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The Drenai Saga #9
Hero in the Shadows
In Hero in the Shadows, Waylander, the assassin hero of some of Gemmell's earlier books, is now a middle-aged man looking for peace in a world that will, for the most part, let him alone. The crimes of his past come back to haunt him, as he finds himself responsible for a young prince whose grandfather he murdered, and as creatures of doomed legend come back to rule the world with blood and horror. An aging paladin, a loud-mouthed braggart whom a magic sword has chosen, and a kitchen girl who is unusually handy with her knives become his allies, along with a priestess who is not telling all she knows, or all she is.
Gemmell is one of the best writers of fantasy adventure--this new book is attractively gloomy in its atmosphere and has a pervading sense of the ironic. The action sequences are powerful and well visualized; Gemmell always knows how a particular sort of fight would feel. And there are no simple morals here--most of the characters, heroic or villainous, exist in the gray hinterland between dark and light, where evil acts are often performed in sorrow and good actions often have mixed motives behind them. --Roz Kaveney, Amazon.co.uk
446 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
144 people are currently reading
3217 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
199 books3,818 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 218 reviews
December 18, 2018
”This is a time for heroes…Even shadow warriors once touched by evil.”
Just when I was about to abandon the Drenai Saga, Mr Gemmell’s genius flares again. Just so you know, this fifth star is for the incomparable ditch-digger, Yu Yu Liang.
I was never particularly taken with Waylander the Slayer. In fact, if you check my reviews of the other novels in the Drenai Saga, you will notice that those featuring the nefarious assassin have been rated lower than others. Yet, this finale in the Waylander trilogy (including also Waylander and In the Realm of the Wolf) has all the hallmarks of a heroic fantasy: struggle against evil in spite the unfavourable odds, heroes great not because of their incomparable fighting skills but because of their ability to do what is right, subtle and unpredictable development of characters set against a rich world, thrilling fighting scenes, inspiring dialogues, moments to laugh and moments to cry (yes I did, and call me a sentimental fool but this epilogue was a perfection).
It is difficult to surprise a reader that far in the series, but by the Source, Mr Gemmell achieved this feat and didn’t even break the stride. The story unfolds zooming in onto a seemingly insignificant detail, then zooming out to give us the full vista and once the reader is hooked (it is hard not to be), the tale twists and turns, seamlessly bringing in different POVs and sub-plots together in a masterful finale that delivers everything a fantasy reader craves for and yet manages to avoid cliche fixes.
There are great female and male leads, including Waylander, a man on a mission that could never be completed, but not only him as Mr Gemmell makes sure his hero does not outshine the other fantastic protagonists and antagonists and also those in between. Warriors and monsters, demons and sorcerers, priestess and imposters, whores and ordinary people with extraordinary skills. I liked the very refreshing arc of Keeva Tatiana, neither a romance-y nor snowflake-y, but I positively adored Yu Yu Liang a comic relief, a pretence of a hero, and a pebble that changes the history.
All this is written in the unique style; simple but not simplistic, somewhat crude, full of parables and allegories. When a difficult, philosophical question is asked, normally a tale follows in a very Jesus-like manner of dispensing wisdom through simple stories and relatable examples, which I find very typical for Mr Gemmell. For me, it was just the right mixture of pathos, action, and comedy.
It is hard to show the clash of good and evil from different perspectives and points of view and yet retain the ability to keep a firm boundary between what is right and what is wrong. Mr Gemmell is able to avoid the shades of grey and does not opt for the easy way out of concluding that everything is relative, predominant in the contemporary grim dark novels. And yet, at the same time he shows that even the darkest shadows can be lifted and dispersed if we are willing to pay the price. It is a sad, but a strangely uplifting story.
You can read this truly exceptional book as a standalone without reading the other novels in the Waylander arc or indeed the Drenai world. Although I am sure that upon finishing, you will be wanting more. That’s Gemmell’s magic.
---
Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
2. The King Beyond the Gate ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
5. In the Realm of the Wolf ★★★☆☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
10. White Wolf ★★☆☆☆
11. The Swords of Night and Day ★☆☆☆☆
Just when I was about to abandon the Drenai Saga, Mr Gemmell’s genius flares again. Just so you know, this fifth star is for the incomparable ditch-digger, Yu Yu Liang.
I was never particularly taken with Waylander the Slayer. In fact, if you check my reviews of the other novels in the Drenai Saga, you will notice that those featuring the nefarious assassin have been rated lower than others. Yet, this finale in the Waylander trilogy (including also Waylander and In the Realm of the Wolf) has all the hallmarks of a heroic fantasy: struggle against evil in spite the unfavourable odds, heroes great not because of their incomparable fighting skills but because of their ability to do what is right, subtle and unpredictable development of characters set against a rich world, thrilling fighting scenes, inspiring dialogues, moments to laugh and moments to cry (yes I did, and call me a sentimental fool but this epilogue was a perfection).
It is difficult to surprise a reader that far in the series, but by the Source, Mr Gemmell achieved this feat and didn’t even break the stride. The story unfolds zooming in onto a seemingly insignificant detail, then zooming out to give us the full vista and once the reader is hooked (it is hard not to be), the tale twists and turns, seamlessly bringing in different POVs and sub-plots together in a masterful finale that delivers everything a fantasy reader craves for and yet manages to avoid cliche fixes.
There are great female and male leads, including Waylander, a man on a mission that could never be completed, but not only him as Mr Gemmell makes sure his hero does not outshine the other fantastic protagonists and antagonists and also those in between. Warriors and monsters, demons and sorcerers, priestess and imposters, whores and ordinary people with extraordinary skills. I liked the very refreshing arc of Keeva Tatiana, neither a romance-y nor snowflake-y, but I positively adored Yu Yu Liang a comic relief, a pretence of a hero, and a pebble that changes the history.
All this is written in the unique style; simple but not simplistic, somewhat crude, full of parables and allegories. When a difficult, philosophical question is asked, normally a tale follows in a very Jesus-like manner of dispensing wisdom through simple stories and relatable examples, which I find very typical for Mr Gemmell. For me, it was just the right mixture of pathos, action, and comedy.
It is hard to show the clash of good and evil from different perspectives and points of view and yet retain the ability to keep a firm boundary between what is right and what is wrong. Mr Gemmell is able to avoid the shades of grey and does not opt for the easy way out of concluding that everything is relative, predominant in the contemporary grim dark novels. And yet, at the same time he shows that even the darkest shadows can be lifted and dispersed if we are willing to pay the price. It is a sad, but a strangely uplifting story.
You can read this truly exceptional book as a standalone without reading the other novels in the Waylander arc or indeed the Drenai world. Although I am sure that upon finishing, you will be wanting more. That’s Gemmell’s magic.
---
Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
2. The King Beyond the Gate ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
5. In the Realm of the Wolf ★★★☆☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
10. White Wolf ★★☆☆☆
11. The Swords of Night and Day ★☆☆☆☆
January 12, 2022
I think I'm reading all of these books way out of order, but that's perfectly fine. The story itself is a bit more magical than the other two Waylander books, the overall worldbuilding is as good as any old Conan, and the characters quite memorable. It's a nice intersection between Gemmell's universe and the kinds of modern sword and sorcery adventures that have become quite common today.
