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Symphony of Ages #0.5
Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King
Here is the second of two volumes featuring the best in modern fantasy. These masterly short novels are both mesmerizing stand-alones and indispensable additions to the epics on which they are based.
TERRY BROOKS adds an exciting epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara in "Indomitable," the tale of Jair Ohmsford's desperate quest to complete the destruction of the evil Ildatch . . . armed with only the magic of illusion.
GEORGE R.R. MARTIN continues the adventures of Dunk, a young knight, and his unusual squire, Egg, in "The Sworn Sword," set a generation before the events in A Song of Ice and Fire.
DIANA GABALDON turns to an important character from her Outlander saga—Lord John Grey—in "Lord John and the Succubus," a supernatural thriller set in the early days of the Seven Years War.
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."
ELIZABETH HAYDON tells of the destruction of Serendair and the fate of its last defenders in "Threshold," set at the end of the Third Age of her Symphony of Ages series.
(Source: back cover)
TERRY BROOKS adds an exciting epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara in "Indomitable," the tale of Jair Ohmsford's desperate quest to complete the destruction of the evil Ildatch . . . armed with only the magic of illusion.
GEORGE R.R. MARTIN continues the adventures of Dunk, a young knight, and his unusual squire, Egg, in "The Sworn Sword," set a generation before the events in A Song of Ice and Fire.
DIANA GABALDON turns to an important character from her Outlander saga—Lord John Grey—in "Lord John and the Succubus," a supernatural thriller set in the early days of the Seven Years War.
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."
ELIZABETH HAYDON tells of the destruction of Serendair and the fate of its last defenders in "Threshold," set at the end of the Third Age of her Symphony of Ages series.
(Source: back cover)
401 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
6 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Robert Silverberg
2,364 books1,608 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 23, 2022
I only read the story by Elizabeth Haydon in this anthology, "Threshold", part of her Symphony of the Ages universe.
It's been a long time since I read it, so I can't go into details about it, but this story is incredibly well-written. It envoked strong emotions in me. It's very rare that stories envoke stomach-clenching horror, but "Threshold" did that.
It's been a long time since I read it, so I can't go into details about it, but this story is incredibly well-written. It envoked strong emotions in me. It's very rare that stories envoke stomach-clenching horror, but "Threshold" did that.
December 2, 2008
I only got this to read the George R R Martin story because it is the second in the prequels to his A Song of Ice and Fire books. I really enjoyed the continuing story of the main characters, Dunk and Egg, and look forward to his third installment.
February 15, 2010
I picked up this anthology primarily to read the Terry Brooks contribution, and fell in love with Elizabeth Haydon's story. Her novels sometimes leave a bit to be desired, but if you only read one story of hers, make it this one.
December 28, 2007
This is a short story anthology that I own, and I think it's a great addition to my library. I purchased this book because I was actively reading the worlds of several of the authors included in the book (and I would have recommended all those I was already reading - especially George R. R. Martin and Elizabeth Haydon), and I enjoyed what I learned from these stories. I also enjoyed the introduction to those authors I had not been reading.
December 3, 2008
Read this specifically for the Terry Brook's short story, Indomitable.
May 22, 2012
Only read the Dunk and Egg story. Very good.
December 20, 2021
My rating: ★★★✫
Džordž R. R. Martin - Zakleti mač ★★★★ 4/5
Orson Skot Kard - Kraljica Jazua ★★★✫ 3.5/5
Dajana Gabaldon - Lord Džon i sukuba ★★★★ 4/5
Elizabet Hejdon - Prag ★★★✫ 3.5/5
Teri Bruks - Nesavladivi ★★★ 3/5
Džordž R. R. Martin - Zakleti mač ★★★★ 4/5
Orson Skot Kard - Kraljica Jazua ★★★✫ 3.5/5
Dajana Gabaldon - Lord Džon i sukuba ★★★★ 4/5
Elizabet Hejdon - Prag ★★★✫ 3.5/5
Teri Bruks - Nesavladivi ★★★ 3/5
May 20, 2016
Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King bounds together short stories from five bestselling authors in fantasy in one-half of a follow up volume to the first Legends anthology. Edited by Robert Silverberg, this collection sees returning authors such as George R.R. Martin and Orson Scott Card with newcomers Terry Brooks, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Haydon. All are connected to the author’s best known established universe; however the success of each story is how the reader quickly understands the universe connected to it.
