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The Drenai Saga #5
Waylander II
'THE HARD-BITTEN CHAMPION OF BRITISH HEROIC FANTASY' - Joe Abercrombie 'HEROISM AND HEARTBREAK . . . GEMMELL IS ADRENALINE WITH SOUL' - Brent Weeks High in the wooded mountains of Skeln, the woodsman, Dakeyras, and his daughter Miriel, live a life of solitude. Unbeknown to them, a group of bloodthirsty warriors stalk the mountains. Men who have never known defeat, to whom revenge and torture are meat and drink. For ten thousand in gold they are eager to kill the woodsman. Battle-hardened warriors all, they have no fear of this task - but they should have. For Miriel is a woman of fire and iron, skilled with bow and blade and taught her skills by one of the deadliest killers of all time . . . Her father, Dakeyras, better known as Waylander the Slayer. Novels by David Gemmell The Drenai series
Legend
The King Beyond the Gate
Waylander
Quest For Lost Heroes
Waylander In the Realm of the Wolf
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend Jon Shannow series
Wolf in Shadow
The Last Guardian
Bloodstone Stones of Power
Ghost King
Last Sword of Power Hawk Queen series
Ironhand's Daughter
The Hawk Eternal Ancient Greece novels
Lion of Macedon
Dark Prince Other novels
Knights of Dark Renown
Morningstar
Legend
The King Beyond the Gate
Waylander
Quest For Lost Heroes
Waylander In the Realm of the Wolf
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend Jon Shannow series
Wolf in Shadow
The Last Guardian
Bloodstone Stones of Power
Ghost King
Last Sword of Power Hawk Queen series
Ironhand's Daughter
The Hawk Eternal Ancient Greece novels
Lion of Macedon
Dark Prince Other novels
Knights of Dark Renown
Morningstar
341 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
175 people are currently reading
3416 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
198 books3,795 followersDavid Andrew Gemmell was a bestselling British author of heroic fantasy. A former journalist and newspaper editor, Gemmell had his first work of fiction published in 1984. He went on to write over thirty novels. Best known for his debut, Legend, Gemmell's works display violence, yet also explores themes in honour, loyalty and redemption. With over one million copies sold, his work continues to sell worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
December 10, 2018
In the Realm of the Wolf is a fifth instalment in the Drenai Saga but chronologically it continues the of Waylander the Slayer.
It is yet another tale about the eternal struggle between good and evil and in its background a story ofan ordinary father and daughter. Dakeyras, previously known as the Waylander, mourns his wife, who died in a tragic accident. He abandoned his profession and does not hunt people for money anymore. And yet, it would have seemed that Waylander managed to upset somebody so much that the best killers were sent to kill him. Miriel has her own path to traverse. Accompanied by a former gladiator, Angel, and the would-be killer of her father, Senta, she sets out to defend the Nadir against all odds. Like father like daughter, you want to say.
The novel is very similar to the previous stories penned by Mr Gemmell and yet fails to impress. We have all the staple marks of epic fantasy: heroes and battles; demons and priests, and there are valiant tribes. And yet, the novel ends with amoan whimper instead of a bang and throughout it reads like synopsis at times (don’t come here if what you are after is character exposition, description of natural beauty, or superb fighting sequences). There are no quotable sentences.
The novel ends with a less heroic accent than its predecessor. Instead, the ending notes offer bitterness and sadness. Perhaps that was the decisive factor regarding my rating, especially that I'm fond of all the epic hallmarks so characteristic for Mr Gemmell.
Taking into consideration that In the Realm of the Wolf continues story that had started in “Waylander”, I would not recommend reading this novel without knowing the predecessor because even if you understand the content, you may not ‘feel’ the specific ambience that Mr Gemmell builds throughout the entire sequence of his saga. Conversely, if you read “Waylander” but didn’t love it, I don’t think you should enter the realm of the wolf. In the unlikely case you are entirely new to the Drenai, just forget about this book and start with the Legend.
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Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
2. The King Beyond the Gate ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
9. Hero in the Shadows ★★★★★
10. White Wolf RTC
11. The Swords of Night and Day RTC
It is yet another tale about the eternal struggle between good and evil and in its background a story of
The novel is very similar to the previous stories penned by Mr Gemmell and yet fails to impress. We have all the staple marks of epic fantasy: heroes and battles; demons and priests, and there are valiant tribes. And yet, the novel ends with a
The novel ends with a less heroic accent than its predecessor. Instead, the ending notes offer bitterness and sadness. Perhaps that was the decisive factor regarding my rating, especially that I'm fond of all the epic hallmarks so characteristic for Mr Gemmell.
Taking into consideration that In the Realm of the Wolf continues story that had started in “Waylander”, I would not recommend reading this novel without knowing the predecessor because even if you understand the content, you may not ‘feel’ the specific ambience that Mr Gemmell builds throughout the entire sequence of his saga. Conversely, if you read “Waylander” but didn’t love it, I don’t think you should enter the realm of the wolf. In the unlikely case you are entirely new to the Drenai, just forget about this book and start with the Legend.
---
Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
2. The King Beyond the Gate ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
9. Hero in the Shadows ★★★★★
10. White Wolf RTC
11. The Swords of Night and Day RTC
June 1, 2015
The story of Waylander continues. If you enjoyed the first book (as I did) this is also a winner.
.........Update..........
Wow that short review of one of my favorite books was posted just a few weeks after my wife passed. I said very little so let me add a few words.
David Gemmell was (and still is) one of my favorite writers. He passed away in 2006.
Gemmell's writing might "mostly" come under what I'd call heroic action fantasy. That said many if not (again) most of his work has a dark edge to it. It's fantasy with an edge of real life. Heroes die, the good sometimes fall or are subverted into evil.
This is "a" book about Dakeyras, Waylander the Assassin. He is for my money one of the best fantasy characters out there. Dakeyras,became Waylander a man born out of tragedy and then causing tragedies that spread around him like ripples from the proverbial rock thrown into a pond.
When we meet him he's tired and simply wishes for the peace he'll never know.
I can recommend all the books about Waylander...highly.
.........Update..........
Wow that short review of one of my favorite books was posted just a few weeks after my wife passed. I said very little so let me add a few words.
David Gemmell was (and still is) one of my favorite writers. He passed away in 2006.
Gemmell's writing might "mostly" come under what I'd call heroic action fantasy. That said many if not (again) most of his work has a dark edge to it. It's fantasy with an edge of real life. Heroes die, the good sometimes fall or are subverted into evil.