My enjoyment level was always pretty solid. It's pretty standard epic fantasy and it satisfies in all the usual ways.
I seriously get a lot of Conan vibes. That isn't a bad thing. :)
My enjoyment level was always pretty solid. It's pretty standard epic fantasy and it satisfies in all the usual ways.
I seriously get a lot of Conan vibes. That isn't a bad thing. :)
December 8, 2024
The third and last of Gemmell's Waylander tales falls short of the previous two, but still makes for a good read. Gemmell had a tendency to prolong character arcs over several books; Druss featured in several tales for example. I know it can be hard to give characters up, especially such excellent ones as the Waylander, but this one felt a little long in the tooth.
Hero in the Shadows takes place about a decade after the last Waylander book, and finds the Waylander in a new land, across the ocean from Drenai. The Waylander utilized his monies to purchase large amount of land, build a palace (which contains a hospital and semi-public library), but he still is unhappy, ruing his past.
Gemmell introduces a range of characters, although fewer than usual, and you know they will come together to face some challenge. Apparently, some 3000 years ago, a few great wars were fought on the lands the Waylander now resides. Some powerful magicker opened a portal to an alternative world, bringing forth demons and meldings (those strange half-human, half-animal beasts Gemmell introduced a few books back). Anyway, the portal is now reopening, and guess who will be tagged on stopping the end of the world...
This novel came out in 2000, almost 15 years after the second Waylander, and I am not sure why Gemmell thought to revisit Waylander once again. The story itself is fine, but it lacks the taut pacing and excitement of the first two. Further, the philosophical musings contain less pith and assume a more maudlin nature. Good, but far from Gemmell's best. 3 stars.
Hero in the Shadows takes place about a decade after the last Waylander book, and finds the Waylander in a new land, across the ocean from Drenai. The Waylander utilized his monies to purchase large amount of land, build a palace (which contains a hospital and semi-public library), but he still is unhappy, ruing his past.
Gemmell introduces a range of characters, although fewer than usual, and you know they will come together to face some challenge. Apparently, some 3000 years ago, a few great wars were fought on the lands the Waylander now resides. Some powerful magicker opened a portal to an alternative world, bringing forth demons and meldings (those strange half-human, half-animal beasts Gemmell introduced a few books back). Anyway, the portal is now reopening, and guess who will be tagged on stopping the end of the world...
This novel came out in 2000, almost 15 years after the second Waylander, and I am not sure why Gemmell thought to revisit Waylander once again. The story itself is fine, but it lacks the taut pacing and excitement of the first two. Further, the philosophical musings contain less pith and assume a more maudlin nature. Good, but far from Gemmell's best. 3 stars.
February 12, 2024
Oh man the epilogue made me tear up. What a great conclusion to Waylander’s story arc
March 21, 2021
Leído (y escrito el comentario) en 2013. Ahí va:
Tercer libro de la saga y nada nuevo que comentar, salvo que mantiene el interés como si fuese el primer libro de la misma. Es más, creo que de momento este es el qe más me va gustando.
No hay nada radicalmente nuevo en la historia pero es una lectura sencilla, agradable y que es altamente adictiva. ¿se puede pedir más a una obra de Fantasía?. Bueno, sí, si se puede, pero esta novela no da personajes demasiado creíbles ni historias demasiado originales. Ni falta que la hace.
Mencionar que si habla de mundos paralelos (¿eso no era CF?. Ja, ja) y salen híbridos mezclados de humanos y animales. Olé!
Y añadir que los personajes de la novela tampoco están mal dibujados. Cierto que no es Orson Scott Card, pero a mí me parecen más que dignos para una obra en la que no hay diez líneas seguidas de reflexiones de personajes. Y, no nos engañemos, si queremos personajes "con cuerpo" son necesarias esas reflexiones sesudas.
Resumen, que me enrollo : ¿Te gusta la Fantasía?. ¿Si?. Pues este te gusta, aunque sea un tercer volumen. Voy raudo a por el cuarto ...
Tercer libro de la saga y nada nuevo que comentar, salvo que mantiene el interés como si fuese el primer libro de la misma. Es más, creo que de momento este es el qe más me va gustando.
No hay nada radicalmente nuevo en la historia pero es una lectura sencilla, agradable y que es altamente adictiva. ¿se puede pedir más a una obra de Fantasía?. Bueno, sí, si se puede, pero esta novela no da personajes demasiado creíbles ni historias demasiado originales. Ni falta que la hace.
Mencionar que si habla de mundos paralelos (¿eso no era CF?. Ja, ja) y salen híbridos mezclados de humanos y animales. Olé!
Y añadir que los personajes de la novela tampoco están mal dibujados. Cierto que no es Orson Scott Card, pero a mí me parecen más que dignos para una obra en la que no hay diez líneas seguidas de reflexiones de personajes. Y, no nos engañemos, si queremos personajes "con cuerpo" son necesarias esas reflexiones sesudas.
Resumen, que me enrollo : ¿Te gusta la Fantasía?. ¿Si?. Pues este te gusta, aunque sea un tercer volumen. Voy raudo a por el cuarto ...
September 4, 2019
In bilico fra le ombre
"In tempi di abbondanza ringrazia la Fonte; in tempi di carestia ringrazia la Fonte.
Se sopravvivevi alla pestilenza, ringraziavi la Fonte; e se morivi, la ringraziavi perchè l'eroe se n'era andato in gloria. In quel momento si rese conto che la religione era ciò che i giocatori d'azzardo chiamavano vittoria sicura".
"In sogno ho rivisto Orien e mi ha confidato che non vive più nel rancore. L'uccisione di Niallad non ha più importanza."
"Questo, Ustarte, è più tremendo da sopportare. Non posso accettare il suo perdono."
"Perché sei tu che non vuoi perdonarti."
"Credi che agli alberi importi sapere che, secondo le leggi di Kydor, sono miei? O alle colline stesse, immerse nella luce del sole quando il mio primo antenato camminava sulla terra? Le stesse colline che saranno ancora coperte d'erba quando l'ultimo uomo sarà polvere?
Sono ricco, ma non c'è abbastanza oro in tutto il mondo per darmi quello che voglio."
"Cosa vuoi, Grigio?"
"Una coscienza pulita."
Stupisce notare che l'opera sia stata edita all'alba del ventunesimo secolo, forse un po' fuori tempo massimo se si considera il tipo di fantasy scritto da Gemmell.
"L'eroe nell'ombra" si aggrappa alla necessità di approfondire quel worldbuilding, fungente da ponte, fra la vicenda di Waylander e l'avvento di Druss: Kuan Hador, e la sua pletora demoniaca, trascina nuovamente il lettore nella decade ottantiana fatta di eroi tormentati e nemici invincibili da sconfiggere.
