Helpful Score: 16
The book version of "I am Legend" was much better than the recent movie version. Also, be aware that the story "I am Legend" only takes up the first half of this book. After that is a collection of short stories.
The short story I Am Legend was wonderful. The recent movie starring Will Smith has VERY LITTLE in common with this story, except for the basic premise, that there are a lot of vampires and one man left in the world, and the main characters name, Robert Neville. Aside from that, nothing. This is a story about the gradual mental breakdown that occurs in the mind of the last man on Earth and his fight against both the external threat of vampires and the more serious internal threat of insanity. This is not the touching Hollywood story that brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, but the sad story of the life and death of the last human on Earth. But if you want a novelization of the movie, you are going to be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 9
The book is nothing at all like the movie that was supposedly based on it; it is a completely different story, and a very good one. You can't go in expecting to see any of the character portrayed by Will Smith in the protagonist at all--I was pleasantly surprised that i hadn't gone in knowing what to expect. It is VERY brief; the title story was 160 pages in my copy, but the short stories that follow carry the same dark-but-to-the-point feel. The main character is clearly tortured by his situation, but there is none of the "emo" drama that has become so popular in modern horror stories. Just a man that does what he must to survive another day. I enjoyed this book as a whole, and may have just found my new favorite author.
Helpful Score: 7
This book contains serval of Richard Matheson's horror stories, and the best one in my opinion is "I am Legend". This story is reason enough to get this book; the vampire legend is turned on its head and the protagonist is someone to feel for and root for, all the way to the bitter end. WOW!
Helpful Score: 7
This book is a collection of short stories. Most readers will be familiar with the 'I Am Legend' movie with Will Smith and 'The Omega Man' with Charleton Heston. The first story in the book is 'I Am Legend' which has the feel of both movies but the story is different. Another story was adapted to horror film 'Trilogy of Terror'. Most of the stories are about human survival and what it can cost the soul. If you want a quick read with out alot of detail, this is it. Richard Matheson's writing style is simple and to the point which may put some readers off or it could be the truth of circumstance.
Helpful Score: 5
Very, very disappointing. Probably the only time I will ever say that the movie will be better than the book. The Historian was much better for a vampire book and Cell was much better for a plague/end-of-the-world book.
Helpful Score: 4
how many times have i realized the people might have missed this story.
obviously in the 3 times it has been made a movie it has been missed.
last man on earth with vincent price, omega man with charleton heston and now the same title with will smith.
the ending of the story in the book is brilliant. he dies, the last human combating an entire vampire society. in the future the vampires tell there little ones stories about the boogeyman - none other then robert neville. he is a legend in the new era culture of vampires.
the book will forever reign supreme over the movies, until they get it right that is.
obviously in the 3 times it has been made a movie it has been missed.
last man on earth with vincent price, omega man with charleton heston and now the same title with will smith.
the ending of the story in the book is brilliant. he dies, the last human combating an entire vampire society. in the future the vampires tell there little ones stories about the boogeyman - none other then robert neville. he is a legend in the new era culture of vampires.
the book will forever reign supreme over the movies, until they get it right that is.
Helpful Score: 4
Not like the junk movie with the same name, this is a series of stories including the famous novella. Matheson is a school room of how to write engaging stories. Well worth the read
Helpful Score: 3
The story was acceptable but was too short. Story was slow moving and needed more ideas.
Helpful Score: 3
Matheson is as creepy as Stephen King. In fact this is a book that King loved and recommended to is "constant readers."
Helpful Score: 3
I picked this up at the book store out of curosity and let me tell you it is timeless. It was written in the 1950's but stands the test of time, not outdated at all.
It is a wonderful story, although to short.
If your a Stephen King fan or like any type of horror story this is a great book.....Makes me curious how the movie will turn out, hopefully half as good as the book.
It is a wonderful story, although to short.
If your a Stephen King fan or like any type of horror story this is a great book.....Makes me curious how the movie will turn out, hopefully half as good as the book.
Helpful Score: 3
Definitely not what I thought it would be. Not an awful story but I've read better. I will say though "I Am Legend" is only one story in this book. It's more like a collection of short stories.
Helpful Score: 3
I was so sad when I saw the movie they created they from this book. The title story is so much better than what they did with the movie. The other short stories contained in the book are very good reads as well!
Helpful Score: 3
The basis for the 1971 movie The Omega Man (which I haven't seen, but from plot summaries, doesn't seem to follow the book very closely), and also the basis for a 2007 release starring Will Smith (!?). This wasn't my pick; it was my book club selection for the month. I was unaware that Matheson was such a prolifically commercial writer, as well... He's the pen behind The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Legend of Hell House, the Twilight Zone episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" (and many others) and one of the worst Star Trek episodes ever: The Enemy Within (good vs. evil Kirk!). The list goes on...
"I Am Legend," although ostensibly a sci-fi/vampire story, is pretty much every zombie movie you have ever seen. I feel it was worth reading just because I never knew that the basic plot (collapse of society due to people 'turning', man holed up & attempting to survive through ingenuity vs. legions of ravening, slavering undead) had been invented so early - 1954. ('Night of the Living Dead' didn't come out till 1968.)
However, innovative and influential as the story may have been,it's not really a particularly good novel. The writing style felt very dated, to me, and, short as it was, it was rather boring. Much of the book has our last-man-on-earth (?) holed up in his apartment, feeling alternately self-pitying or self-congratulating, constantly whining about being horny, and acting macho. The story's a great idea - but it's subsequently been done better.
"I Am Legend," although ostensibly a sci-fi/vampire story, is pretty much every zombie movie you have ever seen. I feel it was worth reading just because I never knew that the basic plot (collapse of society due to people 'turning', man holed up & attempting to survive through ingenuity vs. legions of ravening, slavering undead) had been invented so early - 1954. ('Night of the Living Dead' didn't come out till 1968.)
However, innovative and influential as the story may have been,it's not really a particularly good novel. The writing style felt very dated, to me, and, short as it was, it was rather boring. Much of the book has our last-man-on-earth (?) holed up in his apartment, feeling alternately self-pitying or self-congratulating, constantly whining about being horny, and acting macho. The story's a great idea - but it's subsequently been done better.
Helpful Score: 2
I am huge sci-fi fan and enjoy short stories, too. The main story of this book was what the movie I am Legend was based on. Very Loosley based on. Usually, I like books better, but in this case, I would say that I liked the movie better. The story I am Legend ended in an odd way with no real resolution. It went from coherent to crazy near the last third of the story. As for the other short stories in the book, some were interesting and some were confusing. If you read this book, my suggestion is that if the story is still confusing a few pages in, move on to the next story, it will not get better.
Helpful Score: 2
Its a short story, which I was very suprised. Good read though, way different from the movie.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved the movie so I decided to read the book. I had no idea it was written in 1954. It is not at all similar to the movie, which is a good thing. I enjoyed it. A great read if you like the zombie/vampire genre. This book contains a few other short stories by the author. I read two that were fairly good. I couldn't get through one other; it was just too weird.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! The short stories were great too, reminded me of old TV shows like The Twilight Show and Tales From the Darkside, very creepy. If you have seen the movie starring Will Smith, but have not read this book, you really should because his character is much different in this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a collection of short stories, but my review pretains to I Am Legend only, which takes up about 170 pages of the book. This comes from the standpoint of someone who has not seen the movie.
Personally, I enjoyed I Am Legend, but I felt it could have been much longer than it was. It delved deeply into the details of the vampires, which I found very interesting, but this was the main focal point of the story. It focused on the main character trying to find out about the plague and less on his survival and the events therein. It was a good story and somewhat symbolic, one I may read again, but it ended much more quickly than it could have and the plot could have been thicker. However, if you have an appreciation for short stories, then this is a good book for you.
Personally, I enjoyed I Am Legend, but I felt it could have been much longer than it was. It delved deeply into the details of the vampires, which I found very interesting, but this was the main focal point of the story. It focused on the main character trying to find out about the plague and less on his survival and the events therein. It was a good story and somewhat symbolic, one I may read again, but it ended much more quickly than it could have and the plot could have been thicker. However, if you have an appreciation for short stories, then this is a good book for you.
Very different from recent movie, but still an interesting read which raises an interesting question on what is humanity. But be aware that the I am Legend novella is only the first half of this book and the 2nd half is short horror stories.
Helpful Score: 1
I was suprised that the man in the book was blond and blue eyed when I saw
will smith on the cover. I have never read any of Mr. Matheson's writings
until now and really bought this book because of the movie. I want to see the movie to see how this story plays out on the big screen. I will look up more of this gentleman's books as I enjoyed this one.
will smith on the cover. I have never read any of Mr. Matheson's writings
until now and really bought this book because of the movie. I want to see the movie to see how this story plays out on the big screen. I will look up more of this gentleman's books as I enjoyed this one.
Helpful Score: 1
Book is much better than the movie, but the ending sucks.
Helpful Score: 1
This book taught me to always read a little of the book before buying it. Or at least look at the table of contents. After seeing the movie, I was eager to read what I thought was the book version of the movie. This is, in fact, a book containing one novel "I am Legend" which is the original story staring Vincent Price, and several unrelated short stories. They weren't bad, just not what I thought I was buying. So be aware of that before you ask for the book.
Helpful Score: 1
This tale is a really good page turner. Twice made into a movie. Omega Man with Charlton Heston and recently I am Legend with Will Smith.
Very readable
Very readable
Helpful Score: 1
Like Philip K. Dick in his epic "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", Matheson used this sci-fi vampire tale to embody a powerful idea, in this case post modernism. The hero Robert Neville is a lone survivor amid a world of vampires. By day he works to survive, by night he holes up in his barricaded house, trying to stave off madness, induced by fear, grief, and being alone. Gradually, in a process that seems to mirror evolutionistic human history, Neville transcends his primal human needs to try to control his world, but ultimately he must face the absolutely fundamental changes to a world no longer his. The novel shares more with the spirit of the grim featurettes that one finds as bonus material on the "I AM LEGEND" DVD than with the hope injected into Will Smith's feature film. A deathly dark tale, excellently told, "I AM LEGEND" follows the spirit of postmodernism by its story form, as well as voicing its darkest vision of the world.
The story of Robert Neville is a unique one. It is NOT like other vampire stories that i've read before. I read it recently for my English class for a Modernism/Contemporary lesson. it was a good read. Suspenseful, and full of gasp worthy moments in the piece. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. I ended up being late to my next class because i couldnt put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is awesome. It explores the mental and physical challenges of being the last normal human being on the planet. I have watched all three movies based on this book and I would rather reread the book than see any of the movies a second time. A must read for anyone who is a fan of scifi/fantasy.
Helpful Score: 1
I stopped reading this book because I was bored. The movie was so intense and I expected that feeling from the book. Also I expected zombies like in the movie and was surprised that the germ in the book turned them into vampires. I was in the mood for a zombie book.
Helpful Score: 1
After watching and loving the film "I Am Legend," I was eager to read the original story. Right away I saw tons of differences, none of which particularly bothered me. Vampire fought with stakes-I'm totally fine with that. But upon reading the ending (I won't spoil it) and feeling no catharis-I was disappointed. It often felt like bad things were happening haphazardly, without real forthought from the author. I didn't need a happy ending persay, but I would have liked to feel something towards the character.
Another note : A great deal of the book is other stort stories.
Another note : A great deal of the book is other stort stories.
Helpful Score: 1
Richard Matheson does superbly well in this book. The entire story was amazing, I loved it. The 'Sequel' which is posted in many of the I Am Legend books I have seen out there, is 'ho-hum' but it doesn't detract from the original story.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book after seeing the movie and I have to say, the short story is VERY different and MUCH better than the movie. More so than other movies based on books. I really enjoyed the "I Am Legend" short story, I can't say much about it without ruining it, but it really is the kind of story that makes you think. As for the other short stories that followed, I had a difficult time getting into them. Well written, but they just didn't grab me like "I Am Legend" did. I still recommend it though as a great read. Leave the lights on!
I was lost with reading "I Am Legend" and several of the additional stories. I don't care for the author's writing style. In my opinion, the author tends to drag out his writing.
Very good book. Held my interest and had some very intense scenes.
I wish it would have been longer. I thought it was good but I was expecting better.
A classic story that of course inspired decades of similar tales. Definitely worth reading, especially for its historical significance. The book contains 'I Am Legend' as well as several additional and interesting short stories by Richard Matheson.
