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The Drenai Saga #2
The King Beyond the Gate
A century has passed since the heroic defence of Dros Delnoch. But the people of the Drenai face a new terror: a mad emperor kept in power by two forces of unsurpassed evil. The Joinings are werebeasts of awesome power. The Dark Templars are warrior-priests whose fighting skills are without equal. Against them, the Drenai face certain defeat.
One man, an outsider hated by the Drenai for his Nadir blood, and despised by the Nadir for his Drenai ancestry, sets out to bring down the emperor. He is one man against the armies of chaos.
He is Tenaka Khan - the Prince of Shadows.
One man, an outsider hated by the Drenai for his Nadir blood, and despised by the Nadir for his Drenai ancestry, sets out to bring down the emperor. He is one man against the armies of chaos.
He is Tenaka Khan - the Prince of Shadows.
415 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1985
367 people are currently reading
5055 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
197 books3,780 followersDavid Andrew Gemmell was a bestselling British author of heroic fantasy. A former journalist and newspaper editor, Gemmell had his first work of fiction published in 1984. He went on to write over thirty novels. Best known for his debut, Legend, Gemmell's works display violence, yet also explores themes in honour, loyalty and redemption. With over one million copies sold, his work continues to sell worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
May 21, 2023
Really similar to "Legend", but worse in pretty much every way. Full review coming soon...
May 29, 2020
"For centuries the Drenai have turned back enemies who would have done this to our land. And now we do it ourselves."
If you loved Legend, chances are huge that you will love the King Beyond the Gate for it does follow the same pattern. Two people on the margins of life meet and fall madly in love. One of them has violet eyes. Together they take on a hopeless cause. The battle is fought on two planes, the physical and the spiritual one. There are roses.
King Beyond the Gate is the second volume of the Drenai saga. The action takes place 100 years after the events described in the Legend. The Drenai land was taken over by usurper Ceska, who created an army of mutants called Joinings. The tyrant is aided by the evil equivalent of the Thirty called Black Templars. The land is torn apart by civil war.
There are many similarities and analogies between the events and characters, that some of the protagonists might look like crude copycats. The second thing you will notice is that in Gemmell’s land time practically stands still. For over one hundred years, there has been practically no progress. The only development is that the researchers there were able to re-start the complicated machines of the mysterious Elders, used to create hybrids between humans and animals.
On the one hand, the Author weaves in a few interesting threads, such as the Dragon Legion, which is an elite Drenai unit, or the horrifying Joinings. There are also elements that were a strong point in the previous volume in the series: valour, epic fights, heroic deeds.
And yet, I missed something. Maybe a hero who would "pull off" the whole thing? In the Legend we have the Earl of Bronze or Druss - men who seemed larger than life itself, who inspired to fight, encouraged, and attracted others. I have the impression that in the "King Beyond the Gate" this very strong personality is missing. Who's supposed to be the one? Tenaka, half-Nadir, half-Drenai, who does not know himself where he actually belongs? Ananais, a golden warrior who, along with the terrible wound he receives in battle, loses faith in himself? Decado, who, leading the Thirty warrior monks, cannot fully gain their love and loyalty, even if he has their obedience? Or maybe Scaler, who tries so hard to become the Prince of the Bronze, even if he only pretends to be such figure? Also, the female protagonists are not that interesting either.
Maybe Mr Gemmell wanted to write a novel where heroes would not be perfect, statuesque ideals. Maybe he wanted to create persuasive characters who would not be black and white, but represent different shades of grey instead. I think it went well, but it also had one serious effect: I could not quite like any of them. And I don’t think anyone is memorable enough to make the book special.
I think you can safely skip this volume in a series that is long enough to offer you other, more entertaining books.
---
Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
5. In the Realm of the Wolf ★★★☆☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
9. Hero in the Shadows ★★★★★
10. White Wolf ★★☆☆☆
11. The Swords of Night and Day ★☆☆☆☆
If you loved Legend, chances are huge that you will love the King Beyond the Gate for it does follow the same pattern. Two people on the margins of life meet and fall madly in love. One of them has violet eyes. Together they take on a hopeless cause. The battle is fought on two planes, the physical and the spiritual one. There are roses.
King Beyond the Gate is the second volume of the Drenai saga. The action takes place 100 years after the events described in the Legend. The Drenai land was taken over by usurper Ceska, who created an army of mutants called Joinings. The tyrant is aided by the evil equivalent of the Thirty called Black Templars. The land is torn apart by civil war.
There are many similarities and analogies between the events and characters, that some of the protagonists might look like crude copycats. The second thing you will notice is that in Gemmell’s land time practically stands still. For over one hundred years, there has been practically no progress. The only development is that the researchers there were able to re-start the complicated machines of the mysterious Elders, used to create hybrids between humans and animals.
On the one hand, the Author weaves in a few interesting threads, such as the Dragon Legion, which is an elite Drenai unit, or the horrifying Joinings. There are also elements that were a strong point in the previous volume in the series: valour, epic fights, heroic deeds.
And yet, I missed something. Maybe a hero who would "pull off" the whole thing? In the Legend we have the Earl of Bronze or Druss - men who seemed larger than life itself, who inspired to fight, encouraged, and attracted others. I have the impression that in the "King Beyond the Gate" this very strong personality is missing. Who's supposed to be the one? Tenaka, half-Nadir, half-Drenai, who does not know himself where he actually belongs? Ananais, a golden warrior who, along with the terrible wound he receives in battle, loses faith in himself? Decado, who, leading the Thirty warrior monks, cannot fully gain their love and loyalty, even if he has their obedience? Or maybe Scaler, who tries so hard to become the Prince of the Bronze, even if he only pretends to be such figure? Also, the female protagonists are not that interesting either.
Maybe Mr Gemmell wanted to write a novel where heroes would not be perfect, statuesque ideals. Maybe he wanted to create persuasive characters who would not be black and white, but represent different shades of grey instead. I think it went well, but it also had one serious effect: I could not quite like any of them. And I don’t think anyone is memorable enough to make the book special.
I think you can safely skip this volume in a series that is long enough to offer you other, more entertaining books.
---
Also in The Drenai Saga:
1. Legend ★★★★★
3. Waylander ★★★☆☆
4. Quest for Lost Heroes ★★★★☆
5. In the Realm of the Wolf ★★★☆☆
6. The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend ★★★★☆
7. The Legend of Deathwalker ★★★★☆
8. Winter Warriors ★★★☆☆
9. Hero in the Shadows ★★★★★
10. White Wolf ★★☆☆☆
11. The Swords of Night and Day ★☆☆☆☆
March 23, 2021
This magnificent heroic fantasy story is the 2nd volume of the "Drenai Sagas" series, from the author, the late great, David Gemmell.
Once more storytelling is of a superb quality, the story is exquisitely structured and executed, and all characters come beautifully to life within this heroic adventure.
Again the characters in this thrilling tale can be related to Romans, Mongols, Celts, Vikings, Templars, even a big South-African and several others are taking part, and these various tribes are wonderfully intertwined with each other to make this story one of absolute beauty.
The boo is set centuries after the great of Dros Delnoch, with Druss the Legend as the spearhead with the Earl of Bronze, Regnak, by his side, but now new names and heroes will come into the fray.
Important characters in this book are, the new hero in my view, Ananais, the new Earl of Bronze, Scaler, formerly known as Arvan, the double-dealing Nadir/Drenai leader of the Wolves, Tenaka Khan, the brave brothers Galand and Parsal, the formidable woman, Rayvan, the Thirty with especially in their midst, Decado, Katan, Acuas and Balan, but also the former King of the Nadir but now King Beyond the Gate, Ulric, will play an important role.
The great threat to the people and land of Skoda is the tyrant, Emperor Ceska, in my view a sublime cross-reference of the Emperors, Caligula and Domitian, and his desire to rule the entire world by implementing fear, oppression and death.
What we can expect is a captivating heroic adventure where brotherhoods are forged, where love and hate as well as loyalty and betrayal go hand in hand, while at the same time it is tantamount for our heroes and legends that their the fight for honour and survival will finally give the people of Skoda the freedom to live their lives in peace and prosperity.
Very much recommended, for this is once again heroic fantasy at its very best, and that's why I want to call this great book: "A Stunning Heroic Fantasy Tale"!
Once more storytelling is of a superb quality, the story is exquisitely structured and executed, and all characters come beautifully to life within this heroic adventure.
Again the characters in this thrilling tale can be related to Romans, Mongols, Celts, Vikings, Templars, even a big South-African and several others are taking part, and these various tribes are wonderfully intertwined with each other to make this story one of absolute beauty.
The boo is set centuries after the great of Dros Delnoch, with Druss the Legend as the spearhead with the Earl of Bronze, Regnak, by his side, but now new names and heroes will come into the fray.
Important characters in this book are, the new hero in my view, Ananais, the new Earl of Bronze, Scaler, formerly known as Arvan, the double-dealing Nadir/Drenai leader of the Wolves, Tenaka Khan, the brave brothers Galand and Parsal, the formidable woman, Rayvan, the Thirty with especially in their midst, Decado, Katan, Acuas and Balan, but also the former King of the Nadir but now King Beyond the Gate, Ulric, will play an important role.
The great threat to the people and land of Skoda is the tyrant, Emperor Ceska, in my view a sublime cross-reference of the Emperors, Caligula and Domitian, and his desire to rule the entire world by implementing fear, oppression and death.
What we can expect is a captivating heroic adventure where brotherhoods are forged, where love and hate as well as loyalty and betrayal go hand in hand, while at the same time it is tantamount for our heroes and legends that their the fight for honour and survival will finally give the people of Skoda the freedom to live their lives in peace and prosperity.
Very much recommended, for this is once again heroic fantasy at its very best, and that's why I want to call this great book: "A Stunning Heroic Fantasy Tale"!
September 18, 2020
This was extremely disappointing, it was barely an average read. What made it worse was that the first book was amazing, I really loved that and gave it five stars while this was a struggle. The only reason why I didn't dnf this was that it was a short book, just 300+ pages, if it was longer I know I would not have finished it.
This book has way too many flaws, here are a few. The events here happened like a hundred years after book one, so they are all new characters, two of the protagonists are the progeny of Rek and the Nadir warlord. Not much was said about what happened within the 100 years period.
Presently a tyrant known as Ceska is now ruling Drenai, having killed the original rulers and displaced the heir. He meld humans and animals together to make super soldiers, they are very hard to kill.
Tenaka Khan is a result of a union between a Nadir and Drenai, both sides don't like him because of his other half. He knows this, he is also a warrior feared by both sides. His character like all the others wasn't well developed.
Annaias is his friend who is vain but somewhat noble. Due to some incident he is missing the skin on his face.
Renya is a female character that is not completely human, I liked her at first but at last I couldn't care less.
There were other cool characters in this like Valtaya, Pagan, Lake and many others.
This book has so much potential to be good but the writing was terrible and the POV shift was too sparodic. Instead of fast paced everything was rushed, I felt like I was reading a fast forwarded book. The world building and fight scenes were the only thing in this book that was well depicted. The plot would have been better if the author had taken time to portray the story well. Do not even get me started on the insta love.
This book has way too many flaws, here are a few. The events here happened like a hundred years after book one, so they are all new characters, two of the protagonists are the progeny of Rek and the Nadir warlord. Not much was said about what happened within the 100 years period.
Presently a tyrant known as Ceska is now ruling Drenai, having killed the original rulers and displaced the heir. He meld humans and animals together to make super soldiers, they are very hard to kill.
Tenaka Khan is a result of a union between a Nadir and Drenai, both sides don't like him because of his other half. He knows this, he is also a warrior feared by both sides. His character like all the others wasn't well developed.
Annaias is his friend who is vain but somewhat noble. Due to some incident he is missing the skin on his face.
Renya is a female character that is not completely human, I liked her at first but at last I couldn't care less.
There were other cool characters in this like Valtaya, Pagan, Lake and many others.
This book has so much potential to be good but the writing was terrible and the POV shift was too sparodic. Instead of fast paced everything was rushed, I felt like I was reading a fast forwarded book. The world building and fight scenes were the only thing in this book that was well depicted. The plot would have been better if the author had taken time to portray the story well. Do not even get me started on the insta love.
December 7, 2021
'How many of you are there?'
'One hundred only. But judge us not by our number. Rather, watch the numbers of dead we leave behind us.'
Gemmell was a master at this kind of thing: rousing heroic fantasy with larger-than-life, but flawed, characters (often past their prime) in an interesting setting. The Drenai books are actually quite remarkable. The writing is to the point, but very effective, and Gemmell’s action sequences are the stuff of Legend (ho ho).
Ahead, like dark demons out of the past, twenty riders waited in a line. They sat their horses immobile, black cloaks flapping in the breeze.
I found the whole affair very atmospheric and brimming with old-school cool. Even the magic system is interesting, with some nods to mysticism thrown into the sorcerous mix (such as the source priests battling the dark templars on the spirit plane).
‘We are nature's killers and we have great appetites for it. Even the heroes we remember show our love of war. Druss, the greatest killing machine of all time - it is his image you stare upon in the council chamber.'
The philosophical aspects of the story are introduced in a non-intrusive way that never bogs the story down. Even though the focus is squarely on bloodshed, there are some interesting questions raised regarding the need for violence and the nature of those that perpetuate it.
This story takes place around a century after the battle at Dros Delnoch, so there are some references to Druss the Legend and the Earl of Bronze. Even so, the Drenai books can easily be read as standalone novels.
In conclusion: a very good heroic fantasy tale by a master of the genre.
He moved to a set of armour placed to the right of the rest and his hand reached down to curl round the ivory hilt. With one smooth movement he swept the blade into the air, his muscles pulsing with the thrill of the weapon. Its blade was silver steel and razor-sharp, and the balance was perfection.
July 14, 2016
There's a reason why the David Gemmell awards are called, the David Gemell awards
All fantasy fans need to read these books. Granted it's only the second one I've read but they're already amongst my favourites.
Gemmell writes about Valour, Pride and Friendship really well. I love that this story is epic in nature, but not in page number. Modern day authors might have stretched this one book out to a trilogy and milked it for everything.
Absolutely amazing, already added the whole series to my shopping cart on Amazon.
?......are you reading it yet?!????!
All fantasy fans need to read these books. Granted it's only the second one I've read but they're already amongst my favourites.
Gemmell writes about Valour, Pride and Friendship really well. I love that this story is epic in nature, but not in page number. Modern day authors might have stretched this one book out to a trilogy and milked it for everything.
Absolutely amazing, already added the whole series to my shopping cart on Amazon.
?......are you reading it yet?!????!
August 15, 2025
Гемел е използвал класически фентъзи сюжет за втората си книга от поредицата за Дренай - група странници се обединяват, за да постигнат заедно една обща цел.
Историята се развива няколкостотин години след тази разказана в "Легенда", но има връзка и сходства в героите и събитията. Това не ги прави по-малко интересни.
Танака Хан е наполовина надир, наполовина дренай, пряк наследник на Улрик и на Бронзовия граф. Отхвърлен и от двата народа, той се бори за своето място под слънцето. Останала му е една мисия - да убие тирана Ческа, задушаващ в зловещата си хватка Дренай.
Цитати:
"- Великият Тертулиан някога бил попитан, какво ще стори, ако го нападне мъж, който е по-силен,по-бърз и неизмеримо по-умел от него.
- И какво е отговорил той?
- Че ще му отсече проклетата глава, задето лъже така."
"- Не знаех, че е бил герой - той не ни каза.
- Може би сам не е знаел."
P.S. За съжаление, отново посредствен и претупан превод. Започвам третата книга на английски - "Waylander".
Историята се развива няколкостотин години след тази разказана в "Легенда", но има връзка и сходства в героите и събитията. Това не ги прави по-малко интересни.
Танака Хан е наполовина надир, наполовина дренай, пряк наследник на Улрик и на Бронзовия граф. Отхвърлен и от двата народа, той се бори за своето място под слънцето. Останала му е една мисия - да убие тирана Ческа, задушаващ в зловещата си хватка Дренай.
Цитати:
"- Великият Тертулиан някога бил попитан, какво ще стори, ако го нападне мъж, който е по-силен,по-бърз и неизмеримо по-умел от него.
- И какво е отговорил той?
- Че ще му отсече проклетата глава, задето лъже така."
"- Не знаех, че е бил герой - той не ни каза.
- Може би сам не е знаел."
P.S. За съжаление, отново посредствен и претупан превод. Започвам третата книга на английски - "Waylander".
October 2, 2022
I first read this quite a few years ago. It still stands the test of time, but I enjoyed Legend more.
It's odd how the passing years have changed me as a reader and as a person. I think I enjoyed this book more the first time I read it. This time the characters didn't feel quite as real, I wasn't rooting for them like I had been before.
Ananais was my favourite character in this book. Disfigured when fighting a "Joining" in the arena, he has lived the second half of his life in pain. Once a handsome man, he must live with the knowledge that women will no longer look upon his face with anything but disgust, possibly even fear. So he hides behind a mask.
David Gemmell is still my favourite author and I will be reading Waylander for the 2nd time later this year.
It's odd how the passing years have changed me as a reader and as a person. I think I enjoyed this book more the first time I read it. This time the characters didn't feel quite as real, I wasn't rooting for them like I had been before.
Ananais was my favourite character in this book. Disfigured when fighting a "Joining" in the arena, he has lived the second half of his life in pain. Once a handsome man, he must live with the knowledge that women will no longer look upon his face with anything but disgust, possibly even fear. So he hides behind a mask.
David Gemmell is still my favourite author and I will be reading Waylander for the 2nd time later this year.
October 3, 2020
Another beautifully crafted SFF novel, character focused and full of philosophy and conversation, fun banter, deep friendships, humble heroes and brave cowards, a couple of strong women, and a very relatable and human cast. Gemmell managed to make me fall in love with everyone within a very short time, which is an admirable feat.
The novel, like the previous, has an afterword by the author who comes across as modest and kind, and I think this really shines through im his work and the characters he creates.
Definitely continuing with this saga.
The novel, like the previous, has an afterword by the author who comes across as modest and kind, and I think this really shines through im his work and the characters he creates.
Definitely continuing with this saga.
October 15, 2015
The perpetually-imperiled nation of the Drenai is under attack once more, not by the Nadir hordes of the northern steppes, but by their own government under the tyrant Ceska. Attentive readers of the awesome Legend, which dealt with the First Nadir War, are obviously gonna be confused by Gemmell's almost-immediate mention of the Second Nadir War in between the first and second books. Well, turns out, in the wake of the events in Legend, the Drenai formed a badass ultra-elite regiment called the Dragon and they were instrumental in repelling a second Nadir invasion. One of the dudes in that regiment was a Drenai/Nadir half-blood dude named Tenaka Khan...and now he is the last of the Dragon to stand against the newly-risen tyrant Ceska, who now controls the Drenai Nation with a bloody iron fist. Obviously there's a surplus of ass to get kicked, and Tenaka seems to be the only one to do it. Overall this story is a little bigger than the siege of Dros Delnoch from the first book but it's hardly sweeping (thank the Old Gods and the New...I just finished Christian Cameron's The Fell Sword and it was a bit of a strain (although a sublime one, and I will hopefully get to reviewing it soon. In the meantime, start reading those books motherfuckers.)
Gemmell was not about (and I don't think really cared about) extensive and detailed complex worldbuilding or unique, complex plots but the stories have been consistently and thoroughly fun so far. The pretty-low magic content comes from the humorously Force-like "Source" which even has its own Jedi-type superpowered knights called the Thirty with their own dark, chaotic counterparts to combat and stuff like that. There's also some dark machine-made man-beast monstrous hybrids named Joinings...but that's about it. The basic idea is good shit. It skips the detailed politicking, traveling and worldbuilding and magic systems of the usual fantasy and just goes right to the moments where nations are just gonna fucking duke it out, with guaranteed constant badassery and well-crafted set pieces. It's not deep stuff by any means, it's just good. It's like restaurants. You (probably) try new places, but sometimes you just wanna go a place where you know what you're gonna get and that it's gonna be good shit.
Gemmell's pretty good with characters...I mean, you're not gonna find a startlingly realistic and deep human being in these pages but the man did come up with Druss the fucking Legend, so you have to give him some credit. He's just good at coming up with tortured yet heroic badasses, and there's a ton in this book; Tenaka Khan, unerringly deadly swordsman and outcast from two warring nations; Ananais the Golden, a once-handsome leader of men who was horribly disfigured and still maintains minimum-level Gemmell badassery content by wearing a creepy mask; Decado the Ice Killer, an unstoppable force of death who has given up the sword in exchange for peaceful living with the Thirty; and Rayvan, the brave rebel general and leader of imperiled refugees who worries deeply for her soldier sons. They have passionate yet unrealistic doomed love stories, angst over skeletons in their closets and hero it the fuck up with abandon, slaying hordes of enemies in desperate battles every chance they get. One or two might buy the farm over the course of the story, but you know it's gonna be in an utterly badass and heroic way, so it's all good. It's not like some dark "gonna swallow a bottle of pills because I just finished fantasy death.
There's just not a lot to complain about. It's an obvious formula, but it's a good one. There's just some formulas you like and want to return to frequently and you don't want them fucked with. That's the kind of writer Gemmell was. They may not get the praise from any group of critical luminaries but they probably don't care and their fans don't either. The dialogue can be stilted and goofy, but occasionally Gemmell will hit upon some interesting insight in the characters' differing philosophy. His prose is direct and easy as hell to read but doesn't come off crude or rudimentary. The books aren't long and there's no real challenge to keeping track of setting, characters, or plot. It's just basic shit--reluctant heroes fight in epic wars between varying factions. I really don't mean any of this to sound like any kind of backhanded compliment--there are dense and complex fantasies high and low and then there are just faith-in-humanity reaffirming stories of dudes (and Gemmell does of course have his share of powerful, effective, dangerous and heroic women...I actually think despite the traditional vibe his stories were pretty progressive, with the paradoxically-secular-feeling Source and the egalitarianism towards gay characters, which is awesome!) doing heroic shit like it's just going down the block to get something to eat. Gemmell seems to be a master of the latter. It's weird, because I was not bowled over by his first Troy story...should probably revisit those.
Gemmell was not about (and I don't think really cared about) extensive and detailed complex worldbuilding or unique, complex plots but the stories have been consistently and thoroughly fun so far. The pretty-low magic content comes from the humorously Force-like "Source" which even has its own Jedi-type superpowered knights called the Thirty with their own dark, chaotic counterparts to combat and stuff like that. There's also some dark machine-made man-beast monstrous hybrids named Joinings...but that's about it. The basic idea is good shit. It skips the detailed politicking, traveling and worldbuilding and magic systems of the usual fantasy and just goes right to the moments where nations are just gonna fucking duke it out, with guaranteed constant badassery and well-crafted set pieces. It's not deep stuff by any means, it's just good. It's like restaurants. You (probably) try new places, but sometimes you just wanna go a place where you know what you're gonna get and that it's gonna be good shit.
Gemmell's pretty good with characters...I mean, you're not gonna find a startlingly realistic and deep human being in these pages but the man did come up with Druss the fucking Legend, so you have to give him some credit. He's just good at coming up with tortured yet heroic badasses, and there's a ton in this book; Tenaka Khan, unerringly deadly swordsman and outcast from two warring nations; Ananais the Golden, a once-handsome leader of men who was horribly disfigured and still maintains minimum-level Gemmell badassery content by wearing a creepy mask; Decado the Ice Killer, an unstoppable force of death who has given up the sword in exchange for peaceful living with the Thirty; and Rayvan, the brave rebel general and leader of imperiled refugees who worries deeply for her soldier sons. They have passionate yet unrealistic doomed love stories, angst over skeletons in their closets and hero it the fuck up with abandon, slaying hordes of enemies in desperate battles every chance they get. One or two might buy the farm over the course of the story, but you know it's gonna be in an utterly badass and heroic way, so it's all good. It's not like some dark "gonna swallow a bottle of pills because I just finished fantasy death.
There's just not a lot to complain about. It's an obvious formula, but it's a good one. There's just some formulas you like and want to return to frequently and you don't want them fucked with. That's the kind of writer Gemmell was. They may not get the praise from any group of critical luminaries but they probably don't care and their fans don't either. The dialogue can be stilted and goofy, but occasionally Gemmell will hit upon some interesting insight in the characters' differing philosophy. His prose is direct and easy as hell to read but doesn't come off crude or rudimentary. The books aren't long and there's no real challenge to keeping track of setting, characters, or plot. It's just basic shit--reluctant heroes fight in epic wars between varying factions. I really don't mean any of this to sound like any kind of backhanded compliment--there are dense and complex fantasies high and low and then there are just faith-in-humanity reaffirming stories of dudes (and Gemmell does of course have his share of powerful, effective, dangerous and heroic women...I actually think despite the traditional vibe his stories were pretty progressive, with the paradoxically-secular-feeling Source and the egalitarianism towards gay characters, which is awesome!) doing heroic shit like it's just going down the block to get something to eat. Gemmell seems to be a master of the latter. It's weird, because I was not bowled over by his first Troy story...should probably revisit those.
October 25, 2019
Il passato come condanna e rovina
"Non sono né un guerriero né uno spadaccino. Non sono mai stato un soldato. Sono spaventato dalla battaglia e non sono mai stato un gran stratega. Non sono un capo e avrei problemi a farmi seguire in cucina da una folla di affamati."
Passati cento anni dall'indimenticabile assedio di Dros Delnoch, quello che rimane sono dicerie, leggende e ballate accompagnate da qualche poesia spicciola sull'eroismo di quei giorni.
Dall'effimera e opinabile mitizzazione dell'eroe, fulcro dell'opera, si dipana un'intensa e tragica riflessione sulla labilità delle proprie scelte, spesso filtrate da bisogni esterni - culto della bellezza, necessità di fede, desiderio d'appartenenza - a cui ci si consegna spontaneamente.
E quando sopraggiunge la realtà, ogni debolezza porta in dote un prezzo che sarà pagato.
Non si registrano sostanziali differenti dal canovaccio del primo volume e questa è arma a doppio taglio per il ciclo: gli aficionados avranno di che sollazzarsi nel leggere la medesima storia ove a cambiare sono solamente i personaggi; agli avventurieri sporadici del genere, quindi più inclini a diversificare le proprie esperienze, è consigliata l'esplorazione di altri lidi.
"Non sono né un guerriero né uno spadaccino. Non sono mai stato un soldato. Sono spaventato dalla battaglia e non sono mai stato un gran stratega. Non sono un capo e avrei problemi a farmi seguire in cucina da una folla di affamati."
Passati cento anni dall'indimenticabile assedio di Dros Delnoch, quello che rimane sono dicerie, leggende e ballate accompagnate da qualche poesia spicciola sull'eroismo di quei giorni.
Dall'effimera e opinabile mitizzazione dell'eroe, fulcro dell'opera, si dipana un'intensa e tragica riflessione sulla labilità delle proprie scelte, spesso filtrate da bisogni esterni - culto della bellezza, necessità di fede, desiderio d'appartenenza - a cui ci si consegna spontaneamente.
E quando sopraggiunge la realtà, ogni debolezza porta in dote un prezzo che sarà pagato.
Non si registrano sostanziali differenti dal canovaccio del primo volume e questa è arma a doppio taglio per il ciclo: gli aficionados avranno di che sollazzarsi nel leggere la medesima storia ove a cambiare sono solamente i personaggi; agli avventurieri sporadici del genere, quindi più inclini a diversificare le proprie esperienze, è consigliata l'esplorazione di altri lidi.
