Few authors have inspired me to a degree David Gemell has. It is impossible to approach this review without bias, sorry. Having read a hefty backlog of his previous work, and having fallen in love with his work, I can honestly say that talking about Gemell infuses me with the spirit of Druss (and the likes -- something I will you will appreciate by the end of the review)

Note: My enthusiasm for Gemell may seem a little dubious. But this is not a paid review, it is very much sincere! (Gemell died in 2006 and as far as I'm concerned the franchise died with him, although his wife is also a very good novelist!)

Druss the Legend

The drunken foreplay which kicks the novel off is delicous. Highlighting the outcast that Druss is, something of a brute and an anti-social thug. His maniacal ancestry is laid bare. He comes from a line of psychopaths (yum) and tyrants. His father being the exception, while being gifted with the same physical prowess that his ancestors, he shows Druss what being strong really means. A trait that Druss misinterprets as weakness.

Gemell tells the story of Bardan, Druss's granfather, and the tale of snaga. A legendary axe that has felled armies single-handedly (YES!). Obviously when Druss's father is slain by slavers, that godlike weapon falls into the hands of our young hero!

Druss also meets Rowena, his first and only love. And when I say that, I mean it! Rowena is kidnapped by slavers shortly after having created a bond with Druss. Druss the legend is now born.

The single-mindedness of Druss's implacable nature is unearthed. He dashes to the rescue of his princess, burying anything that stands in his path. Thankfully, the loveable "guide" Shadak appears and tempers Druss's nature to that of a silent implacable honor-bound fury.

The duality of Druss's nature is staggering. On the one-hand his goal, his strength and his thirst for revenge. On the other, his honor and his love. Gemell creates what could be explained as a traditionally popcorn character, but adding a vast amount of depth. Creating an intensely vivid and empowering bond between reader and character.

But the story still struts along with very little in terms of "epic scope". It is, after-all, still the story of a country bumpkin. But all this changes. As we lap up scene after scene of implacable small-scale fury, we are driven into a larger and larger picture.

Druss becomes a figurehead and standard bearer of an army (with a noble cause!) and turns it around, filling the vacuum with his character, and raising moral with his presence. It is also important to note that Gemell chose to include a fantastic side-kick. Sieben is Druss's nemsis. A fop, superficial and aristocratic. Yet, Druss, sees through the mask and becomes a true friend. The tandem prove successful, Sieben cleaning Druss up, Druss dirtying Sieben down, a perfect symbiotic duo that is a highly entertaining and realistic pairing.

Meanwhile, Rowena has been "lobotomized" and scarce remembers the love of her life. Druss learns that she has married the champion of the opposing army. Obviously, you have something to look forward too as a reader given that Druss is the champion of the other.

Now we have what I love most about Gemell. Chapters are introduced that illustrate the view of the world from this "enemies" point of view. We can't help but love him. Eventually, our minds stop playing tug of war and love both him and Druss. Who are the real enemies then? Those without honor, and there are plenty! All meet the same fate at the hand of Snaga.

It is the dialogue that makes the book, more than the wanton carnage in my eyes. All characters have very distinct ways of communicating and thinking. Druss, while being portrayed as a simple man. Is in face very complex, and adds unique insight, in a voice that (as gemell would say) could sink a thousand ships. There's something for everyone here, a character driven novel, with a convincing cast and plot-line. I hope my love this book and others like it can inspire you to "give it a shot".

Thanks!

Thankfully, Druss is available in many other Gemell titles. The Legend of Daywalker, The swords of night and day, Skilgannon the damned, and of course, Legend. Get them!