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Bane has acquired some inner peace to his outcast life and honed his warrior skills. Though the one person he truly loved has taken a different path. But he doesn't moan, blame, or even expect anything from anyone. He lives his own life, and still cares for others. This, for me, is one of Gemmell's best. But opinions vary. It's a male protaganist and not everyones genre ;)

One thing that has always stayed with me from this book; is the castle dungeon scenes. A large and proud man, like Druss, not being able to even stand or use his strength, having to find new inner strengths in order to just survive. Great writing. Again, I'm writing more, so less reading time. But what an inspiration great writing really is!!!

The ultimate Druss book! It sums up how he always was Druss, and how he became The Captain of the Axe, and then, Druss the Legend. I'm trying to get more of my own writing done, so had less reading time, lately!

The story of Druss, and what made him a Legend. Where mere mortal men fail, or fail to act, Druss succeeds. Druss would not wish to be a ruler of men, which is just one of the reasons why he should be. He'd get my vote!

I've been spending more time working on my own writing lately, so had less reading time. But, this book would certainly make my Gemmell Top 10 reads. You don't really get better characters than Skilgannon and Druss. They have been refined and they have not just strength, but depth, and compassion.

What Gemmell did with characters was almost magical, almost certainly a gift. I'm glad he used that gift. Another damn fine read, I'm just along for the ride. Skilgannon and Druss are leading the way.

Justin's dad may seem like a directly profane pessimistic old bastard ;) But, behind the directness (which often has some truth or a lesson to it) he actually does love his son. And there are plenty of sharp, witty remarks to make you smile.

Skilgannon was not totally unsuited to the Priesthood, but he will always be a warrior. the prospect of the weak turning the other cheek, even in death, is not how he is made. Leaving the Priesthood, with another priest and a boy, he sets off on a journey. first to safely escort the priest and the boy. Then to find an ancient temple of magic. But the fates have other plans for Skilgannon, and for Druss.

I just started this one the other night. I'd already heard many of his dad's 'words of wisdom' on Twitter, that's where it gripped me enough to want read the book. His dad is really quite funny in his profane twist and directness of the obvious (which we seemed to have over-looked).

Skilgannon the priest? He is trying to leave the violence of his past behind. He has even given up the swords of Night and Day. But, he finds that many see peace-loving people as a weak target. So, how much does Skilgannon believe in peace by turning the other cheek, if that means watching his fellow brothers die, and allowing himself to be killed with them? The answer...

I've just started re-reading this one. After The Swords of Night and Day I just had to read some more Skilgannon and Druss ;)

It's quite intriguing, in that Martin hasn't lived a dull life. His early start working and learning magic and showmanship whilst at Disney is quite interesting. As is Martin's childhood, or maybe the word there is 'traumatic'. His first years in stand-up comedy he seemed to hate, but he kept at it. There was something driving him, no doubt from his childhood, and his father in particular.

Hey, my edition has changed to one with 639 pages ;) And, I didn't do it *laughing*. About fooking time ;) This is definately one of Gemmell's best books. The character's and blending is an art form. Even though I've read all of Gemmells' books, I don't own all the copies. So I've ordered a few more to re-read, inc; White Wolf (Prelude to this one, in a way). But this works as a stand-alone read.

It's quite intellectually written. By that I don't mean it's for 'intelligent people' (remember, I'm reading it *smiling*). I mean you can feel Martin's intelligence, and how important that appears to be to him (Hey, I'm a therapist, can't help it *laughing*). But it's well written (though chronologically back and forth), and I'm finding it interesting. His childhood has something in common with my own (Bugger!);)

Just started this one. But quite interesting so far.

I'm actually on page 468 ;) As, for some really good reason, my copy of this book has 640 pages. Yes, still LOL. Some brilliant characters here; Stavut and his 'lads' (Joinings) makes a couple of important observations about how animals and humans are viewed, and what it means to be 'human'. Plus, it's a damn good story. Btw. If I'd marked my current page properly, then the book would show as finished (again) ;)

I'm getting nearer to the 419 page mark (reading, I call it lol). My copy of this book still has 640 pages & I've checked all editions on here including Amazon & B&N. This book has not only some great action & themes, but also some great characters: Skilgannon, Askari, Stavut, Decado, Druss/Harad, are amazing. There are some real gems in this book. Stavut & his 'lads' (Joinings) are brilliant. Bloody brilliant ;)

My copy has 640 pages, not 419. Skilgannon the Damned is already involved, he now has friends, and enemies. The slightly insane Decado is also making more of an appearance. Skilgannon has no army to stop the Eternal (ruthless, immortal queen). Though Harad (Reborn in Druss's body) and the deadly huntress, Askari, have now entered the tale. Along with Stavut, the travelling merchant & early animal rights activist ;)

Skilgannon the Damned has been brought back from the dead, after 1,000 years. An ancient prophecy has foretold he can stop the Eternal (ruthless, immortal queen) & her armies. There is another undefeated swordsman, also a Reborn, the slightly insane Decado (kin to Skilgannon). Harad (Reborn in Druss's body) and the deadly huntress, Askari, have yet to make an appearance. Certainly not dull ;)

The real bonding between Lord Uhtred and Lady AEthelflaed (King Alfred's daughter, married to a cowardly, abusive ass) is just starting to bloom in this book. Uhtred's old adversary Jarl Haesten is a slimey piece of work. And the two brothers Jarl's Sigefrid and Erik couldn't be much more diverse. Need to get more reading time back! A really interesting era in English history.

Slow progress on this one, as I'm getting less time to read than usual. But, it's quite enjoyable so far. Not great, but combining engineering and fantasy warfare is fairly unique. Maybe some good characters emerging, at ch.4 it's too early to say. And I bought another six books today - Addict ;)

Lord Uhtred is a brilliant character; an ultimate sword warrior and battle lord, who can be ruthless (hates priests), but has a sense of honour and loyalty. Whether the manipulative and pious King Alfred deserves his loyalty is another question. In this book the Danes (his old adversary, Haesten) seek to trick Uhtred, praying on his pagan beliefs. And the two new Danish Jarls (brothers) make interesting characters.

For some reason I relate well to this era, and to the Lord Uhtred. This is the book that got me hooked on this series. But finding more time for my own writing means less reading time.

These last chapters are quite enticing. If only the first half of this book was such a pleasure to read. Though I understand why Brett had to get Jardir's character formed 'first'. It would have been wrong to put it in later, it would have detracted from the story. But, too damn much Jardir in the beginning.

With writing more I have less reading time. But, this book is now filling in the gaps in an enjoyable way.

It is sooooo good to be out of the desert. I couldn't help but feel that ove 200 pages were taken up on an area I felt 50 pages would have sufficed. Two words come to mind; 'Major Edit!'

It would appear that another review is shortly due. Mmmmmm...

I'm writing more, so reading less, again. Lord Uhtred has sworn an oath to serve another, besides King Alfred. Though some oaths are made out of duty or need. Others are made out of necessity and love. Uhtred hates priests, though he considers two priests good friends. Historically interesting too, although it does stray from known facts into fictional drama.

Okaaay, and we're still in the bloody desert *smiling* (yes, I'm aware of the title *laughing*). We've (me & the voices in my head) just had Jardir's version of events up to leaving Arlen in the desert to die. Even though this DID happen in the last book! We now get 200 pages of Jardir's detailed version. Hopefully, our hero will be joining the book sometime soon!