This is "a" book about Dakeyras, Waylander the Assassin. He is for my money one of the best fantasy characters out there. Dakeyras,became Waylander a man born out of tragedy and then causing tragedies that spread around him like ripples from the proverbial rock thrown into a pond.
When we meet him he's tired and simply wishes for the peace he'll never know.
I can recommend all the books about Waylander...highly.
May 31, 2021
This amazing heroic fantasy novel is the 5th volume of the astonishing "Drenai Saga" series, from the author, the great late, David Gemmell.
Story-telling is once more of a top-notch quality, the story is superbly structured and executed, and all characters involved in this heroic fantasy come vividly to life.
All figures in this gripping heroic fantasy are a melting-pot of races, from Romans and Celts, to Mongols, Tartars, Vikings and several others, while spirituality is also playing a most wonderful part in this fabulous tale.
The story is about Dakeyras, aka Waylander the Slayer, who's living now in the mountains with his adopted daughter, Miriel, after having first settled there with his second wife, Danyal, and Miriel's twin-sister, Krylla.
Now several years later with Krylla married and living in the south, and Danyal perished from an accidental fall from a horse five years ago, Dakeyras, now naming himself Waylander again, and Miriel are disturbed in their lives by killers who are sent by Waylander's former reluctant ally, Karnak.
When also a sorcerer named, Zhu Chao, comes into the fray by sending assassins to have Waylander murdered, in the form of the black Brotherhood, Waylander is forced to head north with Miriel and the already helpful attentions of a man called, Angel, and the two captured assassins which have been turned into comrades named, Senta and Belash.
What is to follow is a very touching (f.e. Waylander's relationship with his rescued dog, Scar), fast-paced and action-packed heroic fantasy where Waylander will get help from his friend old Dardalion and his White Knights, the Thirty, and besides that he's is pictured not only as a ruthless killer of enemies but also as a rescuer of people and animals in dire need of help, and he will act as a vulnerable man who's seeking acceptance as a decent father, trying also to be an honourable man and a true friend to all who deserve it, but to everyone who acts in a treacherous way and wants to kill him, he will deal with them in his own deadly way, and all those human emotions will be shown in a heartfelt manner right till the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another splendid heroic fantasy, and that's why I want to call this episode: "Another Awesome Waylander Outing"!
Story-telling is once more of a top-notch quality, the story is superbly structured and executed, and all characters involved in this heroic fantasy come vividly to life.
All figures in this gripping heroic fantasy are a melting-pot of races, from Romans and Celts, to Mongols, Tartars, Vikings and several others, while spirituality is also playing a most wonderful part in this fabulous tale.
The story is about Dakeyras, aka Waylander the Slayer, who's living now in the mountains with his adopted daughter, Miriel, after having first settled there with his second wife, Danyal, and Miriel's twin-sister, Krylla.
Now several years later with Krylla married and living in the south, and Danyal perished from an accidental fall from a horse five years ago, Dakeyras, now naming himself Waylander again, and Miriel are disturbed in their lives by killers who are sent by Waylander's former reluctant ally, Karnak.
When also a sorcerer named, Zhu Chao, comes into the fray by sending assassins to have Waylander murdered, in the form of the black Brotherhood, Waylander is forced to head north with Miriel and the already helpful attentions of a man called, Angel, and the two captured assassins which have been turned into comrades named, Senta and Belash.
What is to follow is a very touching (f.e. Waylander's relationship with his rescued dog, Scar), fast-paced and action-packed heroic fantasy where Waylander will get help from his friend old Dardalion and his White Knights, the Thirty, and besides that he's is pictured not only as a ruthless killer of enemies but also as a rescuer of people and animals in dire need of help, and he will act as a vulnerable man who's seeking acceptance as a decent father, trying also to be an honourable man and a true friend to all who deserve it, but to everyone who acts in a treacherous way and wants to kill him, he will deal with them in his own deadly way, and all those human emotions will be shown in a heartfelt manner right till the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another splendid heroic fantasy, and that's why I want to call this episode: "Another Awesome Waylander Outing"!
March 14, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4-stars.
David Gemmell is my favourite author so it's no surprise that I'm giving this a good rating.
I know that the majority of Gemmell's characters are flawed, they are not clear-cut good or bad guys/gals, but they generally have an underlying moral code. This is what sets him apart from all of the modern darker fantasy authors like Joe Abercrombie and R Scott Bakker, who seem more focused on exploring the darker side of the human psyche.
Possible minor spoilers ahead:
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The only thing I would say is that sometimes he found a way to bring out a good side in characters that shouldn't really have had any morals. Assassins don't usually decide to join their victim if they fail a contract.
I enjoyed this book, but I still maintain that Legend is my favourite Gemmell novel.
David Gemmell is my favourite author so it's no surprise that I'm giving this a good rating.
I know that the majority of Gemmell's characters are flawed, they are not clear-cut good or bad guys/gals, but they generally have an underlying moral code. This is what sets him apart from all of the modern darker fantasy authors like Joe Abercrombie and R Scott Bakker, who seem more focused on exploring the darker side of the human psyche.
Possible minor spoilers ahead:
....................................
....................................
....................................
....................................
The only thing I would say is that sometimes he found a way to bring out a good side in characters that shouldn't really have had any morals. Assassins don't usually decide to join their victim if they fail a contract.
I enjoyed this book, but I still maintain that Legend is my favourite Gemmell novel.
December 20, 2024
Gemmell has emerged as a favorite author of mine. These loosely connected stand alone novels of the Drenai Saga are the epitome of page-turners. I love the larger than life characters and often over the top melodrama, but Gemmell infuses enough life into the characters that it feels realistic and not hyperbolic. These are must-reads in the fantasy genre for any reader wanting a fast-paced read the embraces traditional fantasy archetypes with enough depth for the stories to be memorable. This is a sequel to an earlier book Waylander, and should be read after that one. While perhaps not reaching the highs of that book-my favorite of the Drenai Saga thus far-it's a worthy sequel.
December 7, 2024
Gemmell had the story telling gift that is for sure. This is the fifth installment of the Drenai tales. While there is definitely some existential probings, and reflections on the human condition, Gemmell is not particularly deep, but always exciting and wheels within wheels.
Reread comments 12/24. The Waylander is back! Some 10 years or so have passed since the first installment, and Waylander, along with his wife and their two 'adopted' twin girls retreated from civilization a tad. Waylander's most recent wife died via a riding accident 5 years prior to the story starting, and one of his daughters got married and now lives in the city. So, Waylander and his remaining daughter get by, and yeah, he has been teaching her some skills...