March 21, 2021
Leído en 2013.
7ª novela -y última- de la Saga Drenai.
Esta saga en realidad consta de los libros 1 a 3 que van sobre una historia. Del 4 al 6, de otra. Y este séptimo, de otra. Son como tres historias (sobre 3 digamos “héroes”) que se basan en la misma ambientación, el típico mundo medieval+magia.
¿Está bien esta séptima entrega?. Sí.
¿Aporta algo nuevo respecto a las anteriores?. No.
Yo me lo leído rápidamente porque es muy fácil de leer, aunque reconozco que es solo para los forofos del género. Si no te quieres enquistar en lo mismo con leer los tres primeros libros basta. Si te gusta el estilo y la ambientación, te zamparás los 7 del tirón como hice yo
Vosotros mismos.
P.D: Buenas notas le he puesto a esta saga, ¿Eh?...pues hale, a jorobarse los de la saca infinita porque a su trilogía de Troya se ha llevado tres lindos "9/10", 5 estrellas a cada uno.
7ª novela -y última- de la Saga Drenai.
Esta saga en realidad consta de los libros 1 a 3 que van sobre una historia. Del 4 al 6, de otra. Y este séptimo, de otra. Son como tres historias (sobre 3 digamos “héroes”) que se basan en la misma ambientación, el típico mundo medieval+magia.
¿Está bien esta séptima entrega?. Sí.
¿Aporta algo nuevo respecto a las anteriores?. No.
Yo me lo leído rápidamente porque es muy fácil de leer, aunque reconozco que es solo para los forofos del género. Si no te quieres enquistar en lo mismo con leer los tres primeros libros basta. Si te gusta el estilo y la ambientación, te zamparás los 7 del tirón como hice yo
Vosotros mismos.
P.D: Buenas notas le he puesto a esta saga, ¿Eh?...pues hale, a jorobarse los de la saca infinita porque a su trilogía de Troya se ha llevado tres lindos "9/10", 5 estrellas a cada uno.
November 3, 2017
4.5
عجب چیزی بود!!
شگفت انگیز بود و فصل پایانی فلسفه ای پنهان داشت.
ریویو نوشتن برای این کتاب واقعا سخته
این کتاب باید خونده بشه!
در این کتاب مثل کتاب قبلیه این مجموعه (اسطوره)شاهد یک جنگ طولانی
نبودیم اما هیچ چیزی از کتاب قبلی کم نداشت و حتی بهتر هم بود. (البته این دو کتاب یه جورایی مکمل هم هستن)
چه حماسه عظیمی
چه صحنه های نبرد محشری
عجب قهرمانانی
دیوید گمل واقعا تحسین برانگیزه
و اینجا یک دلخوری کوچک پیش میاد
که چرا مردم از این کتابها استقبال نکردند!!
این کتاب آنقدر فروشش کم بوده که
بعد از هفت سال به چاپ دوم نرسیده
و تغریبا در هیچ کتاب فروشی نیست.
واقعا برای این کتاب بی شرمانست...
دلیل اینکه نمره کامل ندادم اینه که
ایده ها یه خورده مشابه ایده های کتاب های قبلی بود
البته یک ایده ی خوبی داشت این کتاب
که استفاده از پیوندی ها بود
با استفاده از دستگاه هایی، انسان های ناقص و ضعیف رو به موجوداتی قدرتمند که نیمه انسان و نیمه حیوان بودن تبدیل میکردن که برای میدان نبرد آماده میشدن.
عجب چیزی بود!!
شگفت انگیز بود و فصل پایانی فلسفه ای پنهان داشت.
ریویو نوشتن برای این کتاب واقعا سخته
این کتاب باید خونده بشه!
در این کتاب مثل کتاب قبلیه این مجموعه (اسطوره)شاهد یک جنگ طولانی
نبودیم اما هیچ چیزی از کتاب قبلی کم نداشت و حتی بهتر هم بود. (البته این دو کتاب یه جورایی مکمل هم هستن)
چه حماسه عظیمی
چه صحنه های نبرد محشری
عجب قهرمانانی
دیوید گمل واقعا تحسین برانگیزه
و اینجا یک دلخوری کوچک پیش میاد
که چرا مردم از این کتابها استقبال نکردند!!
این کتاب آنقدر فروشش کم بوده که
بعد از هفت سال به چاپ دوم نرسیده
و تغریبا در هیچ کتاب فروشی نیست.
واقعا برای این کتاب بی شرمانست...
دلیل اینکه نمره کامل ندادم اینه که
ایده ها یه خورده مشابه ایده های کتاب های قبلی بود
البته یک ایده ی خوبی داشت این کتاب
که استفاده از پیوندی ها بود
با استفاده از دستگاه هایی، انسان های ناقص و ضعیف رو به موجوداتی قدرتمند که نیمه انسان و نیمه حیوان بودن تبدیل میکردن که برای میدان نبرد آماده میشدن.
August 31, 2016
Two generations after Druss the Legend, an evil ruler Ceska has risen to power. Three former protectors of the realm (Tenaka Khan, Decado and Ananais) are reunited in their determination to bring him down, gathering allies as they face overwhelming odds and dark forces. Strong women: leaders and lovers. Courage, bravery, righteousness, and sacrifice, the hallmarks of epic fantasy, abound here. Gory.
My favorite quote: Love was what mattered. Love of one for one. The touching of hands, the touching of hearts. The warmth of belonging, the joy of sharing. There would always be tyrants. Man seemed incapable of existing without them. For without tyrants there would be no heroes, And man could not live without heroes.
My favorite quote: Love was what mattered. Love of one for one. The touching of hands, the touching of hearts. The warmth of belonging, the joy of sharing. There would always be tyrants. Man seemed incapable of existing without them. For without tyrants there would be no heroes, And man could not live without heroes.
November 13, 2024
Kolejny reread w tym miesiącu. Fabuły książki zupełnie nie pamiętałam - ale czytałam to pewnie raz, ponad 20 lat temu, więc sytuacja zrozumiała - i była to dla mnie praktycznie nowa przygoda. Tym razem bohaterowie mniej przypadli mi do gustu, żaden z nich nie wrył się w moją pamięć tak jak postać Drussa przedstawiona w Legendzie. Fabuła opierała się na znanych i wielokrotnie powielanych motywach walki dobra ze złem, walki z tyranią itp., itd. Od strony językowej było tak samo dobrze jak w przypadku wspomnianej wcześniej Legendy, więc generalnie solidne 4/5 gwiazdki.
April 12, 2025
A significant drop in quality from Legend. But still enjoyable.
On the plot side, this book is one third a retread of the plot of legend, one third a series nostalgic callbacks to Legend, and one third original plot.
On the psychological and philosophical side... well, let's backtrack for a moment: the first 90% of Legend was a lovely existential story, only for the author to throw away everything in the last 10%. This current book continues the trend, replacing honest existential questioning and doubt with moral and religious certainty. Such a shame.
The audiobook narrator was excellent, which is far from obvious; I get the feeling that nowadays a good narrator is almost rarer than a good book.