E se il kitsch fa più volte capolino durante l'intero arco narrativo, va anche considerato che la componente prettamente fantasy è solo l'impalcatura su cui si consuma l'eterno conflitto fra l'uomo e la paura della vecchiaia; fra il giovane con ideali da proteggere e l'anziano disilluso dalla vita; fra la necessità di dimenticare il proprio passato e il desiderio di tornare indietro per non dover vivere un'esistenza costellata da rimorsi.
Gemmell, semplicemente, narra di uomini.
E tanto basta per onorare la memoria di uno scrittore autentico che ha saputo nobilitare il genere senza intuizioni mirabolanti, ma solo con tanta onestà.
"In tempi di abbondanza ringrazia la Fonte; in tempi di carestia ringrazia la Fonte.
Se sopravvivevi alla pestilenza, ringraziavi la Fonte; e se morivi, la ringraziavi perchè l'eroe se n'era andato in gloria. In quel momento si rese conto che la religione era ciò che i giocatori d'azzardo chiamavano vittoria sicura".
"In sogno ho rivisto Orien e mi ha confidato che non vive più nel rancore. L'uccisione di Niallad non ha più importanza."
"Questo, Ustarte, è più tremendo da sopportare. Non posso accettare il suo perdono."
"Perché sei tu che non vuoi perdonarti."
"Credi che agli alberi importi sapere che, secondo le leggi di Kydor, sono miei? O alle colline stesse, immerse nella luce del sole quando il mio primo antenato camminava sulla terra? Le stesse colline che saranno ancora coperte d'erba quando l'ultimo uomo sarà polvere?
Sono ricco, ma non c'è abbastanza oro in tutto il mondo per darmi quello che voglio."
"Cosa vuoi, Grigio?"
"Una coscienza pulita."
Stupisce notare che l'opera sia stata edita all'alba del ventunesimo secolo, forse un po' fuori tempo massimo se si considera il tipo di fantasy scritto da Gemmell.
"L'eroe nell'ombra" si aggrappa alla necessità di approfondire quel worldbuilding, fungente da ponte, fra la vicenda di Waylander e l'avvento di Druss: Kuan Hador, e la sua pletora demoniaca, trascina nuovamente il lettore nella decade ottantiana fatta di eroi tormentati e nemici invincibili da sconfiggere.
E se il kitsch fa più volte capolino durante l'intero arco narrativo, va anche considerato che la componente prettamente fantasy è solo l'impalcatura su cui si consuma l'eterno conflitto fra l'uomo e la paura della vecchiaia; fra il giovane con ideali da proteggere e l'anziano disilluso dalla vita; fra la necessità di dimenticare il proprio passato e il desiderio di tornare indietro per non dover vivere un'esistenza costellata da rimorsi.
Gemmell, semplicemente, narra di uomini.
E tanto basta per onorare la memoria di uno scrittore autentico che ha saputo nobilitare il genere senza intuizioni mirabolanti, ma solo con tanta onestà.
November 8, 2025
Las ruinas de Kuan Hador están despertando, el mal anida en la niebla que las rodea.
Pero que nadie se preocupe, porque da la casualidad que el Hombre Gris vive, en su palacio, a un día de esas ruinas.
Y el Hombre Gris, no es otro que (redoble de tambores) Waylander.
Él, viviendo bajo seudónimo, todo feliz y en paz, las complicaciones le llegan sin comerlo ni beberlo, bandidos que raptan a inocentes, demonios que se cargan a caravanas enteras, comerciantes endeudados que mandan a asesinos a matarlo (infructuosamente, claro), hechiceros malvados, etc...
Es que la gente no aprende.
Por el amor de dios, que Waylander es como un nido de avispas, si tú lo dejas en paz, el va a lo suyo.
Como le toques las narices... en fin, mueres.
De todos los libros de la saga Drenai, éste es el que mas se aleja de la estructura que nos tiene Gemmell acostumbrados, no hay gran batalla épica, aunque sí muchos sacrificios.
Los personajes me han parecido interesantes y hubiera querido saber mucho mas de ellos, sobre todo de Yu Yu el picapedrero de la espada robada y de Ustarte, la sacerdotisa mezclada, y las aventuras en su mundo.
Ahora, el broche de oro lo pone el epílogo, no destripo nada, pero lo he leído con lágrimas rodando. Genial, épico, y extrañamente feliz.
Y este es el último libro que me quedaba por leer de la saga. Como siempre que acabas algo que te ha gustado mucho, y con lo que has vivido días y días, me he quedado contenta, pero rara.
Voy a echar de menos a Druss y a Waylander.
Pero que nadie se preocupe, porque da la casualidad que el Hombre Gris vive, en su palacio, a un día de esas ruinas.
Y el Hombre Gris, no es otro que (redoble de tambores) Waylander.
Él, viviendo bajo seudónimo, todo feliz y en paz, las complicaciones le llegan sin comerlo ni beberlo, bandidos que raptan a inocentes, demonios que se cargan a caravanas enteras, comerciantes endeudados que mandan a asesinos a matarlo (infructuosamente, claro), hechiceros malvados, etc...
Es que la gente no aprende.
Por el amor de dios, que Waylander es como un nido de avispas, si tú lo dejas en paz, el va a lo suyo.
Como le toques las narices... en fin, mueres.
De todos los libros de la saga Drenai, éste es el que mas se aleja de la estructura que nos tiene Gemmell acostumbrados, no hay gran batalla épica, aunque sí muchos sacrificios.
Los personajes me han parecido interesantes y hubiera querido saber mucho mas de ellos, sobre todo de Yu Yu el picapedrero de la espada robada y de Ustarte, la sacerdotisa mezclada, y las aventuras en su mundo.
Ahora, el broche de oro lo pone el epílogo, no destripo nada, pero lo he leído con lágrimas rodando. Genial, épico, y extrañamente feliz.
Y este es el último libro que me quedaba por leer de la saga. Como siempre que acabas algo que te ha gustado mucho, y con lo que has vivido días y días, me he quedado contenta, pero rara.
Voy a echar de menos a Druss y a Waylander.
October 2, 2021
This amazing heroic fantasy novel is the 9th part in the "Drenai Saga" series, featuring Dakeyras, aka Waylander the Slayer, for the final time.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the story perfectly executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this tale where symbolisms such as heroes and villains, good and evil, light and darkness, and faith and disbelief come very much to the forefront.
The characters in this thrilling heroic adventure can be related to to all kind of cultures, and these cultures are wonderfully interwoven with each other in this brilliant story.
This story is about the ruined city of Kuan-Hador, with its dark mystery and heroic history.
These ruins are the birthing place of sorcerers who seek death and destruction, and only a few heroes are prepared to fight and die against them, and they are, Kysumu, the Rajnee swordsman, Yu Yu Liang, a humble ditch-digger looking for glory, Keeva Taliana, a fierce warrior woman, Ustarte, a woman-meld between human and tiger, and Dakeyras as the Grey Man, aka Waylander the Slayer.
It will turn out to be a race against time for our heroes to step this menace in their desparate efforts to close the gateways of evil.
In doing this they need all the strength and cunning to beat this evil right up till the end, and it will be followed by death for several of our most prominent, glorious and courageous characters, and for them in this astounding tale it will be the end of their road of life and the begin to a stairway to heaven, where salvation and glory will be their reward.