The first three stories in this volume are the best of the five, whether stand alone or part of a prequel sequence, they’re success was on how minimal the reader needed to be knowledge about the author’s established universe regardless of how long their story was. The last two stories while okay-to-good suffered from the reader trying to comprehend some aspect of the established world or in the case of one story having no clue about the importance of anything given that the story was an epilogue of an entire series.
The fact that the two weakest stories of the collection finish off the book gives the overall volume a bad rap when finishing it, however the first three stories make this collection for any first-time readers of their authors. For long-time or experiences readers of any or all of these authors, these stories will be well worth the read.
Individual Story Ratings
A Song of Ice and Fire: The Sworn Sword by George R.R. Martin (4.5/5)
Tales of Alvin Maker: The Yazoo Queen by Orson Scott Card (4/5)
Outlander: Lord John and the Succubus by Diana Gabaldon (4/5)
The Symphony of Ages: Threshold by Elizabeth Haydon (3.5/5)
Shannara: Indomitable by Terry Brooks (2.5/5)
The first three stories in this volume are the best of the five, whether stand alone or part of a prequel sequence, they’re success was on how minimal the reader needed to be knowledge about the author’s established universe regardless of how long their story was. The last two stories while okay-to-good suffered from the reader trying to comprehend some aspect of the established world or in the case of one story having no clue about the importance of anything given that the story was an epilogue of an entire series.
The fact that the two weakest stories of the collection finish off the book gives the overall volume a bad rap when finishing it, however the first three stories make this collection for any first-time readers of their authors. For long-time or experiences readers of any or all of these authors, these stories will be well worth the read.
Individual Story Ratings
A Song of Ice and Fire: The Sworn Sword by George R.R. Martin (4.5/5)
Tales of Alvin Maker: The Yazoo Queen by Orson Scott Card (4/5)
Outlander: Lord John and the Succubus by Diana Gabaldon (4/5)
The Symphony of Ages: Threshold by Elizabeth Haydon (3.5/5)
Shannara: Indomitable by Terry Brooks (2.5/5)
March 1, 2012
I've read the fantasy of George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, and Terry Brooks before, and I liked their three stories. It's been over a decade since I read any of Mr. Card's or Mr. Brooks's fantasy, and I didn't enjoy their stories here as well as Mr. Martin's; I liked Mr. Card's story about Alvin Maker better than the Shannara story (although at the time, I think I liked the Shannara series better.)
The Shannara story was like one of the novels in miniature: Stranger arrives in Shady Vale, takes scion of Shannara off on a quest to destroy evil, journey sequence, sneaking into the stronghold, finale. It even had a miniature version of the bad guy. Being so accelerated as to just go through the bare formula, however, is sort of like seeing the trick in a magic show. It feels flat.
Diana Gabaldon and Elizabeth Haydon were new to me. Ms. Gabaldon's story was very readable, and enjoyable, although hardly fantastic (the only real element of fantasy was a mention, in passing, of a time-traveling Woman, but the story itself was simply historical fiction.) I did not like Ms. Haydon's story; I found it an unartful mishmash of stock fantasy elements.
The Shannara story was like one of the novels in miniature: Stranger arrives in Shady Vale, takes scion of Shannara off on a quest to destroy evil, journey sequence, sneaking into the stronghold, finale. It even had a miniature version of the bad guy. Being so accelerated as to just go through the bare formula, however, is sort of like seeing the trick in a magic show. It feels flat.
Diana Gabaldon and Elizabeth Haydon were new to me. Ms. Gabaldon's story was very readable, and enjoyable, although hardly fantastic (the only real element of fantasy was a mention, in passing, of a time-traveling Woman, but the story itself was simply historical fiction.) I did not like Ms. Haydon's story; I found it an unartful mishmash of stock fantasy elements.
June 23, 2011
For the record, I'm only read the George R. R. Martin story in this one, library book and I don't read fast enough.
I thought the story was pretty good; mostly a demonstration of how detailed the Westeros world is, and that is pretty impressive. Parts of the story were somewhat cliche, strong woman kept down in a man's world, differences in social standing getting in between people, etc. I was a bit down on the story until the last 20 or so pages, when it finally picked up. I imagine folks who are completely in love with Martin's world must love the richness of these stories, but I'm still somewhat down on the extra material in Feasts for Crows to be one of those folks.
I thought the story was pretty good; mostly a demonstration of how detailed the Westeros world is, and that is pretty impressive. Parts of the story were somewhat cliche, strong woman kept down in a man's world, differences in social standing getting in between people, etc. I was a bit down on the story until the last 20 or so pages, when it finally picked up. I imagine folks who are completely in love with Martin's world must love the richness of these stories, but I'm still somewhat down on the extra material in Feasts for Crows to be one of those folks.
May 16, 2023
"Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King" edited by Robert Silverberg provides a mixed reading experience. While the book has its moments, overall, it falls into the realm of being just okay. The collection of stories offers a variety of fantasy tales, but not all of them hit the mark. Some stories may capture the reader's interest, while others may leave them wanting more. As an anthology, the quality of the stories can vary, which affects the overall enjoyment. For fans of the genre, "Legends II" may still be worth exploring, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of its potential.
June 1, 2013
Reslly only got it for part two of George R. R. Martin's 'Dunk and Egg' series and had I been more serious about any of the other titles, I probably would have gotten more about it.
I've read Terry Brooks for years so I was very familiar with his story and as to Elizabeth Haydon, I'd like to read more from her.
That's about it ... :P
I've read Terry Brooks for years so I was very familiar with his story and as to Elizabeth Haydon, I'd like to read more from her.
That's about it ... :P
June 22, 2012
I only read the Dunk and Egg tale in this (George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire) story. It was very enjoyable, continuing to set up background and backstory to the world and politics of the greater novels.
January 19, 2015
3 out of the 5 stories are pretty good, with one being great (Martin fanboy here). Others weren't to my taste. Was pleasantly suprised by the Gabaldon story. Worth tracking down if you are a fan of Martin.
September 23, 2008
Only read a couple of authors but the stories were great!
March 16, 2009
I read this to get the Gabaldon short story - I am so glad I did, b/c it turned me on to George RR Martin!
March 11, 2015
I bought it for Terry Brooks and George Martin's stories. And they are really good! Plus, thanks to this anthology, I discovered Diana Gabaldon!
August 4, 2014
The Threshold and Dunk and Egg were great,others not so...
February 12, 2015
Sequel of previously great books of short stories from favourie novels
October 4, 2016
Fun collection of short stories by some huge names in fiction/fantasy.
June 27, 2019
I bought this book as a companion to its sister Legends II: Shadows, Gods, and Demons. I was delightedly surprised how fun the read ended up being. As anthologies go, it is an excellent introduction or revisit to some classic fantasy universes. Probably the best part of this book is that it reminded me of some authors I intended on reading or wanted to start reading. A closer look at some of the stories follows.
"The Sworn Sword" by George R.R. Martin
My first read of the author. I was using this as a toe testing the water if I was going to read A Song of Fire and Ice series. Looks like I will be going all in. I loved the detail and depth of the characters. What's not to love with the two main characters being named Dunk and Egg?
"Lord John and the Succubus" by Diana Gabaldon
An author that wasn't on my radar. This tale tackles superstition...what is real and what is not. I enjoyed the mystery and how things played out on the battlefield. I laughed at the part where Grey tried to avoid the advances of the princess. Went perfectly with how a gay man in that period might have struggled with his desires. Especially a good looking man who attracted the women.
"The Yazoo Queen" by Orson Scott Card
The title makes you think humor and the story delivers. There is plenty of wit to go around. Abe Lincoln and Daniel Boone are outstandly presented. The world that Alvin Maker lives in is one that I really want to explore more. This will lead to future reading of Card books!
"Threshold" by Elizabeth Haydon
This one explores the moments of warriors before the end of their world. Left behind just in case the world doesn't end to hold it for the king. I love how this story embodies knightly honor. The glimmer of truth and the dedication to make a stand for the world they loved. I liked how this tale flowed and found myself dedicated to the finish.
"Indomitable" by Terry Brooks
This reminded me that I wanted to read the Shannara series. A task back-burnered way too long. Clever use of magic. The wonderful feeling when someone finds a strength they did not have before. Then the realization that in itself is dangerous.
"The Sworn Sword" by George R.R. Martin
My first read of the author. I was using this as a toe testing the water if I was going to read A Song of Fire and Ice series. Looks like I will be going all in. I loved the detail and depth of the characters. What's not to love with the two main characters being named Dunk and Egg?
"Lord John and the Succubus" by Diana Gabaldon
An author that wasn't on my radar. This tale tackles superstition...what is real and what is not. I enjoyed the mystery and how things played out on the battlefield. I laughed at the part where Grey tried to avoid the advances of the princess. Went perfectly with how a gay man in that period might have struggled with his desires. Especially a good looking man who attracted the women.
"The Yazoo Queen" by Orson Scott Card
The title makes you think humor and the story delivers. There is plenty of wit to go around. Abe Lincoln and Daniel Boone are outstandly presented. The world that Alvin Maker lives in is one that I really want to explore more. This will lead to future reading of Card books!
"Threshold" by Elizabeth Haydon
This one explores the moments of warriors before the end of their world. Left behind just in case the world doesn't end to hold it for the king. I love how this story embodies knightly honor. The glimmer of truth and the dedication to make a stand for the world they loved. I liked how this tale flowed and found myself dedicated to the finish.
"Indomitable" by Terry Brooks
This reminded me that I wanted to read the Shannara series. A task back-burnered way too long. Clever use of magic. The wonderful feeling when someone finds a strength they did not have before. Then the realization that in itself is dangerous.
October 20, 2024
I am familiar with George RR Martin, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Haydon's works.
Martin's work is a pleasure to read.
Dunk and Egg are easy to follow without the backtracking threads from the novels within the series.
Gabaldon's story has fluidity that the novels I've read lack later on.
I find the change of scenery really does justice.
Haydon's story echoes that of Gabaldon.
I tire of Rhapsody and company to the point of revulsion.
The change is a welcoming experience.
Card and Brooks are new stories I never read prior to now.
I enjoyed them for the storytelling.
Martin's work is a pleasure to read.
Dunk and Egg are easy to follow without the backtracking threads from the novels within the series.
Gabaldon's story has fluidity that the novels I've read lack later on.
I find the change of scenery really does justice.
Haydon's story echoes that of Gabaldon.
I tire of Rhapsody and company to the point of revulsion.
The change is a welcoming experience.
Card and Brooks are new stories I never read prior to now.
I enjoyed them for the storytelling.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
April 22, 2023
I liked 3 out of the 5 stories.
June 10, 2023
As the other one, some stories i liked more. As Martin one.
Or as Alvin maker.
The problem is not Knowing the other parts of the stories that leaves you a bit in the blind
Or as Alvin maker.
The problem is not Knowing the other parts of the stories that leaves you a bit in the blind
August 11, 2024
Not quite as god as the first volume in this two book paperback addition. I was only familiar with the background worlds of two of the five stories so that may have had something to do with it. Still, a good sampler of different authors in short novella form, so more engaging that just short stories.
November 24, 2014
I got this anthology for the newest installment of GRR Martin's Dunk and Egg series, but was also looking forward to reading other stories in the book. As I am not familiar with any of the other series which these stories draw upon, I did not have any expectations of their subject or quality (well, apart from Brooks's Shanara, which I don't like very much).