Well, things get complicated early. For some reasons, assassins are once again after Waylander, but it takes him some time to figure out why. Apparently, the Ruler of Drenai's son, an asshole, say a young gal while drunk and tried to rape her; she fell and died, and it turns out it was Waylander's daughter. The Ruler decides to have the Waylander killed to save his own bacon and his sons. Bad move! Meanwhile, a rival kingdom's king (well, a vassal of his) has been playing with the dark arts and has visions of ruling a good chunk of the world. The key to this resides in an ancient fortress deep in Nadir territory. Well, you can pretty much figure out this mysterious fortress will be the site of the final action.
Lots of classic tropes here-- visions of the future, mysterious ancient lore, a band of heroes, scary monsters-- Gemmell tosses all this in and more. Yet, once again, Gemmell manages to tell a tight, fast-moving tale that kept me on the edge of my seat. This felt a bit rushed toward the end, but so it goes. 4 wolfish stars!!
Reread comments 12/24. The Waylander is back! Some 10 years or so have passed since the first installment, and Waylander, along with his wife and their two 'adopted' twin girls retreated from civilization a tad. Waylander's most recent wife died via a riding accident 5 years prior to the story starting, and one of his daughters got married and now lives in the city. So, Waylander and his remaining daughter get by, and yeah, he has been teaching her some skills...
Well, things get complicated early. For some reasons, assassins are once again after Waylander, but it takes him some time to figure out why. Apparently, the Ruler of Drenai's son, an asshole, say a young gal while drunk and tried to rape her; she fell and died, and it turns out it was Waylander's daughter. The Ruler decides to have the Waylander killed to save his own bacon and his sons. Bad move! Meanwhile, a rival kingdom's king (well, a vassal of his) has been playing with the dark arts and has visions of ruling a good chunk of the world. The key to this resides in an ancient fortress deep in Nadir territory. Well, you can pretty much figure out this mysterious fortress will be the site of the final action.
Lots of classic tropes here-- visions of the future, mysterious ancient lore, a band of heroes, scary monsters-- Gemmell tosses all this in and more. Yet, once again, Gemmell manages to tell a tight, fast-moving tale that kept me on the edge of my seat. This felt a bit rushed toward the end, but so it goes. 4 wolfish stars!!
November 5, 2015
Enjoyed re-re-reading this book, but it's not his best work. Still, a mediocre Gemmell book beats most others across the board.
May 5, 2025
David Gemmell had THREE awards named after him. Honouring his 30+ novels. Just in case ya didn't know!
October 27, 2025
4'5
Como dice algún comentario que leído del libro, la literatura de David Gemmell, habla siempre de batallas sin esperanza.
Dakeyras vive tranquilamente apartado en el bosque con su hija Miriel, hasta que ponen precio a su cabeza, y Waylander despierta.
Aquí tenemos un claro caso de presa convertida en cazador. ¿Se puede saber de quién fue la idea de intentar matar a Waylander, el mismísimo Ladrón de Almas?
Además de Miriel, se le unen en su lucha el antiguo gladiador Ángel, el joven guapo y descarado, Senta y el nadir Belash.
Pero mas allá de presas y cazadores, el destino de los nadir y de toda Drenai está en juego (¡y cuándo no!).
Otro libro del autor que da en el clavo.
Como ya nos tiene acostumbrados, batallas épicas, muertes heroicas, el lore va creciendo con cada nueva novela.
Y además me ha servido para apreciar Waylander de la manera que se merece.
Batallas sin esperanza, y victorias épicas.
Como dice algún comentario que leído del libro, la literatura de David Gemmell, habla siempre de batallas sin esperanza.
Dakeyras vive tranquilamente apartado en el bosque con su hija Miriel, hasta que ponen precio a su cabeza, y Waylander despierta.
Aquí tenemos un claro caso de presa convertida en cazador. ¿Se puede saber de quién fue la idea de intentar matar a Waylander, el mismísimo Ladrón de Almas?
Además de Miriel, se le unen en su lucha el antiguo gladiador Ángel, el joven guapo y descarado, Senta y el nadir Belash.
Pero mas allá de presas y cazadores, el destino de los nadir y de toda Drenai está en juego (¡y cuándo no!).
Otro libro del autor que da en el clavo.
Como ya nos tiene acostumbrados, batallas épicas, muertes heroicas, el lore va creciendo con cada nueva novela.
Y además me ha servido para apreciar Waylander de la manera que se merece.
Batallas sin esperanza, y victorias épicas.
December 22, 2023
In the UK this book was titled simple Waylander 2 and continues the story of the hero from the book of the same name.
It's very much a typical story in the Drenai series, a group of heroes fighting against seemingly overwhelming odds. A tale of bravery, loyalty, love, betreyal etc etc. If you have read any of Gemmell's books then you will be familiar with the way he uses these tropes. This does verge on grimdark though, so it's not all predictable heroic fun.
It's very much a typical story in the Drenai series, a group of heroes fighting against seemingly overwhelming odds. A tale of bravery, loyalty, love, betreyal etc etc. If you have read any of Gemmell's books then you will be familiar with the way he uses these tropes. This does verge on grimdark though, so it's not all predictable heroic fun.
September 23, 2022
Great start and great ending. The middle of the
Book gets a bit muddled. Overall enjoyed it not my favorite but still good.
Book gets a bit muddled. Overall enjoyed it not my favorite but still good.
March 8, 2021
Once again Gemmell delivers a highly affecting, emotional story of friendship and found family, of loyalty and love. The assassin Waylander is back, having retired and is raising his adoptive daughter, training her to fight. He also adopts a scrawny dog because he leaves no one behind. Yes, big scary warrior is such a softie ;_______;
I have nothing but praise for the prose, the storytelling and the characters who are flawed and relatable and human. Each of his Drenai books are moving and feature real people from Gemmell's own life and it truly shows what an expert student of character he is, to build these figures on traits he admires in others and feel sure his readers will love, too. I am so in awe. I wish I could have spoken to him, but at least his books speak to me.
I have nothing but praise for the prose, the storytelling and the characters who are flawed and relatable and human. Each of his Drenai books are moving and feature real people from Gemmell's own life and it truly shows what an expert student of character he is, to build these figures on traits he admires in others and feel sure his readers will love, too. I am so in awe. I wish I could have spoken to him, but at least his books speak to me.
February 5, 2017
8.5/10
Continuing with the second book in the adventures of Waylander, Gemmell takes us back again to the first era of the Drenai, in a very beautiful story of love, passion, hate and sacrifice; and with his writing being also wonderfully enchanting.