I thought this was a pretty decent book, even if it was only 100 pages long and the ending dropped me off a cliff. This is MUCH better than the movie, which was pretty much a different story (similar, but different).
I liked the twist on vampires and humans and that he, in the end, turned out to be the one hunted and the one that they were afraid of.
As I said, I liked it and have added it to my library of books!
I liked the twist on vampires and humans and that he, in the end, turned out to be the one hunted and the one that they were afraid of.
As I said, I liked it and have added it to my library of books!
VERY different from the movie, it's actually a short story. nice to see where the inspiration came from.
Very rare will I say I enjoyed the movie more, this is that time. This is not a knock on the book, I just couldn't get over how short it was and the big differences in the book and the movie.
Ths was a decent read although I did not realize it ended after 159 pages. I felt dissapointed with the ending as it abruptly ended and then there were several short stories that proceeded. Oh well. It was also nothing like the movie.
The book is very different from the movie but very enjoyable. Definitely a quick fascinating read especially when you realize it was written in the 1950's. The short stories after it are twilight zone-y and good but not great.
Enjoyed very much...just heard i's being made into a movie!
Good book but the movie was better in my opinion. The end of the book had several horror stories which were pretty creepy.
Right up there in the top five of post apocalyptic literature.
Classic story interesting take on vampires, also enjoyed
the short stories at the end of the book.
the short stories at the end of the book.
I liked the story "I am Legend" but I didn't care too much for the other short stories included in the book. To be honest, I read a few of the short stories but they were so hard to follow and uninteresting. I didn't even bother with the last 50 or so pages.
This is a very good book and I reccomend reading it before you go see the movie. You get a lot more of the meat and potatoes of the story in this book that is good plot building for the movie.
Robert Neville is the last man on Earth. And every vampire in his local area is after him. Cue movie.
Richard Matheson's dynamic story of Neville and his blood-thirsty foes was recently adapted to film with Man in Black Will Smith taking the lead, and it's no wonder why. The tale, entrenched in darkness and mystery, gives a post-apocalyptic view of a man slowly losing his mind...granted, for adequate reason, but nonetheless losing his mind.
Matheson follows Neville through his trials of discovering what makes a vampire tick and how to manipulate it to his advantage before they find a way into his heavily garlicked shelter. With the city's abandoned buildings and their internal goodies at his disposal, Neville fends off the sharp-toothed undead with an insane and relatively ineffective consistency that drives him to drink his health away.
There seems no hope for his lonely existence when he encounters a wandering pooch and a woman wandering through a field in the light of day (as opposed to the carnivorous night dwellers). These twists, among others, are what drive Legend, separating it from the mass development of blood-sucking mattress stuffers currently on the market.
Accompanying Legend are a few creepily good short stories stemming off of the similarly psychological basis that Legend is built on. Though the spook factor of each can cause the stories to drag on, the ubiquitous unknown makes them enjoyable and interesting.
With such detail and realism, after you read legend, you might begin checking your co-workers for pointed teeth.
Richard Matheson's dynamic story of Neville and his blood-thirsty foes was recently adapted to film with Man in Black Will Smith taking the lead, and it's no wonder why. The tale, entrenched in darkness and mystery, gives a post-apocalyptic view of a man slowly losing his mind...granted, for adequate reason, but nonetheless losing his mind.
Matheson follows Neville through his trials of discovering what makes a vampire tick and how to manipulate it to his advantage before they find a way into his heavily garlicked shelter. With the city's abandoned buildings and their internal goodies at his disposal, Neville fends off the sharp-toothed undead with an insane and relatively ineffective consistency that drives him to drink his health away.
There seems no hope for his lonely existence when he encounters a wandering pooch and a woman wandering through a field in the light of day (as opposed to the carnivorous night dwellers). These twists, among others, are what drive Legend, separating it from the mass development of blood-sucking mattress stuffers currently on the market.
Accompanying Legend are a few creepily good short stories stemming off of the similarly psychological basis that Legend is built on. Though the spook factor of each can cause the stories to drag on, the ubiquitous unknown makes them enjoyable and interesting.
With such detail and realism, after you read legend, you might begin checking your co-workers for pointed teeth.
Overall it was a good read but there were too many inconsistencies in the story. Here is a guy, just a normal Joe that basically becomes a hematologist and bacteriologist in a year. Forget the vampires, that is a little far-fetched. Also, as much as he drinks he won't have to worry about the vampires.
The story itself is ok. I am not sure I like the scientific approach to vampires as much as I do the good old fashioned mystical approach. Overall though it was a worthwhile read.
The story itself is ok. I am not sure I like the scientific approach to vampires as much as I do the good old fashioned mystical approach. Overall though it was a worthwhile read.
Interesting stories by one of the masters of horror. The story I am legend is nothing like the movie but it was still a great story.
I loved this the original version of I am Legend. The movie was okay but they totally screwed up the ending.
Also includes several other short stories that are just okay.
Also includes several other short stories that are just okay.
The first story, I am Legend, is excellent. Don't expect it to be like any of the movies based on it though. (yes there are similarities.) The other short stories are all equally interesting. I especially like the really short ones, as he tells the story very concisely, distilling his ideas to the most pure thoughts. I can see his influence in Stephen King's works.
This book is a collection of short stories. I bought it expecting the entire book to be "I Am Legend" but there are 10 other stories as well. None are as good as "I Am Legend" in my opinion. These stories are very similar to the short stories written by Stephen King, so if you enjoy that type of thing, this is the book for you. I was not blown away by this book. I would say it's just "OK". I enjoyed his style of writing but like Stephen King, I didn't care for the endings and some of the stories are predictable.
The best Vampire story I have ever read. Do you self a favor and read it. You will not be disappointed. And make sure to get the real story, not the novelization of the Will Smith movie which has little to nothing to do with the original Matheson story.
Saw the movie first, and this is nothing like it. A classic in its own way, and very thought-provoking.
After watching the Will Smith blockbuster THEN reading the book, I was very surprised at how very different they were; feeling theyre almost two seperate stories. I was also surprised that the book was actually a collection of short stories by Matheson; all of which were good. However, this review focus on the title of the book and story, I Am Legend.
This story follows Robert Neville, the last man on Earth, as he struggles to survive in a world taken over by a vampiric plague, which he appears to be immune to. Youre immediately thrown into the current existence of Neville. Its in his flashbacks that we learn of his past where you cant help but feel his pain and root him on as we follow his attempts at survival and destruction of the undead. By day, he scours the city for food and supplies but spends most of his time repairing his house and carving stakes. By night, as the vampires call out to him and try to break into his house, he struggles with lonliness and sexual frustration. Even with his drink of choice and classical music he blares every night to drown out the vampires isnt enough to keep the depression at bay. However, along the way, he begins to conduct his own investigation to understand and maybe even cure the plague. Neville is by no means a scientist but with the library as his aid, he is able to perform scientific experiments which sheds light on logical causes of the worldwide epidemic.
Although, different from the movie, I still enjoyed the book just as much. Going back to old school vampires straight from vampire myths: garlic, stakes, mirrors, sunlight etc sets this story apart from modern day vampire novels. I was immediately drawn in, so engrossed in the story; anxious to find out what happens next! Wrapping it up and tieing it with a bow, it has an ending you wont see coming. I definately recommend this book especially to those who enjoy science fiction, horror and classic vampires. Do you dare join him on this journey?
This story follows Robert Neville, the last man on Earth, as he struggles to survive in a world taken over by a vampiric plague, which he appears to be immune to. Youre immediately thrown into the current existence of Neville. Its in his flashbacks that we learn of his past where you cant help but feel his pain and root him on as we follow his attempts at survival and destruction of the undead. By day, he scours the city for food and supplies but spends most of his time repairing his house and carving stakes. By night, as the vampires call out to him and try to break into his house, he struggles with lonliness and sexual frustration. Even with his drink of choice and classical music he blares every night to drown out the vampires isnt enough to keep the depression at bay. However, along the way, he begins to conduct his own investigation to understand and maybe even cure the plague. Neville is by no means a scientist but with the library as his aid, he is able to perform scientific experiments which sheds light on logical causes of the worldwide epidemic.
Although, different from the movie, I still enjoyed the book just as much. Going back to old school vampires straight from vampire myths: garlic, stakes, mirrors, sunlight etc sets this story apart from modern day vampire novels. I was immediately drawn in, so engrossed in the story; anxious to find out what happens next! Wrapping it up and tieing it with a bow, it has an ending you wont see coming. I definately recommend this book especially to those who enjoy science fiction, horror and classic vampires. Do you dare join him on this journey?
This is a pretty good book. Quite different than the movie. Definitely worth the time.
The first part of the book was entertaining, but I couldn't seem to get Will Smith out of my head, and unfortunately, the movie is based so loosely on the books its almost unfair to have the same title.
I was also confused when "I Am Legend" ended and a series of short stories followed, which seemed to have no connection to anything. I couldn't finish at this point.
I was also confused when "I Am Legend" ended and a series of short stories followed, which seemed to have no connection to anything. I couldn't finish at this point.
Im old enough where I remember reading this book around 50 years ago. It scared me then but now I appreciate the craftsmanship that Matheson used to form the psychological terror that these stories contain.
The book contains the novella "I Am Legend" as well as 10 other short stories. I remember one of the stories, "Prey", being made into a teleplay (possibly on "The Twilight Zone"). I Am Legend was made into three different movies (The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007)). I can't really comment on the films - I never saw the first or the third and the second was viewed so long ago, I can't compare it to the novella.
Yes, the stories are somewhat dated and contain stereotypes but they were groundbreaking in their day. I highly recommend this book to any true fans of horror.
The book contains the novella "I Am Legend" as well as 10 other short stories. I remember one of the stories, "Prey", being made into a teleplay (possibly on "The Twilight Zone"). I Am Legend was made into three different movies (The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007)). I can't really comment on the films - I never saw the first or the third and the second was viewed so long ago, I can't compare it to the novella.
Yes, the stories are somewhat dated and contain stereotypes but they were groundbreaking in their day. I highly recommend this book to any true fans of horror.
Several short stories by science fiction writer Matheson, the title story being the one that the movies "The Omega Man" and the more recent "I am Legend" with Will Smith were LOOSELY based on. While the Will Smith movie was enjoyable, it couldn't touch the original story, about a virus that turns the majority of humanity into vampires, leaving one man alone to defend himself in an eerie, creepy, empty landscape, and of course to ponder the loneliness of being the last man on the face of the earth.
Another great story in this book, "Prey", will ring a bell with those of us who grew up in the 70's and remember the tv show "Trilogy of Terror"....the best episode being the one about the woman who buys her boyfriend a little native warrior doll with BIG SHARP TEETH and the name "He Who Kills". He Who Kills wears a thin gold chain around his waist, and the deal is, if the chain falls off, the spirit in the doll comes to life and ....well, good things DO NOT happen. The heroine goes off to take a bath, leaving the doll on the coffee table. The chain falls off and...yikes! May sound a little silly, but this is a terrifying story.
The above are the two best stories in the book, IMO, but there are several other good ones as well. Matheson was/is a great writer, and this book is highly recommended!
Another great story in this book, "Prey", will ring a bell with those of us who grew up in the 70's and remember the tv show "Trilogy of Terror"....the best episode being the one about the woman who buys her boyfriend a little native warrior doll with BIG SHARP TEETH and the name "He Who Kills". He Who Kills wears a thin gold chain around his waist, and the deal is, if the chain falls off, the spirit in the doll comes to life and ....well, good things DO NOT happen. The heroine goes off to take a bath, leaving the doll on the coffee table. The chain falls off and...yikes! May sound a little silly, but this is a terrifying story.
The above are the two best stories in the book, IMO, but there are several other good ones as well. Matheson was/is a great writer, and this book is highly recommended!
Even though I found that I liked the clean style of writing this author used, I found myself bored to tears by the side stories that were after the main one in this book. I felt that the author was simply trying to fill space and really should have inserted those chapters in-between the primary ones just to keep a reader interested. By the time I got to those parts, I felt myself doing some heavy duty skimming because of all the redundant content.
Essential reading for all fans of the horror genre.
A classic horror story. Richard Neville is possibly the last man alive in a world overrun by the undead, after a strange plague transforms people (and even dogs) into vampires. Taut storytelling.
Way better than the Will Smith movie version.