This part of the anthology, in total, was OK. Martin's story was pretty dissapointing. I didn't get a feeling in more than a hundred pages of The Sworn Sword that any of the characters progressed in any way, that the story will have any impact whatsoever, or that something important was shown. It mostly felt like a TV show filler episode, a random monster-of-the-week installment.
Of the other stories, the only one that I liked was Gabaldon's Lord John, for its well depicted characters and atmosphere. Though I must be fair and say that the atmosphere of despair and doom was also conveyed in a very effective manner in Haydon's Threshold, and it may be just up to my current mood that I did not find it to my liking.
I sincerely hope that the other part of the anthology is better than this.
This part of the anthology, in total, was OK. Martin's story was pretty dissapointing. I didn't get a feeling in more than a hundred pages of The Sworn Sword that any of the characters progressed in any way, that the story will have any impact whatsoever, or that something important was shown. It mostly felt like a TV show filler episode, a random monster-of-the-week installment.
Of the other stories, the only one that I liked was Gabaldon's Lord John, for its well depicted characters and atmosphere. Though I must be fair and say that the atmosphere of despair and doom was also conveyed in a very effective manner in Haydon's Threshold, and it may be just up to my current mood that I did not find it to my liking.
I sincerely hope that the other part of the anthology is better than this.
July 23, 2016
George R. R. Martin - "The Sworn Sword" - 5/5
Orson Scott Card - "The Yazoo Queen" - Boring. 5/3
Diana Gabaldon - "Lord John and the Succubus" - Boring as fuck. 5/2
Elizabeth Haydon - "Threshold" - The description of the whole series was promising, so I was looking forward to reading this one - had to be disappointed. The language she uses, Idk, it's just so... off (pompous and overcomplicated were the words I was looking for), it makes reading the story utterly tedious. I find myself distracted by the smallest thing after a couple of sentences. Skimming most of it, which is sad - a wealth of great ideas wasted, ruined by this unreadable style - maybe she should have used a ghostwriter and defo a ruthless editor. 5/1
Terry Brooks - "Indomitable" - Generic fantasy characters in a LOTR-ripoff setting. Cliché riddled mediocrity. Snorefest. 5/1
Overall; 5/2
Orson Scott Card - "The Yazoo Queen" - Boring. 5/3
Diana Gabaldon - "Lord John and the Succubus" - Boring as fuck. 5/2
Elizabeth Haydon - "Threshold" - The description of the whole series was promising, so I was looking forward to reading this one - had to be disappointed. The language she uses, Idk, it's just so... off (pompous and overcomplicated were the words I was looking for), it makes reading the story utterly tedious. I find myself distracted by the smallest thing after a couple of sentences. Skimming most of it, which is sad - a wealth of great ideas wasted, ruined by this unreadable style - maybe she should have used a ghostwriter and defo a ruthless editor. 5/1
Terry Brooks - "Indomitable" - Generic fantasy characters in a LOTR-ripoff setting. Cliché riddled mediocrity. Snorefest. 5/1
Overall; 5/2
January 25, 2011
I picked this up solely to read Terry Brooks' "Indomitable," which is another coda to his original Shannara trilogy. While the story itself (much like
The Dark Wraith of Shannara
) doesn't add much to the mythology, it was refreshing to see Brooks work within the form of a short story; I wish he would do so more often.
As I haven't read any of the other franchises that are featured in Legends II, none of the other stories particularly appealed to me.
As I haven't read any of the other franchises that are featured in Legends II, none of the other stories particularly appealed to me.
May 31, 2009
I like anthologies. It's a great way to get a glimpse of an author's style without committing to an entire novel, which can sometimes turn into a horrible, dragged out experience.
I picked up this particular one to read the short story by Terry Brooks, which was a post Wishsong of Shannara event. Of course, I loved it.
I had also been curious about all of the other authors and may even have to read a few of them now. =)
I picked up this particular one to read the short story by Terry Brooks, which was a post Wishsong of Shannara event. Of course, I loved it.
I had also been curious about all of the other authors and may even have to read a few of them now. =)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews