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The Drenai Saga #6
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend
He was known as Druss. The Deathwalker. Though the blood of merciless butchers coursed through his veins, he had found a fragile peace through his love for beautiful, mystical Rowena. Then came the day when Druss returned to their village and found everyone dead--massacred by slavers who had stolen the women to sell for gold. Rowena was among the missing.
Armed with only his powerful double-bladed ax, Snaga, Druss went after Rowena. His journey would carry him from the highest thrones of power to the deepest dungeons of depravity. Along the way, he would battle savage monsters and descend into terrifying lands of black magic and demons.
Yet one thing was certain. Druss would have victory . . . or death.
Armed with only his powerful double-bladed ax, Snaga, Druss went after Rowena. His journey would carry him from the highest thrones of power to the deepest dungeons of depravity. Along the way, he would battle savage monsters and descend into terrifying lands of black magic and demons.
Yet one thing was certain. Druss would have victory . . . or death.
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
209 people are currently reading
3730 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 317 reviews
December 10, 2018
“Be strong, axeman. The road is long and there are legends to be made.”
I started my Drenai adventure with the Legend. Even more importantly, the Legend was one of the first fantasy books I have read, It is not surprising then that Druss has a special place among all the heroes I shared my books with (yes, it is very intimate). But the Legend gives us a glimpse on the dusk of the great era and so I was very excited to read about how the legends truly began.
“I am Druss. They took my wife. I’ll find them.”
We meet not the Captain of the Axe but a grim youngster without a sense of humour and prone to sudden outbursts of rage. He is already married and loves his wife more than life (not surprised, the girl is a saint). When Rowena is kidnapped by slave hunters, Druss goes on a rescue mission, chopping the heads of every enemy he encounters on his way. During this mission, we have our chance to get to know him better and observe how he strives to retain a balance between a life worth fighting for and a life of fighting regardless of the worth.
“A man is only as strong as that which makes him angry.”
Among the numerous advantages of the book, the most important is the incredible ability to draw the reader into the Drenai world. After a couple of pages, you feel at home there. Landscapes, people, skirmishes and tavern brawls are described so poignantly that I could almost see the scenes, smell them, touch them. Mr Gemmell is considered one of the best heroic fantasy writers, and he does deserve this title.
Mind you, as contemporary fantasy relishes in all things grim and dark, heroic fantasy is a dying breed. Why? Because these tales are predictable, and in the times of unforeseen plot twists, who cares about happy endings? There is certain predictability to heroism, certain fairytale-like quality, patterns of righteousness and fallbacks of evil. And yet, even within these constraints, Mr Gemmell can surprise with a swift move like the best of sword fighters.
There are love and sacrifice, but there is also a fight with blood and sweat, and tears. Villains and cowards can be redeemed and those who once stood with us in battle in time can also wage bitter wars against us. Mr Gemmell's novels are the epic of epic, but you will not find an artificial sweetness in them. There is no room for knights in white armour in the Drenai lands. Warriors have calloused hands, scarred bodies and souls, and never are too great to fall. Druss, in spite of being a legend, is not bigger than life; never world apart from the others. And it should be like that.
“I am Druss and this is death!”
I enjoyed those who accompany Druss in his adventures audacious and fraught with peril. There will be old friends whom we have already known from the Legend (Vintar and Calvar Syn). There is Sieben the poet, a cutie pie keeping by finger holds on the cliff of respectability, the exact opposite of Druss and yet the faithful apostle of his legend. But we can also make new friends with Rowena and Bodasen, and Gorban, and Michanek.
It does not mean that everything is perfect; there are cliches that made my gums hurt, magic props, wonder-rescues and other conveniences. But somehow these weaknesses fit into the whole story. A story you should read so that you might catch a glimpse of the Legend.
---
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 ★★★☆☆
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
I started my Drenai adventure with the Legend. Even more importantly, the Legend was one of the first fantasy books I have read, It is not surprising then that Druss has a special place among all the heroes I shared my books with (yes, it is very intimate). But the Legend gives us a glimpse on the dusk of the great era and so I was very excited to read about how the legends truly began.
“I am Druss. They took my wife. I’ll find them.”
We meet not the Captain of the Axe but a grim youngster without a sense of humour and prone to sudden outbursts of rage. He is already married and loves his wife more than life (not surprised, the girl is a saint). When Rowena is kidnapped by slave hunters, Druss goes on a rescue mission, chopping the heads of every enemy he encounters on his way. During this mission, we have our chance to get to know him better and observe how he strives to retain a balance between a life worth fighting for and a life of fighting regardless of the worth.
“A man is only as strong as that which makes him angry.”
Among the numerous advantages of the book, the most important is the incredible ability to draw the reader into the Drenai world. After a couple of pages, you feel at home there. Landscapes, people, skirmishes and tavern brawls are described so poignantly that I could almost see the scenes, smell them, touch them. Mr Gemmell is considered one of the best heroic fantasy writers, and he does deserve this title.
Mind you, as contemporary fantasy relishes in all things grim and dark, heroic fantasy is a dying breed. Why? Because these tales are predictable, and in the times of unforeseen plot twists, who cares about happy endings? There is certain predictability to heroism, certain fairytale-like quality, patterns of righteousness and fallbacks of evil. And yet, even within these constraints, Mr Gemmell can surprise with a swift move like the best of sword fighters.
There are love and sacrifice, but there is also a fight with blood and sweat, and tears. Villains and cowards can be redeemed and those who once stood with us in battle in time can also wage bitter wars against us. Mr Gemmell's novels are the epic of epic, but you will not find an artificial sweetness in them. There is no room for knights in white armour in the Drenai lands. Warriors have calloused hands, scarred bodies and souls, and never are too great to fall. Druss, in spite of being a legend, is not bigger than life; never world apart from the others. And it should be like that.
“I am Druss and this is death!”
I enjoyed those who accompany Druss in his adventures audacious and fraught with peril. There will be old friends whom we have already known from the Legend (Vintar and Calvar Syn). There is Sieben the poet, a cutie pie keeping by finger holds on the cliff of respectability, the exact opposite of Druss and yet the faithful apostle of his legend. But we can also make new friends with Rowena and Bodasen, and Gorban, and Michanek.
It does not mean that everything is perfect; there are cliches that made my gums hurt, magic props, wonder-rescues and other conveniences. But somehow these weaknesses fit into the whole story. A story you should read so that you might catch a glimpse of the Legend.
---
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 ★★★☆☆
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
July 29, 2021
This superb fantasy novel is in a fact a prequel of the first book of the "Drenai Saga" series, and in which Druss will gain the nickname, the Legend.
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality, the story wonderfully structured and executed, while also all characters come superbly to life within this thrilling tale, that is filled with influences from the Romans, Mongols, Chinese, Indians, Vikings, Celts and various other cultures.
This book will tell us not only when but importantly how Druss will react and become the man after the capture of his wife, Rowena, and that's the man who people will call the legend.
After living peacefully in a settlement near the mountains with his father, Bress, Druss's life will be shattered with the kidnapping of his wife, Rowena, coupled death of various people within the settlement, including his father, and that foul action will trigger his conscience and own actions will be filled with determination, despair, love and devotion in finding Rowena, wherever so may be.
Along this hard road he will receive help from his greatest friend, the poet and knive-thrower Sieben, the manhunter Shadak, the bowman Eskobar, and the champion Borcha.
Various enemies will emerge on this road of hardship and death, but Druss will stop at nothing in finding Rowena, and hopefully return with her to their new home with peace all around, but that peace will be shattered with the last stand at the Pass of Skeln, a marvellous likeness to the Battle of Thermopylae, but with a slightly different outcome.
All in all this is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced heroic fantasy, with a lot of clashes between various armies and where loyalty is scarce and betrayal is common, and not to forget a story in which Druss will show us that his love for Rowena means everything to him, and that freedom, friendship and honour should mean everything to all of us.
Very much recommended, for this is heroic fantasy at its very best, and that's why I like to call this astounding episode: "A Magnificent Druss The Legend Prequel"!
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality, the story wonderfully structured and executed, while also all characters come superbly to life within this thrilling tale, that is filled with influences from the Romans, Mongols, Chinese, Indians, Vikings, Celts and various other cultures.
This book will tell us not only when but importantly how Druss will react and become the man after the capture of his wife, Rowena, and that's the man who people will call the legend.
After living peacefully in a settlement near the mountains with his father, Bress, Druss's life will be shattered with the kidnapping of his wife, Rowena, coupled death of various people within the settlement, including his father, and that foul action will trigger his conscience and own actions will be filled with determination, despair, love and devotion in finding Rowena, wherever so may be.
Along this hard road he will receive help from his greatest friend, the poet and knive-thrower Sieben, the manhunter Shadak, the bowman Eskobar, and the champion Borcha.
Various enemies will emerge on this road of hardship and death, but Druss will stop at nothing in finding Rowena, and hopefully return with her to their new home with peace all around, but that peace will be shattered with the last stand at the Pass of Skeln, a marvellous likeness to the Battle of Thermopylae, but with a slightly different outcome.
All in all this is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced heroic fantasy, with a lot of clashes between various armies and where loyalty is scarce and betrayal is common, and not to forget a story in which Druss will show us that his love for Rowena means everything to him, and that freedom, friendship and honour should mean everything to all of us.
Very much recommended, for this is heroic fantasy at its very best, and that's why I like to call this astounding episode: "A Magnificent Druss The Legend Prequel"!
November 26, 2024
8.5/10
"هر مرگی در اطرافیان احساس گناه ایجاد میکنه..."
The Drenai Saga
1- Legend (1984)(اسطوره) 9.25/10⭐️
2- The King Beyond the Gate (1985) (پادشاه آن سوی دروازه) 9.5/10⭐️
3- The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend (1993) (نخستين ماجراجوهايي هاي دراس اسطوره) 8.5/10⭐️
4- The Legend of Deathwalker (1996) (افسانه مرگ پیما) 9.5/10⭐️
5- Waylander
. Waylander (1986)
. Waylander, In the Realm of the Wolf (1992)
. Hero in the Shadows (2000)
6- Quest for Lost Heroes (1990)
7- Winter Warriors (1997)
8- Skilgannon (The Damned Books)⭐️
· White Wolf (2003) (گرگ سفید) 9.5/10⭐️
· The Swords of Night and Day (2004) (شمشیرهای روز و شب) 9/10⭐️
9- Stand-alone⭐️
· Knights of Dark Renown (1989) (شوالیههای بدنام) 9.75/10⭐️
· Morningstar (1992) (ستاره صبح/ تولد یک قهرمان) 9.5/10⭐️
Troy series
1- Lord of the Silver Bow (2005) (ارباب کمان نقرهای) 9.75/10⭐️
2- Shield of Thunder (2006)(سپر آذرخش)
3- Fall of Kings (2007, completed by his wife Stella Gemmell) (سقوط شاهان)
Stones of Power
1- Ghost King (1988)(شیح شاه) 9/10⭐️
2- Last Sword of Power (1988)(آخرین شمشیر قدرت) 8/10⭐️
Macedon ⭐️
1- Lion of Macedon (1990)(شیر مقدونیه) 9.25/10⭐️
2- Dark Prince (1991)(شاهزاده سیاه) 8.5/10⭐️
Jon Shannow Series
1- Wolf in Shadow (گرگ در سایه) 7.5/10⭐️
2- The Last Guardian (آخرین محافظ)
3- Bloodstone (خون آشام)
The Hawk Queen Series
1- Ironhand's Daughter
2-The Hawk Eternal
Stand-alone books ⭐️
1- Dark Moon (1996) 9/10⭐️
2- Echoes of the Great Song (1997) (پژواک آوای دوران) 9.75/10⭐️
"هر مرگی در اطرافیان احساس گناه ایجاد میکنه..."
The Drenai Saga
1- Legend (1984)(اسطوره) 9.25/10⭐️
2- The King Beyond the Gate (1985) (پادشاه آن سوی دروازه) 9.5/10⭐️
3- The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend (1993) (نخستين ماجراجوهايي هاي دراس اسطوره) 8.5/10⭐️
4- The Legend of Deathwalker (1996) (افسانه مرگ پیما) 9.5/10⭐️
5- Waylander
. Waylander (1986)
. Waylander, In the Realm of the Wolf (1992)
. Hero in the Shadows (2000)
6- Quest for Lost Heroes (1990)
7- Winter Warriors (1997)
8- Skilgannon (The Damned Books)⭐️
· White Wolf (2003) (گرگ سفید) 9.5/10⭐️
· The Swords of Night and Day (2004) (شمشیرهای روز و شب) 9/10⭐️
9- Stand-alone⭐️
· Knights of Dark Renown (1989) (شوالیههای بدنام) 9.75/10⭐️
· Morningstar (1992) (ستاره صبح/ تولد یک قهرمان) 9.5/10⭐️
Troy series
1- Lord of the Silver Bow (2005) (ارباب کمان نقرهای) 9.75/10⭐️
2- Shield of Thunder (2006)(سپر آذرخش)
3- Fall of Kings (2007, completed by his wife Stella Gemmell) (سقوط شاهان)
Stones of Power
1- Ghost King (1988)(شیح شاه) 9/10⭐️
2- Last Sword of Power (1988)(آخرین شمشیر قدرت) 8/10⭐️
Macedon ⭐️
1- Lion of Macedon (1990)(شیر مقدونیه) 9.25/10⭐️
2- Dark Prince (1991)(شاهزاده سیاه) 8.5/10⭐️
Jon Shannow Series
1- Wolf in Shadow (گرگ در سایه) 7.5/10⭐️
2- The Last Guardian (آخرین محافظ)
3- Bloodstone (خون آشام)
The Hawk Queen Series
1- Ironhand's Daughter
2-The Hawk Eternal
Stand-alone books ⭐️
1- Dark Moon (1996) 9/10⭐️
2- Echoes of the Great Song (1997) (پژواک آوای دوران) 9.75/10⭐️
June 12, 2020
مثل همیشه، مرحوم دیوید گمل رحمه الله علیه نشون داد ارباب اصلی در درنای و ونتاریا کیه !
شاید بیش از ده سال از خواندن کتاب "اسطوره" برای من می گذشت و با خواندن این کتاب در دو روز گذشته برگشتم به همان روزها.
قلم گمل ، صریح، بی پرده ، خونریز و به معنای واقعی کلمه بی رحم است و در سراسر داستان تنها حاشیهی امن از آن جناب دراس تبردار است که می دانیم جایی دیگر خواهد مرد.
دراس را همه ی این سال ها با اینکه یک کتاب بیشتر با محوریت او نخوانده بودم خیلی دوست داشتم. دراس برایم یکی از محبوب ترین قهرمان های افسانه ای است ، آدم خوب و سر راستی است.
جمع خوبی و سر راستی را بخواهید اسمی برایش انتخاب کنید می شود دراس و اگر بخواهید این تجمیع مبارک را خوب و درست شرح و بسط دهید می شود همین کتاب و فکر کنم هیچ کس هم به خوبی دیوید گمل رحمه الله علیه نمی توانست این ها را به شکل قصه برایمان تعریف کند تا حوصله مان سر نرود. از این بهتر یقینا نداریم و نمی شود.
داستان به جز بخش داستانی اش قصه ایست با درونمایه ای در باب چگونه آدم باشیم و چگونه می توانیم بدون داشتن سواد و معرفت اینچنین و آن چنان، کار درست را انجام دهیم. و در حاشیه ها هم مرتب یادآوری می کند که وفاداری چه صفت پسندیده ایست.
خیلی خوب است ، بخوانید و لذت ببرید و اصلا به درون مایه اش هم کار نداشته باشید.
جادوی قلم نویسنده این مفاهیم شریف را چه بخواهید و چه نخواهید در مغزتان فرو خواهد کرد.
شاید بیش از ده سال از خواندن کتاب "اسطوره" برای من می گذشت و با خواندن این کتاب در دو روز گذشته برگشتم به همان روزها.
قلم گمل ، صریح، بی پرده ، خونریز و به معنای واقعی کلمه بی رحم است و در سراسر داستان تنها حاشیهی امن از آن جناب دراس تبردار است که می دانیم جایی دیگر خواهد مرد.
دراس را همه ی این سال ها با اینکه یک کتاب بیشتر با محوریت او نخوانده بودم خیلی دوست داشتم. دراس برایم یکی از محبوب ترین قهرمان های افسانه ای است ، آدم خوب و سر راستی است.
