Legends II (The Fantasy Anthology)

[Enforcer]

So I've now read the first two stories in Legends II: Robin Hobb's story about the Realm of the Elderings and George R.R. Martin's continuing adventures of Dunk and Egg in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire (the reason I bought the book).

So far, I'm pleased. Neither novella was astounding, but they were both quite good stories that are worth reading. The Dunk and Egg story I liked, though I thought it was peculiar that Martin didn't include a character that I could freely despise. Perhaps Ser Bennis (I'm not spoiling anything by telling you his name...) was meant to be that guy, but he didn't even touch the level of hatred I have for Gregor Clegane or Joffrey and Cirsei Lannister. Dunk is a great character, though, and it's fun to read from his point of view, even if this story didn't involve a huge tournament and Westeros' most fearsome knights.

The only other novella I'm looking forward to is Elizabeth Haydon's, I've read and liked the first book in her series...and the new authors that I haven't read before. The other returning authors don't do much for me (nor does Terry Brooks), especially not Robert Silverberg, the editor. His story in the original Legends was pretty boring, I thought, but hopefully his new one will actually resemble interesting.

Anyone else picked up Legends II? Or are people waiting for the cheaper tradeback version?

 

[Alaric_Prympax]

I bought it the day it came out, but unfortunately I haven't read it yet. I too bought it for Martin's The Sworn Sword. I'll post what I think about once I read it.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I picked up a copy, but all I have read so far has been the GRRM story, which I greatly enjoyed. I actually liked the fact that it was a much "smaller" story without a tournament or other big event. Getting a picture of one of the small locations in Westeros was wonderful, it makes the world that much more interesting. There may be big events going on and a larger world, but in this place for these characters, the small events and conflicts are of immediate importance.

The only other stories that are on my "to be read soon" list from the book are Neil Gaiman's and Orson Scott Cards. The rest I'll get to as time permits.

 

[Olive]

I bought it for the MArtin, and a lesser degree for the Hobb. Liked both, but didn't get into to much else in it. The Silverburg was ok. I haven't read the Gaiman yet, but I'm quite keen.

 

[Krug]

Just a reminder that there's a 'scavenger hunt' underway.

http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/DRIN/legendsindex.html

 

[nikolai]

Is this worth getting? I'm a big fan of Martin, but am reluctant to pick it up for just one story. I think Hobb and Gaiman are okay, and loathe Feist and Brooks.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

Is this worth getting? I'm a big fan of Martin, but am reluctant to pick it up for just one story. I think Hobb and Gaiman are okay, and loathe Feist and Brooks.

If you're not sure about buying the book for just one story, why not try your local library? If they don't have it, see if they can get it through an interlibrary loan from another library. Otherwise, wait until it comes out in paperback. The Martin story was very good IMHO.