I picked this one up from the library thinking it was one of those "fill in the blanks the movie left behind" type of reads. Boy, was I wrong. The Will Smith version of the movie was nothing like the short story it was based upon. Add a couple of other short stories to the mix (yes, it was a book of shorts), and my brain was really jumbled. Matheson's writing style borders on schizophrenic, jumping back and forth from tangent to tangent. Not my cup of tea at all.
"I Am Legend" was an excellent short story. So excellent that it inspired two movies that I am aware of: "Omega Man" with Charlton Heston and the more recent movie with Will Smith. Unfortunately, this is a collection of eleven short stories and "I Am Legend" was the first and best one that I read. I stopped reading after the fourth story. I'm not saying that the other stories weren't good. They just didn't surprise me like this one.
Okay book made into an okay movie, both were kind of dull.
I was frankly expecting more from such an influential piece of scifi. Although the look at the effects of ostracism and loneliness on a person are intriguing, they are weakened by the disjointed method of storytelling. It is difficult to get a grasp of who Neville truly is. Additionally, the difference between the living and undead vampires is unclear at best. The decisions made toward the end by the infected make very little sense from a logical stand-point, and the "surprise" ending just does not feel very creative. Although the idea itself of a worldwide pandemic causing some sort of evolution/change in people is truly excellent, the execution simply is not. Recommended to fans of the worldwide pandemic genre to see where it all began and fans of tales of ostracism. All others may as well steer clear.
Check out my full review
Check out my full review
From the guy that wrote The Legend of Hell house.. its really good...
At first, it is not clear to the reader what we are dealing with vampires? zombies? merely the deranged left over few humans that survived some sort of plague? Ill leave it up to you to read it and make up your own mind. This is one of the things I really enjoyed about the book it didnt follow any solid fantasy/horror trope. Instead, Robert Neville spends quality time at the local library digging up science texts, learning how a virus or bacteria could spread through out humanity, why the infected need sleep during the day, why garlic repels them. Indeed, Richard Matheson builds science into this horror story, which makes it all the more frightening in the end.
I went back and forth on liking Robert Neville. He isnt the brightest of the bunch. Initially he seems a decent sort missing his family and friends, questioning his own sanity, feeling conflicted about hunting and disposing of the monsters by day. Hes also obsessed with sex. One comment had me rolling my eyes a bit something along the lines about how it would be worse to die a virgin than to become one of the blood-needy monsters that prowl around his house at night. Really? Sigh. But, on the other hand, it goes to show his loneliness and his possible slow slip into depravity.
Yet Robert rallies, digs into his science and experiments, and the second half of the book was even more interesting than the beginning. I began to feel for Robert and his lonely plight, his messed up purpose in life, his questions of whether or not he was the only uninfected human left alive. The ending was not what I expected at all, but I found it very fitting, satisfying, and a good explanation of the title.
The narrator put all his feeling into Robert Neville the anguish, frustration, surprise, tender loneliness truly came through. The narrator was a perfect fit for this characters.
I went back and forth on liking Robert Neville. He isnt the brightest of the bunch. Initially he seems a decent sort missing his family and friends, questioning his own sanity, feeling conflicted about hunting and disposing of the monsters by day. Hes also obsessed with sex. One comment had me rolling my eyes a bit something along the lines about how it would be worse to die a virgin than to become one of the blood-needy monsters that prowl around his house at night. Really? Sigh. But, on the other hand, it goes to show his loneliness and his possible slow slip into depravity.
Yet Robert rallies, digs into his science and experiments, and the second half of the book was even more interesting than the beginning. I began to feel for Robert and his lonely plight, his messed up purpose in life, his questions of whether or not he was the only uninfected human left alive. The ending was not what I expected at all, but I found it very fitting, satisfying, and a good explanation of the title.
The narrator put all his feeling into Robert Neville the anguish, frustration, surprise, tender loneliness truly came through. The narrator was a perfect fit for this characters.
I could not get into this book at all!
Different than the movie for sure. Intersting.
This book was strange...and confused me in parts of it. In the movie a african american male plays the main character and in the book the main character is a white guy. I have yet to see the movie but have read the book. Parts of it was hard to read for me.
The movie was 'GREAT'!
From the back cover: Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth... but he is not alone. Every other man, woman, and child on Earth has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood. By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn. How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?
