Neophyte - where to start

[elvet]

After seeing Gemmel's name come up copmpared to Dave Duncan and Paul Kearney (just finished and loved the Macht books), I thought it might be time to look into his books. I do like military fantasy, some of my other favorites authors are Erikson, Cook, and Abercrombie. I checked out Gemmel's bibliography and there is so much to choose from. If they are related in the same world, I'd like to approach them chronologically. Otherwise, any suggestions welcome.

 

[drush9999]

The Drenai books are all good, I think they read better in publication order first time round as reading First Chronicles before Legend would spoil it.

Just give either Legend or Waylander a sampling, and if you like them then delve into the other ones.

Worth trying the Rigante series as well.

 

[biodroid]

Legend is brilliant, I loved Winter Warriors and The Sword in the Storm is just plane excellent. He writes flawed characters so well that you sympathise and root for them at the same time. I would say DG is the epitome of heroic fantasy. Sadly the legend himself has passed away but his legacy lives with us all.

 

[Moggle]

I would start with Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow. This has got to be his best work, even if I haven't read all of Gemmell's books.

 

[Brian G Turner]

"Legend" is the book that made Gemmell. It was probably intended as a standaloine, but was so popular he felt pushed to follow it with a series.

 

[kshRox]

"Legend" is the book that made Gemmell. It was probably intended as a standaloine, but was so popular he felt pushed to follow it with a series.

and aren't we all so glad he did

 

[Moggle]

Legend of was alright from what I remember, but it's no Troy.

 

[biodroid]

Moggle, i preferred the Sword in the Storm to Troy. His character in SITS was brilliant and I could sympathise with him too. Plus I preferred the story.

 

[Moggle]

Wasn't his main character in that book the same guy as his lead in Troy, and just about all his books?