The story continues 10 years after ‘Waylander’ with the protagonist having now left his past behind and begun his own life. But the name of Waylander hasn’t yet been forgotten in the world and when, through an unfortunate event, a person very close to him gets hurt his enemies will have to seek him and kill him before he comes and takes his revenge; though, even through all these years, neither he has forgotten the talent of the Slayer.
Only that this new adventure will put him into something much bigger than he had expected as, he will try to protect his daughter, he will find himself against the machinations of the cunning sorcerer Zhu Chao and a great war that threatens to bring the destruction to themselves, but also to the whole world.
The book has a story that Gemmell has told many times again and again, but nevertheless he has managed, through his wonderful talent, to make -yet again- a very entertaining story with the characters having to face their own difficulties and also making you love them as they put their own mark in this saga, which, in the end, makes this book even more unique.
However, what makes this book so good, and the reason that I find it so unique, is the way Gemmell handles the characters and the story itself as, his writing evolved more and more through the years, he manages to combine the previous books (in a publication order speaking) as he takes us in this adventure at the beginning of the great prophecy of the Uniter, of the Nadir -which gets revealed in ‘The Legend of Deathwalker’ and even continues to ‘The King Beyond the Gate’-; and which will also determin the future and the fate of the Drenai.
Overall, this is a very good continuation to the adventures of Waylander with Gemmell showing us again one of his great talents at making wonderful characters, as also bringing and a highly entertaining story.
Continuing with the second book in the adventures of Waylander, Gemmell takes us back again to the first era of the Drenai, in a very beautiful story of love, passion, hate and sacrifice; and with his writing being also wonderfully enchanting.
The story continues 10 years after ‘Waylander’ with the protagonist having now left his past behind and begun his own life. But the name of Waylander hasn’t yet been forgotten in the world and when, through an unfortunate event, a person very close to him gets hurt his enemies will have to seek him and kill him before he comes and takes his revenge; though, even through all these years, neither he has forgotten the talent of the Slayer.
Only that this new adventure will put him into something much bigger than he had expected as, he will try to protect his daughter, he will find himself against the machinations of the cunning sorcerer Zhu Chao and a great war that threatens to bring the destruction to themselves, but also to the whole world.
The book has a story that Gemmell has told many times again and again, but nevertheless he has managed, through his wonderful talent, to make -yet again- a very entertaining story with the characters having to face their own difficulties and also making you love them as they put their own mark in this saga, which, in the end, makes this book even more unique.
However, what makes this book so good, and the reason that I find it so unique, is the way Gemmell handles the characters and the story itself as, his writing evolved more and more through the years, he manages to combine the previous books (in a publication order speaking) as he takes us in this adventure at the beginning of the great prophecy of the Uniter, of the Nadir -which gets revealed in ‘The Legend of Deathwalker’ and even continues to ‘The King Beyond the Gate’-; and which will also determin the future and the fate of the Drenai.
Overall, this is a very good continuation to the adventures of Waylander with Gemmell showing us again one of his great talents at making wonderful characters, as also bringing and a highly entertaining story.
April 13, 2017
Ugh...really wish I hadn’t just barreled through like eight books without writing them up. Now I’ve already forgotten a bunch of shit from all of them. Anyways, this furthers the earliest thread of the Drenai saga that Gemmell started with the first Waylander book. Our hero Dakeyras the Slayer has retired from the killing game and is chilling on his isolated estate with his daughter Miriel. The book consists of his adventures in conducting repairs on his house, long walks in the forests surrounding it and haggling with the merchants in the nearby market.
Kidding, of course. As one can expect, forces conspire to pull Waylander out of his retirement and get back into the game doing what he does best; absolutely killing the shit out of anyone who fucks with him and his with the greatest of ease. Seriously, as far as fictional badasses go Waylander can hang with the best of him. It’s a pleasure to watch him in action. He’s not a straight-up havoc-wreaking hurricane of death and destruction like Druss but in some ways his stealthier ways can be more entertaining. He’s joined on his quest by the aforementioned daughter Miriel, ex-gladiator Angel and some other dudes and dudettes whose names I forget. Despite my extremely poor memory Gemmell’s characters are always entertaining, if not unforgettably written.
The actual plot I shouldn’t get too much into here because there’s a lot of twists and turns and it’d be easy to give stuff away by getting into it. Suffice it to say that some shadowy figure has put a bounty on Waylander’s head and after some dumbass comes out to collect on it (and gets predictably iced as if Waylander was squashing a fly) our hero must venture forth into the war-wracked lands of Gemmell’s imagination and find out who set the price on his head. As usual you get tons of action and lots of interesting traveling and people to meet. It’s always interesting to see how characters and events tie into books set later chronologically like King Beyond the Gate or Quest for Lost Heroes. A worthy continuation of this very entertaining series!
Kidding, of course. As one can expect, forces conspire to pull Waylander out of his retirement and get back into the game doing what he does best; absolutely killing the shit out of anyone who fucks with him and his with the greatest of ease. Seriously, as far as fictional badasses go Waylander can hang with the best of him. It’s a pleasure to watch him in action. He’s not a straight-up havoc-wreaking hurricane of death and destruction like Druss but in some ways his stealthier ways can be more entertaining. He’s joined on his quest by the aforementioned daughter Miriel, ex-gladiator Angel and some other dudes and dudettes whose names I forget. Despite my extremely poor memory Gemmell’s characters are always entertaining, if not unforgettably written.
The actual plot I shouldn’t get too much into here because there’s a lot of twists and turns and it’d be easy to give stuff away by getting into it. Suffice it to say that some shadowy figure has put a bounty on Waylander’s head and after some dumbass comes out to collect on it (and gets predictably iced as if Waylander was squashing a fly) our hero must venture forth into the war-wracked lands of Gemmell’s imagination and find out who set the price on his head. As usual you get tons of action and lots of interesting traveling and people to meet. It’s always interesting to see how characters and events tie into books set later chronologically like King Beyond the Gate or Quest for Lost Heroes. A worthy continuation of this very entertaining series!
November 1, 2025
Firstly , I don't think Gemmell is capable of writing a bad book, but im of the view that Waylander didnt really need a sequel and would have worked better as a standalone. I also feel that the ending is a bit rushed but David has become one of my favourite writers and I wish Id read his books sooner.
Saying that a return for Waylander, next up for me when I return to the Drenai saga is the return of Druss which Im sure will not be a let down.
Saying that a return for Waylander, next up for me when I return to the Drenai saga is the return of Druss which Im sure will not be a let down.
May 13, 2023
With Waylander II, I've hit my stride with this series. Getting through them now is like swallowing down a glass of water on a hot day. Easy peasy.
