Legend (Drenai)

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Both Legend (1984) and Wolf in Shadow (1994) have also been released as graphic novels, with text by Stan Nicholls and artwork by Fangorn. Gemmell went on to work as a labourer, a lorry-driver's mate, and a nightclub bouncer before his mother set up a job interview with a local newspaper. Of 100 applicants, he was probably the least qualified for the position but was hired owing to his display of arrogance during the interview, which was mistaken for self-confidence. He went on to work as a journalist for several local newspapers in East Sussex, for five of which he eventually became editor-in-chief. [5] He also worked freelance as a stringer for the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, and Daily Express national newspapers. [4] [6] Legend is David Gemmell’s literary version of the passing of the torch on to modern authors the heroic journey and the flawed characters along that adventure. With all the amazing fantasy authors we have today, it is nice to remember where it all began with whom I consider one of the godfather’s of modern fantasy. Mark Lawrence, R.A Salvatore, and my favorite author John Gwynne are all huge fans of David Gemmell and I hope after reading Legend you will be too. He was taken from us too soon but he will forever live in his stories from one generation to the next! Gemmell credited his time as a journalist with providing him with his pacey, succinct style, although critics labelled his work " macho" and would often cite his limited vocabulary and the repetitive nature of his stories. Violent events usually provide the sole impetus for plot development, and are resolved by physical violence or heroics.

Druss, Serbitar, Hogun, Gilad, Orrin, Bowman, even Ulric – I loved them all. Rek and Virae not. But I can’t help wondering if there’s more to the two of them, because all other characters are so well developed. The preparation for battle and the war itself are masterfully written. The imagery is so vivid that I cringed and felt pain reading the battle scenes. And if you think GRRM is a butcher, then you haven’t met Gemmel… Drenai Tales Volume III; contains The Legend of the Deathwalker, Winter Warriors, and Hero in the ShadowsDruss is every man who has refused to quit; to surrender when life offered no hope; to stand aside when the alternative was to die. He is a man who has shown other men there is no such thing as guaranteed defeat. He lifts the spirit merely by being Druss, and being seen to be Druss. As a side note, Gemmell's success won him many fans, some of whom set up the Gemmell Awards in his name after his untimely death. For a decade they handed out the Legend Award, Morningstar Award, and Ravenheart Award. I have two Legend Awards dangerously perched on my shelves. If you ever see me limping, you'll know how I lost those toes. But powerful prose isn't the only or even best way to evoke strong emotion, and Gemmell still managed to do that, despite my more cynical, jaded mindset and my technical nous regarding the writing. I could clearly see him pushing the buttons, yet still my buttons were pushed.

So, returning to Legend I read it very swiftly (for me) taking only 3 days compared to my normal month+ per book. Gemmell's writing is very easy to read (and that's a considerable skill - a bad writer is hard to read). He doesn't push the prose envelope, just gets the job done. I noticed a doctor sweeping away "the debris of pain" as a rare flourish. Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil. Cowan, Ross (30 June 2017). "Dedication". For the Glory of Rome. p.9. ISBN 9781473898790. (Google Books preview.). See also 'History as it Ought to Have Been', Ancient Warfare magazine blog, April 2021. Gemmell's writing evokes passion. It's a great body of work that I have spent many happy hours consuming over many years.An unfathomably numerous Nadir army heads to the mighty stronghold of Dros Delnoch to either accept surrender or slaughter their defenders. The old legendary warrior Druss known by many names such as Captain of the Ax, the Axman, Deathwalker, and the Silver Slayer comes to Delnoch in search of a worthy fighting death. When he arrives he realizes he can't just fight because the warriors of Dros Delnoch need him to lead. The book's title is a reference to the main character, Druss the Legend. Gemmell's original title for the story was "The Siege of Dros Delnoch", though it was never released under this name. The title was changed to Against the Horde in the first US release by Ace Books in 1988. Subsequent re-releases used the original title, Legend. Druss is every man who has refused to quit; to surrender when life offered no hope; to stand aside when the alternative was to die. He is a man who has shown other men there is no such thing as guaranteed defeat. He lifts the spirit merely by being Druss, and being seen to be Druss.' It's not surprising then that when someone doesn't like the books we love, there is a tendency in many to close ranks, to insult, even to seek revenge. Not surprising, but in no way good. https://preview.redd.it/qeromeh3ay561.png?width=289&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f32721cb931234ac850bcdb1920a3c405bf6011