Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow [Paperback]

This book was released in England on the 1st of September and since I couldn't wait until it was released here in the U.S., I ordered.

I was not dissappointed and neither will you be.

David Gemmell fans know that this British author is most famous for writing in the fantasy genre. He is a master of creating a world and then peopling it with characters that are more human than any writer I have encountered. Though "Lord of the Silver Bow" is the first part in a trilogy about the Trojan War, Gemmell still writes like it were his own world. In fact, if the reader didn't know better, he would think that David Gemmell had been in ancient Greece scribing the events as they happened.

Historically, Lord of the Silver Bow is probably not accurate as it is peopled with real historical figures as well as figures from Gemmell's fertile imagination. Whatever historical "truths" that Gemmell misses are more than made up for by his deep insight into the minds of his characters. As in all of his novels the characters contain within them the whole range of human strengths and weaknesses; David Gemmell seems to suggest that a strength and weakness can be one and the same thing.

The story follows Helikaeon a sailor, warrior (and possible King) as he deals with love, death, loss and gain. Odyseuss is a homely, story telling, king that adds wisdom and humor to a world that for the most part is pretty grim.

"Lord of the Silver Bow" is a wonderful beginning to what could quite possibly be the greatest work of an already brilliant writer.

I for one can hardly wait for the rest of the trilogy to unfold.

As always with a David Gemmell book, I devoured this in two days despite a heavy work schedule. Unusually, I found myself re reading certain sections for the next few days that really caught my eye. I've read all his books and re read many, but few of them are close to as good as this one. I had to re read Legend over the past few nights before deciding that it was his second best novel yet, somewhat inferior to Legend but in my opinion slightly superior to his other books I have returned to multiple times, Winter Warriors and Hero in the Shadows.

I was somewhat skeptical of this Troy trilogy, as really these characters seemed old and tired by now. From the Illiad and the Oddysey many of us read in school, to the mediocre Brad Pitt movie, I wasn't really sure how this could be all that interesting. Even a 'bad' David Gemmell book is good, much like cold pizza, so I got it right away anyway. I'd buy every one if they cost $1000 dollars each. But I was quite surprised at just how good this book was.

In a nutshell, expect to *believe* in this story, and these characters, in a way you could not from reading more storied works. Oddyseus in particular is an excellent character, and just from the things he says, the Oddysey takes on a whole new meaning and I have gained a lot more appreciation for it. The character I assume is Helen of Troy (different name) is exactly the kind of woman I would want, and I would launch the thousand ships to go get her, where that seemed far fetched before.

I'm not going to give a plot synopsis and then call it a review, but I will say it is both what you'd expect, and so much more. Personally, I look for books that can stir my emotions, fiction or not. And this book certainly did that, as Gemmells always do. Reading the end, in my mind I wanted to grab a spear and a shield and stand with those who stood. Lets face it, we all read these books for the escapist fantasy.

Steven Pressfield, author of the excellent Gates of Fire, gave Gemmell a rave review for the hardcover book jacket. I found it to be entirely accurate. I have learned from the site michaelyon.blogspot.com that Mark Kurilla, who has lead men in combat in Iraq, requires his officers to read that book. I am almost too old to be accepted, but I would sign up in a minute if I were garunteed to serve under him. You can read these things and believe all of this is just fantasy BS, but then read that site and you may think otherwise. I have sent Mark my copy of the book, in the hopes that it may help his recovery. Pressfields book can be summed up by two words..."Zeus, Savior!" to anyone who has read it. Mr Gemmell has however surpassed even this most excellent novel of ancient greece.

So why isn't it better than Legend? Because it is hard to compete with the best modern literature has to offer. While a deeply flawed first novel, it has, as Oddyseus might put it, a magic that makes fiction lead to truths. And if you read this, Mr Gemmell, don't make the movie unless you can do it right..watch Black Hawk Down and Braveheart as many times as you have to.

I know this review may seemt o be overly gushing with praise, but just read any Gemmell book (the Drenai ones are safest for an 'excellent' grade) and see if you don't want to read another one.

I stumbled upon this book while looking for leisure reading in the library. The cover stood out, so I figured I'd give it a try. I was once an avid sci-fi/fantasy reader in my youth, but I can't really stomach elves, magical quests, and other Tolkien-esque worlds anymore.

I can't tell you my delight while I gobbled up this book. My only question to myself and David Gemmell is, "Where have you been all my life???". Gemmell's narrative, set in the pre-stages of the Trojan War, is absolutely engrossing.

The characters are vivid and deep. The plot twists and turns, and kept me up the wee hours of the night. Gemmell is also not afraid to kill off some key characters.

But what really sets Gemmell apart from other fantasy writers is his ability to develop a story wrapped in realism ... as if it could really happen. There are no dragons, elves, and magical runes. There are believeable characters with strengths and weaknesses ... Gemmell is amazing in taking the reader into the minds of his heros and villains.

My only complaint was the ending, while climactic, was also slightly disappointing. It reminded me too much of the old westerns, where the grossly outnumbered Cowboys are facing certain death against the vile Indians ... only to be saved in the last moment by the arrival of the valiant cavalry.

Otherwise, I've jumped headlong into volume 2, and plan to consume it as quickly as I can. My summer reading list will be as many David Gemmell novels as I can fit in before the weather changes and life returns to it's normal fast pace ... and time for leisure reading disappears for another year.