LEGEND

A Book Review by Jonathan A. Lewis

LEGEND By Barry Maher Published by Garbar Communications

I've got an axe to grind. So let's get it out right away in my first review for POWER STAR. And then I'll never refer to it again.

I'm one of a handful of ardent fans of a SF novel that almost no one has ever even read. When the greatest SF novels of all time are discussed, it's never mentioned. At least, not unless one of us is present.

That novel is LEGEND by Barry Maher. It's not exactly new. But it might as well be. After it had been out nearly a year, United Press International released a list called "The Ten Most Underrated," covering not just books but movies and sports. LEGEND was number seven. Ironically, being named "most underrated" was probably the most exposure the book ever received. But those of us who love it -- a tiny band of fans -- never miss an opportunity to talk it up.

LEGEND is the story of Martin. Martin grew up in the streets of a decaying city, a city that no one can even imagine how to escape from. None of his people have ever had an actual job but out of nowhere a distant, impersonal government suddenly bestows on Martin a lucrative position -- one with no apparent responsibilities -- in an old empty building. The building turns out to be the doorway to the fantastic world of the Disciples, and Martin is mistaken for the return of their mythical leader. If the tests aimed at proving his identity don't kill him, the powerful magic of the current regent will.

The elements are familiar; they are supposed to be. This is a legend. Martin is tested against the myth of the Disciple's ancient king, a figure whose roots are based in Christianity and in the history of the United States.

The author consciously uses the elements of myth, and turns them into something fresh and new, something which in his hands tells the story of the reluctant savior in a way it's never been told before. The result is exciting, it's humorous, maybe even profound. The typical hero overcomes his failings to triumph. Martin overcomes many of his flaws to be sure. But he also has to use those very flaws -- flaws which he shares in common with his almost omnipotent enemy -- if he is to fashion his victory. And he has to do this with the knowledge that these very flaws may devour him in the end. His only ally is Gena, a beautiful (of course) ex-Disciple priestess who would much rather be almost anywhere else.

Like the very best SF, LEGEND is not only a gripping adventure, it's literature. I don't mean that as the kiss of death. I only mean that LEGEND is vibrant and alive, and it will speak to you of your life even as it keeps you turning the pages to find out how Martin can possibly make it through the next test. And of course it all leads to the ultimate test: death. If all literature were this wonderous, high school and college students all over the country would be rushing to class.

LEGEND is the kind of book that makes you wish you'd never opened it: so you could still have the thrill of reading it for the first time. The sad thing is that a novel of this quality will someday be out of print and lost. I doubt if LEGEND will pass the test of death. But the few of us who love it will do our best to help.

And that's all I'll ever say on LEGEND.