Book Review: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson – A Blend of Psychological Horror and Science Fiction

For Readers: The Review

I Am Legend isn’t just a survival story—it’s psychological horror wrapped in science fiction, and it’s intense.

Robert Neville is alone, fighting to survive in a world overrun by vampires. Every day, he fortifies his home, hunts the infected, and tries to understand the plague that wiped out civilization. But as the book unfolds, you realize this isn’t your usual “last man standing” story—Matheson has something much more unsettling up his sleeve.

The vampires aren’t supernatural monsters; they’re victims of a bacterial infection (Vampiris), which turns Neville’s survival into a scientific experiment. He tests garlic, sunlight, and crosses like a researcher rather than a warrior. Some things are explained, others aren’t, but the mix of logic and mystery keeps the horror alive.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s short, fast-paced, and hits hard, especially at the end. If you like post-apocalyptic fiction, classic horror, or books that make you rethink everything by the last chapter, give it a shot.

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📖 Writer’s Takeaways: What I Am Legend Can Teach Us About Craft

Matheson plays with structure in ways that make this book hit differently. Writers can take notes—but with a little caution:

• Flashbacks that feel like memories: Matheson lets past events slide into the present without clear separation. It makes things raw and immediate, but if you don’t handle transitions well, it can leave readers lost. Newer writers might want to start with more structured flashbacks before trying this technique.
• Shifting perspective for effect: The book mostly sticks to close third-person, but now and then Matheson pulls back for omniscient observations, giving things a detached, eerie tone. This works here, but mixing perspectives can get messy fast—if you’re experimenting, make sure it’s intentional.
• Blending horror with science: Turning vampirism into a disease instead of a supernatural curse makes the book feel more real. Writers crafting bio-horror or hard magic systems can learn from Matheson’s balance of mystery and logic.