Fantasy Books > D Fantasy Books > David Gemmell

Advantages: Excellent plot, believeable characters, great story.
Disadvantages: To a book by Gemmell? Are you serious? ;)

...is one of those books. Dark Moon is up there as one of my very favourite books by this author and in fact one of my favourites ever. This is about the fourth time I have read it and every time I read it I am sucked in to the story and get totally absorbed into the plot. So what makes Dark Moon so good? Read on and you’ll see. Tarantio is a soldier in the army. In fact he’s not sure which duke he is fighting for from one day to the next as he is a ...
...at war over a mysterious dark pearl left when the Eldarin, a highly powerful race, disappeared one day without a trace, well almost. The only thing left was the pearl. Anyhow Duke Sirano of Romark currently has the pearl and is working on releasing it’s magical powers (It was left by a race of sorcerers so it must be magic and powerful right?) Whilst the war wages on. One night they make a breakthrough and as the pearl is broken a great dark moon ... Read review

Advantages: Well set out, thought provoking
Disadvantages: Quite graphic, definetly for older readers

I was sitting at home the other day going through a couple of my old books when I came across this one...and I couldn't remember any of the storyline. So I decided to read the first few pages to refresh my memory. To my utter shock and everlasting shame, I quickly realised that I had yet to read the book!!!! Now I am a self-confessed Gemmell fanatic and this is a capital sin....hopefully you will all forgive me after reading my review. This story ...
...gateways and stones of power are both evident in this book. This was one of the few weak points for me as it seemed that David was relying on a tried and tested formula. But having said that, I still found it a very enjoyable read. I did love the way that he blends historical figures into the writing, while most of what he writes about them is conjecture, it feels as if he has got them nailed down perfectly. The story starts off where the Lion of ... Read review

Advantages: Well written, based on legends and myths but also plausible.
Disadvantages: A bit slow-paced.

...is not in it - the novel ends with his conception. Stewart holds the focus squarely on Merlin and gives us a character that is more than just magical myth. Of course Stewart's character is based on conjecture and legend but it definitely gives a more grounded version of Merlin and also of him as more than King Arthur's magician. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel but it was a bit slow-paced and didn't always command attention. It did however hold my ... Read review

Advantages: Definitely one to keep a weekend free for!
Disadvantages: Might appeal more to female readers

A wonderful story about a spy-courtesan called Phedrem, set in an fantasy world called Terre d'Ange (based around France in the 15-16th Century). She becomes enbroilled in various adventures regarding the succession of the royal family and is assisted by her trainer and mentor (Delauney) and a beautiful but chaste bodygaurd. I think it's the characters in this book which make it truely magical but the plot and the attention to detail in creating ...
...read. As with the best fantasy, there is a strong connection to fact and a great deal of research has obviously been done on Europe at that time. They sequels to this trilogy don't disappoint, in fact i thing the second 'Kushiel's Justice' is my favourite. There is a second trilogy following on from this starting with 'Kushiel's Scion' and whilst it's also very good, i don't think it can really compare to the first. I would recommend this book to ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent debut fantasy - highly original.
Disadvantages: Perhaps too dark for some...?

...own... And what is Scar Night? Why are people confined to their homes after dark, unable to leave? There are rumours of an ancient, wild creature. An Angel they call Carnival... ** From the offset, 'Scar Night' is gripping. Its general premise - a city suspended by chains - is original enough to be immediately interesting. Campbell puts a whole new spin on the fantasy horror genre, using an underlying gothic tone that fits as a back-drop to the ...
...becoming more oppressive as the story continues. Frankly, with the author's adept handling of his narration, it's astonishing to think it's his debut novel. Interest lies with the mystery of Deepgate - Campbell effectively creates a complex world in the 500 pages he has to work with. On ending, you'll be surprised as to the extent of the knowledge you'll have picked up about the history of its world. Unlike many other fantasy novels, 'Scar Night' ... Read review