David Gemmell

[CovenantJr]

I tried this once before, but there are about ten times as many members now, so someone else here must know Gemmell's work... Anyone...?

[Revan]

David Gemmell - Who?

[CovenantJr]

Tch. Probably my most-read fantasy author.

[Revan]

No... That'll be tolkien

[danlo]

No Cjr said a while back that he isn't all that in2 Tolkien--I believe we have a topic on him on my site-in General Fastasy-Cjr.

[dANdeLION]

I thought he posted in order to get Covenant Jr to tell us more about this author; his book titles, the type of books he writes, etc. Unfortunately, Covenant Jr didn't respond with any information, which means I still don't know enough to decide whether or not I want to read any Gemmell books. I suppose you will wish I didn't post this, but if it gets me the info I want, then my post is relevant, whether you agree or not.

[Roland of Gilead]

Gemmell is one of my new favorites.

I just recently finished Dark Moon, one of his stand-alones. A solid story with well-developed, flawed yet heroic characters standing against seemingly superhuman invaders of their world.

I particularly like his Rigante series, the first two historical fantasies reminiscent of the Celts' struggles against ancient Rome, and the latter two the Scots' struggles with England, circa 16th century. Think Rob Roy as an epic fantasy.

I also really like the Jon Shannow trilogy, sort of Dark Tower "lite," about an obsessed gunman in a post-apocalyptic world on an impossible quest.

Gemmell's stuff is well written, with great believable detail and strong characters. His fight scenes are competent and his dialogue is good, if not anything special.

What else do you wish to know? I can probably elaborate if this hasn't piqued your interest in trying him.

[CovenantJr]

Thank you, Roland.

I didn't realise DR's post was a request for information, just a declaration of ignorance

David Gemmell is a British writer of what is often called "heroic fantasy". The first proper fantasy book I read was Gemmell's Knights Of Dark Renown (another of his stand-alone novels). He has authored several ongoing series', including the aforementioned Jerusalem Man books (now concluded I believe) and the Drenai saga.

With regard to Dark Moon - while not one of my favourite Gemmell books overall, it is still very good, and contains some of my favourite concepts; notably, the invulnerable Daroth Roland mentioned, and the Tarantio/Dace situation (the lyrics of Metallica's Sad But True remind me of Tarantio and Dace).

For those new to Gemmell, I personally would recommend:

Knights of Dark Renown
Wolf In Shadow
Waylander
Legend

in no particular order of preference.

[CovenantJr]

If I had to choose one word to describe Gemmell's style, it would be "gritty". His books tend not to feature much in the way of showy magic etc, and many of his central characters are deeply flawed or troubled in some way. As an example, I cite Waylander - a farmer whose wife and young child were murdered by raiders. Still using his own name, Dakeyras, he tracked and killed the raiders one by one in vengeance, but found that this didn't alleviate his grief. In fact, it just drove his emotions into hiding...gradually, he became known as Waylander the Slayer, a man as chillingly cold as any you could name. He has no regard for anyone, including himself, and has no discernible motivations, he simply exists, doing what he is known for - assasination. But now he's getting middle-aged, and perhaps losing his edge. This man is our hero.

As you can guess, Waylander is one of my favourite characters

[Baradakas]

Ahh, Gemmel. Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon were good, if a bit shallow. I haven't read the third one, as it doesn't involve any characters in the first two. Do you suggest it Cov JR?





-B

[CovenantJr]

I must confess I'm not familiar with those I haven't kept up with his newest work... What is the basis of those books?

[Baradakas]

I believe Roland describes it better than I could. It's the Rigante series. You should check them out.


-B

[CovenantJr]

I recognise the word Rigante... Perhaps I've read one, and I just don't remember

[dANdeLION]

Legend

Is this the book that the Tom Cruise movie is based on?

[Brinn]

Nope.

Read "Legend" because I had heard alot about Gemmel's work on-line. It was entertaining but, IMHO, did not stand out in any immediate way. It was gritty but, even with the insurmountable odds stacked against the hero and his comrades, I didn't feel the emotional punch that I expected the book would deliver.

[CovenantJr]

I don't rate Legend as one of the best, but I recommend it to new readers because it was Gemmell's first book, and as such is very representative of his style. Also, it makes the introduction to a character (Druss) and a location (Dros Delnoch) that are both referred to in countless other Drenai novels.

[CovenantJr]

If you didnt get on with Legend, Brinn, perhaps you should try Knights of Dark Renown - truly one of my favourites.

[Brinn]

I'll take your recommendation Cov and pick that up next. Do me one favor though...Run out to your nearest bookstore (don't walk!) and buy Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield. If you like Gemmell you'll love "Gates". I'll give you my unconditional guarantee...If you don't love it I'll send you your money back through the mail! It's really that good...

[CovenantJr]

I got a book voucher for Christmas, so I'll use it for that, if I can find it Thanks!

[Brinn]

Cooool!