Rating: 
Summary: Read this! You won't regret
Review: This was my first Gemmell book and I was hooked from the start. The great thing about Gemmell's writing is that his heroes are not just goody-two-shoes but also have a dark side, which make them more realistic and interesting. In addition to the wonderful characters, the large scale battle scenes are so well-written that you feel as if you are right there yourself. Add in a dose of sex, and it's a perfect mix. Top book!
Rating:
Summary: Drenai? What Drenai?
Review: This was on my wish list for a long time, as it only just became available in America recently. I'm not disappointed. Basically, the novel follows the preordained rise to greatness of Conn, the titular "Sword in the Storm". He is noticed by the Seidh, a group of dangerous near-deities, who help him in times of trouble. He leaves the lands of his native tribe and visits the mainland, serving as a scout in the armies of Stone, an all-conquering empire. He comes back to strengthen his people for the coming onslaught, which is set up at the end of this book. "Okay, but what's it like?" Pretty darn good, actually. I like Gemmell's way of focusing on the thoughts of minor characters as well as major ones, giving us a different perspective. It is, of course, liberally drawn from European history; Conn's people are quite obviously Celtic, and the Stone are, of course, Rome. One of the more interesting things I noticed was how Mr. Gemmell uses fate. The liberal knowledge of geasa is one manifestation, and the other is the Seidh's interest in Conn. As I mentioned, he is preordained for greatness...though I really suspect it's more of a "preordained to keep the Seidh alive for a little while longer" kind of thing, given that the Seidh are usually quite selfish in their faeishness (come on, you rearrange Seidh to get Sidhe...), and the epilogue seems to support this. Of course, I'll know more come the sequel, in May. I highly recommend this novel.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Great Writing, Great Author!
Review: This was the first David Gemmell Book I had ever read, and I have been a huge fan ever since. When I first read the description of this book I did not think I would be into it, but I just HAD to see what all the talk was about. Wow. He is an incredible author. His story telling abilities surpass so many other authors on the best selling lists. His work is original and heart felt. I finished this book with a bang in my heart. I HIGHLY recommend this, and ANY David Gemmell book to Fantasy readers!!
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