Hi folks. Sorry I haven't blogged for about a month but have had my head in the above book - David Gemmell's First Chronicles of Druss the Legend which has been a fantastic read and now my favourite David Gemmell novel although I have a few more to read.
David Gemmell is still my favourite author and I had the privilege of seeing him in Leeds Waterstones back in 2006 shortly before his premature death. This is a shame as I would have liked more books about his most famous character Druss.
Druss first featured in David Gemmell's debut novel Legend (score 9/10).
Here this book tells the tale of Druss earlier live from a simple young farm man in love with his wife Rowena to a hardened warrior and legend he becomes.
The novel is split into four novellas which made it easier to read. The first two are about his search for Rowena after she is taken by slavers and his training into a warrior and his relationship with his grandfather's old cursed axe - Snaga.
The third novella is set a few years later when he has lost his axe Snaga and tells of his search and struggles getting it back and (SPOILERS) his wife.
The forth story is set years later as Druss is in his forty fifth year and getting weary and old, now living with Rowena who is in borrowed time and tells of his last call to battle.
The characters are well written in particular Druss as you can see his change through the novellas from a young hot headed man to a battle hardy and wiser warrior. His wife Rowena is well drawn too who struggles with her talent. Druss close friends Sieben the Saga master and Bodesen are good too and one even ends up on the opposite side.
I love David Gemmell's novels as there are no simple black and white characters and there are large shades of grey - Gorben the Emperor is good at the beginning but power corrupted him and he becomes the enemy in the last novella.
This and other novels of David Gemmell's have plenty of action, bloodshed, gore, fantastic characters and a few creatures to whip the reader along at a quick pace. Plus there is plenty of romance and redemption in there too.
The only fault with this novel is that it is too short and I want more Druss and Drenai novels. I think I may write some Drenai fan fiction soon!
Overall - a rip roaring page turner and now (for the time being) my favourite David Gemmell novel.
Score - 10/10
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