Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish - By: J. L. Maitland, 29 Nov 2008 
I was first introduced to the work of David Gemmell at age 14, when I loaned a copy of Lion of Macedon from my Uncle. I couldn't put it down, & borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, & I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, & after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek & Doctor Who books, I was looking for something a bit different. This was it. It is a gripping read, which never fails to disappoint.
The story itself centres around 'The Golden One' Helikaon, prince of Dardania, & his voyages & escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him & his friend Zidantas & the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, & is one of the main charactersin the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon & Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect & Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations & scenarios.
As well as his friendship with Argurios, the story centres around the love of Helikaon for Andromache, a priestess of Thera, who is openly bi-sexual, & apparently very attractivein a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracyin their relationship as Princess Andromache has been given to King Priam of Troy to marry his Son, Hektor, the greek mythos.
What a great read it is! I simply couldn't put it down, although it is true that characters like Hektor & Odysseus only play a supporting rolein this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy & Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say - By: A.G., 27 Jun 2008 I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third bookin this trilogy & what an uptake on the Troy legend,all three books are absolutely brilliant. I would like to think that some day maybe Peter Jackson or another with his vision & imagination would make some David Gemmell heroic fantasy novels into films & give them the true accolade they deserve. The best heroic fantasy novel books I have ever read.
Superb swashbuckling adventure with a Greek setting - By: N. Burgess, 11 Apr 2008 
Although this is setin ancient Greece it could really be setin Drenai or any other of Gemmell's worlds as it reads very similar to those, which is no bad thing as no one does heroic fantasy better than Gemmell.
This book is full of action, violence & war-mongering, along with some very well written characters. Gemmell's heros are never whiter than white, they always have their own flaws, which makes them very believable. Another awesome book from Gemmell.
Fantastic Read! - By: Gary Austin, 28 Mar 2008 As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell & it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction & this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend & humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight & couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow & Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most - By: J. Chippindale, 02 Feb 2008 David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet & it seems almost churlish trying to write a review of one of his books. His books are crying out to be read by as many people as possible. They speak for themselves. The best or worst of reviews will never change that.
The book is a fascinating recreation of the myths that surround Troy, a city that was once thought to be a myth but is now a proven fact, thanks to its discovery by Heinrich Schliemannin the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again & takes the reader over the walls & into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart & soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch & wait, plotting the downfall of the city & lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death & destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
