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Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1)
Legend - Drenai Tales, Book 1
Author: David Gemmell
Druss, Captain of the Axe, was the stuff of legends. But even as the stories grew in the telling, Druss himself grew older. He turned his back on his own legend and retreated to a mountain lair to await his old enemy, death. Meanwhile, barbarian hordes were on the march. Nothing could stand in their way. Druss reluctantly agreed to come out of r...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780345379061
ISBN-10: 0345379063
Publication Date: 10/1/1994
Pages: 345
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 73

4 stars, based on 73 ratings
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

sautter avatar reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I like Legend, it's a good, heroic sword and sorcery story. I intend to read more of the books in The Drenai Saga.

The basic plot is that the Nadir empire is threatening to swallow up the Drenai kingdom. A lone castle stands in the way of the Nadir horde, can it stand up against the invaders and save the Drenai people? Coming out of retirement and to the defense of the castle is Druss, a legendary warrior.

The story takes a little bit to really get cooking and the end is a bit contrived but in between it is a real page-turner.
FreakZilla avatar reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is excellent! It was a great story, with great characters that you really care about. The war scenes in it a top notch and fast moving. There is only one tiny problem, the character, Rek, seems to go from loveable loser to hero very fast. Other than that this book is GREAT!
reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent heroic fantasy about a guy who was a legend in his prime and how he comes back for one big war when he is an old man.
reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Gemmell's first novel, the one that started it all. I read the other Druss books before I read this one, so I was familiar with the Legend of Druss already. I have to say that this is my favorite book of all time.... and I have read a lot!! David Gemmell is surely missed by me. All of his books are better than good, you find yourself immersed in the story and want it to go on. The saddest part of this book is that it had to end. I say it is a must read for any fantasy fan, you will fall in love with Druss and David Gemmell.
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perryfran avatar reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on + 1222 more book reviews
I've never been a big fan of fantasy novels but decided to read this one because it is on the "1001 books you must read before you die" list. After reading it, I would say it was an OK novel with a pretty straight forward storyline about a fortress under siege by a barbarian horde and a retired "lengend" (Druss) who comes to the aid of the Drenai. It includes elements of heroism, magic, valor, love, etc. I am assuming this novel takes place in an alternate reality since Earth is mentioned and the elements of the story are seated in Medieval Europe. I don't think it takes place in a pre-history like the Conan stories. Gemmell also borrowed from other literature like Robin Hood (the character Bowman), the Arthurian legend (Excalibur), and even fairy tales -- the ending was straight out of Sleeping Beauty. There was one aspect of the story that kind of bothered me: The fortress was under siege by a huge hoard of barbarians numbering over 500,000 yet, people were able to leave the fortress on the South side to escape the siege. Wouldn't the invading army have surrounded the entire fortress?? This novel is the first in a series about the Drenai but I doubt if I would seek out others in the series.
sordie avatar reviewed Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1) on + 5 more book reviews
A top-flight fantasy effort, on par with the best written. Based around an effort to repel an onslaught of barbarian invaders, an outmanned, under-equipped, underdog band of heroes from disparate backgrounds rally a group of farmers, bandits, and city-folk to the height of heroism. Intriguing, fleshed-out characters, and a pleasing, engaging style of writing make this book very difficult to put down.


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