On the plot side, this book is one third a retread of the plot of legend, one third a series nostalgic callbacks to Legend, and one third original plot.
On the psychological and philosophical side... well, let's backtrack for a moment: the first 90% of Legend was a lovely existential story, only for the author to throw away everything in the last 10%. This current book continues the trend, replacing honest existential questioning and doubt with moral and religious certainty. Such a shame.
The audiobook narrator was excellent, which is far from obvious; I get the feeling that nowadays a good narrator is almost rarer than a good book.
August 9, 2022
I was very engaged by the start of this one, but it started to lose my interest somewhere in the middle, and the last act was nowhere near as gripping as Legend's. There were a few character vignette-type moments that blew me away (one involving a warrior-turned monk apologizing to his rose garden, and the other involving a heroic act to save some children) and reminded me of some of his better character work from Legend, but on the whole I think this one was weaker in just about every way. The main characters were less interesting and complex, the plot felt predictable, and the action wasn't much to write home about.
This feels more 80s than Legend did even though it was written a couple years later as his second published book. The romances were just utterly cringe-worthy in every way, the two main characters were very much like bro-warriors without much depth, and the villain was mustache-twirly to such an extreme that it was hard to take it seriously. It still held my attention most of the time and made me care deeply in bursts, so I'll give it a mediocre three stars.
It was interesting to read his afterword which talked about how his editors were not happy with his Druss prequel he wrote after Legend that they told him to keep in the trunk, and were even less happy with his first attempts at writing this one. He was very much still finding his footing as a professional author with this one coming off of a surprise success, and I don't think there's much about it that's going to be memorable and stick with me. I'm regretting going by pub order with Gemmell, since there was no reason to read this one when I did, and I'm eager to get past this very early phase of his career to see how he evolves during this transitionary period to modern fantasy.
I'd probably recommend this one only to Gemmell or Drenai saga completionists or to those who like going by pub order to track an author's development--for anyone else you can skip it without missing out on much.
This feels more 80s than Legend did even though it was written a couple years later as his second published book. The romances were just utterly cringe-worthy in every way, the two main characters were very much like bro-warriors without much depth, and the villain was mustache-twirly to such an extreme that it was hard to take it seriously. It still held my attention most of the time and made me care deeply in bursts, so I'll give it a mediocre three stars.
It was interesting to read his afterword which talked about how his editors were not happy with his Druss prequel he wrote after Legend that they told him to keep in the trunk, and were even less happy with his first attempts at writing this one. He was very much still finding his footing as a professional author with this one coming off of a surprise success, and I don't think there's much about it that's going to be memorable and stick with me. I'm regretting going by pub order with Gemmell, since there was no reason to read this one when I did, and I'm eager to get past this very early phase of his career to see how he evolves during this transitionary period to modern fantasy.
I'd probably recommend this one only to Gemmell or Drenai saga completionists or to those who like going by pub order to track an author's development--for anyone else you can skip it without missing out on much.
December 21, 2015
I expected this to fill in the holes in Druss' saga, but it was set after his time. He was a legendary hero to aspire to. It was a good S&S tale. I liked it at least as much as the first book. There were a lot of conflicted characters, none perfectly good or bad. No unicorns farting rainbows - some things just don't work out & good characters die.
This isn't a deep complex series, though. That is not a criticism, just an observation. Gemmell just shows us the bit of the world we need, although there are hints of a larger world & there is certainly room for other books. While he has obviously devised a rich world, his prose is lean & the story is straight forward. I appreciated that.
The magic isn't too obtrusive, although any deus ex machina is neatly attributed to The Source, a sort of Fate. Thankfully, that's used sparingly & pretty well. I only really questioned it once & then had to chuckle when I realized just how clever he'd been. Well played!
I have a few more of these books, but think that's enough for now. I'm not sure when I got them nor why they wound up in my regular shelves instead of my TBR shelf. That's disturbing. My book memory is slipping. Anyway, I look forward to reading more in this series.
This isn't a deep complex series, though. That is not a criticism, just an observation. Gemmell just shows us the bit of the world we need, although there are hints of a larger world & there is certainly room for other books. While he has obviously devised a rich world, his prose is lean & the story is straight forward. I appreciated that.
The magic isn't too obtrusive, although any deus ex machina is neatly attributed to The Source, a sort of Fate. Thankfully, that's used sparingly & pretty well. I only really questioned it once & then had to chuckle when I realized just how clever he'd been. Well played!
I have a few more of these books, but think that's enough for now. I'm not sure when I got them nor why they wound up in my regular shelves instead of my TBR shelf. That's disturbing. My book memory is slipping. Anyway, I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 7, 2018
4.5
بازم نخواستم 5 بدم چون این چلنج بسیار برای این نمره خساست به خرج می دم
چی میشه گفت به گمل نازنین. بازم یه داستان فانتزی قهرمانانه و شمشیر و جادو. همیشه برای فانتزی خون ها راضی کننده است. با کلی جملات ژرف و به یادماندنی. همون تم بازگشت قهرمان های قدیمی برای نجات یک حکومتی که به سوی زوال و فاشیت داره حرکت می کنه . سرنگونی پادشاه و از دست رفتن قهرمانان. اما کلی استراتژی جنگ قدرت های مادی و معنی و گاها روحانی. و سلحشوری های باور پذیر و غلو نشده. چیزی که توی کتاب های گمل می بینم. قهرمان خطا می کنه تصمیمات خودخواهانه می گیره و الزاما ایده آل محض نیست
بازم نخواستم 5 بدم چون این چلنج بسیار برای این نمره خساست به خرج می دم
چی میشه گفت به گمل نازنین. بازم یه داستان فانتزی قهرمانانه و شمشیر و جادو. همیشه برای فانتزی خون ها راضی کننده است. با کلی جملات ژرف و به یادماندنی. همون تم بازگشت قهرمان های قدیمی برای نجات یک حکومتی که به سوی زوال و فاشیت داره حرکت می کنه . سرنگونی پادشاه و از دست رفتن قهرمانان. اما کلی استراتژی جنگ قدرت های مادی و معنی و گاها روحانی. و سلحشوری های باور پذیر و غلو نشده. چیزی که توی کتاب های گمل می بینم. قهرمان خطا می کنه تصمیمات خودخواهانه می گیره و الزاما ایده آل محض نیست
November 1, 2024
Drenai Saga:
1. La leggenda dei Drenai (Legend) ★★★★★
2. Le spade dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander dei Drenai ★★★★☆
4. L'ultimo eroe dei Drenai
5. Il lupo dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
6. La leggenda di Druss ★★★★★
7. L'impeto dei Drenai
8. Guerrieri d'inverno
9. L'eroe nell'ombra ★★★★☆
10. Il lupo bianco
11. Le spade del giorno e della notte
1. La leggenda dei Drenai (Legend) ★★★★★
2. Le spade dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
3. Waylander dei Drenai ★★★★☆
4. L'ultimo eroe dei Drenai
5. Il lupo dei Drenai ★★☆☆☆
6. La leggenda di Druss ★★★★★
7. L'impeto dei Drenai
8. Guerrieri d'inverno
9. L'eroe nell'ombra ★★★★☆
10. Il lupo bianco
11. Le spade del giorno e della notte
September 10, 2025
The King Beyond the Gate by David Gemmell
The Drenai Saga Book Two
Hanchete Audio
Performed by Sean Barrett
While this sequel takes place many long years since the first book it still follows the same formula as the first. While Gemmell’s books are excellent, if you read them back to back, you begin to see a pattern. I am sure this is true for many author’s works.