This one was apparently written a long time after Waylander was published, when someone asked Gemmell what happened to Danyul and the children after they went off to live with Waylander. What sort of upbringing did the girls get? What sort of parents were they?
As you'd expect, the girls were taught to fend for themselves, kick a lot of ass, and kill people that need killing.
We rejoin W at his mountaintop hideaway where he lives with his remaining daughter, Muriel. Her twin sister married and lives in town now, and their mother Danyul This quiet life is ruined when a mysterious person puts a bounty on W's head of 10,000 gold pieces. Waylander and Muriel are baffled: he's been a hermit for the last ten years, living off the land and barely going into town for supplies. Although very few people know who he truly is, word has gotten out that he is the former assassin and king killer, Waylander. Bad men come to his cottage. Carnage ensues.
All these books are a little sad. Gemmell was an unsentimental bastard, and characters you like are liable to be killed off at any time. This book is no exception.
Switching over now to Karin Slaughter's Will Trent/Sara Linton series. I've hit my Scribd limit for the month (m*$$f$*%^@!) so I'll have to pick back up in June with Hero in the Shadows. Until next time...
This one was apparently written a long time after Waylander was published, when someone asked Gemmell what happened to Danyul and the children after they went off to live with Waylander. What sort of upbringing did the girls get? What sort of parents were they?
As you'd expect, the girls were taught to fend for themselves, kick a lot of ass, and kill people that need killing.
We rejoin W at his mountaintop hideaway where he lives with his remaining daughter, Muriel. Her twin sister married and lives in town now, and their mother Danyul This quiet life is ruined when a mysterious person puts a bounty on W's head of 10,000 gold pieces. Waylander and Muriel are baffled: he's been a hermit for the last ten years, living off the land and barely going into town for supplies. Although very few people know who he truly is, word has gotten out that he is the former assassin and king killer, Waylander. Bad men come to his cottage. Carnage ensues.
All these books are a little sad. Gemmell was an unsentimental bastard, and characters you like are liable to be killed off at any time. This book is no exception.
Switching over now to Karin Slaughter's Will Trent/Sara Linton series. I've hit my Scribd limit for the month (m*$$f$*%^@!) so I'll have to pick back up in June with Hero in the Shadows. Until next time...
March 9, 2013
A typically entertaining Gemmell read, although not one of my favourites; this one lacks the profundity found in other classic novels like LEGEND or ECHOES OF THE GREAT SONG. Still, it proves plenty of action and excitement in what turns out to be a slim, straightforward follow-up to WAYLANDER.
The former assassin and anti-hero of the first book returns, this time living peacefully in the mountains with his grown-up daughter - until he finds himself stalked by an assassin band. A small-scale adventure soon transforms into a world-changing epic, full of the usual Gemmell ingredients: sorcery, massed battles, monstrous beasts, sieges and psychic trips into an evil netherworld.
The storyline may be predictable and the events that unfold strictly by the numbers for this author, but as usual the interest lies in both the descriptions and the characterisation. The characters are intriguingly multi-layered, with apparent villains becoming heroes, and well-drawn on the page. I like the way that Gemmell takes stock fantasy characters - the barbarian, the swordsman, the wizard - and makes them into recognisable humans with their own qualities and vices.
And, of course, the novel has beautiful descriptions of scenery and action, a wonderful canine supporting role for a dog called Scar, and plenty of breakneck battles. It's a super-fast read that never slows for a second from beginning to end. Plenty of fun, and perfect pulp entertainment.
The former assassin and anti-hero of the first book returns, this time living peacefully in the mountains with his grown-up daughter - until he finds himself stalked by an assassin band. A small-scale adventure soon transforms into a world-changing epic, full of the usual Gemmell ingredients: sorcery, massed battles, monstrous beasts, sieges and psychic trips into an evil netherworld.
The storyline may be predictable and the events that unfold strictly by the numbers for this author, but as usual the interest lies in both the descriptions and the characterisation. The characters are intriguingly multi-layered, with apparent villains becoming heroes, and well-drawn on the page. I like the way that Gemmell takes stock fantasy characters - the barbarian, the swordsman, the wizard - and makes them into recognisable humans with their own qualities and vices.
And, of course, the novel has beautiful descriptions of scenery and action, a wonderful canine supporting role for a dog called Scar, and plenty of breakneck battles. It's a super-fast read that never slows for a second from beginning to end. Plenty of fun, and perfect pulp entertainment.
August 20, 2025
4.0/5 Stars
If my thoughts about this book settle in the next couple, I might share then. Mixed bag.
If my thoughts about this book settle in the next couple, I might share then. Mixed bag.
November 8, 2020
Gemmell nunca falla. Aventuras, magia, épica y diversión a saco.
November 8, 2018
You can take the wolf from the hunt, but never the hunt from the wolf.
The hunters are come. The price on their prey’s head is far too rich a sum to ignore. A princely sum for a single death – well worth it for the man who killed the King, all those years ago.
But what is the true cost of trapping such a prey?
The hunted waits. The price on his head warrants answers. A sum for the Prince of Assassins, and his answers demand payment in kind.
Hunters, mercenaries, a dark brotherhood, demons – all want for his death. Though he is but a mortal man, the Assassin is caught in a web of destiny, one which will shape the world for years to come. The rise and fall of nations rest on his shoulders, and more fittingly, the aim of his crossbow.
You know what they say about cornered beasts…
…The wolf returns to the hunt.
The Good: Waylander (yes, he is a ‘pro’ in his own right); solid, simple plot that is highly engaging and enjoyable; doesn’t lead the reader by the hand and lets you judge the characters for yourself; doesn’t suffer from ‘difficult second book syndrome’ (though not truly Gemmell’s second novel, it is the second outing in Waylander’s series).
The Bad: Not for the epic-fantasy diehards wanting full blown ‘out-of-this-world-worldbuilding’ or complex magic systems. To me, in all honesty, the first book was better, but it set the bar so high that would be a difficult podium to steal.
The Ugly Truth: A second outing for Gemmell’s Waylander, and the story is a fantastic continuation to the first, however it is strong to enough to stand on its own two feet for those that haven’t read ‘Waylander’. For fans of low fantasy, 50 shades of anti-hero grey whilst acknowledging a black and white moral code. Ooo, has a dog, too!
David Gemmell’s ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’ is a return to the land of the Drenai, a sequel to his earlier title ‘Waylander’. The stage has already been set in the titular novel, but this second act breathes fresh life into old favourites and furthers the Drenai universe for future outings.
