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Reading lists

The best fantasy book series to escape into new worlds

(Troy: 2): Epic storytelling at its very best, interlacing myth, history, and high adventure

Troy: Shield of Thunder

Bestselling author David Gemmell combines his fantasy storytelling skills with epic history in this unputdownable tale of peace and war. Fall of Kings, the final novel in this series, was finished by Stella Gemmell following her husband's tragic death.

The second novel in David Gemmell's bestselling TROY trilogy. Interlacing myth and history, and high adventure, this is epic storytelling at its very best.

The Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell brings the myth and legend of Troy to life in this epic story filled with triumph and tragedy. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"This is how the oldest tales should be read and known. Gemmell is a master of plot, but his triumph is creating men and women so real that their trials are agony and their triumph is glorious" -- CONN IGGULDEN 
" [A] vivid, inspirational re-creation of the Troy myth." -- MANDA SCOTT 
"The best book that I have ever read" -- ***** Reader review 
"The characters are rich, engaging and easy to visualize...perfect historical fiction writing." -- ***** Reader review 
 
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The war of Troy is looming, and all the kings of the Great Green are gathering, friends and enemies, each with their own dark plans of conquest and plunder. 
 
Into this maelstrom of treachery and deceit come three travellers; Piria, a runaway priestess nursing a terrible secret, Kalliades, a warrior with a legendary sword, and Banokles who will carve his own legend in the battles to come. 
 
Troy: Shield of Thunder takes the reader back into the glories and tragedies of Bronze Age Greece, reuniting the characters from Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow; the dread Helikaon and his great love, the fiery Andromache, the mighty Hektor and the fabled storyteller, Odysseus. 
 
The story concludes in Troy: The Fall of Kings. Have you read the previous title Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow?

This is how the oldest tales should be read and known. Gemmell is a master of plot, but his triumph is creating men and women so real that their trials are agony and their triumph is glorious

David Gemmell carries us away to a four-cornered, wholly convincing cosmos, so masterfully done that the reader thinks 'Ah, this is what it was really like'

Gripping and fast-paced, intelligent and intensely readable... should appeal to anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical epic

The loyalties and betrayals, the love and the hate, the endless, everlasting courage of the men - and the women - of both sides are brought to life in this vivid, inspirational recreation of the Troy myth

David A. Gemmell's first novel, Legend, was first published in 1984 and went on to become a classic. His most recent Drenai and Rigante novels are available as Corgi paperbacks; all are Sunday Times bestsellers. 
 
Widely regarded as the finest writer of heroic fantasy, David Gemmell lived in Sussex until his tragic death in July 2006.

(Troy: 1): A riveting, action-packed page-turner bringing an ancient myth and legend expertly to life

Troy: Lord Of The Silver Bow

Compelling, unputdownable novel of love and hatred, ambition and rivalry, peace and war by Sunday Times bestselling David Gemmell.

A compelling, unputdownable novel of love and hatred, ambition and rivalry, peace and war by Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"History and legend combine in an epic recreation of the Troy myth" - CONN IGGULDEN 
"David Gemmell carries us away to a four-cornered, wholly convincing cosmos..." - STEVEN PRESSFIELD 
"What a masterly imagining of Bronze Age Greece" - ***** Reader review 
"The story is thrilling and once you start, you can not stop." -- ***** Reader review 
"Another epic novel that was impossible to put down." -- ***** Reader review 
 
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Three lives will change the destiny of nations. 
 
Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge. 
 
In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries - a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall. 
 
It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes. 
 
The story continues in Troy: Shield of Thunder.

History and legend  combine in an epic recreation of the Troy myth

David Gemmell carries us away to a four-cornered, wholly convincing cosmos, so masterfully done that the reader thinks, 'Ah this is what it was really like'

David A. Gemmell's first novel, Legend, was first published in 1984 and went on to become a classic. His most recent Drenai and Rigante novels are available as Corgi paperbacks; all are Sunday Times bestsellers. 
 
Widely regarded as the finest writer of heroic fantasy, David Gemmell lived in Sussex until his death in July 2006.

An awesome tale of swords and sorcery, heroes and villains from the master of heroic fantasy

The Swords Of Night And Day

Even in death, Skilgannon the Damned's name lives on. Now, as an ancient evil threatens to flood the Drenai heartlands in a tide of blood, he returns...

A bloody, brutal and breath-taking epic heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"Gemmell is past the point of needing recommending - he is an institution that becomes more valuable with each new novel." -- ENIGMA 
 
"Gemmell's premium-grade heroic fantasies stress the positive values of individualism...stirring, emotionally charged, superbly written." -- TIME OUT 
"A classic of its genre" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Another masterpiece [-] couldn't put it down. Loved the characters and the twists and turns of the plot.Not many do it better than the master storyteller." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"A very good read, with several surprising twists. This book will keep you guessing until the end." -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************ 
Even in death, Skilgannon the Damned's name lives on. Now, as an ancient evil threatens to flood the Drenai heartlands in a tide of blood, he returns... 
 
A thousand years after they fell in battle, two heroes - Druss and Skilgannon - are revered throughout the war-torn lands of the Drenai, where men and women live in abject fear of the dark sorceress known as the Eternal... 
 
But what if one such hero could be called back from the void? An ancient prophecy foretold that Skilgannon would return in his people's darkest hour. To most, this was a foolish hope. But not so to Landis Kan. Having found Skilgannon's ancient tomb, he gathers up the bones and peforms the mystic ritual. 
 
But the reborn hero is an enigma: a young man whose warrior skills are blunted and whose memories are fragmented. He is marooned in a world as strange to him as a dream, remote from all he knew and loved. Or nearly all - for Landis Kan has also experimented upon other bone fragments found in the hero's tomb resulting in a surly giant who possesses astounding strength but no memories. To Kan, he is a dangerous failure. To Skilgannon, this giant represents their last hope. 
 
As ageless evil threatens to drown the Drenai lands in blood, two legendary heroes will once again lead the way to freedom.

'Gemmell is a fireside mythmonger; his characters and plots have the authentic feel of legends handed down through the ages'

'The story flows like a torrent; and if the devil has all the best tunes, then the Damned definitely gets the best weapons'

An epic, all-action tale of love, betrayal and treachery from the master of heroic fantasy

White Wolf

The start of a gripping new series in the tradition of THE DRENAI TALES. Introducing a compelling hero, with a guest appearance by Gemmell's most popular character of all - Druss the Legend.

Sorcery and savagery combine in this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"The story flows like a torrent..." - THE GUARDIAN 
 
"Gemmell is past the point of needing recommending - he is an institution that becomes more valuable with each new novel." - ENIGMA 
 
"How could you fail to be captivated? Gemmell... always guarantees a blasting good read" - FEAR 
 
"Full of fantastic action scenes with beasts warriors and quirky characters..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book..." - ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************* 
 
Skilgannon the Damned had vanished from the pages of history. 
 
Following the terrible triumph at Perapolis, he had taken the legendary Swords of Night and Day and ridden from the lands of Naashan. No-one knew where he had gone, and the assassins sent by the Witch Queen could find no trace of his passing. 
 
Three years later, a mob intent on murder gathers outside a distant monastery: they are faced by a single unarmed priest. In a few terrifying seconds their world is changed for ever, and word spreads across the lands of the East. 
Skilgannon is back. 
 
Now he must travel across a perilous, demon-haunted realm seeking a mysterious temple, and the ageless goddess who rules it. With assassins on his trail, and an army of murderous foes ahead, he sets off on a quest to bring the dead to life. But he does not travel alone. 
 
The man beside him is Druss the Legend.

'Gemmell is a fireside mythmonger; his characters and plots have the authentic feel of legends handed down through the ages'

The Rigante Book 4: A high-octane and enthralling page-turner from the master of heroic fantasy

Stormrider

The eagerly awaited final novel in the Rigante series. A sequel to the bestselling Ravenheart.

Stormrider concludes the tale of the Rigante. War and other-worldly magic combine in this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"When it comes to heroic fantasy, nobody does it better than David Gemmell." -- THE DARK SIDE 
"Gemmell is a fireside mythmonger; his characters and plots have the authentic feel of legends handed down through the ages." -- SFX 
"As usual another Gemmell masterpiece.." - ***** Reader review 
"Fantastic read from start to finish.." - ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************** 
 
Both Ravenheart and Stormrider are destined to be heroes, but one of them is doomed. 
 
Centuries after Connavar's triumphant battles against the invading army of Stone gained the Rigante their freedom, the clan finds itself oppressed once again. 
 
Magic that once flourished has been all but snuffed out. The Varlish king and his barons have stolen Rigante lands and robbed the people of their culture and liberty. From the Rigante's former seat of power the black-hearted Moidart rules; only in the north are the clansmen free. 
 
There, in the Druagh mountains, the magic still reigns, strengthened by bold, brilliant victories of the outlaw leader known as Ravenheart. In the south, civil war has drenched the land in blood, and the armies of destruction are slowly creeping north where Ravenheart waits, believing the armies of hated Moidart will come, led by the brutal ruler's only son, Stormrider. 
 
But these are not ordinary men. They are clansmen, and more than that, they are Rigante. 
 
Have you read Storm in the Sword, Midnight Falcon and Ravenheart - the first three novels of the Rigante?

A page-turning tale of warriors, war and honour from the master of heroic fantasy

The Legend of Deathwalker

The Legend of Deathwalker continues the extraordinary tale of Druss among the Nadir started in Legend.

A battle - charged and epic heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"In my pantheon of literary greats, David Gemmell stands alone . . . he put me on the path I still walk today" - Conn Iggulden 
 
"In the realm of people-driven fantasy fiction, Gemmell sets the standard" -- TIME OUT 
 
"Impressive story-telling...Compelling and pacey action...The best fantasy inspires genuine involvement. David Gemmell's novels do just that." -- INTERZONE 
 
"I have now read this book at least 10 times and every time I get lost in the intrigue..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Fast moving and emotionally charged, you just won't be able to put this down..." -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************** 
 
For centuries the tribes of the Nadir have suffered under the despotic tyranny of their Gothir overlords. 
 
Disunited and distrustful of one another they await the coming of a Messianic warlord, who will unite them against the oppressors. 
 
Into this swirling, chaotic landscape come three men who will change the fate of the continent: Talisman the Mysterious, enigmatic Nadir warrior, haunted by his past and filled with dreams of finding the Uniter; Sieben the Poet, searching for the mysteries of life and love; and Druss the Axeman, determined to find two mystic gems to heal a mortally wounded friend. 
 
Together they will journey across a war-torn land, and descend beyond the gates of Hell, where a long-dead king holds the key to a secret that will change the world. 
 
The Legend of Deathwalker continues the extraordinary tale of Druss among the Nadir started in Legend

'Gemmell is a fireside mythmonger; his characters and plots have the authentic feel of legends handed down through the age

Published in 1984, David A. Gemmell's award-winning first novel, Legend, has become a classic. His most recent Drenai and Rigante books are all published as Bantam Press hardcovers and Corgi paperbacks. Hero in the Shadows, Ravenheart and Stormrider are Sunday Times bestsellers. His most recent novel, The Swords of Night and Day, is now available from Bantam Press. 
 
 
Widely regarded as the finest writer of heroic fantasy, David Gemmell lived in Sussex until his death in July 2006.

A heart-in-mouth adventure from the master of heroic fantasy (Rigante 3)

Ravenheart

The Rigante Book 3: An action-packed and gripping read from the master of heroic fantasy

The eagerly awaited third Rigante novel. A sequel to the bestselling Midnight Falcon

Ravenheart continues the tale of the Rigante. Packed with epic battles, hard, bloody steel, honour, magic and mystery, this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell is perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne and Conn Iggulden. 
 
'Characterization, always a strength in this writer's work, is even deeper and subtler. In the realm of people-driven, solidly plotted fantasy fiction, Gemmell set the standard' Time out 
'Gemmell has every right to take his place among the SF and fantasy greats' SFX 
'For me one of the best writers of this genre' ***** Reader review 
'Fabulous storytelling, excellent characters, this is fantasy at its very best' ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************** 
 
Eight hundred years have passed since King Connavar of the Rigante and his bastard son, Bane, defeated the invading army of Stone. 
 
Connavar has since become a legend, and the Rigante have lost the freedom so many gave their lives to preserve. They live and die under the iron rule of the Varlish, their culture all but destroyed. 
 
One woman still follows the ancient paths once trod by the Rigante, and she alone knows the nature of the evil soon to be unleashed on a doomed and unsuspecting world. She pins her initial hopes on two men: Jaim Grymauch, the giant Rigante fighter, and Kaelin Ring, a youth whose deadly talents will earn him the enmity of all Varlish. 
 
One will become the Ravenheart, an outlaw leader whose daring exploits will inspire the Rigante. The other will forge a legend and light the fires of rebellion. 
 
The Wyrd knows that ultimately all hopes will rest on a third man. Of the bloodline of Connavar the King, he will need to overcome generations of fear and hatred if he is to achieve his destiny. 
 
For he is a Varlish nobleman, and - worse - the son of the Rigante's greatest enemy . . . 
 
Have you read Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon - the first two tales of the Rigante? Their story concludes in Stormrider.

'In the realm of people-driven fantasy fiction, Gemmell sets the standard'

'The blend of gentle humour and hard, bloody steel combine to give every fantasy fan what they most desire'

Ravenheart continues the tale of the Rigante. Packed with epic battles, hard, bloody steel, honour, magic and mystery, this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell is perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne and Conn Iggulden. 
 
'Characterization, always a strength in this writer's work, is even deeper and subtler. In the realm of people-driven, solidly plotted fantasy fiction, Gemmell set the standard' Time out 
'Gemmell has every right to take his place among the SF and fantasy greats' SFX 
'For me one of the best writers of this genre' ***** Reader review 
'Fabulous storytelling, excellent characters, this is fantasy at its very best' ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************** 
 
Eight hundred years have passed since King Connavar of the Rigante and his bastard son, Bane, defeated the invading army of Stone. 
 
Connavar has since become a legend, and the Rigante have lost the freedom so many gave their lives to preserve. They live and die under the iron rule of the Varlish, their culture all but destroyed. 
 
One woman still follows the ancient paths once trod by the Rigante, and she alone knows the nature of the evil soon to be unleashed on a doomed and unsuspecting world. She pins her initial hopes on two men: Jaim Grymauch, the giant Rigante fighter, and Kaelin Ring, a youth whose deadly talents will earn him the enmity of all Varlish. 
 
One will become the Ravenheart, an outlaw leader whose daring exploits will inspire the Rigante. The other will forge a legend and light the fires of rebellion. 
 
The Wyrd knows that ultimately all hopes will rest on a third man. Of the bloodline of Connavar the King, he will need to overcome generations of fear and hatred if he is to achieve his destiny. 
 
For he is a Varlish nobleman, and - worse - the son of the Rigante's greatest enemy . . . 
 
Have you read Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon - the first two tales of the Rigante? Their story concludes in Stormrider.

A captivating and breath-taking page-turner from the master of heroic fantasy

Hero In The Shadows

A heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell in which the forces of good and evil and the living and the dead face each other in battle...Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"Probably the finest living writer of heroic fantasy." -- TIME OUT 
"When it comes to heroic fantasy, nobody does it better than David Gemmell." -- THE DARK SIDE 
"Hero in the Shadows has everything a fan of heroic fantasy could desire..." - Stephen Donaldson 
"Another powerful page-turning adventure from Gemmell" -- ***** Reader review 
"The characters are wonderfully bought to life... you will simply fall into the world the Gemmell creates for you." -- **** Reader review 
 
************************************** 
 
Thousands of years ago the evil city of Kuan Hador was defeated by a vast army of mystic warriors, the Enemy banished beyond the Gateway between Worlds. Spells of enormous power sealed the Gateway. 
 
Now icy mists begin to form around the ruins of Kuan Hador. Awesome beasts stalk the hills and forests. The spells are fading. Beyond the Gateway the vengeful armies of Kuan Hador await. 
 
And where years before a host stood against the Enemy, now only a handful of warriors prepare to face it once more: Kysumu the Swordsman, last of a dying breed, Yu Yu Liang, the ditch digger, Ustarte, the Beast-Priestess, and the mysterious Waylander. 
 
Together they must solve an ancient mystery, which will bring the dead to life for a final battle outside Time. 
 
But first Waylander must find a way to kill a man who cannot die...

Gemmell has every right to take his place amongst the SF and fantasy greats

Gemmell is several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous

Has everything a fan of heroic fantasy could desire

I am truly amazed at David Gemmell's ability to focus his writer's eye. His images are crisp and complete, a history lesson woven within the detailed tapestry of the highest adventure. Gemmell's characters are no less complete, real men and women with qualities good and bad, placed in trying times and rising to heroism or falling victim to their own weaknesses

Gemmell is very talented; his characters are vivid and very convincingly realistic

Christopher Stasheff, author of the Wizard of Rhyme novels

The Rigante Book 2: A stunning and awe-inspiring page-turner from the master of the fantasy genre

Midnight Falcon

Midnight Falcon continues the tale of the Rigante, which began in Sword in the Storm. Love, honour, blood and betrayal all play out in this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell - perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"For anyone who appreciates good heroic fantasy, David Gemmell's offerings are mandatory." -- Time Out 
"Gemmell is a master at what he does." -- SFX 
"I have never read a bad David Gemmell book, but these are quite exceptional." - ***** Reader review 
"This is a cracking read, great heroes and villains, magic, lots of action." - ***** Reader review 
"So much happens I this book, couldn't put it down, brilliantly written..." - ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************* 
 
They called him Bane the Bastard - though none said it to his face. 
 
Born of treachery, his name a curse, he grew up among the warriors of the Rigante. They valued his skills in war, but they feared the violence in his heart. 
 
And when, as a Wolfshead and Outlaw, he left Rigante lands, they breathed sighs of relief. 
 
But Bane would return, the destiny of the Rigante in his hands, the fate of the world resting on his skills with a blade. 
 
The story of the Rigante continues in Ravenheart.

The best fantasy inspires genuine involvement. David Gemmell's novels do just that

The Rigante Book 1: A breath-taking, adrenalin–fuelled read from the master of heroic fantasy

Sword In The Storm

The first in a new series from the master of heroic fantasy.

The first in a four book series introducing the Rigante tribe, filled to the brim with epic and heroic battles, and mixing the intriguing worlds of Celtic Myth and ancient Earth Magic from the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell. 
 
You will be gripped from page one...! Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"Gemmell is several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous" -- Anne McCaffrey 
"When it comes to heroic fantasy, few do it better than David Gemmell." - Time Out 
"I was hooked from the first line..." - ***** Reader review 
"Compelling from start to finish..." - ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************************** 
 
Born in the storm that kills his father, Connavar grows up among the mountains of Caer Druagh, where the Rigante tribe dwell in harmony with the land and its gods. 
 
But beyond the border, across the water, an evil force is gathering strength - an unstoppable force that will change the world beyond all recognition. 
 
Haunted by malevolent spirits and hunted by evil men, Connavar sets out on a spectacular mission to defeat this new enemy... But he is a troubled soul, dogged by fate - will he be able to defend his tribe and save his people? 
 
The story of the Rigante continues in Midnight Falcon.

'Gemmell is several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous'

'The best fantasy inspires genuine involvement. David Gemmell's novels do just that'

The first in a four book series introducing the Rigante tribe, filled to the brim with epic and heroic battles, and mixing the intriguing worlds of Celtic Myth and ancient Earth Magic from the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell. 
 
You will be gripped from page one...! Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden. 
 
"Gemmell is several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous" -- Anne McCaffrey 
"When it comes to heroic fantasy, few do it better than David Gemmell." - Time Out 
"I was hooked from the first line..." - ***** Reader review 
"Compelling from start to finish..." - ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************************** 
 
Born in the storm that kills his father, Connavar grows up among the mountains of Caer Druagh, where the Rigante tribe dwell in harmony with the land and its gods. 
 
But beyond the border, across the water, an evil force is gathering strength - an unstoppable force that will change the world beyond all recognition. 
 
Haunted by malevolent spirits and hunted by evil men, Connavar sets out on a spectacular mission to defeat this new enemy... But he is a troubled soul, dogged by fate - will he be able to defend his tribe and save his people? 
 
The story of the Rigante continues in Midnight Falcon.

An awe-inspiring, stunning epic adventure from the master of heroic fantasy

Echoes Of The Great Song

The new heroic fantasy from the author of The Legend of Deathwalker.

A captivating all-action tale of otherworldly magic, death, destruction and a fight for survival by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Nicholas Eames. 
 
"Gemmell's great reading - the action never lets up. He's several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous!" -- ANNE MCCAFFREY 
 
"In my pantheon of literary greats, David Gemmell stands alone . . . he put me on the path I still walk today" -- CONN IGGULDEN 
 
"Gemmell has every right to take his place among the SF and fantasy greats." -- SFX 
 
"When it comes to heroic fantasy, few do it better than David Gemmell." -- TIME OUT 
 
"One of my most favourite books of all time" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Gemmell at his finest" -- *****Reader review 
 
"Great fantasy, great story, great author" -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************** 
 
The Great Bear will descend from the skies, and with his paw, lash at the ocean. He will devour all the works of Man. Then he will sleep for ten thousand years, and the breath of his sleep will be death. 
 
The prophecy had come true. The world spun. Tidal waves lashed the planet, and a new ice age dawned. 
The few survivors of a once great empire struggled to rebuild, to hold their ground against the rising barbarian tide. 
 
Then two moons appeared in the skies, unleashing a terrible evil that threatened not only the new empire, but the survival of the world itself.

'A humdinger...a masterly tale told with clarity and verve'

Published in 1984, David A. Gemmell's first novel, Legend, has become a classic. His most recent Drenai and Rigante books are all published as Bantam Press hardcovers and Corgi paperbacks. All of his novels are Sunday Times bestsellers. 
 
Widely regarded as 'the finest writer of heroic fantasy, David Gemmell lived in East Sussex until his death in July 2006.

A stunning all-action adventure from the master of heroic fantasy that will have you gripped

The Winter Warriors

The stunning new all-action Gemmell adventure.

Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Conn Iggulden, this heroic fantasy by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell is packed with old world magic, battles, ancient heroes and the terrifying forces of evil... 
 
"Gemmell is a master at what he does." -- SFX 
 
"Gemmell's great reading - the action never lets up. He's several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous!" -- ANNE MCCAFFREY 
 
"Gemmell is top of the tree in the fantasy field." -- STARLOG 
 
"Multilayered, moving, poignant, action packed, surprising, humourous and totally unique" -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Powerful heroic fantasy full of unforgettable characters" -- ***** Reader review 
"Cracking read!" -- ***** Reader review 
 
**************************************************************** 
 
The prophecy was clear: upon the death of three kings, the world will be plunged into chaos, and all the cast-out demons of history will return to bring blood and horror to the world. 
 
Two of the kings are dead. The third, about to be born, is hunted by the Demon Riders of the Krayakin, Lords of the Undead. 
 
All the terrifying forces of evil range against a pregnant queen at bay in a haunted forest. But she is not alone. Three warriors stand with her, the last remnants of the once proud Drenai army. Three old men, ancient heroes, discarded by the king; Nogusta the Swordsman, Kebra the Bowman, and the hulking fighter, Bison. 
 
The fate of empires rests on their fading skills as they journey through a tormented world on a perilous quest to save the unborn king.

A stunning, high-octane page-turning adventure from the master of heroic fantasy

Dark Moon

Three new heroes in a stunning new heroic fantasy adventure by the author of The Legend of Deathwalker.

A captivating all-action tale of bloodshed and brotherhood by the Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell, perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Duncan M. Hamilton and Nicholas Eames. 
 
"Gemmell is top of the tree in the fantasy field." -- STARLOG 
 
"Gemmell's great reading - the action never lets up. He's several rungs above the good - right into the fabulous!" -- ANNE MCCAFFREY 
 
"Gemmell is a master at what he does." -- SFX 
 
"Amazing characters, a fantastic story and perfect pacing all combined into an absolute stunner of a novel." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Absolutely riveting stuff as expected from a master of his craft." -- ***** Reader review 
 
"Gripping and well written, leaving you wondering till the end!" -- ***** Reader review 
 
********************************************************** 
 
The peaceful Eldarin were the last of three ancient races. The mystical Oltor, healers and poets, had fallen before the dread power of the cruel and sadistic Daroth, who themselves had vanished from the face of the earth in one awesome night. The Great Northern Desert was their only legacy. Not a trace remained for a thousand years... 
 
Then on one unforgettable day, a dark moon rose above the Great Northern Desert, and a black tidal wave swept across the land. In moments, the desert had vanished beneath lush fields and forests and a great city could be seen glittering in the morning sunlight. 
 
From this city re-emerged the blood-hungry Daroth, powerful and immortal, immune to spear and sword. They had only one desire: to rid the world of humankind for ever. 
 
Now the fate of the human race rests on the talents of three heroes: Karis, warrior-woman and strategist; Tarantio, the deadliest swordsman of the age; and Duvodas the Healer, who will learn a terrible truth...

Stella Gemmell

David Gemmell

History and legend combine in the epic re-creation of the Troy myth

David Gemmell carries us away into a four-cornered wholly convincing cosmos... so masterfully done that the reader thinks, "Ah, this is what it was really like"

(Troy: 3): The stunning and gripping conclusion to David Gemmell’s epic retelling of the Troy legend

High adventure and epic storytelling combine in the final novel in Sunday Times bestselling author David Gemmell's bestselling Troy trilogy. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 
 
'In my pantheon of literary greats, David Gemmell stands alone . . . he put me on the path I still walk today' -- CONN IGGULDEN 
" [A] vivid, inspirational re-creation of the Troy myth." -- MANDA SCOTT 
"Gripping and fast-paced, intelligent and intensely readable...should appeal to anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical epic." -- JOANNE HARRIS 
"A splendid piece of work that traverses from hero fantasy into legendary and classic writing." -- ***** Reader review 
"Truly captivating" -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************** 
 
Darkness falls on the Great Green, and the Ancient World is fiercely divided. 
 
On the killing fields outside the golden city of Troy, forces loyal to the Mykene King mass. Among them is Odysseus, fabled storyteller and reluctant ally to the Mykene, who knows that he must soon face his former friends in deadly combat. 
 
Within the city, the Trojan king waits. Ailing and bitter, his hope is pinned on two heroes: his favourite son Hektor, and the dread Helikaon who will wreak terrible vengeance for the death of his wife at Mykene hands. 
War has been declared. 
 
As enemies, who are also kinsmen, are filled with bloodlust, they know that many of them will die, and that some will become heroes: heroes who will live for ever in a story that will echo down the centuries. 
 
Have you read the previous two books in the series Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow and Troy: Shield of Thunder?

David Gemmell

Praise for Troy: Fall Of Kings

History and legend combine in the epic re-creation of the Troy myth

David Gemmell carries us away into a four-cornered wholly convincing cosmos... so masterfully done that the reader thinks, "Ah, this is what it was really like"

Gripping and fast-paced, intelligent and intensely readable... should appeal to anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical epic

History and legend combine in the epic re-creation of the Troy myth

David Gemmell carries us away into a four-cornered wholly convincing cosmos... so masterfully done that the reader thinks, "Ah, this is what it was really like"

Gripping and fast-paced, intelligent and intensely readable... should appeal to anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical epic

History and legend combine in the epic re-creation of the Troy myth

David Gemmell carries us away into a four-cornered wholly convincing cosmos... so masterfully done that the reader thinks, "Ah, this is what it was really like"

Gripping and fast-paced, intelligent and intensely readable... should appeal to anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical epic

Books by David Gemmell

Series by David Gemmell

Drenai Novels4 Books

Rigante4 Books

Troy3 Books

Articles featuring David Gemmell

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