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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I liked this book very much. This was my introduction to David Gemmell and I was pleasantly surprised. Well written and it makes you feel like you are there.
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.
Good sci-fi
i love David Gemmell, may he RIP!
Such a true talent gone way too fast. . .
I reread his books over and over again, This book started it all.
Such a true talent gone way too fast. . .
I reread his books over and over again, This book started it all.
Loved this book. Highly recommended.
