David Gemmell - the greatest writer

[Varangian]

When I was 12, I saw my dad was reading a book called Waylander. When he was outside in the yard, I read the synopsis on the back cover and the story sounded amazing!

I asked if I could read it after him, but he said quite sternly that it wasn't for children.

I hired it out from the local library the following week, and although some of the adult themes escaped me until some time later (when I re-read it) I thought it was an action packed story told at a blistering pace.

For the chores I carried out around the house I was paid $20 per fortnight and each fortnight I bought myself a Gemmell novel. As an older boy and a young man, Gemmell (along with my father) played a strong role in developing me into the man I am today.

I joined the Australian Defence Force and served with both the Air Force and the Army (I preferred the Army to tell the truth, much more of a brotherhood). I was deployed overseas when David died in 2006 and had no idea about his death until I arrived home.

Needless to say the news hit home like a bloody hammer. This was not just some author, but in a way, a second father who was a role model and his death struck me hard.

My only regret is I never got to meet the big man.

I'll never forget David. Not ever.

 

[Menion]

Very well put, Varangian. He inspired all who read his books.

 

[Varangian]

Also, if anyone's interested, I created a Gemmell memorial video a while ago, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQQ5JYgiHEg

Before I get smashed in the head by a saucepan wielded by Brian, this is not an advertisement nor is it for profit, just a memorial dedicated to a great author.

I first made a longer version of this (as a power point presentation) back in 2006 just after David died.

 

[Menion]

Great video, Varangian.

 

[Gunwinds69]

I discovered Gemmell at a Books-A-Million, also around the age of twelve. The beautifully painted covers by Royo (I live in the US) sucked me right in. I bought Legend, King, and Quest without a blink. I'd read a lot of books before, as I was quite the dreamer, always lost in some world or another. But I had never read a story so powerful and engaging, that had such an effect on me, and yet remained succinct and fast-paced.

I was hooked, and though I have read hundreds of books since, I prize none so much as my battered, tattered, and at least thrice-read collection of all David's books. I never tire of reading them, I always smile wistfully when I'm done with one, and place it lovingly back in it's place of honer on my shelf.

I've introduced many to David's work; some of them met Gemmell as a non-reader, and through him became ravenous for the next well-written page. All have internalized his subtext of honor, sacrifice, and heroism, making it part of their own personal mythos. This, to me, is the greatest compliment a writer could receive, that a reader would think so highly of your work, that it literally becomes a part of their own story. It certainly has become a part of mine.

I did not immediately find out when David passed away. It was a few months later that I was searching for a release date for the last Troy novel, as I had typically expected to see a new gift from Gemmell on the book store shelves nearly ever year like clockwork.

Like you, Virangian, I was horrified. I moaned loudly and uttered horrified, "NOOOooooo! Oh, no. Damnit." My room-mate thought something was really wrong, and didn't understand when I told him that, yes, something was very wrong. A great man had passed, leaving a hole in the world, and my heart. A companion that had been with me in spirit for over half my life had died, and a chapter closed in my life, I think, at that point. Just months before, another strong influence of mine, Steve Irwin, had also left the world in an unexpected and precipitous way. It was too much.

A knowledge settled over me that I would only ever have what David had already given me. Luckily, it is enough, and I know that David, with Druss and his many other beautiful, flawed, and heroic characters will be with me in spirit still. That is David's gift to us all. Like a father, he instilled his message as well as possible, and, like a father who knows he will one day leave his son to walk the world alone, prepared us for the inevitable day. I will carry it with me to my grave, giving it freely wherever I can.

We should all hope to pass in the manner David left us. To leave the warm bed of your loving wife, drawn by words so desperately clambering to pour onto the page that sleep becomes impossible. His craft, his calling, his gift, drew him to his desk, and appropriately his place of final rest. He died doing what he loved, and I should hope to be so lucky. Though I would prefer to be a little older when that grim stare settles on my life, there are worse fates.

Thanks to David, Stella, and all you who carry his stories in your hearts. And when the terrifying hoards of the modern world threaten to overrun your last defensive wall, know that Druss and David guard that final gate, and you are secure.

 

[Menion]

Almost brought a tear to my eye.

 

[biodroid]

Gemmell knows how to write flawed characters that redeem themselves in some heroic way, and almost always with tears in your eyes. He really got down and told a story without filler but never detracted from the feel of it. No matter what you always rooted for the hero/anti-hero even when they died.

DG is the master of heroic fantasy and I think it will be difficult to surpass him.

 

[Varangian]

Gunwinds,

What are you trying to do man? Make a grown man cry?

Very well said!

Biodroid, I completely agree!

 

[Bugg]

I've only recently started reading David's books. I've only read Legend, Waylander and Wolf In Shadow so far, and I know that's a very odd reading order, but I picked them up on a whim without doing any research. I've enjoyed all of them, and now have The King Beyond the Gate, Waylander II and Knights of Dark Renown as well.

 

[SciGeek]

I absolutely love David Gemmells books, snatched away from us all far too early depriving us not only of a great man, but also the potential masterpieces he was sure to produce.
I'm currently re-reading all his books for the 3rd time chronologically this time as I have previously read them all in the order I purchased them. Got to agree that even though some authors come close, none compare to David.

 

[coinspinner]

I discovered Gemmell a few days ago at one of my local bookstores when I saw an old man loading up alot of sci-fi books into a basket for purchase. At the top was one of Gemmell's books but I didn't look close enough to see its title.
Later that day I also discovered that David Gemmell has his own section on this forum. Suddenly, I find myself intrigued about this author and his works. I look forward to finding a copy of his book, 'Legend'..
What else is really good?

 

[biodroid]

I discovered Gemmell a few days ago at one of my local bookstores when I saw an old man loading up alot of sci-fi books into a basket for purchase. At the top was one of Gemmell's books but I didn't look close enough to see its title.
Later that day I also discovered that David Gemmell has his own section on this forum. Suddenly, I find myself intrigued about this author and his works. I look forward to finding a copy of his book, 'Legend'..
What else is really good?

Anything based in the Drenai saga is good, that's most of DG's popular books it seems. His Rigante series is also one of the best out there and it's complete. Try his Jon Shannow series "The Jerusalem Man".

 

[Bugg]

His Rigante series is also one of the best out there and it's complete.

I'm on the last book, Stormrider, at the moment and loving it. The Rigante series is, indeed, fantastic

 

[kshRox]

In many ways men are misunderstood, under-valued or even denigrated in modern society. We have generations of children growing up without fathers providing leadership and protection - and it shows.

I think Mr. Gemmel spoke to many of us as men on a very fundamental level. No we are not super heroes, indestructable or infallible but when men have to courage to face our fears although inside we may tremble, pay homage to our values even if at times we fall short and stand together in the face of adversity - we have the chance to be more than the sum of our individual parts.

I have greatly enjoyed learning from the allegories of Mr. Gemmel.

 

[coinspinner]

Just my luck today! I found some books by Gemmell at a used book store - that is, after my third try.. well, I got, LEGEND and the first two in the Rigante series. I later stopped by a Barnes and Noble but couldn't find anything except his Troy trilogy.
I haven't read anything by David just yet but I too feel saddened by his untimely death.

 

[biodroid]

coinspinner - He was highly regarded as the master of heroic fantasy, we all were saddened by his passing but at least his stories will live on in our hearts.

 

[D-E-M-Emrys]

Father of British Heroic Fantasy...
Heck, he's the Godfather of Heroic fantasy if you ask me, GLOBALLY! A lot of current fantasy writers boast him as an inspiration.

 

[glutton]

He was indeed one of the greatest fantasy writers to ever live. Few could craft a tale at once as morally inspiring and emotionally touching and as just bloody awesome action-wise like he.

 

[MPorter]

The thing that I loved about David Gemmell was the living history of his worlds. I loved how he would mention some historical event in passing and then later follow up with a novel about that event. Gemmell seemed to appreciate the vagaries of history. How the actual reasons for events got lost with the passage of time.

 

[Menion]

Make sure you all check out Stella Gemmell's new book. A mix of heroic charcters set in a grim, darker world. Plus some of the best written characters in recent years. Fell Aron Lee and Indaro.
I didn't want to read it with the Big man's books in mind or compare it. But it's hard not to compare brilliance with brilliance. For those missing his books, no need to look crestfallen.