Highly recommended, for this is a most wonderful Waylander conclusion, and that's why I want to call this astonishing episode: "A Glorious Hero(es) Farewell"!
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the story perfectly executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this tale where symbolisms such as heroes and villains, good and evil, light and darkness, and faith and disbelief come very much to the forefront.
The characters in this thrilling heroic adventure can be related to to all kind of cultures, and these cultures are wonderfully interwoven with each other in this brilliant story.
This story is about the ruined city of Kuan-Hador, with its dark mystery and heroic history.
These ruins are the birthing place of sorcerers who seek death and destruction, and only a few heroes are prepared to fight and die against them, and they are, Kysumu, the Rajnee swordsman, Yu Yu Liang, a humble ditch-digger looking for glory, Keeva Taliana, a fierce warrior woman, Ustarte, a woman-meld between human and tiger, and Dakeyras as the Grey Man, aka Waylander the Slayer.
It will turn out to be a race against time for our heroes to step this menace in their desparate efforts to close the gateways of evil.
In doing this they need all the strength and cunning to beat this evil right up till the end, and it will be followed by death for several of our most prominent, glorious and courageous characters, and for them in this astounding tale it will be the end of their road of life and the begin to a stairway to heaven, where salvation and glory will be their reward.
Highly recommended, for this is a most wonderful Waylander conclusion, and that's why I want to call this astonishing episode: "A Glorious Hero(es) Farewell"!
March 5, 2018
Hero In The Shadows is the finale of the Waylander trilogy. I started this book with a bittersweet pang. Waylander’s my favorite character from the David Gemmell books and I didn’t want his story to end.
Waylander had put his past behind and was now the Grey Man. It astonished me all he’d achieved. He was always a clever man, with that uncanny sixth sense of his. His life had never been easy, and even now when he’d left it all behind, fate wasn’t satisfied to leave him be.
He was forced back into violence, into a fight between good against evil.
Ah, but Waylander had style. Whatever he did, he did it with an admirable intelligence and fighting skill-set. Add in his empathy for those who couldn’t defend themselves. As Ustarte observed, “There is a nobility of spirit in him, and a power not found in ordinary men.”
Sorcery, deadly monsters, demons—piece of cake. An intriguing plot-line with new characters like Ustarte, Yu Yu Liang, Kysumu, Keeva.
The ending broke my heart. It was apt though, perfect for Waylander and still it was heartbreaking. I guess he was always headed that way—his destiny. To come full circle as it did.
Posted on Blog
Waylander had put his past behind and was now the Grey Man. It astonished me all he’d achieved. He was always a clever man, with that uncanny sixth sense of his. His life had never been easy, and even now when he’d left it all behind, fate wasn’t satisfied to leave him be.
He was forced back into violence, into a fight between good against evil.
Ah, but Waylander had style. Whatever he did, he did it with an admirable intelligence and fighting skill-set. Add in his empathy for those who couldn’t defend themselves. As Ustarte observed, “There is a nobility of spirit in him, and a power not found in ordinary men.”
Sorcery, deadly monsters, demons—piece of cake. An intriguing plot-line with new characters like Ustarte, Yu Yu Liang, Kysumu, Keeva.
The ending broke my heart. It was apt though, perfect for Waylander and still it was heartbreaking. I guess he was always headed that way—his destiny. To come full circle as it did.
Posted on Blog
September 13, 2022
Gemmell nunca me falla, y este libro en concreto es uno de los mejores. Brutal.
September 17, 2010
I have a confession to make. I read this book without first reading the first two Waylander novels. This is important, since I believe it might have affected my reading experience at least a little bit. See, by this book, Waylander is already an established character and the glimpses that are revealed concerning his past are fascinating. Fascinating and frustrating. There were times where I was more taken up with what had happened in The Gray Man's past than with the material at hand. I'll be sure to read Waylander as soon as I can lay my hands on it.
As mentioned by other reviewers, one of the main strengths of the novel is its strong characters. Especially Waylander himself. Here we have an assassin with a lot of secrets, one of which, at least, is a real corker. So how does this guy sleep at night? He doesn't. It seems that our unlikely hero has not quite made his peace with some of the things he has done, even though he has gone through a lot of trouble to make amends. All of this is, of course, only mentioned briefly. I am very interested in reading Waylander and In the Realm of the Wolf. These are the Waylander novels preceding Hero In The Shadows and deal with these events.
The plot, concerning the ruins of a deserted city and the inevitable return of a great evil, is infused with a truly threatening vibe. There are one or two scenes that read like they were lifted from a horror novel or thriller. This is a good thing. The action scenes, as befit Gemmell, are handled expertly. Suffice to say, our troubled assassin is called upon to save the day against some truly hardcore villains. I wasn't overly fond of the whole alternate universe / extra dimension angle. I usually enjoy the 'toned down' feel of Gemmell's fantasy. To each his own, however. Most people really enjoy this novel, if the reviews here and on sites like Amazon are anything to go by. As did I, though I have to mention here that I thought the ending was a little rushed.
If you enjoy Gemmell and heroic fantasy in general, you'll enjoy this. Recommended.
As mentioned by other reviewers, one of the main strengths of the novel is its strong characters. Especially Waylander himself. Here we have an assassin with a lot of secrets, one of which, at least, is a real corker. So how does this guy sleep at night? He doesn't. It seems that our unlikely hero has not quite made his peace with some of the things he has done, even though he has gone through a lot of trouble to make amends. All of this is, of course, only mentioned briefly. I am very interested in reading Waylander and In the Realm of the Wolf. These are the Waylander novels preceding Hero In The Shadows and deal with these events.
The plot, concerning the ruins of a deserted city and the inevitable return of a great evil, is infused with a truly threatening vibe. There are one or two scenes that read like they were lifted from a horror novel or thriller. This is a good thing. The action scenes, as befit Gemmell, are handled expertly. Suffice to say, our troubled assassin is called upon to save the day against some truly hardcore villains. I wasn't overly fond of the whole alternate universe / extra dimension angle. I usually enjoy the 'toned down' feel of Gemmell's fantasy. To each his own, however. Most people really enjoy this novel, if the reviews here and on sites like Amazon are anything to go by. As did I, though I have to mention here that I thought the ending was a little rushed.
If you enjoy Gemmell and heroic fantasy in general, you'll enjoy this. Recommended.
September 27, 2009
This complets Waylander's story and is a great read. For me a lot of insight into human actions and reactions can be drawn form Gemmell's works. Highly recommended.
June 22, 2018
I love the final Waylander book. The way this book concludes is just perfect.