جمع خوبی و سر راستی را بخواهید اسمی برایش انتخاب کنید می شود دراس و اگر بخواهید این تجمیع مبارک را خوب و درست شرح و بسط دهید می شود همین کتاب و فکر کنم هیچ کس هم به خوبی دیوید گمل رحمه الله علیه نمی توانست این ها را به شکل قصه برایمان تعریف کند تا حوصله مان سر نرود. از این بهتر یقینا نداریم و نمی شود.
داستان به جز بخش داستانی اش قصه ایست با درونمایه ای در باب چگونه آدم باشیم و چگونه می توانیم بدون داشتن سواد و معرفت اینچنین و آن چنان، کار درست را انجام دهیم. و در حاشیه ها هم مرتب یادآوری می کند که وفاداری چه صفت پسندیده ایست.
خیلی خوب است ، بخوانید و لذت ببرید و اصلا به درون مایه اش هم کار نداشته باشید.
جادوی قلم نویسنده این مفاهیم شریف را چه بخواهید و چه نخواهید در مغزتان فرو خواهد کرد.
March 16, 2016
As always, Gemmell's style is quick, realistic, and brutal.
June 17, 2018
Nei tuoi sogni!
La sesta prova di Gemmell nel ciclo dei Drenai, pur mantenendosi su discreti livelli di intrattenimento, si avvita un po' su se stessa per il riciclo di tematiche e dinamiche.
Esclusi alcuni passaggi involontariamente trash - quasi tutti comprendenti degli antagonisti abbastanza babbiocchi e sopra le righe -, rimane di fondo un evidente problema riguardante il taglio introspettivo dei personaggi, spesso banalizzati e fortemente debitori delle figure presenti nei precedenti volumi.
L'ampio respiro epico scandito in più atti, al contrario delle aspettative, sfilaccia la narrazione e fa perdere quel caratteristico ritmo rutilante tipico dell'autore, maestro nel bilanciare azione e riflessione in egual misura.
Perdura il robusto intrattenimento di un autore capace di scrivere, ma la sensazione di occasione mancata fa capolino a più riprese; e personaggi come Gorben e Michanek - antagonisti nell'essere vittime di realtà più grandi di loro - meriterebbero opere dalle ambizioni molto più elevate.
La sesta prova di Gemmell nel ciclo dei Drenai, pur mantenendosi su discreti livelli di intrattenimento, si avvita un po' su se stessa per il riciclo di tematiche e dinamiche.
Esclusi alcuni passaggi involontariamente trash - quasi tutti comprendenti degli antagonisti abbastanza babbiocchi e sopra le righe -, rimane di fondo un evidente problema riguardante il taglio introspettivo dei personaggi, spesso banalizzati e fortemente debitori delle figure presenti nei precedenti volumi.
L'ampio respiro epico scandito in più atti, al contrario delle aspettative, sfilaccia la narrazione e fa perdere quel caratteristico ritmo rutilante tipico dell'autore, maestro nel bilanciare azione e riflessione in egual misura.
Perdura il robusto intrattenimento di un autore capace di scrivere, ma la sensazione di occasione mancata fa capolino a più riprese; e personaggi come Gorben e Michanek - antagonisti nell'essere vittime di realtà più grandi di loro - meriterebbero opere dalle ambizioni molto più elevate.
January 10, 2019
His ideas and plotlines will never be staggeringly original, but he also never wrote a book I didn’t really like. This one is no different, with the icing on the cake being it’s Druss’ origin story! Every fan of Druss wonders what Skeln Pass really was like, and this is the book you get to witness it in. Another predictably great entry in the Drenai series.
September 10, 2019
I do really love u Great Gemmell!
October 9, 2009
I'm always tempted to give Gemmell a five star rating. I try to reserve the 5 but DG is among the best action/adventure writers I've run across. When he passed we lost a great talent.
April 10, 2018
8.5/10
From all the heroes Gemmell wrote in his career (and he wrote many) I don’t think I ever loved anyone more than Druss.
I remember when I first read Legend (my 4th DG book), it really changed my perspective for Gemmell’s talent and what it truly meant for one to be a hero. Because Druss is not merely just a great hero; he is the ultimate hero, the one who steps in front to protect the others even if it is against him, the one who defies his enemies and all kind of evil. And this book, is the making of a hero, the making… of a Legend.
The story is set 43 long years before Legend as we see Druss in his first years being a simple farmboy and growing up with his father. But when one day his beloved Rowena is kidnapped he will travel through unknown lands and will encounter friends, and enemies, who will teach him that the world is not as fair as it seems and so his great adventures will begin, though, his fate is already long written.
This is Druss the Legend. The Deathwalker.
Ελληνική κριτική:
From all the heroes Gemmell wrote in his career (and he wrote many) I don’t think I ever loved anyone more than Druss.
I remember when I first read Legend (my 4th DG book), it really changed my perspective for Gemmell’s talent and what it truly meant for one to be a hero. Because Druss is not merely just a great hero; he is the ultimate hero, the one who steps in front to protect the others even if it is against him, the one who defies his enemies and all kind of evil. And this book, is the making of a hero, the making… of a Legend.
The story is set 43 long years before Legend as we see Druss in his first years being a simple farmboy and growing up with his father. But when one day his beloved Rowena is kidnapped he will travel through unknown lands and will encounter friends, and enemies, who will teach him that the world is not as fair as it seems and so his great adventures will begin, though, his fate is already long written.
This is Druss the Legend. The Deathwalker.
Ελληνική κριτική:
June 8, 2011
Borrowed this book from my boyfriend, expecting a typical male book (not wanting to stereotype but...) I expected epic battles, blood, gore and men of honour. All of which I got. But I didn't expect to become so attached to Druss and Rowena. This book tugged at my heart strings and I spent the whole time I read this on the edge of my seat, hoping he would find her and all would be well.
