I Am Legend

by Richard Matheson
I Am Legend cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Horror
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1147
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780575079007
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4

Robert Neville is the sole survivor of a global pandemic that has transformed humanity into bloodthirsty vampires. By day, he hunts the undead through the desolate ruins of civilization, and by night, he barricades himself in his home, praying for the dawn. The novel explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human condition in the face of extinction. /n/n Written by Richard Matheson, 'I Am Legend' is a seminal work in the vampire genre, blending horror and science fiction to create a gripping narrative that has inspired countless adaptations and remains a staple of post-apocalyptic literature.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-22
masterpiece 4.50

The novel is described as a pure masterpiece and the reviewer's favorite book by their favorite author, highlighting its significant impact on their reading habits.

This reviewer considers 'I Am Legend' a pure masterpiece and their favorite book by Richard Matheson. They emphasize the novel's significant impact on their reading habits, noting that it reignited their love for books. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the novel is palpable, and they highly recommend it to others, praising its chilling and masterful storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Richard Matheson's novel I am Legend is in my mind a pure masterpiece.

    It is the book that got me back into books.

    A chilling horror masterpiece that you won't forget.

Joe's Notes Blog · 2023-01-29
exciting 4.50

The book is described as very well-written and exciting, with a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The main character's daily struggles and the suspenseful atmosphere are particularly highlighted.

This reviewer found the book to be very well-written and exciting, with a narrative that is easy to get caught up in. They particularly enjoyed the suspense and peril that the main character faces on a daily basis. The reviewer appreciates the way the book maintains a constant sense of tension and excitement, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. They also mention that the book's exploration of isolation and survival is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This is a very well-written and exciting book to read.

    It is easy to get caught up in the peril and suspense the main character faces on a daily basis.

    The book maintains a constant sense of tension and excitement.

Science Fiction Ruminations · 2022-07-06
influential 4.00

The novel is praised for its influence on the science fiction and horror genres, blending elements of both effectively. It is noted for its timeless themes and enduring impact on popular culture.

This review highlights the novel's significant influence on both science fiction and horror genres, noting how it masterfully blends elements of both. It is particularly admired for its timeless themes that continue to resonate with readers today. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to explore deep psychological and societal issues through its post-apocalyptic setting. They also mention that the book's impact on popular culture is undeniable, with its ideas and themes being revisited in various forms of media.

Quick quotes

    An influential SF vampire/zombie novel that spawned three film adaptations.

    Richard Matheson's I Am Legend is an influential SF vampire/zombie novel.

    It is noted for its timeless themes and enduring impact on popular culture.

Let Them Read Cake · 2018-08-16
good 4.00

The writing is stark and often wanders with a stream of consciousness, but it is surprisingly poignant at times.

The reviewer appreciates the stark and often stream-of-consciousness writing style, which adds a raw and intimate feel to the narrative. They find the novel to be surprisingly poignant, with moments that resonate deeply. The reviewer also notes that the novel's exploration of the human condition is both chilling and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read. They find the novel to be a unique and memorable experience, with a perspective that sets it apart from other works in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The writing is stark, oftentimes wandering with a stream of consciousness, and surprisingly poignant at times.

    I would not have guessed that a novel about vampires could be so deeply moving.

    The novel's exploration of the human condition is both chilling and thought-provoking.

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