October 27, 2024
Yu Yu Liang forever! la quarta stella è per il rumoroso idiota!!❤️
TRAMA E SPOILER:
Waylander ha un altro nome; Grigio, così lo conoscono nel Kydor, dove si è costruito un palazzo per la vecchiaia e da dove protegge le sue terre, si presume, dai briganti. Sarà invece costretto a difenderle, e con esse il nipote del re che un tempo assassinò, da un invasione demoniaca giunta da un portale dimensionale. Verrà aiutato da vecchie e nuove conoscenze fino al tanto desiderato epilogo
Drenai Saga:
1. La leggenda dei Drenai (Legend) ★★★★★
2. Le spade dei Drenai
3. Waylander dei Drenai ★★★★☆
4. L'ultimo eroe dei Drenai
5. Il lupo dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
6. La leggenda di Druss
7. L'impeto dei Drenai
8. Guerrieri d'inverno
9. L'eroe nell'ombra ★★★★☆
10. Il lupo bianco
11. Le spade del giorno e della notte
TRAMA E SPOILER:
Waylander ha un altro nome; Grigio, così lo conoscono nel Kydor, dove si è costruito un palazzo per la vecchiaia e da dove protegge le sue terre, si presume, dai briganti. Sarà invece costretto a difenderle, e con esse il nipote del re che un tempo assassinò, da un invasione demoniaca giunta da un portale dimensionale. Verrà aiutato da vecchie e nuove conoscenze fino al tanto desiderato epilogo
Drenai Saga:
1. La leggenda dei Drenai (Legend) ★★★★★
2. Le spade dei Drenai
3. Waylander dei Drenai ★★★★☆
4. L'ultimo eroe dei Drenai
5. Il lupo dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
6. La leggenda di Druss
7. L'impeto dei Drenai
8. Guerrieri d'inverno
9. L'eroe nell'ombra ★★★★☆
10. Il lupo bianco
11. Le spade del giorno e della notte
April 10, 2018
8.5/10
In the third and last book featuring the adventures of Waylander Gemmell brings this time a slightly different story than he had shown in the previous books of the Drenai series, in a story full with magic, monsters and political games; and also managing, through his enchanting writing, to bring the characters in an adventure of love, sacrifice and heroism like only a few other authors could have done.
The story continues 6 years after the end of the previous book with Waylander having begun, again, a new life and leaving behind his past. But, even though he has now a wealthy enough life, this new life it too hides its own dangers and secrets as, he will find himself between the plots and schemes for the political power of the Lords, he will have to come against new enemies which they only thing they want is to humiliate and destroy him.
However, all that will change when one day the spell of an ancient gate starts to lose its power and a terrible enemy, forgotten in the mists of the past, comes through in the world again bringing chaos and destruction.
The fate of the world's salvation will fall into the most unexpected heroes who, along with Waylander, will have to face this new enemy before it is too late; but along the way they will find out that this may be something more difficult than they had expected and may well bring them, too, in great danger, and even to their destruction.
The style of this book I have to say has a much emotionally stronger story than the rest of the books in the Drenai series, although that element is certainly in all of Gemmell’s books, and with his writing here having grown even more and showing, too, quite influence from the Rigante series , which is perhaps because they were written at the same period.
However, through all that Gemmell manages to bring a beautifully enchanting story with the characters going through the difficulties of life and bringing them, really, at the limits of the reality and making them feel even more “real.”
Besides all that though, he manages, with all his mastery, to combine -as it happened also in Waylander II - the great myths of the Demon Lords, of Emsharas and Anharat (that appear also in ‘Winter Warriors’); and also revealing and the origins of the priestess Ustarte and of the legendary beasts of Joinings, the combination of a human with an animal (as also shown later in Skilgannon books White Wolf and The Swords of Night and Day ). While on the other hand, Gemmell closes the story with the most magical way in a very emotional finale, and giving the protagonist that he so much wanted from the beginning, and making it not only a beautiful book but giving me also the best closure I could have asked in this series.
Overall, this is a very strong and beautiful book with Gemmell, as also his writing, having reached a very high level and I must say that as I reach to the end of this series, as it was the last one left for me, after 11 books it was perhaps the most heroic, and magical, adventures that I have seen as he takes us through his legendary characters - from Druss the Legend, to Waylander the Slayer,to Skilgannon the Damned and all the other great heroes - and showing the true meaning of sacrifice and of heroism.
Ελληνική κριτική:
In the third and last book featuring the adventures of Waylander Gemmell brings this time a slightly different story than he had shown in the previous books of the Drenai series, in a story full with magic, monsters and political games; and also managing, through his enchanting writing, to bring the characters in an adventure of love, sacrifice and heroism like only a few other authors could have done.
The story continues 6 years after the end of the previous book with Waylander having begun, again, a new life and leaving behind his past. But, even though he has now a wealthy enough life, this new life it too hides its own dangers and secrets as, he will find himself between the plots and schemes for the political power of the Lords, he will have to come against new enemies which they only thing they want is to humiliate and destroy him.
However, all that will change when one day the spell of an ancient gate starts to lose its power and a terrible enemy, forgotten in the mists of the past, comes through in the world again bringing chaos and destruction.
The fate of the world's salvation will fall into the most unexpected heroes who, along with Waylander, will have to face this new enemy before it is too late; but along the way they will find out that this may be something more difficult than they had expected and may well bring them, too, in great danger, and even to their destruction.
The style of this book I have to say has a much emotionally stronger story than the rest of the books in the Drenai series, although that element is certainly in all of Gemmell’s books, and with his writing here having grown even more and showing, too, quite influence from the Rigante series , which is perhaps because they were written at the same period.
However, through all that Gemmell manages to bring a beautifully enchanting story with the characters going through the difficulties of life and bringing them, really, at the limits of the reality and making them feel even more “real.”
Besides all that though, he manages, with all his mastery, to combine -as it happened also in Waylander II - the great myths of the Demon Lords, of Emsharas and Anharat (that appear also in ‘Winter Warriors’); and also revealing and the origins of the priestess Ustarte and of the legendary beasts of Joinings, the combination of a human with an animal (as also shown later in Skilgannon books White Wolf and The Swords of Night and Day ). While on the other hand, Gemmell closes the story with the most magical way in a very emotional finale, and giving the protagonist that he so much wanted from the beginning, and making it not only a beautiful book but giving me also the best closure I could have asked in this series.
Overall, this is a very strong and beautiful book with Gemmell, as also his writing, having reached a very high level and I must say that as I reach to the end of this series, as it was the last one left for me, after 11 books it was perhaps the most heroic, and magical, adventures that I have seen as he takes us through his legendary characters - from Druss the Legend, to Waylander the Slayer,to Skilgannon the Damned and all the other great heroes - and showing the true meaning of sacrifice and of heroism.
Ελληνική κριτική:
January 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this reread, especially because I’d forgotten most of it. I love the complexity around the different worlds, the history, and the demon/human/ meld relationships. This applies to all Gemmell books, but it was a prominent theme here, but I always love reading his more complex characters - the morally grey ones. Demons with a chivalric code, heroes who are assassins, and evil sorcerers who heal people… just Gemmell at his best. Bliss. And that ending!
September 24, 2012
The gate was locked under spell and sacrifice. Those gone were never to return.
The demons of Kuan Hador were banished from the world thousands of years ago. The mystic warriors the defeated the evil are lost to history and the grave. When Man is gone from life, Man does not return.