A new group, this time grizzled comrades with excellent martial skills, have set themselves against the threat to the Drenai people. This threat is homegrown and sinister. Gemmell adds a bit of science from the distant past to spice things up. This threat comes in the form of beast/man hybrids. All but unkillable and extremely formidable.
I was immediately captivated by both the story and the performance from Sean Barrett. Easily a five star read.
The Drenai Saga Book Two
Hanchete Audio
Performed by Sean Barrett
While this sequel takes place many long years since the first book it still follows the same formula as the first. While Gemmell’s books are excellent, if you read them back to back, you begin to see a pattern. I am sure this is true for many author’s works.
A new group, this time grizzled comrades with excellent martial skills, have set themselves against the threat to the Drenai people. This threat is homegrown and sinister. Gemmell adds a bit of science from the distant past to spice things up. This threat comes in the form of beast/man hybrids. All but unkillable and extremely formidable.
I was immediately captivated by both the story and the performance from Sean Barrett. Easily a five star read.
March 23, 2018
I was super nervous when I started The King Beyond The Gate. You see, I read this book 10 years ago and the hero, Tenaka Khan was my first experience of a larger than life warrior. I absolutely loved him. So I had all these expectations and I started it with the worry, “Would this book be as amazing as it’d been the first time?” When I read it the first time, I was much younger and I worried that my older self wouldn’t be as impressed by Tenaka Khan as my younger self had been. I didn’t want a bitter disillusionment.
TKBTG follows the life of Tenaka Khan, born half-Drenai, half-Nadir, shunned by both. It was hard for him to live on the brink of two worlds, to be hated by both because of his mixed blood. I felt such empathy for Tenaka Khan. In spite of his mixed blood though, I was glad that he had friends who respected him and a mother who loved him.
Then he met Renya. Drenai and a Joining to boot. She was spectacular, especially one particular scene where she was the one who had to save him, the fearless warrior Tenaka Khan. 😉
“Where Tenaka Khan walked, there would be Renya. He was unaware of it as yet. But he would learn.” Lol. I kept thinking, you go, girl!
She fell for him and then she wanted to change him. That didn’t sit well with me, maybe because I did the same. Throughout reading the story, I started to be a bit disappointed in Tenaka Khan. (Yes, I love his name lol.) You see, he wasn’t the flawless hero I’d imagined him to be all those years ago. In typical David Gemmell fashion, he was an anti-hero, with his flaws and issues, like Renya found out. I read his story through rose-colored glasses ten years ago and now I was seeing the reality and boy, was it a revelation in disbelief!
But he was still a decent man and he changed the fate of the Nadir by uniting all the tribes as one nation. I couldn’t expect him to be both Drenai and the Great Khan of the Nadir. His destiny was to rule the Nadir and they needed him.
Once I accepted that, I enjoyed the story a lot more. Add in the dry wit – there were scenes which were so funny at times which I didn’t expect that I laughed out loud – and the plot was pretty good. I don’t know why Tenaka Khan got such a grip on my heart but he still had it.
Posted on Blog
December 6, 2024
Gemmell's second novel, while still a little rough around the edges, demonstrates why he became a 'must read' author for me. Gemmell wrote many tales in the land of Drenan; it served as his palette for his pithy reflections upon life. Gemmell also revolutionized fantasy, moving beyond Tolkien tropes and opening up grimdark. Most heroic fantasies when he began writing had a clear sense of good versus evil, but with Gemmell, these distinctions blurred to say the least.
Here, roughly 100 years after the events in Legend, his first novel, Drenai face another challenge. The ruler of Drenan changed with his discovery of ancient technology which creates 'joinings', the merging of human and beast. The ruler also teamed up with dark forces, whom use the 'Source' for their own ends. Facing this devolution and wanted to end it is Tanaka Khan, the mixed breed grandson of Ulric, the Nadir king who brought 500,000 warriors to take Dros Delnoch, the fortress guarding the lands of the Drenai from the northern tribes. Tanaka, essentially ostracized by the Nadir due to his mixed breeding, fares little better in the lands of the Drenai, also due to his mixed blood. Nonetheless, Tanaka served as a general in the 'Dragon', an elite Drenai military force until they were disbanded.
The rebels/resistance to the Drenai king have hidden themselves in the great forest, but their survival seems hopeless once the King moves upon them. Only a miracle will save them, or a man like Tanaka Khan! Great cast of characters once again, pithy reflections upon life and death, and all wrapped up in a fast paced, twisty plot that I found engaging to say the least. 4 existential stars!
Here, roughly 100 years after the events in Legend, his first novel, Drenai face another challenge. The ruler of Drenan changed with his discovery of ancient technology which creates 'joinings', the merging of human and beast. The ruler also teamed up with dark forces, whom use the 'Source' for their own ends. Facing this devolution and wanted to end it is Tanaka Khan, the mixed breed grandson of Ulric, the Nadir king who brought 500,000 warriors to take Dros Delnoch, the fortress guarding the lands of the Drenai from the northern tribes. Tanaka, essentially ostracized by the Nadir due to his mixed breeding, fares little better in the lands of the Drenai, also due to his mixed blood. Nonetheless, Tanaka served as a general in the 'Dragon', an elite Drenai military force until they were disbanded.
The rebels/resistance to the Drenai king have hidden themselves in the great forest, but their survival seems hopeless once the King moves upon them. Only a miracle will save them, or a man like Tanaka Khan! Great cast of characters once again, pithy reflections upon life and death, and all wrapped up in a fast paced, twisty plot that I found engaging to say the least. 4 existential stars!
January 4, 2012
I was very ready to be disappointed by this novel; second of a series as well as one of the first few Gemmells I've read. There were times when it seemed like the story was a little too similar to Legend; but for the most part this resolved into the fact that it was really the same conflict, a generation later. I also feared that the romantic interests in the novel would see Gemmell starting to emulate that other David, Eddings, in the cozy, cloying way he pairs off members of his party of adventurers, but our David here has a more complex understanding of human nature even if his emotional scenes are not the most sophisticated.
