parte del Cosmere, pero Legión me ha encantado.
Legión se diferencia bastante de todo lo que había leído hasta ahora de este autor. Stephen Leeds es un hombre que sufre alucinaciones en forma de personas que contienen diferentes partes de sí mismo. Pero a la vez, Stephen es un genio, por lo que tendrá que ayudar a una empresa a recuperar un peligroso artefacto que le ha sido robado. A priori siento cierta reticencia por este tipo de historias protagonizadas por gente que sufre de enfermedades mentales, pero en este caso me ha sorprendido para bien. De hecho me ha gustado muchísimo. Para mí, demuestra que Brandon Sanderson es capaz destacar en géneros muy distintos a aquel que le granjeó su bien merecida fama.
El alma del emperador es más parecido a otras novelas de este autor que he leído. Ambientado en Sel, mismo planeta en el que se desarrolla Elantris, pero en una región muy distinta en la que florece un tipo de magia (o investidura para los fans) diferente. Shai es una ladrona y falsificadora que, al ser pillada robando en el palacio real, deberá ayudar a crear una falsificación del alma del emperador para salvar la vida. Para ello tendrá que conocer bien a fondo a su sujeto de estudio y enfrentarse a los chantajes de aquellos que quieren controlar al emperador a través de esta nueva alma. Un relato que aúna introspección y acción, y que habla del ser de objetos y personas (desarrollando parte de lo que se conoce como la teoría realmática). LA única pega que le pondría es que me ha costado un poco entender el sistema mágico, aunque no deja de ser muy original.
Una lectura muy cortita y muy recomendada, tanto para fans como neófitos de la pluma de Brandon Sanderson.
Legión se diferencia bastante de todo lo que había leído hasta ahora de este autor. Stephen Leeds es un hombre que sufre alucinaciones en forma de personas que contienen diferentes partes de sí mismo. Pero a la vez, Stephen es un genio, por lo que tendrá que ayudar a una empresa a recuperar un peligroso artefacto que le ha sido robado. A priori siento cierta reticencia por este tipo de historias protagonizadas por gente que sufre de enfermedades mentales, pero en este caso me ha sorprendido para bien. De hecho me ha gustado muchísimo. Para mí, demuestra que Brandon Sanderson es capaz destacar en géneros muy distintos a aquel que le granjeó su bien merecida fama.
El alma del emperador es más parecido a otras novelas de este autor que he leído. Ambientado en Sel, mismo planeta en el que se desarrolla Elantris, pero en una región muy distinta en la que florece un tipo de magia (o investidura para los fans) diferente. Shai es una ladrona y falsificadora que, al ser pillada robando en el palacio real, deberá ayudar a crear una falsificación del alma del emperador para salvar la vida. Para ello tendrá que conocer bien a fondo a su sujeto de estudio y enfrentarse a los chantajes de aquellos que quieren controlar al emperador a través de esta nueva alma. Un relato que aúna introspección y acción, y que habla del ser de objetos y personas (desarrollando parte de lo que se conoce como la teoría realmática). LA única pega que le pondría es que me ha costado un poco entender el sistema mágico, aunque no deja de ser muy original.
Una lectura muy cortita y muy recomendada, tanto para fans como neófitos de la pluma de Brandon Sanderson.
May 30, 2014
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Ninguna ley natural dictamina que para que una obra de fantasía sea realmente buena deba combar con su peso las baldas de una estantería. Irónicamente, Brandon Sanderson, que por su ritmo de publicación y por el tamaño de alguna de sus novelas parece empeñado en deforestar el planeta, lo ha demostrado con ‘El alma del emperador’. Fantascy acaba de publicar en lengua castellana esta historia galardonada con el premio Hugo el pasado año. Lo ha hecho en un volumen conjunto que comparte solapas con ‘Legión’, una historia diametralmente opuesta, con tintes de lo que podríamos denominar ciencia ficción cercana, y que también se merece el sobresaliente. Por resumir, dos de las mejores historias de género publicadas este año que no suman ni 240 páginas, y que se pueden conseguir por 15 euros en papel (y por la mitad en ebook). Para rematar, la versión española le corresponde al traductor habitual de Sanderson, Rafael Marín.