Now, mists of ice, and beasts of mist lurk in Kuan Hador. The ancient spells are fading.
Gone are the days of the demons, and gone are the Men that stood against them. Few stand against the gate. Kysumu the swordsman, of the line that defended the world in a distant era. Yu Yu Liang, a ditch digger. Ustarte, the priestess. And the Grey Man, a man thought gone who did not stay that way.
Things never truly stay gone, and such is the way with a man that cannot die. But, the Grey Man will kill him.
He has to. For the Grey Man is the traitor who killed the king, the Prince of Assassins.
Waylander is back.
David Gemmell’s ‘Hero In The Shadows’ is the final tale featuring Waylander, in the Drenai saga. Sequel to ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’, the novel gives a change of place and name to Waylander’s story, furthering his motivations and the development of the legendary Prince of Assassins.
After ‘Waylander II: In The Realm of the Wolf’, Waylander has turned his back on the lands of the Drenai, travelling to new shores in an effort to start again. Now, known to the locals as the Grey Man, he is seen as the rich foreigner, an elusive outsider that the other nobles and merchants can benefit from. But, when a group of Mercenaries attack a village on the Grey Man’s land, Waylander takes to the hunt. Waylander is not the only killer on the prowl, as an icy mist lurks from Kuan Hador, a city forgotten to time. Heroes, be they from the shadow or the light, are drawn to Kuan Hador to face the return of an old enemy.
Waylander returns with an old friend, and the scars both mental and physical of a life hard lived as an assassin. New additions to the cast Kysumu and Yu Yu Liang come from the pre-established land of the Chiatze, a richly envisioned realm with a heavy oriental influence. And, in regards to enemies, Waylander has fought demons and beasts before, but facing Demon Lords is a hardier foe than anything that the Prince of Assassins has ever matched.
Gemmell writes with a cinematic grandeur in ‘Hero In The Shadows’. As ever, the dynamic fight scenes are simple but deadly, painting a picture in blood rather than over-the-top descriptions. Waylander’s an old veteran of his craft, and Gemmell is the master of his own, and the familiar motions are as well-oiled and greased as the mechanisms of a crossbow.
Gemmell’s stray towards the fight against a ‘Greater Evil’ rather than the struggle of Man Vs Man is an escalation from the other Waylander novels, but it’s a fitting evolution for the Prince of Assassins. After all, Waylander has proved himself time and time again against mortals, so it’s only right that he pit his skills against a worthy opponent. As a fan of Gemmell’s work, and having read all of the Drenai books, it’s awe inspiring to see the author ‘tip his hat’ to tales set in the same universe, though a different time. Without saying too much, several characters appear in his other stories including ‘Winter Warriors’ (see my review here: http://written-with-a-sword.blogspot....), and the books of The Damned ‘White Wolf’ and ‘The Swords of Night and Day’.
‘Hero In The Shadows’ closes the book on Waylander’s story, but can an Assassin ever have a happy ending?
The demons of Kuan Hador were banished from the world thousands of years ago. The mystic warriors the defeated the evil are lost to history and the grave. When Man is gone from life, Man does not return.
Now, mists of ice, and beasts of mist lurk in Kuan Hador. The ancient spells are fading.
Gone are the days of the demons, and gone are the Men that stood against them. Few stand against the gate. Kysumu the swordsman, of the line that defended the world in a distant era. Yu Yu Liang, a ditch digger. Ustarte, the priestess. And the Grey Man, a man thought gone who did not stay that way.
Things never truly stay gone, and such is the way with a man that cannot die. But, the Grey Man will kill him.
He has to. For the Grey Man is the traitor who killed the king, the Prince of Assassins.
Waylander is back.
David Gemmell’s ‘Hero In The Shadows’ is the final tale featuring Waylander, in the Drenai saga. Sequel to ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf’, the novel gives a change of place and name to Waylander’s story, furthering his motivations and the development of the legendary Prince of Assassins.
After ‘Waylander II: In The Realm of the Wolf’, Waylander has turned his back on the lands of the Drenai, travelling to new shores in an effort to start again. Now, known to the locals as the Grey Man, he is seen as the rich foreigner, an elusive outsider that the other nobles and merchants can benefit from. But, when a group of Mercenaries attack a village on the Grey Man’s land, Waylander takes to the hunt. Waylander is not the only killer on the prowl, as an icy mist lurks from Kuan Hador, a city forgotten to time. Heroes, be they from the shadow or the light, are drawn to Kuan Hador to face the return of an old enemy.
Waylander returns with an old friend, and the scars both mental and physical of a life hard lived as an assassin. New additions to the cast Kysumu and Yu Yu Liang come from the pre-established land of the Chiatze, a richly envisioned realm with a heavy oriental influence. And, in regards to enemies, Waylander has fought demons and beasts before, but facing Demon Lords is a hardier foe than anything that the Prince of Assassins has ever matched.
Gemmell writes with a cinematic grandeur in ‘Hero In The Shadows’. As ever, the dynamic fight scenes are simple but deadly, painting a picture in blood rather than over-the-top descriptions. Waylander’s an old veteran of his craft, and Gemmell is the master of his own, and the familiar motions are as well-oiled and greased as the mechanisms of a crossbow.
Gemmell’s stray towards the fight against a ‘Greater Evil’ rather than the struggle of Man Vs Man is an escalation from the other Waylander novels, but it’s a fitting evolution for the Prince of Assassins. After all, Waylander has proved himself time and time again against mortals, so it’s only right that he pit his skills against a worthy opponent. As a fan of Gemmell’s work, and having read all of the Drenai books, it’s awe inspiring to see the author ‘tip his hat’ to tales set in the same universe, though a different time. Without saying too much, several characters appear in his other stories including ‘Winter Warriors’ (see my review here: http://written-with-a-sword.blogspot....), and the books of The Damned ‘White Wolf’ and ‘The Swords of Night and Day’.
‘Hero In The Shadows’ closes the book on Waylander’s story, but can an Assassin ever have a happy ending?
February 22, 2017
Probably with the best ending in the "Drenai Tales" series and also one hell of a beginning, "Hero in the Shadows" is one of those books that grips your attention from the very first page and takes you to an unknown world full of wonders, death, fear, desire and unfulfilled dreams.
Our old friend Waylander is back, now retired and living the live as a rich merchant in the far away lands of Kydor. He is getting old, slow and needs a motivation in life. And Gemmell pretty soon gives him a motivation, with magickers, demons and a danger that may bring an end to the known world...
That I have a weakness for Gemmell is something that I realized probably from the very first novel I read from him, a feeling that had gotten stronger with each novel I have read with his name on the cover. Gemmell is writing more or less the same story over and over: someone who really doesn't want to fight is 'forced' to fight, his success close to impossible, always fighting against insurmountable odds. Some magic, some unexpected help, dreams and beautiful characters, fleshed out in two sentences.