This book lived up to my expectations and surpassed them greatly. The characters are enjoyable and easy to become attached to, the plot moves forward in a very progressive and not convoluted manner.
A brilliant read and I can't wait to read the other chronicles of Druss.
This book lived up to my expectations and surpassed them greatly. The characters are enjoyable and easy to become attached to, the plot moves forward in a very progressive and not convoluted manner.
A brilliant read and I can't wait to read the other chronicles of Druss.
May 11, 2023
Fantastic. A very satisfying background story of Druss the LEGEND.
June 12, 2023
I’ve been seeing Gemmel’s books around forever and really had no plan to read any of them despite their popularity – until Mihir said I needed to.
David Gemmel is obviously well-loved and there’s isn’t going to be a lot I can add to a review that hasn’t been said so here’s just a few quick thoughts.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected.
At first, I was getting those old-pulp style vibes but Druss surprised me, though it was predictable to a point- in the way heroic fantasy does follow a path, but what I really enjoyed was the fast-paced modern writing and the way the story unfolded. And I liked that for a story that spells out what’s going to happen with future prophecies- it manages to surprise along the way too.
There are some great peripheral characters- especially Sieben, and surprisingly Michanek? (Rowena’s second husband).
Druss in some ways is the typical heroic fantasy character- he never wavers in his values, his love for Rowena, or his moral compass throughout the course of the story. He is who he is, and that steadfastness in is values and presence of self, inspires change in those around him. And I think that’s where this story becomes so special. We may be reading about “Druss the legend” but really, it’s his impact on those around him that make this such a great tale.
Great story- fun, actiony, and a little bittersweet at times.
David Gemmel is obviously well-loved and there’s isn’t going to be a lot I can add to a review that hasn’t been said so here’s just a few quick thoughts.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected.
At first, I was getting those old-pulp style vibes but Druss surprised me, though it was predictable to a point- in the way heroic fantasy does follow a path, but what I really enjoyed was the fast-paced modern writing and the way the story unfolded. And I liked that for a story that spells out what’s going to happen with future prophecies- it manages to surprise along the way too.
There are some great peripheral characters- especially Sieben, and surprisingly Michanek? (Rowena’s second husband).
Druss in some ways is the typical heroic fantasy character- he never wavers in his values, his love for Rowena, or his moral compass throughout the course of the story. He is who he is, and that steadfastness in is values and presence of self, inspires change in those around him. And I think that’s where this story becomes so special. We may be reading about “Druss the legend” but really, it’s his impact on those around him that make this such a great tale.
Great story- fun, actiony, and a little bittersweet at times.
March 8, 2018
This book tells the story of how a lumberjack, Druss, living a simple life with his wife in his village becomes a legend. Even at a young age, Druss was a formidable man, fierce and strong.
While he’s in the woods felling trees, his village is raided and his wife, Rowena, taken among the other young women. With the help of a warrior, Shadak, he sets off to find and save Rowena, which unleashes a chain of reactions that set Druss on a journey there would be no turning back from.
It’s heartbreaking how every time he gets close to saving Rowena, fate pushes them even further apart. Along the way, Druss is beset with doubts and trauma. He overcomes his fears and becomes a deadly fighter, earning a name for himself and his axe, Snaga. Druss and his father were first portrayed as simple villagers and yet their history held a dark and bloody secret. It added a depth to the plot-line and a deeper understanding into Druss.
David Gemmell shows the human nature at its worst and also, at its best. But it’s the worst I’m focusing on for now. When Rowena’s secret comes to light, I hate how she is treated by people who were supposed to be her friends. In my opinion, that’s the deciding point in the story. If not for human nature at its worst, Rowena and Druss would not have been separated for that long.
Even when they get united, their union is a bittersweet one, colored with all the trauma they both went through. To anyone reading David Gemmell’s Legend, I recommend reading The First Chronicles Of Druss The Legend beforehand.
Posted on Blog
While he’s in the woods felling trees, his village is raided and his wife, Rowena, taken among the other young women. With the help of a warrior, Shadak, he sets off to find and save Rowena, which unleashes a chain of reactions that set Druss on a journey there would be no turning back from.
It’s heartbreaking how every time he gets close to saving Rowena, fate pushes them even further apart. Along the way, Druss is beset with doubts and trauma. He overcomes his fears and becomes a deadly fighter, earning a name for himself and his axe, Snaga. Druss and his father were first portrayed as simple villagers and yet their history held a dark and bloody secret. It added a depth to the plot-line and a deeper understanding into Druss.
David Gemmell shows the human nature at its worst and also, at its best. But it’s the worst I’m focusing on for now. When Rowena’s secret comes to light, I hate how she is treated by people who were supposed to be her friends. In my opinion, that’s the deciding point in the story. If not for human nature at its worst, Rowena and Druss would not have been separated for that long.
Even when they get united, their union is a bittersweet one, colored with all the trauma they both went through. To anyone reading David Gemmell’s Legend, I recommend reading The First Chronicles Of Druss The Legend beforehand.
Posted on Blog
December 9, 2010
The Drenai novels are all great. This is the least great of them. David Gemmell writes stories about men that are either past their prime, out of their time, or defective. The central problem with this book is the central character is a man in his prime, in his time with only mild defects. Future books will find Druss in those other scenarios, but in this one, he is a freakishly gifted young buck carving out his legend.
Druss is still wise in this book. It is hard for me to imagine a teenager or 20 something who has a history of losing his temper demonstrating as much wisdom, and level-headedness as he does in this book. I appreciate that sometimes he uses his brains not his brawn to solve his problems, but it seems a little out of character.
The world is vivid and interesting. The characters are deeper than you would expect. And the travels of Druss cover an amazing distance. There is a siege that is exciting, but only a pale reflection of the ultimate siege in Legend.
The epilogue deals with the battle in Skeln Pass. A battle in which he faces off against the army he serves in during the rest of the book. The battle is 20 or so years in the future. It is exciting, and in some ways my favorite non-siege battle in any Gemmell novel.
Druss is still wise in this book. It is hard for me to imagine a teenager or 20 something who has a history of losing his temper demonstrating as much wisdom, and level-headedness as he does in this book. I appreciate that sometimes he uses his brains not his brawn to solve his problems, but it seems a little out of character.
The world is vivid and interesting. The characters are deeper than you would expect. And the travels of Druss cover an amazing distance. There is a siege that is exciting, but only a pale reflection of the ultimate siege in Legend.
The epilogue deals with the battle in Skeln Pass. A battle in which he faces off against the army he serves in during the rest of the book. The battle is 20 or so years in the future. It is exciting, and in some ways my favorite non-siege battle in any Gemmell novel.
September 2, 2021
This was the incredible story of Druss from the book Legend, which tells the story of his early years from about the age of 17 with flashbacks to even younger years and up to the age of 45 ish.
It is absolutely brilliant from the start and right up to the last page. Many many battles and contests and fixes where I wondered how he'd get out of them however this is Druss and he is more even than a berserker, he has control over his battle frenzy where he knows instinctively how to win and what he has to do to achieve the victory.
I loved this as much as I loved Legend and will pick up the other 2 books with Druss as the main character very soon.
David Gemmell you have left us with some absolute gems. Thank you.
5*
It is absolutely brilliant from the start and right up to the last page. Many many battles and contests and fixes where I wondered how he'd get out of them however this is Druss and he is more even than a berserker, he has control over his battle frenzy where he knows instinctively how to win and what he has to do to achieve the victory.
I loved this as much as I loved Legend and will pick up the other 2 books with Druss as the main character very soon.
David Gemmell you have left us with some absolute gems. Thank you.
5*
June 30, 2025
A pretty great origin story for Druss. The structure was interesting - 3 novellas and a short story - which were mostly linked to make one narrative whole. If anything, these novellas might have been better served as longer stories. This was also the rare Gemmell Drenai book with an ending that didn't have a lot of closure, so I'm curious to see if the next prequel book just continues where it left off.
January 13, 2023
I liked this one. I can certainly see why Gemmel has the legendary status that he does, and I can see why Druss resonated with so many readers. I'll probably try some more of Gemmel's works in the future, too.
December 11, 2022
A solid Gemmell book. Not my favorite but still good to get a bit more Druss.
November 21, 2011
An awesome story that was extremely well written...
What made it 'awesome'? Well; You create an outcast youth, outcast because of a butchering grandfather who killed without mercy and with a deadly axe named Snaga. And outcast because of his size and strength, where many viewed him as a bone-breaking thug, though Druss was never mean spirited, or a thug. He was quite introverted and prefered his own company to that of others who always saw just a thug. Then, he met Rowena, who saw the gentleness and good in him, and with her his anger faded. Druss was in love, and loved by Rowena, and they married, and both were happy...
But, when he was out felling trees, his living, his village was attacked by an army of raiding slavers. Rowena was taken, his father killed along with many other dead. Druss, then took up Snaga, the blades of no return, and along with a hunter, set out to rescue his wife and kill those responsible... Druss has an aura, a strength that he radiates, a power, and it doesn't all come from the demon possessed axe he wields... Where others fear to tread, Druss does not think twice about saving innocents, no matter how many stand against him. He makes friends, but more than that, he is admired. Druss makes the impossible possible, and why? Because he wills it so.
His journey brings him a few fellow comrades, but Druss is alone when he is captured and incarcerated in a small stone dungeon, after saving the lives of an old man and a young girl. Druss is brought to his lowest ever, and he's close to giving up all hope, but he is Druss.
I really can't spoil the story for you... But, Druss is a great character, well thought out and expertly detailed. There is so much to this story... It probably deserves '5 stars'... But, I'm such a hard-ass LMAO... To read it, is to enjoy it!
What made it 'awesome'? Well; You create an outcast youth, outcast because of a butchering grandfather who killed without mercy and with a deadly axe named Snaga. And outcast because of his size and strength, where many viewed him as a bone-breaking thug, though Druss was never mean spirited, or a thug. He was quite introverted and prefered his own company to that of others who always saw just a thug. Then, he met Rowena, who saw the gentleness and good in him, and with her his anger faded. Druss was in love, and loved by Rowena, and they married, and both were happy...
But, when he was out felling trees, his living, his village was attacked by an army of raiding slavers. Rowena was taken, his father killed along with many other dead. Druss, then took up Snaga, the blades of no return, and along with a hunter, set out to rescue his wife and kill those responsible... Druss has an aura, a strength that he radiates, a power, and it doesn't all come from the demon possessed axe he wields... Where others fear to tread, Druss does not think twice about saving innocents, no matter how many stand against him. He makes friends, but more than that, he is admired. Druss makes the impossible possible, and why? Because he wills it so.
His journey brings him a few fellow comrades, but Druss is alone when he is captured and incarcerated in a small stone dungeon, after saving the lives of an old man and a young girl. Druss is brought to his lowest ever, and he's close to giving up all hope, but he is Druss.
I really can't spoil the story for you... But, Druss is a great character, well thought out and expertly detailed. There is so much to this story... It probably deserves '5 stars'... But, I'm such a hard-ass LMAO... To read it, is to enjoy it!
July 28, 2013
THE FIRST CHRONICLES OF DRUSS THE LEGEND saw author David Gemmell bringing back his his best loved character due to popular demand. It's conceived as a prequel to his first book, LEGEND, exploring the life of Druss and the events that made him a globally-known hero.
This is a light, straightforward novel that follows an action-focused narrative. The battle scenes in the book are almost non-stop, indeed this has the most action of any Gemmell novel I've read. Some of the tension is taken away in the fact that the reader already knows Druss will survive the story, but Gemmell makes up for that by intriguing the reader in the fates of supporting characters - Rowena, Sieben, etc.
As usual, the blood-soaked action is interspersed with philosophical musings, as Gemmell explores what it means to be a hero and the nature of myth and legend. Concurrently running themes include love, revenge and the curse of what it means to be able to tell the future (I particularly liked this part of the story). Once again there's a hellish descent into a demon-haunted netherworld to rescue a loved one.
Fans of the author will find all this very familiar but it matters not. Gemmell's work lives and breathes on the strength of his writing and his mastery of the art form is apparent in the way the action flows and explodes off the page. There are too many great scenes to list individually here, but the closing homage to the Battle of Thermopylae is a definite favourite. A second prequel, THE LEGEND OF DEATHWALKER, followed.
This is a light, straightforward novel that follows an action-focused narrative. The battle scenes in the book are almost non-stop, indeed this has the most action of any Gemmell novel I've read. Some of the tension is taken away in the fact that the reader already knows Druss will survive the story, but Gemmell makes up for that by intriguing the reader in the fates of supporting characters - Rowena, Sieben, etc.
As usual, the blood-soaked action is interspersed with philosophical musings, as Gemmell explores what it means to be a hero and the nature of myth and legend. Concurrently running themes include love, revenge and the curse of what it means to be able to tell the future (I particularly liked this part of the story). Once again there's a hellish descent into a demon-haunted netherworld to rescue a loved one.
Fans of the author will find all this very familiar but it matters not. Gemmell's work lives and breathes on the strength of his writing and his mastery of the art form is apparent in the way the action flows and explodes off the page. There are too many great scenes to list individually here, but the closing homage to the Battle of Thermopylae is a definite favourite. A second prequel, THE LEGEND OF DEATHWALKER, followed.
June 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
Gemmell is certainly an author I will be looking more into. This book, although rather straightforward in plot, utilizes the elements I love most in this genre. I really wasn't a big fan of Druss for the first half of this book but he slowly started growing on me (perhaps not fully yet though). This book knows, as its author intended, exactly what it is and never tries to be or achieve anything else other than a - perhaps now clichéd - tale of heroism. I would highly recommend it, especially if Heroic Fantasy is what you seek.
Gemmell is certainly an author I will be looking more into. This book, although rather straightforward in plot, utilizes the elements I love most in this genre. I really wasn't a big fan of Druss for the first half of this book but he slowly started growing on me (perhaps not fully yet though). This book knows, as its author intended, exactly what it is and never tries to be or achieve anything else other than a - perhaps now clichéd - tale of heroism. I would highly recommend it, especially if Heroic Fantasy is what you seek.
April 28, 2016
A truly remarkable piece of love, courage and redemption. Gemmell was a rare breed. One who wrote from his heart. Not his wallet - As I see too many writers are guilty of these days. All hail The Saviour of Skeln Pass!!!
June 26, 2023
'Legend' was the first book I read by this author so it was nice to discover that he had written this prequel. Starting off when Druss was just a teenager it chronicles his early adventures searching for his abducted wife. It and ends sometime before the other book begins but there a is a large section of about 20 years that are glossed over by describing Druss being involved in many campaigns and battles. That leaves things open for further books about this character.
As with all Gemmell's books, there is a great deal of very well written, bloodthirsty action but veer into the grimdark field as there is also quite a bit of tragedy.
A good book for fans of this genre and anybody who enjoyed 'Legend' will like this one.
As with all Gemmell's books, there is a great deal of very well written, bloodthirsty action but veer into the grimdark field as there is also quite a bit of tragedy.
A good book for fans of this genre and anybody who enjoyed 'Legend' will like this one.
March 14, 2020
nice read
October 29, 2025
Lorsque le jeune Druss voit son village massacré et sa femme enlevée comme esclave, il s'empare de Snaga, la hache familiale, et s'élance sur les traces des ravisseurs.
Druss la Légende est du pur Gemmell. C'est plaisant à lire, avec un pays tiré de la Perse antique qui vient apporter un peu de variété, certains passages sont très drôles (j'ai beaucoup aimé le passage du navire limité à 50 hommes) mais... on reste sur un impression de survol.
Les événements s'enchaînent avec de nombreuses ellipses et ne nous laissent jamais le temps de vraiment s'attacher aux personnages. Même Sieben, qui fait ici office de compagnon le plus proche de Druss, reste au final plus une ébauche qu'autre chose. C'est d'autant plus dommageable que la dernière partie tente de nous émouvoir en faisant un bond temporel d'une quarantaine d'année pour permettre de voir l'évolution de certains de ces personnages. Seulement, cette évolution, si triste puisse-t-elle être, manque cruellement d'impact quand ces personnages n'ont fait que traverser le roman sans être approfondis.
Ce manque d'approfondissement s'est particulièrement fait ressentir quand j'ai vu mes attentes vis à vis de Légende déçues. J'attendais de Druss la Légende qu'il m'apporte des réponses sur certains personnages que Druss semble bien connaître ou qui ont visiblement joué un rôle crucial par le passé, comme par exemple le Comte de Bronze ou bien les Trente. Au final ces personnages ne sont soit pas évoqués, soit tiennent plus du caméo que de la véritable apparition.
Malgré tout, j'ai éprouvé du plaisir à lire ce roman, mais du même plaisir que lorsque je regarde un blockbuster avec une boîte de pop-corn au cinéma. Je suis pris dans l'action, je rigole aux vannes mais j'en ressors avec l'impression d'avoir suivi un pur divertissement qui ne m'aura rien apporté d'autre sur le long-terme.
Druss la Légende est du pur Gemmell. C'est plaisant à lire, avec un pays tiré de la Perse antique qui vient apporter un peu de variété, certains passages sont très drôles (j'ai beaucoup aimé le passage du navire limité à 50 hommes) mais... on reste sur un impression de survol.
Les événements s'enchaînent avec de nombreuses ellipses et ne nous laissent jamais le temps de vraiment s'attacher aux personnages. Même Sieben, qui fait ici office de compagnon le plus proche de Druss, reste au final plus une ébauche qu'autre chose. C'est d'autant plus dommageable que la dernière partie tente de nous émouvoir en faisant un bond temporel d'une quarantaine d'année pour permettre de voir l'évolution de certains de ces personnages. Seulement, cette évolution, si triste puisse-t-elle être, manque cruellement d'impact quand ces personnages n'ont fait que traverser le roman sans être approfondis.
Ce manque d'approfondissement s'est particulièrement fait ressentir quand j'ai vu mes attentes vis à vis de Légende déçues. J'attendais de Druss la Légende qu'il m'apporte des réponses sur certains personnages que Druss semble bien connaître ou qui ont visiblement joué un rôle crucial par le passé, comme par exemple le Comte de Bronze ou bien les Trente. Au final ces personnages ne sont soit pas évoqués, soit tiennent plus du caméo que de la véritable apparition.
Malgré tout, j'ai éprouvé du plaisir à lire ce roman, mais du même plaisir que lorsque je regarde un blockbuster avec une boîte de pop-corn au cinéma. Je suis pris dans l'action, je rigole aux vannes mais j'en ressors avec l'impression d'avoir suivi un pur divertissement qui ne m'aura rien apporté d'autre sur le long-terme.
June 19, 2024
Like all the books by David Gemmell I've read so far, this fix-up "collection" of three and a half connected novellas set in the early life of legendary axeman Druss does exactly what it says on the tin. Blood and honour are spilled across the fields of the world as Druss goes in search of his stolen wife Rowena, other characters joining his quest temporarily before falling by the wayside one way or another.
This is of course heroic fantasy in the old mould, fashioned with curses, grimaces, barrel chests, and a superhuman disdain for temperance and negotiation. Everything is resolved with blades and fists. Gemmell does include the poet Sieben as a foil to Druss's blunt morality, but for a story about heroes there is a massive dose of cynicism about human nature and the point of endurance and resistance. This is a darker tale than Legend itself was, and at the same time more superficially told (Eskodas dies offstage between chapters).
And Gemmell's female characters are still not as well developed as they should be: maidens, whores or crones only, with only Rowena allowed to progress beyond that - and even then with a shrugged-off sexual assault. Fantasy has come a long way since this, thankfully, even if Gemmell's battle scenes still rate amongst the best in the genre.
This is of course heroic fantasy in the old mould, fashioned with curses, grimaces, barrel chests, and a superhuman disdain for temperance and negotiation. Everything is resolved with blades and fists. Gemmell does include the poet Sieben as a foil to Druss's blunt morality, but for a story about heroes there is a massive dose of cynicism about human nature and the point of endurance and resistance. This is a darker tale than Legend itself was, and at the same time more superficially told (Eskodas dies offstage between chapters).
And Gemmell's female characters are still not as well developed as they should be: maidens, whores or crones only, with only Rowena allowed to progress beyond that - and even then with a shrugged-off sexual assault. Fantasy has come a long way since this, thankfully, even if Gemmell's battle scenes still rate amongst the best in the genre.
October 30, 2024
Fa male!
che finale!
TRAMA:
la vita di Druss, dal rapimento della moglie alla battaglia del Passo di Skeln
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
che finale!
TRAMA:
la vita di Druss, dal rapimento della moglie alla battaglia del Passo di Skeln
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
May 23, 2017
Always a pleasure to read David Gemmell's stories.
This is the first book that paves the road to his one of the iconic books "Legend", which I think is the first or one of first books he ever wrote.
It covers a span of about 25 years and tells the story of how a young woodsman named Druss becomes known as "Druss the legend", among other names.
To the point, precise and sometimes brutal style of David Gemmell takes you on a journey of an antisocial and awkward Druss in a quest across oceans and empires to find his love and wife taken by slavers. Fearlessness and a simple way of looking at life helps him find a few real friends as well.
A fun and pleasant read, though, my favourites still remain his first two books from the "The Rigante" series.
This is the first book that paves the road to his one of the iconic books "Legend", which I think is the first or one of first books he ever wrote.
It covers a span of about 25 years and tells the story of how a young woodsman named Druss becomes known as "Druss the legend", among other names.
To the point, precise and sometimes brutal style of David Gemmell takes you on a journey of an antisocial and awkward Druss in a quest across oceans and empires to find his love and wife taken by slavers. Fearlessness and a simple way of looking at life helps him find a few real friends as well.
A fun and pleasant read, though, my favourites still remain his first two books from the "The Rigante" series.
February 16, 2018
Despite my really anticipating this book, it fell slightly short and I wonder if it's because some of the parts in it seemed undeveloped or rushed. It might have tried to fit in too much, and made each individual triumph or quest not as magnificent as it could have been. At least that was my impression, but I still certainly enjoyed it!
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