Ya os advierto que los 15 euros de inversión que supone el libro (si optáis por el formato clásico) os van a durar bien poco. Dos sentadas si las administráis bien. El problema, por llamarlo de alguna manera, es que las dos historias son francamente adictivas: ‘Legión’ nos entra antes por el ojo, con una frase inicial que debe estar entre las más simpáticas del género: “Me llamo Stephen Leeds, y estoy completamente cuerdo. Mis alucionaciones, sin embargo, están todas bastante locas”. La entrada a ‘El alma del emperador’ es más suave, pero a las pocas páginas ya nos damos cuenta de que estamos ante una historia mejor y más profunda, con un final tan redondo que parece que va a echar a rodar en cualquier momento.
Decía que ‘Legión’ parece ciencia ficción cercana. La historia podría discurrir en el presente, siempre y cuando alguien inventara hoy una cámara para hacer fotografías del pasado. La premisa no es precisamente nueva. Sin ir más lejos, Carlos Somoza ya la exploró en ‘Zig zag’ hace unos cuantos años. Pero en este caso se podría decir que el argumento es casi lo de menos. Lo verdaderamente interesante de este relato largo (unas 80 páginas en la edición de Fantascy) es el protagonista, Stephen Leeds, cuya portentosa inteligencia ha ideado una curiosa formar de funcionar: crear imaginarios expertos en diferentes materias que conversan animadamente con él para transmitirles sus conocimientos. Lo malo (o lo bueno, según se mire), es que esas alucinaciones que le permiten acceder a toda la información que el protagonista precise, hacen su propia vida y tienen lo que podríamos definir como una fuerte personalidad. La situación llega hasta tal punto que Leeds se ve obligado a vivir en una mansión para poder albergar a toda esa ‘legión’ de expertos imaginarios que ha ido creando durante los años, y con los que no siempre es fácil convivir.
Leeds es el verdadero atractivo de la historia, que por lo demás no es especialmente original. Eso sí, asistir al día a día de este protagonista hace que éste sea uno de los relatos de género más divertidos de los últimos años, y nos deja con ganas de que Sanderson retome el personaje para algún proyecto más largo. Oye, que si alguno se lo comenta este verano en el festival Celsius 232, lo mismo se arranca con una saga de 10 libros.
‘El alma del emperador’ es mucho más lo que los lectores de Sanderson esperan, solo que concentrado, como un sobre de semillas. En cosa de 140 páginas el autor estadounidense despliega un universo propio tan detallado, y que funciona tan bien, que cuando llega el punto final parece que acabamos de empezar a leer, y al mismo tiempo, tenemos la sensación de llevar mucho tiempo leyendo sobre ese mundo por lo familiar que llega a resultarnos su sistema de magia y lo que ahora se viene en llamar ‘worldbuilding’. Confiesa Sanderson en las breves notas posteriores al relato que la profundidad de este universo tiene un cierto truco, y es que para telón de fondo se basó en el mundo de Sel donde discurre su primera novela publicada ‘Elantris’. En todo caso, es una de sus obras que yo todavía no he leído y no me ha costado absolutamente nada seguir la novela. De hecho, en ningún momento he sentido que andaba por tierra extranjera, si me permitís la expresión.
También hay que reconocer que ‘El alma del emperador’ tiene muchos de los ingredientes clásicos de Sanderson, sin que por eso caiga en la repetición. Sí se nota, en cambio, una cierta zona de confort que a Sanderson le cuesta abandonar: intrigas palaciegas poco maquiavélicas (en este sentido no le llega a la suela de los zapatos a George Martin, por ejemplo), una figura de poder que parece totalmente desprovista de él, personajes un poco demasiado perfectos, malvados muy obvios y una tensión creciente que se reserva una traca de fuegos artificiales para el final. Lo dicho, que a veces se le ven un poco las costuras (o los hilos a las marionetas), pero y lo bien que lo pasamos.
En ambas historias, a mi entender, la clave de su genialidad está en saber ir más allá de lo obvio. Sanderson no solo nos plantea argumentos muy originales, si no que sabe agotar sus posibilidades y vestirlos con tramas ágiles y adictivas. Con la excepción de Leeds, una genialidad se mire por donde se mire, sus personajes tienden a menudo a las dos dimensiones, pero la riqueza de los mundos que dibuja y su talento para contar historias de forma ‘ultraefectista’ consiguen que no reparemos en ello. Este volumen es una buena oportunidad para saber lo que Sanderson ofrece, y para animarse con historias más largas, aunque se hubiera agradecido una edición por separado en ebook como se pueden conseguir en su versión original (las historias de forma independiente y a precios más reducidos que los 7,5 euros de la edición castellana). En fin, que siempre se puede pedir más, pero hay que reconocer que Sanderson ofrece aquí doble ración de talento. Y si quedan ganas de repetir, el próximo mes otro título en las librerías: la novela juvenil de supervillanos ‘Steelheart’, que publicará Ediciones B.