What does then "Hero in the Shadows" be a great novel? Well, that it follows the Gemmell mold is one. Gemmell knew what he was writing about and here is another great example. The pace suffers on moments, and some decisions reek of deus ex machina, but otherwise, it is interesting, gripping and full of plot developments. The ending is beautiful, probably Gemmell's best, if not close to it. And the characters, as always, interesting, human (even the non-humans, so better say 'alive') and full of strengths and weaknesses. Gemmell's musings about what makes us heroes, or strong or weak, and how we can all use violence and make mistakes are right to the point, clear, concise and true. He talks about how our reality depends on upbringing, on what we know and how we may change. All of that makes you care for Waylander, ditchdigger Yu Yu or I-don't-want-to-fight Keeva. The inclusion of female characters with personality is also highly welcomed, even if this world is still a world populated by male that fight against other male (a point that fantasy still struggles about).
"Hero in the Shadows" is for fans of classical fantasy. And even I, who believes a world without heroes would be a better world, has to bow to Gemmell's knowledge of what makes us what we are: flawed, and able of the best and worst.
8/10
(English Original Version)
Our old friend Waylander is back, now retired and living the live as a rich merchant in the far away lands of Kydor. He is getting old, slow and needs a motivation in life. And Gemmell pretty soon gives him a motivation, with magickers, demons and a danger that may bring an end to the known world...
That I have a weakness for Gemmell is something that I realized probably from the very first novel I read from him, a feeling that had gotten stronger with each novel I have read with his name on the cover. Gemmell is writing more or less the same story over and over: someone who really doesn't want to fight is 'forced' to fight, his success close to impossible, always fighting against insurmountable odds. Some magic, some unexpected help, dreams and beautiful characters, fleshed out in two sentences.
What does then "Hero in the Shadows" be a great novel? Well, that it follows the Gemmell mold is one. Gemmell knew what he was writing about and here is another great example. The pace suffers on moments, and some decisions reek of deus ex machina, but otherwise, it is interesting, gripping and full of plot developments. The ending is beautiful, probably Gemmell's best, if not close to it. And the characters, as always, interesting, human (even the non-humans, so better say 'alive') and full of strengths and weaknesses. Gemmell's musings about what makes us heroes, or strong or weak, and how we can all use violence and make mistakes are right to the point, clear, concise and true. He talks about how our reality depends on upbringing, on what we know and how we may change. All of that makes you care for Waylander, ditchdigger Yu Yu or I-don't-want-to-fight Keeva. The inclusion of female characters with personality is also highly welcomed, even if this world is still a world populated by male that fight against other male (a point that fantasy still struggles about).
"Hero in the Shadows" is for fans of classical fantasy. And even I, who believes a world without heroes would be a better world, has to bow to Gemmell's knowledge of what makes us what we are: flawed, and able of the best and worst.
8/10
(English Original Version)
January 9, 2022
I don't have many words to describe this book. I hear a lot of negatives these days about Gemmell. They aren't all wrong. He is formulaic. His characters generally fit into a mold. His writing is nothing spectacular. But he has one thing no other writer I've read does. He makes me feel! Deeply. My emotions surge and run wild while I'm reading his works. Good, or even great, can't adequately describe how I feel about his books.
I understand that it probably comes from the life I have lived. We've all lived different lives, thus what we take away from any forms of media affects us all differently. But damn I would have loved to shake the man's hand. I won't promise you'll love this book, or anything else he has written. But I think you owe it to yourself to at least give Gemmell a try.
I understand that it probably comes from the life I have lived. We've all lived different lives, thus what we take away from any forms of media affects us all differently. But damn I would have loved to shake the man's hand. I won't promise you'll love this book, or anything else he has written. But I think you owe it to yourself to at least give Gemmell a try.
September 4, 2015
So finally a book in this series had a happy ending. It was so good that I cried. Finally, one of the epic heroes gets a happy ending.
Waylander the Slayer finally beat the one enemy he could never defeat. The past.
Honestly, if you like epic fantasy this is a great series. You should read the books in order. But some books feature different characters. This is the 3rd book to feature Waylander the Slayer. Other books feature Druss the Legend. Other books focus on characters that don't appear again.
Waylander the Slayer finally beat the one enemy he could never defeat. The past.
Honestly, if you like epic fantasy this is a great series. You should read the books in order. But some books feature different characters. This is the 3rd book to feature Waylander the Slayer. Other books feature Druss the Legend. Other books focus on characters that don't appear again.
June 19, 2020
This is book 9 of 11 in the Drenai series by Gemmell. This completes the series for me since I've already read 10 and 11. There is a series within the series, a three book arc for the assassin character, Waylander. This is the third and final book in that sub-series. The first Waylander book, by that title, was and remains my least favorite of Gemmell's books and it was mainly because I just didn't like the character. But he may have had this arc in mind, and both book 2 (In the Realm of the Wolf) were quite good. This was the best of the three.
I've still got a few Gemmells around the house and am parceling them out to myself since there won't be any more. Gemmell was a tremendous writer and died way too soon in a surgical mishap. He is missed.
I've still got a few Gemmells around the house and am parceling them out to myself since there won't be any more. Gemmell was a tremendous writer and died way too soon in a surgical mishap. He is missed.
December 26, 2024
Génial en tout point, sans doute le meilleur des trois pour moi. L’univers qui se densifie encore, un Waylander toujours plus intéressant, des personnages attachants, des ennemis terrifiants… merci à mon ami pour cette recommandation de livres, j’ai adoré !
October 12, 2022
A solid heroic fantasy adventure. Demons, magic swords, grey morality, and magic. A few too many characters and moving parts, but I had a good time with it in the end.
August 18, 2019
De esta primera trilogía este es el mejor, a merecido mucho leer los otros para llegar al presente.
En este tenemos al Hombre de gris que es lo más parecido a una leyenda, alguien q aparece de la nada y mata a quien aparezca sea y quiénes sean. Tras máscara un grupo de bandidos uno de sus pueblos este señor les dará caza rápidamente. Tras este prólogo un ejército proveniente del infierno viene para acabar con todos. Habrá q unir fuerzas!
En este tenemos al Hombre de gris que es lo más parecido a una leyenda, alguien q aparece de la nada y mata a quien aparezca sea y quiénes sean. Tras máscara un grupo de bandidos uno de sus pueblos este señor les dará caza rápidamente. Tras este prólogo un ejército proveniente del infierno viene para acabar con todos. Habrá q unir fuerzas!
January 6, 2023
The final book in a trilogy about Waylander, a former soldier turned mercenary and, through the vagaries of fate, a true hero, this book is perhaps the one that shouldn’t have been. We find the hero in the twilight of his life, having moved away from his tumultuous life and adventures to amass his fortune and live out his old age in peace. Moreover, there is hardly any mention of his past and the characters that were important parts of the previous two volumes, to the point where it is difficult to become attached to the main protagonist again. The story itself is out of the ordinary and seems rather unreal, so much so that it is about another universe. It’s still interesting, but far from the quality of the other volumes in this series.
December 2, 2010
A great end to a great man. The key to Gemmell's most iconic character is that he is unable to forgive himself. None of his great successes can ever make him feel better about his failures. His losses lead him to be empty inside. I always felt sure that Waylander was doomed to an eternity of dwelling on his mistakes. As Gemmell tells his final chapter I was stunned that such a fitting end was possible for such a conflicted man.