Waylander returns in all his violent triumph. Cold-blooded, calculated, and lethal above all else. Set years after his initial appearance, the assassin has returned to his given name, Dakeyras, and settled down to a quiet life. After the events of the first book, he wed Danyal, and raised the girls Krylla and Muriel as his daughters. In a cruel twist of fate, Danyal died in a tragic accident. Krylla has wed and moved away. Muriel alone is left, but what sort of child can an assassin raise?
Dakeyras has been lost to grief. But, when he hears of the price on his head, Waylander returns. At first, it seems that he waits for his hunters to find him, ready for the final showdown, to die in the only way he knows how – fighting. When answers come to light, the hunted becomes the hunter. Death has always been his answer, and this time its personal.
As well as the return of familiar faces (Karnak the war hero, and Dardalion the Priest), we are introduced to an endearing host of fresh personalities. Angel, the weathered and weary gladiator, carrying scars that mark his years of carving out a bitter hardship in life. Senta, the conceited swordsman who hides a heart beneath a roguish smile. And Muriel, the lost little girl raised by a killer, now a grown woman who hides more than just herself in the shadows.
As ever, Gemmell writers with a pace for purpose rather than eloquence. The story drags the reader along at crossbow-point, held by the throat. The action is visceral, sharp.
Gemmell is a master of the ‘greater story’ of the Drenai. As with ‘Waylander’ – in which he tilts the hat to his debut ‘Legend’ by name-dropping – in ‘Waylander II’ Gemmell continues to interweave plotlines, going so far as to highlight ‘Tenaka Khan – The King Beyond the Gate’ the protagonist from, funnily enough, ‘The King Beyond The Gate’. That, and a few tongue-in-cheek references to the questionable purpose of Dros Delnoch standing against the Nadir foe…it’ll never happen…will it?
Where ‘Waylander’ was a story of redemption, ‘Waylander II’ is a story of acceptance. Accept what has happened, how it happened, and what or who it made you. But what will or can happen can be influenced and changed – that in itself is a truth that must be accepted. Embrace life.
…or as Waylander does, take it.
The hunters are come. The price on their prey’s head is far too rich a sum to ignore. A princely sum for a single death – well worth it for the man who killed the King, all those years ago.
But what is the true cost of trapping such a prey?
The hunted waits. The price on his head warrants answers. A sum for the Prince of Assassins, and his answers demand payment in kind.
Hunters, mercenaries, a dark brotherhood, demons – all want for his death. Though he is but a mortal man, the Assassin is caught in a web of destiny, one which will shape the world for years to come. The rise and fall of nations rest on his shoulders, and more fittingly, the aim of his crossbow.
You know what they say about cornered beasts…
…The wolf returns to the hunt.
The Good: Waylander (yes, he is a ‘pro’ in his own right); solid, simple plot that is highly engaging and enjoyable; doesn’t lead the reader by the hand and lets you judge the characters for yourself; doesn’t suffer from ‘difficult second book syndrome’ (though not truly Gemmell’s second novel, it is the second outing in Waylander’s series).
The Bad: Not for the epic-fantasy diehards wanting full blown ‘out-of-this-world-worldbuilding’ or complex magic systems. To me, in all honesty, the first book was better, but it set the bar so high that would be a difficult podium to steal.
The Ugly Truth: A second outing for Gemmell’s Waylander, and the story is a fantastic continuation to the first, however it is strong to enough to stand on its own two feet for those that haven’t read ‘Waylander’. For fans of low fantasy, 50 shades of anti-hero grey whilst acknowledging a black and white moral code. Ooo, has a dog, too!
David Gemmell’s ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’ is a return to the land of the Drenai, a sequel to his earlier title ‘Waylander’. The stage has already been set in the titular novel, but this second act breathes fresh life into old favourites and furthers the Drenai universe for future outings.
Waylander returns in all his violent triumph. Cold-blooded, calculated, and lethal above all else. Set years after his initial appearance, the assassin has returned to his given name, Dakeyras, and settled down to a quiet life. After the events of the first book, he wed Danyal, and raised the girls Krylla and Muriel as his daughters. In a cruel twist of fate, Danyal died in a tragic accident. Krylla has wed and moved away. Muriel alone is left, but what sort of child can an assassin raise?
Dakeyras has been lost to grief. But, when he hears of the price on his head, Waylander returns. At first, it seems that he waits for his hunters to find him, ready for the final showdown, to die in the only way he knows how – fighting. When answers come to light, the hunted becomes the hunter. Death has always been his answer, and this time its personal.
As well as the return of familiar faces (Karnak the war hero, and Dardalion the Priest), we are introduced to an endearing host of fresh personalities. Angel, the weathered and weary gladiator, carrying scars that mark his years of carving out a bitter hardship in life. Senta, the conceited swordsman who hides a heart beneath a roguish smile. And Muriel, the lost little girl raised by a killer, now a grown woman who hides more than just herself in the shadows.
As ever, Gemmell writers with a pace for purpose rather than eloquence. The story drags the reader along at crossbow-point, held by the throat. The action is visceral, sharp.
Gemmell is a master of the ‘greater story’ of the Drenai. As with ‘Waylander’ – in which he tilts the hat to his debut ‘Legend’ by name-dropping – in ‘Waylander II’ Gemmell continues to interweave plotlines, going so far as to highlight ‘Tenaka Khan – The King Beyond the Gate’ the protagonist from, funnily enough, ‘The King Beyond The Gate’. That, and a few tongue-in-cheek references to the questionable purpose of Dros Delnoch standing against the Nadir foe…it’ll never happen…will it?
Where ‘Waylander’ was a story of redemption, ‘Waylander II’ is a story of acceptance. Accept what has happened, how it happened, and what or who it made you. But what will or can happen can be influenced and changed – that in itself is a truth that must be accepted. Embrace life.
…or as Waylander does, take it.
September 16, 2012
You can take the wolf from the hunt, but never the hunt from the wolf.
The hunters are come. Men of blood and blade. The price on their prey’s head is far too rich a sum to ignore. A princely sum for a single death, and only a king’s ransom can pay it. But what is the true cost of trapping such a prey?
The hunted waits. A man of anguish and anger. The price on his head warrants answers. A sum for the Prince of Assassins, and his answers demand payment in kind.
Hunters, Mercenaries, a dark brotherhood, demons – all want for his death. Though he is but a man, the Assassin is caught in a web of destiny, one which will shape the world for years to come. The rise and fall of nations rest on his shoulders, but more importantly, the aim of his crossbow.
All know what is said about cornered beasts…
…The wolf returns.
David Gemmell’s ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’ is a return to the land of the Drenai, a direct sequel to his earlier title ‘Waylander’. The stage has already been set in the titular novel, but this second act breathes fresh life into old favourites and furthers the Drenai universe for the future stories.
