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Author (Platform): Iain Rob Wright (Kindle)
Publisher (Release): SalGad Publishing Group (2016)
Length: 267 pages
Genres: Adult; Horror; Fantasy; Sci-Fi; Apocalyptic
❗️Disclaimers❗️:
strong violence, gore, and body horror
this review contains low-level spoilers
recommendation: must read
👍 Pros 👍
Rich world and balanced pace
Characters are diverse and distinct
Devilishly horrific in its descriptions
👎 Cons 👎
A tiny bit repetitive in areas
👀 Synopsis 👀
What will you do when the world ends? A question that needs answering quickly when the gates to Hell open all over Earth. Taking place across the globe is an apocalypse like no other, and humanity finds itself at war against a smart and merciless foe. A foe that knows no bounds to suffering.
The world must come together and fight back against the unstoppable Legions of Hell. The monsters are real and they will not stop. Welcome to Hell.
🛎️ Introduction 🛎️
Legion cements Wright’s ability to create a puzzle bound by blood and gore. The Gates was a fantastic starting point, but Legion settles into its groove and showcases more confident storytelling. Diverse and conflicting, Wright explores the human condition during an almost biblical reckoning, sharpening new and returning characters into whatever tools they’re destined to be…regardless of whether they’re tools of good or untold evil.
🧩 Plots 🧩
Legion really focuses on the existential crisis most people face multiple times during their life. Why are we here? Do we have a purpose? Despite the religious connotations and explorations of faith, cultures, and class, Wright doesn’t evangelise, keeping those themes gritty and real. It’s not about some unseen force’s intentions, but the very choices we make and how they shape out the answers.
Pray to whatever you believe in…just know no one’s listening
Returning to the same starting point as the previous instalment, Wright introduces us to some fresh blood, some of which make brief appearances in The Gates, and expands their stories masterfully, slotting plots together with a satisfying click. The world feels layered and rich with mystery and, while still most definitely a horror, fantasy elements are seamlessly interwoven.
Legion has a primary focus on its colourful cast and their personal arcs, but scattered about are snippets of a larger conspiracy that build to revelations. It’s impeccably paced.
‘…layered and rich with mystery…’
🎭 Characters 🎭
The strongest aspect of Legion, however, is its cast. Wright crafts complicated characters with ease, revelling in the grey nature of humanity. Heroes are almost a fantasy, they do exist, but the Average Joe doesn’t know how to respond in the face of true fear, let alone run headfirst into it. What I love most about that is how understanding it is. Wright isn’t judging or shaming, only highlighting how complex our reactions to adversity are.
How will you handle the end of the world?
Don’t get too attached, though. Legion continues the author’s ability to surprise and awe readers with delicious brutality. No character is safe, not the nice ones, the brave ones, the children, or the protagonists themselves. Hell has arrived on Earth and Wright doesn’t skimp on showing us the reality or the heartbreak.
‘Don’t get too attached…’
💭 Final Thoughts 💭
Legion is a far more confident entry in this apocalyptic fantasy, drawing strength from a wide array of colourful characters while they traverse a dangerous and layered new world order. Grounded by more personal story arcs, the overall plot is drip fed to the reader with impeccable pacing and a dark atmosphere. It’s bloody, it’s brutal, and if you’re a fan of the likes of Supernatural, the Hell on Earth series continues to deliver an even grittier experience of demonic delight.
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