You should read this book. But in order to appreciate it, you will have to read Waylander and In The Realm of the Wolf. If you do, I think you will appreciate how perfect a conclusion this is.
You should read this book. But in order to appreciate it, you will have to read Waylander and In The Realm of the Wolf. If you do, I think you will appreciate how perfect a conclusion this is.
October 31, 2016
The final instalment in the Waylander Trilogy, and it doesn't disappoint. A fitting send off to one Gemmell's finest characters.
July 8, 2020
Great read. I love to reread great books...for me.
September 20, 2025
Hero in the Shadows doesn’t quite live up to the previous two Waylander books in my opinion, the ending felt a little rushed and it lacks the depth in terms of villains, their back story and the threat they bring… but it more than makes up for that in the weaving of the characters journeys, a few unexpected revelations, perfectly staged action pieces (as always for Gemmell) and the downright, beautiful, emotional conclusion to Dakeyras’ story!
The world building as always is believable, complicated and fleshed out. The weaving of politics, magic and ancient threats coalesces very nicely and all the characters motivations and arcs are never questionable.
Twice in this book my opinion of a character changed completely within 10/20 pages or I at least sympathised with their motivations. From hating a character and wanting them to meet a swift end to then suddenly hoping they survive and shedding a tear at their conclusion. I have never known writing like it.
The ability to create such emotionally charged characters who make mistakes, hate themselves, have believable fears and long for redemption or revenge is something Gemmell is exceptional at! The inner battles these characters have with themselves are visceral and at times heart wrenching and it makes for some epic moments of sacrifice, bravery and regret.
Not all the characters felt as fleshed out as I would have liked, and as I touched on, the large final battle was over far too quickly for me (I wanted to feel every sword clash but it felt like an overview from above). The intricacies of why the villains were doing what they were doing felt a little thinner than I expected/wanted. At times, the old fantasy pitfall of “oh wait, we can sort this with magic” reared its head but it was few and far between.
In many ways I forgave all that because for me at least this trilogy of Waylander, Waylander II and now this, is all about Waylander himself. Anytime the book focuses on him, I am glued to the page, his actions, philosophical look on life, the demons he is fighting both metaphorically and literally, his protective nature, his subtle caring actions, shrouded by this gruff exterior and the light still left in his heart, desperately fighting through the years of darkness he has piled on it. Character like this are the reason I love David Gemmell’s books so much. They are brave, they are cool, they are heroes… but they are also sensitive, they are complex and they are very much human… most of them ;-).
I have now read I think 5 David Gemmell books and I plan on reading all of his releases. The fact that some of these books have only 8000 reviews on this platform and other well known fantasies have millions is something I wish I could change. I have this urge to share these stories with friends and I am proud that a few of them are picking up these books for the first time.
Overall I really liked this book, I love the world of the Drenai, I love the characters and as I have said before I want to stay in the world long after I have closed the book. I carry Gemmells
characters with me outside of when I am reading and that is a rare and special gift that authors sometimes bestow on us...
Finally… the epilogue of this book was unexpected and one of those moments I didn’t even know I wanted so much until it happened. It will linger in my heart for a long time and it was a perfect conclusion to “The Grey Man’s” story, enough to make a grown man cry (which I’m not embarrassed to admit).
The world building as always is believable, complicated and fleshed out. The weaving of politics, magic and ancient threats coalesces very nicely and all the characters motivations and arcs are never questionable.
Twice in this book my opinion of a character changed completely within 10/20 pages or I at least sympathised with their motivations. From hating a character and wanting them to meet a swift end to then suddenly hoping they survive and shedding a tear at their conclusion. I have never known writing like it.
The ability to create such emotionally charged characters who make mistakes, hate themselves, have believable fears and long for redemption or revenge is something Gemmell is exceptional at! The inner battles these characters have with themselves are visceral and at times heart wrenching and it makes for some epic moments of sacrifice, bravery and regret.
Not all the characters felt as fleshed out as I would have liked, and as I touched on, the large final battle was over far too quickly for me (I wanted to feel every sword clash but it felt like an overview from above). The intricacies of why the villains were doing what they were doing felt a little thinner than I expected/wanted. At times, the old fantasy pitfall of “oh wait, we can sort this with magic” reared its head but it was few and far between.
In many ways I forgave all that because for me at least this trilogy of Waylander, Waylander II and now this, is all about Waylander himself. Anytime the book focuses on him, I am glued to the page, his actions, philosophical look on life, the demons he is fighting both metaphorically and literally, his protective nature, his subtle caring actions, shrouded by this gruff exterior and the light still left in his heart, desperately fighting through the years of darkness he has piled on it. Character like this are the reason I love David Gemmell’s books so much. They are brave, they are cool, they are heroes… but they are also sensitive, they are complex and they are very much human… most of them ;-).
I have now read I think 5 David Gemmell books and I plan on reading all of his releases. The fact that some of these books have only 8000 reviews on this platform and other well known fantasies have millions is something I wish I could change. I have this urge to share these stories with friends and I am proud that a few of them are picking up these books for the first time.
Overall I really liked this book, I love the world of the Drenai, I love the characters and as I have said before I want to stay in the world long after I have closed the book. I carry Gemmells
characters with me outside of when I am reading and that is a rare and special gift that authors sometimes bestow on us...
Finally… the epilogue of this book was unexpected and one of those moments I didn’t even know I wanted so much until it happened. It will linger in my heart for a long time and it was a perfect conclusion to “The Grey Man’s” story, enough to make a grown man cry (which I’m not embarrassed to admit).
February 9, 2023
- Non c’è abbastanza oro in tutto il mondo per darmi quello che voglio.
- E sarebbe?
- Una coscienza pulita.
Un'epica e degna conclusione dell'arco narrativo di Waylander.
Dopo il mezzo palso falso del romanzo precedente, qui si torna ai fasti di "Waylander dei Drenai". Personaggi ben caratterizzati, dialoghi spettacolari, ritmo incalzante, epilogo perfetto.
L'epica di Gemmell è molto più realistica di quanto non sembri a prima vista, fatta di persone e situazioni verosimili, pur con una patina di fantasia stesa sopra di loro. Molti protagonisti, ognuno con il suo giusto spazio.
Alla fine ho optato per la quinta stella per rispetto verso Gemmell, che era davvero un narratore straordinario.
- E sarebbe?
- Una coscienza pulita.
Un'epica e degna conclusione dell'arco narrativo di Waylander.
Dopo il mezzo palso falso del romanzo precedente, qui si torna ai fasti di "Waylander dei Drenai". Personaggi ben caratterizzati, dialoghi spettacolari, ritmo incalzante, epilogo perfetto.
L'epica di Gemmell è molto più realistica di quanto non sembri a prima vista, fatta di persone e situazioni verosimili, pur con una patina di fantasia stesa sopra di loro. Molti protagonisti, ognuno con il suo giusto spazio.
Alla fine ho optato per la quinta stella per rispetto verso Gemmell, che era davvero un narratore straordinario.
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