Waylander returns in all his violent triumph. Cold-blood, calculated and lethal above all else. Set years after his initial appearance, the assassin has favoured his given name, Dakeyras, and settled down. He wed Danyal, and raised the girls Krylla and Muriel as his daughters. In a cruel twist of fate, Danyal died in a tragic accident. Krylla has wed and moved away. Muriel alone is left, but what sort of child can an assassin raise?
Dakeyras has been lost to grief. But, when he hears of the price on his head, Waylander returns. At first, it seems that he waits for his hunters to find him, ready for the final showdown, to die as he only knows how – fighting. When answers come to light, the hunted becomes the hunter. Death has always been his answer, and this time its personal.
As well as the return of familiar faces (Karnak the war hero, and Dardalion the Priest), we are introduced to an endearing host of fresh personalities. Angel, the weathered and weary gladiator, carrying scars that mark his years of carving out a bitter hardship in life. Senta, the conceited swordsman who hides a heart beneath a roguish smile. And Muriel, the lost little girl raised by a killer, now a grown woman who hides more than just herself in the shadows.
As ever, Gemmell writers with a pace for purpose rather than eloquence. The story drags the reader along at crossbow-point, held by the throat, swept up in an elemental storm. The action is visceral, sharp, and the developments are precise and delivered with the infinite surety of an assassin’s shot between the eyes.
Gemmell is a master of the ‘greater story’. As with ‘Waylander’, in which he tilts the hat to his debut ‘Legend’ by name-dropping, in ‘Waylander II’ Gemmell continues to interweave details, going so far as to highlight ‘Tenaka Khan – The King Beyond the Gate’ the protagonist from, funnily enough, ‘The King Beyond The Gate’. That, and a few tongue-in-cheek references to the questionable purpose of Dros Delnoch standing against the Nadir foe…it’ll never happen…will it?
Where ‘Waylander’ was a story of redemption, ‘Waylander II’ is a story of acceptance. Accept what has happened and what you are. But will or can happen can be changed, that in itself is a truth that must be accepted. Embrace life.
…or as Waylander does, take it.
The hunters are come. Men of blood and blade. The price on their prey’s head is far too rich a sum to ignore. A princely sum for a single death, and only a king’s ransom can pay it. But what is the true cost of trapping such a prey?
The hunted waits. A man of anguish and anger. The price on his head warrants answers. A sum for the Prince of Assassins, and his answers demand payment in kind.
Hunters, Mercenaries, a dark brotherhood, demons – all want for his death. Though he is but a man, the Assassin is caught in a web of destiny, one which will shape the world for years to come. The rise and fall of nations rest on his shoulders, but more importantly, the aim of his crossbow.
All know what is said about cornered beasts…
…The wolf returns.
David Gemmell’s ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’ is a return to the land of the Drenai, a direct sequel to his earlier title ‘Waylander’. The stage has already been set in the titular novel, but this second act breathes fresh life into old favourites and furthers the Drenai universe for the future stories.
Waylander returns in all his violent triumph. Cold-blood, calculated and lethal above all else. Set years after his initial appearance, the assassin has favoured his given name, Dakeyras, and settled down. He wed Danyal, and raised the girls Krylla and Muriel as his daughters. In a cruel twist of fate, Danyal died in a tragic accident. Krylla has wed and moved away. Muriel alone is left, but what sort of child can an assassin raise?
Dakeyras has been lost to grief. But, when he hears of the price on his head, Waylander returns. At first, it seems that he waits for his hunters to find him, ready for the final showdown, to die as he only knows how – fighting. When answers come to light, the hunted becomes the hunter. Death has always been his answer, and this time its personal.
As well as the return of familiar faces (Karnak the war hero, and Dardalion the Priest), we are introduced to an endearing host of fresh personalities. Angel, the weathered and weary gladiator, carrying scars that mark his years of carving out a bitter hardship in life. Senta, the conceited swordsman who hides a heart beneath a roguish smile. And Muriel, the lost little girl raised by a killer, now a grown woman who hides more than just herself in the shadows.
As ever, Gemmell writers with a pace for purpose rather than eloquence. The story drags the reader along at crossbow-point, held by the throat, swept up in an elemental storm. The action is visceral, sharp, and the developments are precise and delivered with the infinite surety of an assassin’s shot between the eyes.
Gemmell is a master of the ‘greater story’. As with ‘Waylander’, in which he tilts the hat to his debut ‘Legend’ by name-dropping, in ‘Waylander II’ Gemmell continues to interweave details, going so far as to highlight ‘Tenaka Khan – The King Beyond the Gate’ the protagonist from, funnily enough, ‘The King Beyond The Gate’. That, and a few tongue-in-cheek references to the questionable purpose of Dros Delnoch standing against the Nadir foe…it’ll never happen…will it?
Where ‘Waylander’ was a story of redemption, ‘Waylander II’ is a story of acceptance. Accept what has happened and what you are. But will or can happen can be changed, that in itself is a truth that must be accepted. Embrace life.
…or as Waylander does, take it.
March 5, 2018
In The Realm of The Wolf is the second book in the Waylander Trilogy. In the first book, we saw how Waylander was saved. He left to live his life with Danyal and the two little girls. I wondered what he would be like, as a husband and a father. He was prepared to live his life in peace but could he learn to let go of his bloody past? Alas, Fate was once again determined to drag him back into the violence and death he’d left behind.
Waylander was ten years older but no less deadly. Holy cow, even older, he was a force to reckon with. His fighting skills, his sixth sense for danger were still sharp. I empathized with him over all he’d lost but he was a man shaped by trauma into a deadly weapon. It was in the midst of danger that he felt most alive.
I was surprised by his caring for his daughter, Miriel, but I shouldn’t have been. His capacity to care, to love was his biggest strength and it was what had been his downfall. It was losing the people he loved which had caused him to seek revenge. It was what had turned Dakeyras into Waylander.
The Nadir shaman, Kesa Khan, was an ugly little man. His cause to bring about the Uniter who would bring all the Nadir clans together as a people was admirable but he was filled with malice and hatred for the Drenai. It was that hatred which almost lost him everything.
I enjoyed In The Realm Of The Wolf immensely, with the startling revelations and prophesies that would affect the future of the Drenai and the Nadir.
David Gemmell crafted an awesome plot-line, mingling the Drenai and the Nadir together, with surprising twists and turns and a new cast of characters.