Oh but the heroics. Once again there were scenes of heroism on large and small stages, physical, mental and spiritual and always against the odds. Stirring scenes of sacrifice, camaraderie and loyalty. Gemmell wrote heroic fantasy and his conception of heroism was robust, unapologetic and downright inspiring. And once again, martial highlights are supported by equally effective magical elements and a cast of rugged, endearing characters which is if anything even more varied and memorable than the last time around (although no one quite reaches the archetypal level of Druss). Honest, effective entertainment that wears its heart on its sleeve. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
Oh but the heroics. Once again there were scenes of heroism on large and small stages, physical, mental and spiritual and always against the odds. Stirring scenes of sacrifice, camaraderie and loyalty. Gemmell wrote heroic fantasy and his conception of heroism was robust, unapologetic and downright inspiring. And once again, martial highlights are supported by equally effective magical elements and a cast of rugged, endearing characters which is if anything even more varied and memorable than the last time around (although no one quite reaches the archetypal level of Druss). Honest, effective entertainment that wears its heart on its sleeve. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
August 3, 2011
Its hard for me not to give anything by David Gemmell absolutely amazing reviews. When I learned of his death I was actually sad for days . . . "No more David Gemmell Books . . . sad . . . " If you are a fan of classic fantasy and haven't read anything by him you're missing out. He was one of the rare writers that could make your heart start to beat faster when the character was in danger, he could make you laugh and want to cry all within a few pages of each other.
September 17, 2012
David Gemmell is one of my favorite authors of all time, but this book fell a little short. The biggest shortfall is that it is very similar to Legend, but it's not as good. All of the major elements that made Legend one of my favorite books are there, but they just aren't pulled off as well. The characters aren't as deep. The story isn't as engaging. The inspiration isn't as inspirational. The menace isn't as menacing. The battles aren't as awe-inspiring. None of these things would normally be too big of a deal because it's nearly impossible to match the greatness of those same elements in Legend. The issue is that the stories are so similar that you can't help but compare.
It's still a good story and well worth the read, but I would rank it towards the bottom of the Drenai series. Other books like Waylander and Quest for Lost Heroes are better reads. It's definitely something that you should read, but the great part about the Drenai series is that you don't need to read them in order. Therefore, you can read this one towards the end and distance it from Legend to a certain extent.
It's still a good story and well worth the read, but I would rank it towards the bottom of the Drenai series. Other books like Waylander and Quest for Lost Heroes are better reads. It's definitely something that you should read, but the great part about the Drenai series is that you don't need to read them in order. Therefore, you can read this one towards the end and distance it from Legend to a certain extent.
March 5, 2018
I finally managed to drag myself to the finish line on this. That it took me this long for such a short book is insane. If I didn't need this book for a couple of reading challenges I probably would've dropped this. I liked Legend better. This felt pretty much like a rehash of Legend's plot. While the book had some good, non-dialogue lines most of the actual dialogue between characters felt stilted. It didn't help matters that the author seems to be a fan of using exclamatory sentences...a lot...and it just doesn't feel natural. I liked Rayvan and Ananais but outside of those two I didn't really care about any of the other characters. And, oy, don't even get me started on the ridiculousness of the romance . Just...cringeworthy. I can't, in all fairness, rate this any higher than two stars.
August 7, 2024
I wasnt going to give this book five stars because I do give them too easier, I just get absorbed in a book and sometimes what someone would rate as an ok book I've loved. Where was I in the 80s when this guy ruled fantasy? Because Id have lapped these up.
David Gemmell shouldn't be forgotten because without him there would be no John Gwynne's or Joe Abercrombie or George RR Martin and if you like those people then pay heed to what came before them because you can see he had a lot of influence on their work.
You might say this isnt quite as good as Legend but I read Legend last year and I always meant to carry on with his work and I postponed reading some series because this book was calling too me. Please if youve never read David Gemmell do yourself a favour.
David Gemmell shouldn't be forgotten because without him there would be no John Gwynne's or Joe Abercrombie or George RR Martin and if you like those people then pay heed to what came before them because you can see he had a lot of influence on their work.
You might say this isnt quite as good as Legend but I read Legend last year and I always meant to carry on with his work and I postponed reading some series because this book was calling too me. Please if youve never read David Gemmell do yourself a favour.
April 21, 2023
Legend 2: Electric Bougaloo.
So, you know how Hollywood has this horrible habit of taking something great and then producing a lackluster sequel that's a shadow of the original? There is an argument that The King Beyond the Gate follows this formula; that it's a rehash of Legend that fails to live up to the quality of the original. And that argument would be correct.
However, I still mostly enjoyed it. I LOVED Legend, and was warned that this was a shadow of the quality of that work, so I went in with tempered expectations, which I highly recommend. The King Beyond the Gate has so many aspects that are virtual copies of Legend, with more being familiar than original. But I still enjoyed a lot of it. Some of the characters were very memorable, and I still like the philosophical/heroic speeches that pepper the text.
Do I expect more going forward? Yes. I'll consider this a sophomore slump and bump in the road, and will still read more Gemmell in the very near future.
And just for the record, I don't consider the original Breakin' to be a masterful work like Legend, but "Legend 2: Electric Bougaloo" just has a great ring to it, right?
So, you know how Hollywood has this horrible habit of taking something great and then producing a lackluster sequel that's a shadow of the original? There is an argument that The King Beyond the Gate follows this formula; that it's a rehash of Legend that fails to live up to the quality of the original. And that argument would be correct.
However, I still mostly enjoyed it. I LOVED Legend, and was warned that this was a shadow of the quality of that work, so I went in with tempered expectations, which I highly recommend. The King Beyond the Gate has so many aspects that are virtual copies of Legend, with more being familiar than original. But I still enjoyed a lot of it. Some of the characters were very memorable, and I still like the philosophical/heroic speeches that pepper the text.
Do I expect more going forward? Yes. I'll consider this a sophomore slump and bump in the road, and will still read more Gemmell in the very near future.
And just for the record, I don't consider the original Breakin' to be a masterful work like Legend, but "Legend 2: Electric Bougaloo" just has a great ring to it, right?
May 12, 2022
Two generations after Legend and the Drenai peoples are in crisis again. They have a tyrant ruling them with an iron fist—a particularly frightening iron fist in that is backed up by magically created combinations of man and beast called joinings. Gemmell focuses his story on a grandson of the barbarian king Ulric and the Earl of Bronze from the last book—a half breed who fits in no where but is a brilliant strategist and warrior. He gathers former companions in arms to kill the tyrant and ends up trying to plan a defense against the tyrant’s legion and his joinings.
This book does not reach the emotional heights of Legend, but it’s still a superb story with great personal battles and large scale military action. The mystical “thirty” appear again to aid the defendants, this time facing Black Templars instead of barbarian mystics. All in all, this is another wonderful novel in which we get into the hearts and souls of men and women trying to save their world from cruel oppression. As Gemmell is still willing to kill just about everyone he puts on the page, the ending is quite painful to read. You’ll care about the people dying and worry tremendously about every character.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
This book does not reach the emotional heights of Legend, but it’s still a superb story with great personal battles and large scale military action. The mystical “thirty” appear again to aid the defendants, this time facing Black Templars instead of barbarian mystics. All in all, this is another wonderful novel in which we get into the hearts and souls of men and women trying to save their world from cruel oppression. As Gemmell is still willing to kill just about everyone he puts on the page, the ending is quite painful to read. You’ll care about the people dying and worry tremendously about every character.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
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