Rating: 
Summary: A typical Gemmell book. Keeps you gripped until the twist.
Review: A typical Gemmell book. It will keep you gripped right up to the twist at the end. So far he hasn't written a dud.
Rating: 
Summary: Bloodstone
Review: After 20 years, Jon Shannow, the legendary Jerusalem Man, returns for a deadly showdown with the Bloodstone. The vicious Jerusalem Riders, and the apostle Saul unwittingly help this monstrous beast that feeds on souls. Then Shannow finds out it was in fact him who???? I highly recommend this book. Gemmell has outdone himself in the world of twists and turns. Nobody throws you like Gemmell, so go and get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Bloodstone
Review: After 20 years, Jon Shannow, the legendary Jerusalem Man, returns for a deadly showdown with the Bloodstone. The vicious Jerusalem Riders, and the apostle Saul unwittingly help this monstrous beast that feeds on souls. Then Shannow finds out it was in fact him who???? I highly recommend this book. Gemmell has outdone himself in the world of twists and turns. Nobody throws you like Gemmell, so go and get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful storytelling
Review: David Gemmel create in Jon Shannow a character many would wish to become yet fall short. Because he is not a man who tries to become a legend rather someone who searches, like the antithesis of a hero in John Campbell's "Hero With a Thousand Faces" Shannow never sought glory, yet he has found that spark in every human being that makes him a hero. He realized at an early age that something is more important than himself. In his deeds he became something more than human, yet he is more human than many. You can flower the book and the character with alliterations and adjectives but the main core of Shannow is that of a haunted man yet duty bound to fulfill all that he will ever be no matter what the circumstance. One cannot read the fifth book in the bloodstone novels and not have some form of reaction. For many will be wondered by the vivid characters Gemmel writes to the detailed battle sequences he describes. Yet there is more to this book than great writing, the struggles are real, we face them every day. We all see a bit of ourselves in the Jerusalem man from the desire for peace to his knowledge and ability to survive no matter the tribulation. He will inspire you and he will force you to question your soul. Gemmel is truly a great story teller who has the ability to tell vivid worlds in just a few worlds. I have read many of his works this was my favorite, the Jerusalem Man my favorite. This story both saddened me and enlightened me.
Rating:
Summary: Bloodstone
Review: David Gemmell is one of those rare authors you find once every few years. Gratefully you read all of his work, and only wish that he was as prolific as he is talented. In Jon Shannow, Gemmell has created not just an anti-hero, ala Clint Eastwood's "man with no name", but one whose inner conflicts mirror the daily struggles we all face...belief in an ultimate good despite the daily presence of human evil, how to respond to your own inner calling, even to dealing with those who claim to be God's servants and yet harm innocent people. Bloodstone is a chronicle of the Jerusalem Man, Jon Shannow, in his final (I hope not) challenge to face the power of the Sipstrassi stones. These bloodstones pull the life force out of people for use by others, a literary parallel rather like the real victimization due to violent crime in America today. Read all of Gemmell's work. I have yet to be disappointed, and by way of credentials, I do NOT like J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Rating:
Summary: Bloodstone
Review: David Gemmell is one of those rare authors you find once every few years. Gratefully you read all of his work, and only wish that he was as prolific as he is talented. In Jon Shannow, Gemmell has created not just an anti-hero, ala Clint Eastwood's "man with no name", but one whose inner conflicts mirror the daily struggles we all face...belief in an ultimate good despite the daily presence of human evil, how to respond to your own inner calling, even to dealing with those who claim to be God's servants and yet harm innocent people. Bloodstone is a chronicle of the Jerusalem Man, Jon Shannow, in his final (I hope not) challenge to face the power of the Sipstrassi stones. These bloodstones pull the life force out of people for use by others, a literary parallel rather like the real victimization due to violent crime in America today. Read all of Gemmell's work. I have yet to be disappointed, and by way of credentials, I do NOT like J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful storytelling
Review: Just when you think you've got Gemmell figured out, he turns the tables on you. Fans of Gemmell and Jon Shannow might find the book a bit slow at first, and something of a retread of previous Jerusalem Man tales, but be patient...the master has got some great surprises up his sleeve! Readers unfamiliar with Shannow are strongly advised to go back and read the previous Stones of Power books before this one. You won't be disappointed. Gemmell is one of the most important fantasy writers of the late 20th century!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books of 1997- or any other year!
Review: Just when you think you've got Gemmell figured out, he turns the tables on you. Fans of Gemmell and Jon Shannow might find the book a bit slow at first, and something of a retread of previous Jerusalem Man tales, but be patient...the master has got some great surprises up his sleeve! Readers unfamiliar with Shannow are strongly advised to go back and read the previous Stones of Power books before this one. You won't be disappointed. Gemmell is one of the most important fantasy writers of the late 20th century!
Rating:
Summary: Too brilliant to be left alone!!
Review: READ THIS BOOK! It is amazing. Who thought Jon Cade would survive-pah! Also, features an amzingly great ending that left me crying and smiling. What can I say... today I am become death.
Rating: 
Summary: This isn't a book, it's fuel for my fireplace.
Review: This book is terrible. A fun read, but terrible. It's like eighties action flicks involving Stallone, Ah-nold and Swayze. They are a lot of fun, but don't go looking for anything other than gun and explosions and a hot chick to drool at.
Gemmel borrows elements from the Western man-in-black tradtion (go read Shane instead), fantasy's creatures, and sci-fi's vision of parallel worlds with some religion thrown in as a bonus (read Heinlein's Job: Comedy Of Justice). Gemmel can plot - he just can't write. At least, not well. Shannow is a stiff, inflexible, two dimensional character - and the Deacon isn't any better. Flat out? Read this book because it's the last book on the shelf and you have burned the rest for fuel for the fire to heat your home. For any other reason, it's inexcusable.
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