Posted on Blog
Waylander was ten years older but no less deadly. Holy cow, even older, he was a force to reckon with. His fighting skills, his sixth sense for danger were still sharp. I empathized with him over all he’d lost but he was a man shaped by trauma into a deadly weapon. It was in the midst of danger that he felt most alive.
I was surprised by his caring for his daughter, Miriel, but I shouldn’t have been. His capacity to care, to love was his biggest strength and it was what had been his downfall. It was losing the people he loved which had caused him to seek revenge. It was what had turned Dakeyras into Waylander.
The Nadir shaman, Kesa Khan, was an ugly little man. His cause to bring about the Uniter who would bring all the Nadir clans together as a people was admirable but he was filled with malice and hatred for the Drenai. It was that hatred which almost lost him everything.
I enjoyed In The Realm Of The Wolf immensely, with the startling revelations and prophesies that would affect the future of the Drenai and the Nadir.
David Gemmell crafted an awesome plot-line, mingling the Drenai and the Nadir together, with surprising twists and turns and a new cast of characters.
Posted on Blog
November 10, 2023
Waylander 2: In the Realm of the Wolf, is a well-crafted fantasy adventure that continues the saga. Gemmell writes a very distinctive blend of heroic characters, and Waylander is up there with some of his best. The one thing I love about Gemmell is his storytelling which shines on every page. There were a few plot twists and unexpected changes in the direction of the story. Gemmell gets a good balance of action and character introspection, allowing you to connect with the motivations of the characters. This story is full of typical Gemmell themes of honour, redemption and enduring spirit. and this one is no exception. We get plenty of vivid descriptions and good pacing which in itself creates a compelling narrative between action and dialogue, keeping you turning the pages. The world-building is secondary to well-developed characters including secondary characters. Gemmell excels at action and depth of narrative above all creating compelling reading experience. Not my favourite but it was great to revisit this story and Gemmell never disappoints, highly recommend.
May 31, 2018
"Expect the best. Prepare for the worst."
In the Realm of the Wolf (InRotW) is the fifth (chronological fourth) in the Drenai series. It follows the timeline after Wayander, though, years later.
The Drenai novels more or less follow the same build up. In the beginning of the novels we have young potential heroes and experienced, bitter and/or broken men to show them the ropes and teach their live learnings, while the novel builds up for a struggle against all odds.
The first 50%-65% also deals with a philosophical subject with one or more characters experience this and discuss it during the book. InRotW deals with love. Mostly first time love vs experienced love, but also age difference and father figures. It's not that deep, though, and the story isn't as strong as some of the earlier work.
"He had fought men before, blade to blade, and knew he was no coward, but the dark of the forest, the hissing of the wind, the sibilant rustling of the leaves, and the knowledge that Waylander was moving toward him like death's shadow almost unmanned him."
January 9, 2022
Another beautifully crafted, exciting fantasy adventure by Gemmell which showcases again his ability to weave semi-complex political stories with the more personal thoughts and motives of his, dare I say it... perfect characters.
The action in this book is so elegantly, yet simply described you almost feel like you are in the room with it happening. Sword clash... dodge... sword clash! You are there! And the consequences of this action reverberates through the story at each turn. No battle is filler, no line of dialogue wasted.
Waylander II yet again puts the title character at the forefront of the book and he is yet again joined by a band of interesting and three dimensional characters, all connected to him in interesting ways. Each character having their own very human thoughts, regrets and dreams.
This book didn’t quite have the emotional impact I had hoped for as some of Gemmell’s other books have had for me BUT... it is still a wonderful fantasy novel, beautifully written and deeply believable.
Like all the previous books by this author it has me already worried for when I finish his full list of publications. I love this world he has created and once in it, I feel like I never want to leave it.
The action in this book is so elegantly, yet simply described you almost feel like you are in the room with it happening. Sword clash... dodge... sword clash! You are there! And the consequences of this action reverberates through the story at each turn. No battle is filler, no line of dialogue wasted.
Waylander II yet again puts the title character at the forefront of the book and he is yet again joined by a band of interesting and three dimensional characters, all connected to him in interesting ways. Each character having their own very human thoughts, regrets and dreams.
This book didn’t quite have the emotional impact I had hoped for as some of Gemmell’s other books have had for me BUT... it is still a wonderful fantasy novel, beautifully written and deeply believable.
Like all the previous books by this author it has me already worried for when I finish his full list of publications. I love this world he has created and once in it, I feel like I never want to leave it.
May 1, 2018
Waylander nella Royal Rumble
Gradevole e di rapida fruizione - stiamo parlando di Gemmel -, ma la ripetizione di certe tematiche e la costruzione di alcuni personaggi rende l'opera piuttosto derivativa e priva di una sua convincente autonomia; e purtroppo si sbanda paurosamente quando la componente magica (molto kitsch) prende il sopravvento sulle storie dei personaggi coinvolti nel dramma.
Detto questo, "Il lupo dei Drenai" ha un buon ritmo e gode di una manciata di intuizioni indovinate - tema della redenzione, scelta variegata dei villains, profezie come raccordo tra romanzi lontani cronologicamente -, le quali giustificano ampiamente almeno una lettura per ogni amante della fantasy di impronta epica.
Gradevole e di rapida fruizione - stiamo parlando di Gemmel -, ma la ripetizione di certe tematiche e la costruzione di alcuni personaggi rende l'opera piuttosto derivativa e priva di una sua convincente autonomia; e purtroppo si sbanda paurosamente quando la componente magica (molto kitsch) prende il sopravvento sulle storie dei personaggi coinvolti nel dramma.
Detto questo, "Il lupo dei Drenai" ha un buon ritmo e gode di una manciata di intuizioni indovinate - tema della redenzione, scelta variegata dei villains, profezie come raccordo tra romanzi lontani cronologicamente -, le quali giustificano ampiamente almeno una lettura per ogni amante della fantasy di impronta epica.
April 1, 2016
Waylander contro tutti
Altro capitolo con il carismatico Waylander, protagonista insieme alla figlia dell'ennesima avventura ai limiti dell'impossibile.
Come sempre, un Gemmell accattivante anche se già visto.
Altro capitolo con il carismatico Waylander, protagonista insieme alla figlia dell'ennesima avventura ai limiti dell'impossibile.
Come sempre, un Gemmell accattivante anche se già visto.
November 25, 2012
Waylander is a great character, I find Gemmell can write a daughter - father relationship far better than he can write a romance. This is a solid book that provides the history to the first books.
January 1, 2016
3.5 stars. Gemmell has a formula, but it works. This one had a stronger female character than the previous books in the series. Plus, I really like Waylander.
May 19, 2016
This book has everything. The only problem is that everything happens in the last 120, or so, pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews