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dmcke013's review against another edition
4.0
Chronologically the third entry in [a:David Gemmell|11586|David Gemmell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1202771023p2/11586.jpg]'s Drenia saga, published ninth in order, that completes the trilogy of Waylander the Slayer: a character first introduced in [b:Waylander|568099|Waylander (The Drenai Saga #3)|David Gemmell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403179303l/568099._SY75_.jpg|2960837] before being further expanded upon in [b:Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf|411774|Waylander II In the Realm of the Wolf (Drenai Tales, #5)|David Gemmell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348409844l/411774._SY75_.jpg|856177] and which thus makes him of the very few characters that Gemmell returned to more than once in that series (indeed, the only other character I can think of is of Druss himself. Oh, and Skilgannon (who had two novels).
I've always found that there is an element of truth to the charge that the nations in his works reflect real-life counterparts (Nadir = Huns, Drenai = Greek), with those novel expanding to include the Kydor and the Chiatze, with the Men of Mud obviously reflecting the Terracotta army.
Oh, and the finale of the novel, in which Waylander finally finds peace?
*Chef's kiss*
I've always found that there is an element of truth to the charge that the nations in his works reflect real-life counterparts (Nadir = Huns, Drenai = Greek), with those novel expanding to include the Kydor and the Chiatze, with the Men of Mud obviously reflecting the Terracotta army.
Oh, and the finale of the novel, in which Waylander finally finds peace?
*Chef's kiss*
heikieesmaa's review against another edition
5.0
The Waylander arc is wrapped up in an excellent way. I perhaps like this book a little less than the first two -- mainly because I had gotten used to the relatively low magic of those. This one has demons and sorcerers and such, all interestingly developed. I had also gotten used to the themes of redemption and God working through sinners.
Gemmell still writes wonderful and uplifting fantasy even if I have some complaints that in the final verdict don't matter too much.
Gemmell still writes wonderful and uplifting fantasy even if I have some complaints that in the final verdict don't matter too much.
duffypratt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An entirely fitting end to the saga of Waylander, who is probably my favorite Drenai character. Yes, even better than Druss. To a certain extent, these Drenai books tend to run together. They involve similar heroic characters, similar types of villains/antagonists, and they all seem to deeply involve similar themes: heroism, love, loyalty, duty, futility and death. But the similarities don't bother me while reading them; rather, they just make it a bit more difficult to separate out one from the other afterwards.
But that's OK. Gemmell's writing is graceful and usually economical. His storytelling is good, and seems to get better with each book. And the books are a very good time, with just enough depth to the characters and situations to keep me from getting bored. They are never pure action, but the are also never what I would call character studies or philosophical. Just good, well written, if not particularly original stories that end up being quite satisfying.
But that's OK. Gemmell's writing is graceful and usually economical. His storytelling is good, and seems to get better with each book. And the books are a very good time, with just enough depth to the characters and situations to keep me from getting bored. They are never pure action, but the are also never what I would call character studies or philosophical. Just good, well written, if not particularly original stories that end up being quite satisfying.
tokujoe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
vaderbird's review against another edition
3.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
neilsef's review against another edition
4.5
David Gemmell is my favourite author so I was both looking forward to rereading this book for the first time in twenty-one years, but also slightly concerned as to how it would compare to more recent fantasy novels I have read.
It would be fair to say that the description of action scenes is not as detailed as many I have recently read, however, what is written is so precise and concise it is very easy to visualise what is being described.
The characters are also well visualised and rounded out and very engaging.
The story is an entertaining fast paced adventure, with a good mixture of action, humour, horror, heroism and many nuggets of thought provoking wisdom.
Still a great read.
It would be fair to say that the description of action scenes is not as detailed as many I have recently read, however, what is written is so precise and concise it is very easy to visualise what is being described.
The characters are also well visualised and rounded out and very engaging.
The story is an entertaining fast paced adventure, with a good mixture of action, humour, horror, heroism and many nuggets of thought provoking wisdom.
Still a great read.
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
I have really enjoyed revisiting this book/series. I chose this series as part f my reading challenge for this year, and as a buddy read with one of my colleagues. Even though the first book in the series was released in 1984 (and the latest in 2000) the series has pretty much stood the test of time. It is a fantastic action adventure fantasy- with superb characters and brilliant world building, which brings the whole story/series to life.
I have fond memories of discovering this series and excitedly awaiting each new instalment. My reading buddy hadn’t read the series before, but has also enjoyed discovering David Gemmell’s work/s.
I have really enjoyed revisiting this book/series. I chose this series as part f my reading challenge for this year, and as a buddy read with one of my colleagues. Even though the first book in the series was released in 1984 (and the latest in 2000) the series has pretty much stood the test of time. It is a fantastic action adventure fantasy- with superb characters and brilliant world building, which brings the whole story/series to life.
I have fond memories of discovering this series and excitedly awaiting each new instalment. My reading buddy hadn’t read the series before, but has also enjoyed discovering David Gemmell’s work/s.
thebookmagpie1989's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
cat_brewsandreviews's review against another edition
4.0
I love the final Waylander book. The way this book concludes is just perfect.