Ninguna ley natural dictamina que para que una obra de fantasía sea realmente buena deba combar con su peso las baldas de una estantería. Irónicamente, Brandon Sanderson, que por su ritmo de publicación y por el tamaño de alguna de sus novelas parece empeñado en deforestar el planeta, lo ha demostrado con ‘El alma del emperador’. Fantascy acaba de publicar en lengua castellana esta historia galardonada con el premio Hugo el pasado año. Lo ha hecho en un volumen conjunto que comparte solapas con ‘Legión’, una historia diametralmente opuesta, con tintes de lo que podríamos denominar ciencia ficción cercana, y que también se merece el sobresaliente. Por resumir, dos de las mejores historias de género publicadas este año que no suman ni 240 páginas, y que se pueden conseguir por 15 euros en papel (y por la mitad en ebook). Para rematar, la versión española le corresponde al traductor habitual de Sanderson, Rafael Marín.
Ya os advierto que los 15 euros de inversión que supone el libro (si optáis por el formato clásico) os van a durar bien poco. Dos sentadas si las administráis bien. El problema, por llamarlo de alguna manera, es que las dos historias son francamente adictivas: ‘Legión’ nos entra antes por el ojo, con una frase inicial que debe estar entre las más simpáticas del género: “Me llamo Stephen Leeds, y estoy completamente cuerdo. Mis alucionaciones, sin embargo, están todas bastante locas”. La entrada a ‘El alma del emperador’ es más suave, pero a las pocas páginas ya nos damos cuenta de que estamos ante una historia mejor y más profunda, con un final tan redondo que parece que va a echar a rodar en cualquier momento.
Decía que ‘Legión’ parece ciencia ficción cercana. La historia podría discurrir en el presente, siempre y cuando alguien inventara hoy una cámara para hacer fotografías del pasado. La premisa no es precisamente nueva. Sin ir más lejos, Carlos Somoza ya la exploró en ‘Zig zag’ hace unos cuantos años. Pero en este caso se podría decir que el argumento es casi lo de menos. Lo verdaderamente interesante de este relato largo (unas 80 páginas en la edición de Fantascy) es el protagonista, Stephen Leeds, cuya portentosa inteligencia ha ideado una curiosa formar de funcionar: crear imaginarios expertos en diferentes materias que conversan animadamente con él para transmitirles sus conocimientos. Lo malo (o lo bueno, según se mire), es que esas alucinaciones que le permiten acceder a toda la información que el protagonista precise, hacen su propia vida y tienen lo que podríamos definir como una fuerte personalidad. La situación llega hasta tal punto que Leeds se ve obligado a vivir en una mansión para poder albergar a toda esa ‘legión’ de expertos imaginarios que ha ido creando durante los años, y con los que no siempre es fácil convivir.
Leeds es el verdadero atractivo de la historia, que por lo demás no es especialmente original. Eso sí, asistir al día a día de este protagonista hace que éste sea uno de los relatos de género más divertidos de los últimos años, y nos deja con ganas de que Sanderson retome el personaje para algún proyecto más largo. Oye, que si alguno se lo comenta este verano en el festival Celsius 232, lo mismo se arranca con una saga de 10 libros.
‘El alma del emperador’ es mucho más lo que los lectores de Sanderson esperan, solo que concentrado, como un sobre de semillas. En cosa de 140 páginas el autor estadounidense despliega un universo propio tan detallado, y que funciona tan bien, que cuando llega el punto final parece que acabamos de empezar a leer, y al mismo tiempo, tenemos la sensación de llevar mucho tiempo leyendo sobre ese mundo por lo familiar que llega a resultarnos su sistema de magia y lo que ahora se viene en llamar ‘worldbuilding’. Confiesa Sanderson en las breves notas posteriores al relato que la profundidad de este universo tiene un cierto truco, y es que para telón de fondo se basó en el mundo de Sel donde discurre su primera novela publicada ‘Elantris’. En todo caso, es una de sus obras que yo todavía no he leído y no me ha costado absolutamente nada seguir la novela. De hecho, en ningún momento he sentido que andaba por tierra extranjera, si me permitís la expresión.
También hay que reconocer que ‘El alma del emperador’ tiene muchos de los ingredientes clásicos de Sanderson, sin que por eso caiga en la repetición. Sí se nota, en cambio, una cierta zona de confort que a Sanderson le cuesta abandonar: intrigas palaciegas poco maquiavélicas (en este sentido no le llega a la suela de los zapatos a George Martin, por ejemplo), una figura de poder que parece totalmente desprovista de él, personajes un poco demasiado perfectos, malvados muy obvios y una tensión creciente que se reserva una traca de fuegos artificiales para el final. Lo dicho, que a veces se le ven un poco las costuras (o los hilos a las marionetas), pero y lo bien que lo pasamos.
En ambas historias, a mi entender, la clave de su genialidad está en saber ir más allá de lo obvio. Sanderson no solo nos plantea argumentos muy originales, si no que sabe agotar sus posibilidades y vestirlos con tramas ágiles y adictivas. Con la excepción de Leeds, una genialidad se mire por donde se mire, sus personajes tienden a menudo a las dos dimensiones, pero la riqueza de los mundos que dibuja y su talento para contar historias de forma ‘ultraefectista’ consiguen que no reparemos en ello. Este volumen es una buena oportunidad para saber lo que Sanderson ofrece, y para animarse con historias más largas, aunque se hubiera agradecido una edición por separado en ebook como se pueden conseguir en su versión original (las historias de forma independiente y a precios más reducidos que los 7,5 euros de la edición castellana). En fin, que siempre se puede pedir más, pero hay que reconocer que Sanderson ofrece aquí doble ración de talento. Y si quedan ganas de repetir, el próximo mes otro título en las librerías: la novela juvenil de supervillanos ‘Steelheart’, que publicará Ediciones B.
May 23, 2021
Ambas historias me han parecido increíbles.
En Legión nos encontramos el protagonista viviendo en una mansión con bastantes habitaciones, las cuales ocupan sus múltiples alucinaciones. Las interacciones entre estas dan lugar a bastantes situaciones cómicas en la misión que les afrenta después.
Se me ha quedado muy muy corto.
Por su parte, El alma del Emperador, se desarrolla en Sel (mismo planeta que Elantris). En ella se ve reclusa a una joven falsificadora y su única posibilidad de conseguir la libertad es, ni más ni menos, reconstruir la mente del emperador.
Lo que más me ha gustado sin duda, ha sido cómo evoluciona la relación entre la protagonista y Gaotona.
En resumen, dos grandes relatos que se devoran en un par de tardes.
En Legión nos encontramos el protagonista viviendo en una mansión con bastantes habitaciones, las cuales ocupan sus múltiples alucinaciones. Las interacciones entre estas dan lugar a bastantes situaciones cómicas en la misión que les afrenta después.
Se me ha quedado muy muy corto.
Por su parte, El alma del Emperador, se desarrolla en Sel (mismo planeta que Elantris). En ella se ve reclusa a una joven falsificadora y su única posibilidad de conseguir la libertad es, ni más ni menos, reconstruir la mente del emperador.
Lo que más me ha gustado sin duda, ha sido cómo evoluciona la relación entre la protagonista y Gaotona.
En resumen, dos grandes relatos que se devoran en un par de tardes.
April 4, 2017
Te deja con ganas de más. Aunque Sanderson siempre es un acierto y una apuesta segura, en este caso las historias te dejan con la sensación, especialmente la primera, de haber podido dar mucho más de sí. En el caso de Legión esto es especialmente evidente, y sin querer entrar en detalles que desvelen la trama, parece que el final es algo precipitado. En cualquier caso Sanderson crea un personaje con tal fuerza e intensidad que él sólo podría protagonizar una serie de novelas (o de TV) completa. Y ojalá lo hiciera.
El universo que crea en la segunda es sencillamente fantástico. Un mundo completo del que apenas nos muestra alguna pincelada y del que imaginamos el resto digno de la mejor saga de fantasía.
El universo que crea en la segunda es sencillamente fantástico. Un mundo completo del que apenas nos muestra alguna pincelada y del que imaginamos el resto digno de la mejor saga de fantasía.
June 8, 2017
Legion - 4 stars
The Emperor's Soul - 4 stars
I enjoyed very much this author's writing! What a big surprise since I'm not a fan of the genre. However, this was a great début!
The Emperor's Soul - 4 stars
I enjoyed very much this author's writing! What a big surprise since I'm not a fan of the genre. However, this was a great début!
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