What do you think?
Rate this book
Legends II: New Short Novels by the Masters of Modern Fantasy: Volume Three
Fantasty fans, rejoice! Seven years after writer and editor Robert Silverberg made publishing history with Legends, the acclaimed anthology of original short novels by some of the greatest writers in fantasy finction, the long-awaited second volume is here.
Each of the bestselling writers represented in these selections from Legends II returns to the fantasy universe he or she made famous throughout the world. Whether set before or after events already recounted elsewhere, whether featuring beloved characters or compelling new creations, these masterful short novels are both mesmerizing standalones – perfect introductions to the work of their authors – and indispensable additions to the epics on which they are based.
Robert Silverberg spins an enthralling tale of Majipoor's early history – and remote future – as seen through the eyes of a dilettantish poet who discovrs an unexpected destiny in "The Book of Changes."
Neil Gaiman gives us a glimpse into what befalls the man called Shadow after the events of his Hugo Award-winning novel American Gods in "The Monarch of Glen."
Orson Scott Card tells a tale of Alvin Maker and the mighty Mississippi, featuring a couple of ne'er-do-wells named Jim Bowie and Abe Lincoln, in "The Yazoo Queen."
Each of the bestselling writers represented in these selections from Legends II returns to the fantasy universe he or she made famous throughout the world. Whether set before or after events already recounted elsewhere, whether featuring beloved characters or compelling new creations, these masterful short novels are both mesmerizing standalones – perfect introductions to the work of their authors – and indispensable additions to the epics on which they are based.
Robert Silverberg spins an enthralling tale of Majipoor's early history – and remote future – as seen through the eyes of a dilettantish poet who discovrs an unexpected destiny in "The Book of Changes."
Neil Gaiman gives us a glimpse into what befalls the man called Shadow after the events of his Hugo Award-winning novel American Gods in "The Monarch of Glen."
Orson Scott Card tells a tale of Alvin Maker and the mighty Mississippi, featuring a couple of ne'er-do-wells named Jim Bowie and Abe Lincoln, in "The Yazoo Queen."
Audio
First published January 1, 2004
62 people want to read
About the author
Robert Silverberg
2,344 books1,603 followersThere are many authors in the database with this name.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 11, 2019
Three stories where I did not know the worlds at all beforehand.
The Book of Changes by Robert Silverberg: I could not get into this story at all, and did not finish it. I desperately needed an explanation of why a world that humans an several other alien species had traveled to by spaceship appeared to have no technology whatsoever. Also there were several mentions of how big this world was, as if bigger than earth, but no mentions of gravity being different. The writing style wasn't really to my taste either.
The Monarch of the Glen by Neil Gaiman: There's no doubt that Gaiman know how to tell a story and make characters come to life. I was skeptical about the concept of gods and belief in them and all that (from a perspective of personal preference) and the story failed to fully sell me on it, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
The Yazoo Queen by Orson Scott Card: OSC can definitely also tell a story, and towards the end I was surprised, but not disbelieving, which is always enjoyable. I also love how OSC plays with language. The overall world and larger plot - insofar as I understood it from this tale - is something I could take or leave, and I may or may not go back to the series.
The Book of Changes by Robert Silverberg: I could not get into this story at all, and did not finish it. I desperately needed an explanation of why a world that humans an several other alien species had traveled to by spaceship appeared to have no technology whatsoever. Also there were several mentions of how big this world was, as if bigger than earth, but no mentions of gravity being different. The writing style wasn't really to my taste either.
The Monarch of the Glen by Neil Gaiman: There's no doubt that Gaiman know how to tell a story and make characters come to life. I was skeptical about the concept of gods and belief in them and all that (from a perspective of personal preference) and the story failed to fully sell me on it, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
The Yazoo Queen by Orson Scott Card: OSC can definitely also tell a story, and towards the end I was surprised, but not disbelieving, which is always enjoyable. I also love how OSC plays with language. The overall world and larger plot - insofar as I understood it from this tale - is something I could take or leave, and I may or may not go back to the series.
February 12, 2023
This book has 3 short stories, spin-offs from longer fantasy fiction series-
Majipoor, by Robert Silverberg (excellent)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (duh)
And something something by Orson Scott Card that i couldnt start or finish, i kept losing my place. Never a great sign.
So 2/3. Great stories.
Majipoor, by Robert Silverberg (excellent)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (duh)
And something something by Orson Scott Card that i couldnt start or finish, i kept losing my place. Never a great sign.
So 2/3. Great stories.
November 22, 2019
"The Book of Changes" by Robert Silverberg (Majipoor) 3/5 stars
"The Monarch of Glen" by Neil Gaiman (American Gods) 4/5 stars
"The Yazoo Queen" by Orson Scott Card (Alvin Maker) 3.5/5 stars
"The Monarch of Glen" by Neil Gaiman (American Gods) 4/5 stars
"The Yazoo Queen" by Orson Scott Card (Alvin Maker) 3.5/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews