|
Browse categories
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
The Truth
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.09
|
|
|
Product Description
The Truth is Terry Pratchett's 25th novel about Discworld in general and the dirt-encrusted metropolis of Ankh-Morpork in particular--home of the sinister Patrician, the Unseen University of magicians and guilds for everything from Assassins to Thieves, taking in Clowns (but not mimes) along the way. Ankh-Morpork has weathered several influxes of technology in its time--a demon-inspired invention of the movies, the brief fad for Music with Rocks in it--and now it has acquired a free press, dedicated newshounds, dwarf printers with not especially nasty tempers (for dwarves), and people who want to see their amusing vegetables in the "On a Lighter Note" section. The business of politics (attempts by the old aristocracy to unseat the Patrician) is ratcheted up a notch and Vimes, of the City Watch, is in a worse temper than usual. William de Worde, editor, reporter and investigator, is another attractive Pratchett hero, captured for us in the middle of wonderfully parodied routines from old movies and fiction that he, in his world, is doing for the first time. This is inventive farce with touches of high seriousness and ethical good sense, and two of the nastiest doomed hitmen outside Tarantino. --Roz Kaveney
Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
This book changed my life!, 26 Dec 2007
What a title eh? I bet it caught your attention. The book certainly caught mine! While the title may claim too much it most certainly is The Truth. Before I read this I was stuck reading books written by lesser authors with much less imagination and I was beginning to stop reading altogether.
My gran picked this up for me at my local library. I was a kid at the time I suppose or at least smaller than I am now. I was hesitant at first but after the first page I couldn't put it down. The gags came thick and fast and through it all was written something much better than anything I had read up to that point. I'd like to think there was a message in the book because after reading it I felt as if I had found one and I'd hate to think I was wrong lol...
The plot is amazing and although it may not be original it certainly feels as if it is. The characters were wonderful, I was taken in not by William who you have to assume is the main character but by the depth of character and life given to every single character in the book from the man with the funny vegetables to the greatest character ever written - in my opinion - Sam Vimes. I hadn't read any other Discworld before this point so I assumed that Vimes was created solely for this book. How wrong I was...
If you can't get into Pratchett's amazing series of books by reading Colour of Magic then read this. I guarantee you'll feel the same way as I did and you'll end up going back and reading Colour of Magic and every other published Discworld novel you can get your hands on.
Believe the hype because Discworld is in my mind and obviously in the minds of millions of readers the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi series in existence. You'll find the occasional part of some of the novels boring or unnessary but after reading through those couple of pages you'll find once again that you've been sucked back in. Those occasional gaps in the action are merely there to give your brain a break and your lungs a rest ;)
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Depth: 5
Overall: 5
The Truth will set you free..., 01 May 2007
The 25th Discworld novel (my, how time flies!)manages to be both a successful celebration of the past while adding some new spins on old formulas. It's another novel built around the introduction of a new 'real world' process to Ankh-Morpork, and having previously had guns, the cinema and rock music it's now the turn of the printing press, as the Discworld gets it's first newspaper. Added to this is yet another conspiracy to oust Lord Vetenari, though having previously failed to assasinate the him the twist this time is that it's an attempted character assasination, with the Patrician being framed for an attempted murder. Ordinarily this would lead to Sam Vimes cracking the mystery but in a refreshing change the Watch are pushed to one side as Pratchett concentrates on newspaper editor William de Worde, while the evil pair of Mr Pin and Mr Tulip make memorable foes.
A good interesting plot, plenty of humourous moments and some vivid new characters make 'The Truth' one of the better Discworld novels, and a worthy milestone in the series.
The Truth review., 23 Apr 2006
The Truth is another captivating read by Terry Prattchet.In The Truth William De Worde has set up the Disc's first newspaper, but to keep it running he must battle through rival pubilcations,the Patrician,his suicidal vampire photographer Otto,gangsters,and photos of humerously shaped potatos.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or simply reading a newspaper then read The Truth
Absolutely completely and utterly hilarious buy it!, 31 May 2005
This is honestly the funniest book that i have ever read, head and shoulders above any other comedy books i have read (except posssibly bored of the rings) This book is brilliant but unfortunately so much better than the rest of terry pratchets books possibly because its fairly new so his writing may have developed and also because of the original characters.
he ruth, 26 Jan 2005
This book is the 25th Discworld novel. It is a good reed. William de Word is the accidental editor of the Discworlds first newspaper. Now he must cope with jernalists life - people how want him dead, a recovering vampire with a a suicidal fasination for flash photography, some more people who want him deead in a difrent wayand, worst of all, the man who keeps beggingf himto publish pictures of his humourously shaped potatoes.
William just wants to get at
THE TRUTH
Unfortunately, everyone els wants to get William. ANd it's only the third edition.
A must reed for all adults young and old
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Product Description
Terry Pratchett has a seemingly endless capacity for generating inventively comic novels about the Discworld and its inhabitants but there is in the hearts of most of his admirers a particular place for those novels which feature the hard-bitten captain of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch Samuel Vimes. Sent as ambassador to the Northern principality of Uberwald where they mine gold, and iron and fat, but never silver, he is caught up in an uneasy truce between dwarfs, werewolves and vampires, in the theft of the Scone of Stone (a particularly important piece of dwarf bread) and in the old werewolf custom of giving humans a short start in the hunt and then cheating... Pratchett is always at his best when the comedy is mixed with a real sense of jeopardy that even favourite characters might be hurt if there was a good joke in it. As always the most unlikely things crop up as the subjects of gags--Chekhov, grand opera, the Caine Mutiny--and as always there are remorselessly funny gags about the inevitability of story: "They say that the fifth elephant came screaming and trumpeting through the atmosphere of the young world all those years ago and landed hard enough to split continents and raise mountains. No one actually saw it land, which raised the interesting philosophical question: when millions of tons of angry elephant come spinning through the sky, and there is no one to hear it, does it--philosophically speaking--make a noise? As for the dwarfs, whose legend it is, and who mine a lot deeper than other people, they say that there is a grain of truth in it". All this, the usual guest appearances and Gaspode the Wonder Dog... -- Roz Kaveney
Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
This book changed my life!, 26 Dec 2007
What a title eh? I bet it caught your attention. The book certainly caught mine! While the title may claim too much it most certainly is The Truth. Before I read this I was stuck reading books written by lesser authors with much less imagination and I was beginning to stop reading altogether.
My gran picked this up for me at my local library. I was a kid at the time I suppose or at least smaller than I am now. I was hesitant at first but after the first page I couldn't put it down. The gags came thick and fast and through it all was written something much better than anything I had read up to that point. I'd like to think there was a message in the book because after reading it I felt as if I had found one and I'd hate to think I was wrong lol...
The plot is amazing and although it may not be original it certainly feels as if it is. The characters were wonderful, I was taken in not by William who you have to assume is the main character but by the depth of character and life given to every single character in the book from the man with the funny vegetables to the greatest character ever written - in my opinion - Sam Vimes. I hadn't read any other Discworld before this point so I assumed that Vimes was created solely for this book. How wrong I was...
If you can't get into Pratchett's amazing series of books by reading Colour of Magic then read this. I guarantee you'll feel the same way as I did and you'll end up going back and reading Colour of Magic and every other published Discworld novel you can get your hands on.
Believe the hype because Discworld is in my mind and obviously in the minds of millions of readers the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi series in existence. You'll find the occasional part of some of the novels boring or unnessary but after reading through those couple of pages you'll find once again that you've been sucked back in. Those occasional gaps in the action are merely there to give your brain a break and your lungs a rest ;)
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Depth: 5
Overall: 5
The Truth will set you free..., 01 May 2007
The 25th Discworld novel (my, how time flies!)manages to be both a successful celebration of the past while adding some new spins on old formulas. It's another novel built around the introduction of a new 'real world' process to Ankh-Morpork, and having previously had guns, the cinema and rock music it's now the turn of the printing press, as the Discworld gets it's first newspaper. Added to this is yet another conspiracy to oust Lord Vetenari, though having previously failed to assasinate the him the twist this time is that it's an attempted character assasination, with the Patrician being framed for an attempted murder. Ordinarily this would lead to Sam Vimes cracking the mystery but in a refreshing change the Watch are pushed to one side as Pratchett concentrates on newspaper editor William de Worde, while the evil pair of Mr Pin and Mr Tulip make memorable foes.
A good interesting plot, plenty of humourous moments and some vivid new characters make 'The Truth' one of the better Discworld novels, and a worthy milestone in the series.
The Truth review., 23 Apr 2006
The Truth is another captivating read by Terry Prattchet.In The Truth William De Worde has set up the Disc's first newspaper, but to keep it running he must battle through rival pubilcations,the Patrician,his suicidal vampire photographer Otto,gangsters,and photos of humerously shaped potatos.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or simply reading a newspaper then read The Truth
Absolutely completely and utterly hilarious buy it!, 31 May 2005
This is honestly the funniest book that i have ever read, head and shoulders above any other comedy books i have read (except posssibly bored of the rings) This book is brilliant but unfortunately so much better than the rest of terry pratchets books possibly because its fairly new so his writing may have developed and also because of the original characters.
he ruth, 26 Jan 2005
This book is the 25th Discworld novel. It is a good reed. William de Word is the accidental editor of the Discworlds first newspaper. Now he must cope with jernalists life - people how want him dead, a recovering vampire with a a suicidal fasination for flash photography, some more people who want him deead in a difrent wayand, worst of all, the man who keeps beggingf himto publish pictures of his humourously shaped potatoes.
William just wants to get at
THE TRUTH
Unfortunately, everyone els wants to get William. ANd it's only the third edition.
A must reed for all adults young and old
One of the best, 11 Jan 2008
Once an author is turning out a novel a year in a growing series he can be forgiven for getting rather stale. That isn't really a problem with Terry Pratchett: his output can be a bit uneven but overall the Discworld fantasies just seem to be getting better, and "The Fifth Elephant" is one of the best.
The wonderful Sam Vimes - clever, upwardly mobile but basically honest and down-to-earth chief of police of Ankh-Morpork - is sent with his aristocratic wife on a diplomatic mission to troubled realm of Uberwald. Why did the city's ruler Lord Vetinari, a man who could give Machiavelli lessons in deviousness, chose Vimes of all people for this delicate task? What exactly is going on in Uberwald, where the uneasy balance of power between dwarves, werewolves, and vampires seems to be breaking down? All is revealed in a book that is both dark and humorous, engrossing and highly entertaining.
Many of the usual characters we have come to know from the Discworld novels are here, and trying to make the best of an unfamiliar and threatening place and understand the peoples and their politics.
Once again Pratchett is the master not only of plot and character but also of the little aside, the fascinating but not overdone individual, the sly and amusing reference. We learn, for instance, that it is a social blunder to use the word "bath" to an upper-class werewolf when he is in human form, it makes him uncomfortable. We are introduced to a vampire equivalent of AA where members help each other keep off the human blood and get through "vun night at a time". We discover that the Low King of the Dwarves must be crowned sitting on a large, hard item called the great Scone of Stone - a clever one this, referring not only to the durability and lethal solidity of dwarfish bread as explained in previous novels but also to the Stone of Scone (pronounced "Skoon") on which for centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned. And much more...
If you know the characters you will enjoy the book even more, but Pratchett newbies could find a worse place to start than this one.
Enter the Werewolves...., 18 Mar 2007
Number 24 (gulp!) in the Discworld series has Sam Vimes (and assorted Watch colleages) sent on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald, along the way encountering viscious werewolves and a whodunnit mysery as a vital Dwarf artifact goes missing just as a new King is about to be crowned...
The obvious comparison with 'The Fifth Elephant' is the preceeding Discworld novel 'Carpe Jugulum', as where that novel had the witches of Lancre encountering Uberwald's vampires now it's the turn of the Watch to meet another Uberwald 'monster' race in the shape of the werewolves. Concerning the Watch's own shapeshifter Angua it's nice to get some more background on her family, but in a way this novel has a feel of Pratchett going back to the same well of inspiration a bit too often, with this being the second novel in a row to feature lurching self-made Igors and vampires with a modern outlook on life.
This isn't a particularly amusing book by Discworld standards, but Pratchett's writing is of a high enough quality that this is still a well-crafted and readable novel, and the mystery of the missing Dwarfish Stone of Scone is enough to keep the pages turning, but one does get a faint whiff of formula here, and while this is still a good Discworld book Pratchett has written better.
Could be better..., 03 Dec 2006
I can't believe so many have voted this with 5... ok it's better than night watch and is is the 3rd worst that features the night watch, the worst being Jingo and 2nd worst being night watch. There are some good gags as usual but over all this didn't really grab me... the first 3 featuring the night watch guard guards! men at arms and feet of clay are great however.
dont forget, 16 Aug 2006
Just finished reading it for the umpteenth time. Still funny. Angua & Carrot modern Romeo & Juliet? Long may the disk spin.
The Fifth Elephant review., 09 Apr 2006
The Fifth Elephant is a fast-paced,political thriller.In The Fifth Elephant the Scone of Stone has been stolen and now watch commander Sam Vimes must find out where it is before the coronation of the next low king.However,there are werewolves on his trail,constable Angua has disapeared,corperals Cheery and Detritus have been arrested and the only person to of been remotly civil to Sam Vimes is a vampire!If you like reading sci-fi or fantasy then read Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.If you enjoy this book then read books 8,15,19,21,27 and 32.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
This book changed my life!, 26 Dec 2007
What a title eh? I bet it caught your attention. The book certainly caught mine! While the title may claim too much it most certainly is The Truth. Before I read this I was stuck reading books written by lesser authors with much less imagination and I was beginning to stop reading altogether.
My gran picked this up for me at my local library. I was a kid at the time I suppose or at least smaller than I am now. I was hesitant at first but after the first page I couldn't put it down. The gags came thick and fast and through it all was written something much better than anything I had read up to that point. I'd like to think there was a message in the book because after reading it I felt as if I had found one and I'd hate to think I was wrong lol...
The plot is amazing and although it may not be original it certainly feels as if it is. The characters were wonderful, I was taken in not by William who you have to assume is the main character but by the depth of character and life given to every single character in the book from the man with the funny vegetables to the greatest character ever written - in my opinion - Sam Vimes. I hadn't read any other Discworld before this point so I assumed that Vimes was created solely for this book. How wrong I was...
If you can't get into Pratchett's amazing series of books by reading Colour of Magic then read this. I guarantee you'll feel the same way as I did and you'll end up going back and reading Colour of Magic and every other published Discworld novel you can get your hands on.
Believe the hype because Discworld is in my mind and obviously in the minds of millions of readers the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi series in existence. You'll find the occasional part of some of the novels boring or unnessary but after reading through those couple of pages you'll find once again that you've been sucked back in. Those occasional gaps in the action are merely there to give your brain a break and your lungs a rest ;)
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Depth: 5
Overall: 5
The Truth will set you free..., 01 May 2007
The 25th Discworld novel (my, how time flies!)manages to be both a successful celebration of the past while adding some new spins on old formulas. It's another novel built around the introduction of a new 'real world' process to Ankh-Morpork, and having previously had guns, the cinema and rock music it's now the turn of the printing press, as the Discworld gets it's first newspaper. Added to this is yet another conspiracy to oust Lord Vetenari, though having previously failed to assasinate the him the twist this time is that it's an attempted character assasination, with the Patrician being framed for an attempted murder. Ordinarily this would lead to Sam Vimes cracking the mystery but in a refreshing change the Watch are pushed to one side as Pratchett concentrates on newspaper editor William de Worde, while the evil pair of Mr Pin and Mr Tulip make memorable foes.
A good interesting plot, plenty of humourous moments and some vivid new characters make 'The Truth' one of the better Discworld novels, and a worthy milestone in the series.
The Truth review., 23 Apr 2006
The Truth is another captivating read by Terry Prattchet.In The Truth William De Worde has set up the Disc's first newspaper, but to keep it running he must battle through rival pubilcations,the Patrician,his suicidal vampire photographer Otto,gangsters,and photos of humerously shaped potatos.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or simply reading a newspaper then read The Truth
Absolutely completely and utterly hilarious buy it!, 31 May 2005
This is honestly the funniest book that i have ever read, head and shoulders above any other comedy books i have read (except posssibly bored of the rings) This book is brilliant but unfortunately so much better than the rest of terry pratchets books possibly because its fairly new so his writing may have developed and also because of the original characters.
he ruth, 26 Jan 2005
This book is the 25th Discworld novel. It is a good reed. William de Word is the accidental editor of the Discworlds first newspaper. Now he must cope with jernalists life - people how want him dead, a recovering vampire with a a suicidal fasination for flash photography, some more people who want him deead in a difrent wayand, worst of all, the man who keeps beggingf himto publish pictures of his humourously shaped potatoes.
William just wants to get at
THE TRUTH
Unfortunately, everyone els wants to get William. ANd it's only the third edition.
A must reed for all adults young and old
One of the best, 11 Jan 2008
Once an author is turning out a novel a year in a growing series he can be forgiven for getting rather stale. That isn't really a problem with Terry Pratchett: his output can be a bit uneven but overall the Discworld fantasies just seem to be getting better, and "The Fifth Elephant" is one of the best.
The wonderful Sam Vimes - clever, upwardly mobile but basically honest and down-to-earth chief of police of Ankh-Morpork - is sent with his aristocratic wife on a diplomatic mission to troubled realm of Uberwald. Why did the city's ruler Lord Vetinari, a man who could give Machiavelli lessons in deviousness, chose Vimes of all people for this delicate task? What exactly is going on in Uberwald, where the uneasy balance of power between dwarves, werewolves, and vampires seems to be breaking down? All is revealed in a book that is both dark and humorous, engrossing and highly entertaining.
Many of the usual characters we have come to know from the Discworld novels are here, and trying to make the best of an unfamiliar and threatening place and understand the peoples and their politics.
Once again Pratchett is the master not only of plot and character but also of the little aside, the fascinating but not overdone individual, the sly and amusing reference. We learn, for instance, that it is a social blunder to use the word "bath" to an upper-class werewolf when he is in human form, it makes him uncomfortable. We are introduced to a vampire equivalent of AA where members help each other keep off the human blood and get through "vun night at a time". We discover that the Low King of the Dwarves must be crowned sitting on a large, hard item called the great Scone of Stone - a clever one this, referring not only to the durability and lethal solidity of dwarfish bread as explained in previous novels but also to the Stone of Scone (pronounced "Skoon") on which for centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned. And much more...
If you know the characters you will enjoy the book even more, but Pratchett newbies could find a worse place to start than this one.
Enter the Werewolves...., 18 Mar 2007
Number 24 (gulp!) in the Discworld series has Sam Vimes (and assorted Watch colleages) sent on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald, along the way encountering viscious werewolves and a whodunnit mysery as a vital Dwarf artifact goes missing just as a new King is about to be crowned...
The obvious comparison with 'The Fifth Elephant' is the preceeding Discworld novel 'Carpe Jugulum', as where that novel had the witches of Lancre encountering Uberwald's vampires now it's the turn of the Watch to meet another Uberwald 'monster' race in the shape of the werewolves. Concerning the Watch's own shapeshifter Angua it's nice to get some more background on her family, but in a way this novel has a feel of Pratchett going back to the same well of inspiration a bit too often, with this being the second novel in a row to feature lurching self-made Igors and vampires with a modern outlook on life.
This isn't a particularly amusing book by Discworld standards, but Pratchett's writing is of a high enough quality that this is still a well-crafted and readable novel, and the mystery of the missing Dwarfish Stone of Scone is enough to keep the pages turning, but one does get a faint whiff of formula here, and while this is still a good Discworld book Pratchett has written better.
Could be better..., 03 Dec 2006
I can't believe so many have voted this with 5... ok it's better than night watch and is is the 3rd worst that features the night watch, the worst being Jingo and 2nd worst being night watch. There are some good gags as usual but over all this didn't really grab me... the first 3 featuring the night watch guard guards! men at arms and feet of clay are great however.
dont forget, 16 Aug 2006
Just finished reading it for the umpteenth time. Still funny. Angua & Carrot modern Romeo & Juliet? Long may the disk spin.
The Fifth Elephant review., 09 Apr 2006
The Fifth Elephant is a fast-paced,political thriller.In The Fifth Elephant the Scone of Stone has been stolen and now watch commander Sam Vimes must find out where it is before the coronation of the next low king.However,there are werewolves on his trail,constable Angua has disapeared,corperals Cheery and Detritus have been arrested and the only person to of been remotly civil to Sam Vimes is a vampire!If you like reading sci-fi or fantasy then read Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.If you enjoy this book then read books 8,15,19,21,27 and 32.
Thrown in at the deep end? A good thing IMO, 04 Dec 2008
Firstly the preface to this new edition explains some of the rationalisation behind Ericksson's first Malazan Novel. And whilst his background in Roleplaying writing is evident in the somewhat pigeonholed character description, often clearly defining them in a manner that wouldn't look amiss in an RPG. Tattersail is clearly: "the Sorceress" and others "the Thief" and "The Assassin". Whilst this obviously is a niggling problem I have with the series, I hope it works itself out as the characters themselves beyond this were well defined individuals with foibles and flaws.
Secondly, that little if anything is explained to the reader can lead to some frantic scrabbling for the glossary and character guide, it appealed to me in not leading me step by step. The writer clearly mentioned this in his preface as intentional, and I am with him on this. Nothing upsets me more than starting in ignorance and having huge chunks of backstory and lore explained to me in usually forced passages of dialogue (I'm looking at you Eragon...). I rejoiced in the freedom to connect the dots and really brought a greater sense of "reality" if you will as it came from my intuition.
I certainly hope that the rest of the books in this setting take this line as I would be upset if it "dumbs down"....
highly recommended, 02 Dec 2008
With this book I found a new favourite author which in many ways is surprising.
Firstly, I normally like a really good, honourable hero and some totally evil dislikeable baddie that gets soundly beaten in the end. However, in GotM, by the end of the book I still had no idea who was on the good and who was on the bad side. Having read all the other Malazan books, too, I am still not absolutely sure whom to trust. I find that like the real world, Erikson gives us characters in every shade of gray available and sometimes those shades get closer to one end of the spectrum or the other, but rarely do they go all the way. And as to the baddie getting beaten soundly... hmmm, it hasn't been clear cut so far and I doubt the ending will be but somehow I don't care, because the getting there is just amazing.
Secondly, yes, I will admit to skipping battle scenes and more so, duels in many books. I am just not into sword thrust left, parry right, stab middle and repeat for ten pages. However, the battles in the Malazan books are never that boring. Erikson brings in so many different viewpoints, so many unexpected twists and turns and more importantly, so much information into the fights that it is impossible to skip these sections. I wasn't even tempted.
I will say that you might be confused by the end of book one. The way Erikson writes, you are not meant to get it all straight away. You very much enter in the middle of a story where you don't know what went on before nor where things are heading and only by careful observation and listening can you work out what's going on. You hit the ground running.
My star ratings are the result of the following breakdown:
How difficult was it to put the book down: this is a strange one for me for a good read. I actually had to put it down for breathers, to take time to chew over the latest section because there was so much to take in and I actually felt the need to savour the words = five stars
Would I buy the hardcover of this one: definitely = five stars
Am I likely to read it again: I have already re-read it several times and will again = five stars
The best of the best, 08 Nov 2008
Although complex and at times difficult to follow, Steven Ericksons saga is the finest of all modern fantasy novels. This is the first book of the masterpiece that is the 'Malazan, book of the fallen' series. Steven Erickson has a remarkable talent for creating depth to characters and interplaying story lines in a surprising and interetesing way. Seriously, anyone with a faint interest in fantasy novels must read this book it really is a modern classic.
A dark, gritty fantastic read, 07 Nov 2008
First, hard to get into. The world is new, the atmosphere dark and peculiar, the characters many. But soon, without even you noticing, you enter the world and start understanding its scale and the depth of the story and characters.
By then you're hooked and will keep on reading what seems to me like one of the best book of the genre. And I've read plenty !
Challenging but very satisfying., 05 Nov 2008
It is a challenging book. If you don't have the patience or mental flexability to hold the plot lines together you will probably give up on it and miss out on something truly amazing. This book is the gateway to the series, it does throw you in at the deep end, if you really want to start from the beginning read Ian C Esslemont's Night of Knives first, as that is the actual first book (I believe) to this world.
Essentially these books are a retelling of a very long and in depth role playing game played out by Steven Erikson and Ian C Esslemont.
I don't quite understand one of the other comments here complaining about the character development, I wouldn't agree at all, but I don't know what novels the writer of that comment would compare this to.
The only possible reasoning I could think of is... the story does not build up, there is no "And the hero grew up with his aunt on a farm..", in fact there is no hero. There are factions, and gods, and armies, and wizards, and planes of existance, and races. The story starts and you are thrown into it without time to get your footing, much like the characters in the book.
As the series progresses seemingly inexplicable occurrances and actions from earlier books suddenly make perfect sense, are seen from different angles, or simply are explained in a perfectly satisfactory way, with each book I got the urge to read the previous books again to apply the new perspectives and knowledge to what was written before. It's very satisfying, but challenging. This is definately not a children's book, and as mentioned, it's definately not David Eddings.
I've read all of the Malazan Book of the Fallen that has been released so far, and Ian C Esslemont's two books. I consider it to have been a brilliant investment of time and I recommend these books to anybody. They're gritty, hilarious, epic, intricate, fantastical creations.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
This book changed my life!, 26 Dec 2007
What a title eh? I bet it caught your attention. The book certainly caught mine! While the title may claim too much it most certainly is The Truth. Before I read this I was stuck reading books written by lesser authors with much less imagination and I was beginning to stop reading altogether.
My gran picked this up for me at my local library. I was a kid at the time I suppose or at least smaller than I am now. I was hesitant at first but after the first page I couldn't put it down. The gags came thick and fast and through it all was written something much better than anything I had read up to that point. I'd like to think there was a message in the book because after reading it I felt as if I had found one and I'd hate to think I was wrong lol...
The plot is amazing and although it may not be original it certainly feels as if it is. The characters were wonderful, I was taken in not by William who you have to assume is the main character but by the depth of character and life given to every single character in the book from the man with the funny vegetables to the greatest character ever written - in my opinion - Sam Vimes. I hadn't read any other Discworld before this point so I assumed that Vimes was created solely for this book. How wrong I was...
If you can't get into Pratchett's amazing series of books by reading Colour of Magic then read this. I guarantee you'll feel the same way as I did and you'll end up going back and reading Colour of Magic and every other published Discworld novel you can get your hands on.
Believe the hype because Discworld is in my mind and obviously in the minds of millions of readers the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi series in existence. You'll find the occasional part of some of the novels boring or unnessary but after reading through those couple of pages you'll find once again that you've been sucked back in. Those occasional gaps in the action are merely there to give your brain a break and your lungs a rest ;)
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Depth: 5
Overall: 5
The Truth will set you free..., 01 May 2007
The 25th Discworld novel (my, how time flies!)manages to be both a successful celebration of the past while adding some new spins on old formulas. It's another novel built around the introduction of a new 'real world' process to Ankh-Morpork, and having previously had guns, the cinema and rock music it's now the turn of the printing press, as the Discworld gets it's first newspaper. Added to this is yet another conspiracy to oust Lord Vetenari, though having previously failed to assasinate the him the twist this time is that it's an attempted character assasination, with the Patrician being framed for an attempted murder. Ordinarily this would lead to Sam Vimes cracking the mystery but in a refreshing change the Watch are pushed to one side as Pratchett concentrates on newspaper editor William de Worde, while the evil pair of Mr Pin and Mr Tulip make memorable foes.
A good interesting plot, plenty of humourous moments and some vivid new characters make 'The Truth' one of the better Discworld novels, and a worthy milestone in the series.
The Truth review., 23 Apr 2006
The Truth is another captivating read by Terry Prattchet.In The Truth William De Worde has set up the Disc's first newspaper, but to keep it running he must battle through rival pubilcations,the Patrician,his suicidal vampire photographer Otto,gangsters,and photos of humerously shaped potatos.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or simply reading a newspaper then read The Truth
Absolutely completely and utterly hilarious buy it!, 31 May 2005
This is honestly the funniest book that i have ever read, head and shoulders above any other comedy books i have read (except posssibly bored of the rings) This book is brilliant but unfortunately so much better than the rest of terry pratchets books possibly because its fairly new so his writing may have developed and also because of the original characters.
he ruth, 26 Jan 2005
This book is the 25th Discworld novel. It is a good reed. William de Word is the accidental editor of the Discworlds first newspaper. Now he must cope with jernalists life - people how want him dead, a recovering vampire with a a suicidal fasination for flash photography, some more people who want him deead in a difrent wayand, worst of all, the man who keeps beggingf himto publish pictures of his humourously shaped potatoes.
William just wants to get at
THE TRUTH
Unfortunately, everyone els wants to get William. ANd it's only the third edition.
A must reed for all adults young and old
One of the best, 11 Jan 2008
Once an author is turning out a novel a year in a growing series he can be forgiven for getting rather stale. That isn't really a problem with Terry Pratchett: his output can be a bit uneven but overall the Discworld fantasies just seem to be getting better, and "The Fifth Elephant" is one of the best.
The wonderful Sam Vimes - clever, upwardly mobile but basically honest and down-to-earth chief of police of Ankh-Morpork - is sent with his aristocratic wife on a diplomatic mission to troubled realm of Uberwald. Why did the city's ruler Lord Vetinari, a man who could give Machiavelli lessons in deviousness, chose Vimes of all people for this delicate task? What exactly is going on in Uberwald, where the uneasy balance of power between dwarves, werewolves, and vampires seems to be breaking down? All is revealed in a book that is both dark and humorous, engrossing and highly entertaining.
Many of the usual characters we have come to know from the Discworld novels are here, and trying to make the best of an unfamiliar and threatening place and understand the peoples and their politics.
Once again Pratchett is the master not only of plot and character but also of the little aside, the fascinating but not overdone individual, the sly and amusing reference. We learn, for instance, that it is a social blunder to use the word "bath" to an upper-class werewolf when he is in human form, it makes him uncomfortable. We are introduced to a vampire equivalent of AA where members help each other keep off the human blood and get through "vun night at a time". We discover that the Low King of the Dwarves must be crowned sitting on a large, hard item called the great Scone of Stone - a clever one this, referring not only to the durability and lethal solidity of dwarfish bread as explained in previous novels but also to the Stone of Scone (pronounced "Skoon") on which for centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned. And much more...
If you know the characters you will enjoy the book even more, but Pratchett newbies could find a worse place to start than this one.
Enter the Werewolves...., 18 Mar 2007
Number 24 (gulp!) in the Discworld series has Sam Vimes (and assorted Watch colleages) sent on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald, along the way encountering viscious werewolves and a whodunnit mysery as a vital Dwarf artifact goes missing just as a new King is about to be crowned...
The obvious comparison with 'The Fifth Elephant' is the preceeding Discworld novel 'Carpe Jugulum', as where that novel had the witches of Lancre encountering Uberwald's vampires now it's the turn of the Watch to meet another Uberwald 'monster' race in the shape of the werewolves. Concerning the Watch's own shapeshifter Angua it's nice to get some more background on her family, but in a way this novel has a feel of Pratchett going back to the same well of inspiration a bit too often, with this being the second novel in a row to feature lurching self-made Igors and vampires with a modern outlook on life.
This isn't a particularly amusing book by Discworld standards, but Pratchett's writing is of a high enough quality that this is still a well-crafted and readable novel, and the mystery of the missing Dwarfish Stone of Scone is enough to keep the pages turning, but one does get a faint whiff of formula here, and while this is still a good Discworld book Pratchett has written better.
Could be better..., 03 Dec 2006
I can't believe so many have voted this with 5... ok it's better than night watch and is is the 3rd worst that features the night watch, the worst being Jingo and 2nd worst being night watch. There are some good gags as usual but over all this didn't really grab me... the first 3 featuring the night watch guard guards! men at arms and feet of clay are great however.
dont forget, 16 Aug 2006
Just finished reading it for the umpteenth time. Still funny. Angua & Carrot modern Romeo & Juliet? Long may the disk spin.
The Fifth Elephant review., 09 Apr 2006
The Fifth Elephant is a fast-paced,political thriller.In The Fifth Elephant the Scone of Stone has been stolen and now watch commander Sam Vimes must find out where it is before the coronation of the next low king.However,there are werewolves on his trail,constable Angua has disapeared,corperals Cheery and Detritus have been arrested and the only person to of been remotly civil to Sam Vimes is a vampire!If you like reading sci-fi or fantasy then read Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.If you enjoy this book then read books 8,15,19,21,27 and 32.
Thrown in at the deep end? A good thing IMO, 04 Dec 2008
Firstly the preface to this new edition explains some of the rationalisation behind Ericksson's first Malazan Novel. And whilst his background in Roleplaying writing is evident in the somewhat pigeonholed character description, often clearly defining them in a manner that wouldn't look amiss in an RPG. Tattersail is clearly: "the Sorceress" and others "the Thief" and "The Assassin". Whilst this obviously is a niggling problem I have with the series, I hope it works itself out as the characters themselves beyond this were well defined individuals with foibles and flaws.
Secondly, that little if anything is explained to the reader can lead to some frantic scrabbling for the glossary and character guide, it appealed to me in not leading me step by step. The writer clearly mentioned this in his preface as intentional, and I am with him on this. Nothing upsets me more than starting in ignorance and having huge chunks of backstory and lore explained to me in usually forced passages of dialogue (I'm looking at you Eragon...). I rejoiced in the freedom to connect the dots and really brought a greater sense of "reality" if you will as it came from my intuition.
I certainly hope that the rest of the books in this setting take this line as I would be upset if it "dumbs down"....
highly recommended, 02 Dec 2008
With this book I found a new favourite author which in many ways is surprising.
Firstly, I normally like a really good, honourable hero and some totally evil dislikeable baddie that gets soundly beaten in the end. However, in GotM, by the end of the book I still had no idea who was on the good and who was on the bad side. Having read all the other Malazan books, too, I am still not absolutely sure whom to trust. I find that like the real world, Erikson gives us characters in every shade of gray available and sometimes those shades get closer to one end of the spectrum or the other, but rarely do they go all the way. And as to the baddie getting beaten soundly... hmmm, it hasn't been clear cut so far and I doubt the ending will be but somehow I don't care, because the getting there is just amazing.
Secondly, yes, I will admit to skipping battle scenes and more so, duels in many books. I am just not into sword thrust left, parry right, stab middle and repeat for ten pages. However, the battles in the Malazan books are never that boring. Erikson brings in so many different viewpoints, so many unexpected twists and turns and more importantly, so much information into the fights that it is impossible to skip these sections. I wasn't even tempted.
I will say that you might be confused by the end of book one. The way Erikson writes, you are not meant to get it all straight away. You very much enter in the middle of a story where you don't know what went on before nor where things are heading and only by careful observation and listening can you work out what's going on. You hit the ground running.
My star ratings are the result of the following breakdown:
How difficult was it to put the book down: this is a strange one for me for a good read. I actually had to put it down for breathers, to take time to chew over the latest section because there was so much to take in and I actually felt the need to savour the words = five stars
Would I buy the hardcover of this one: definitely = five stars
Am I likely to read it again: I have already re-read it several times and will again = five stars
The best of the best, 08 Nov 2008
Although complex and at times difficult to follow, Steven Ericksons saga is the finest of all modern fantasy novels. This is the first book of the masterpiece that is the 'Malazan, book of the fallen' series. Steven Erickson has a remarkable talent for creating depth to characters and interplaying story lines in a surprising and interetesing way. Seriously, anyone with a faint interest in fantasy novels must read this book it really is a modern classic.
A dark, gritty fantastic read, 07 Nov 2008
First, hard to get into. The world is new, the atmosphere dark and peculiar, the characters many. But soon, without even you noticing, you enter the world and start understanding its scale and the depth of the story and characters.
By then you're hooked and will keep on reading what seems to me like one of the best book of the genre. And I've read plenty !
Challenging but very satisfying., 05 Nov 2008
It is a challenging book. If you don't have the patience or mental flexability to hold the plot lines together you will probably give up on it and miss out on something truly amazing. This book is the gateway to the series, it does throw you in at the deep end, if you really want to start from the beginning read Ian C Esslemont's Night of Knives first, as that is the actual first book (I believe) to this world.
Essentially these books are a retelling of a very long and in depth role playing game played out by Steven Erikson and Ian C Esslemont.
I don't quite understand one of the other comments here complaining about the character development, I wouldn't agree at all, but I don't know what novels the writer of that comment would compare this to.
The only possible reasoning I could think of is... the story does not build up, there is no "And the hero grew up with his aunt on a farm..", in fact there is no hero. There are factions, and gods, and armies, and wizards, and planes of existance, and races. The story starts and you are thrown into it without time to get your footing, much like the characters in the book.
As the series progresses seemingly inexplicable occurrances and actions from earlier books suddenly make perfect sense, are seen from different angles, or simply are explained in a perfectly satisfactory way, with each book I got the urge to read the previous books again to apply the new perspectives and knowledge to what was written before. It's very satisfying, but challenging. This is definately not a children's book, and as mentioned, it's definately not David Eddings.
I've read all of the Malazan Book of the Fallen that has been released so far, and Ian C Esslemont's two books. I consider it to have been a brilliant investment of time and I recommend these books to anybody. They're gritty, hilarious, epic, intricate, fantastical creations.
I AM CONAAAAAAAAN!!!!, 07 Dec 2008
I bought this book shortly after having a reminiscing afternoon watching youtube videos of cartoons from my childhood. 'Conan The Adventurer' brought back many fond memories, so I decided to buy the season one DVD. Managed to stumble across this book and on a whim, bought it. Up until then, I'd never heard of Robert E. Howard, never knew that there were stories from which Conan was created, barely knew there were comics, and had seen the Conan movie with Arnie a coupla times.
I've been a big fan of barbarian-type character such as He-Man, Hercules, and as mentioned, loved the conan cartoon. The book is fantastic. I am currently only half-way through it but there are so many stories. As mentioned by others, the order of the stories isn't chronological (it starts with a a couple of stories that should be at the end of the book, not at the beginning) but they pave the way for what to expect.
The stories show the various sides of Conan, apart from his barbarism, and there are a few unexpected actions from Conan even when you begin to understand his character. Don't expect origin stories that depict Conan's birth, his childhood or adolescence. They are stories that deal with an adult Conan, spanning from his earlier days to his later ones.
The writing is fantastic and completely involves you in the action. You WANT to read the next story, the next page, the next paragraph.
There are rumours that a new Conan movie is to made. If they are true, the writers, director and main actor should all read the book to get an accurate picture of what Conan is like. There is more than enough material to make a beautiful trilogy!
The one and only, 22 Sep 2008
I highly recommend this book, it is the only conan book you need.
I got this after watching the film and reading a couple of the comics. It blows the film out of the water, I mean the film is good, but this is so much better.
When you read some of the stories you can see where other authors got their ideas from.
If you like the film, you'll like this and if you like fantasy you like this. If you are a Robert E Howard fan you'll love this...
...I just hope they release Solomon Kane and Kull editions aswell.
The only Conan you'll ever need., 07 Sep 2008
Forget the two Arnold movies, forget the comics, forget the other-writer penned Conan tales, and forget the edited and revised stories even those by the well-intentioned and highly respected L. Sprague de Camp; these are the original Conan stories in as close a form to that as Robert E. Howard intended in all their blood-soaked pulp glory. This is action-adventure-fantasy at its very best written in a vivid muscular style that no-one has ever quite imitated or improved on. You may want more Conan after reading these stories, indeed you certainly will, but believe me, you don't need them.
It would be nice if this excellent volume sells well enough for the publishers to consider a similar in size companion volume containing a selection of stories about Howard's other pulp action heroes.
fantastic book but not what i was looking for, 17 Oct 2007
i bought this book to make the wait for the game conan hyborian adventures a little less nail biteing. i bought this book hopeing it would tell me everything about conan and his age unfortunatly it dose not. it dose to go into conans child hood and his rise to power.i found this very anoying but never the less this is still a fantastic book and robert e howerd is a fantastic writer
Great reading, 05 Oct 2007
After reading the above reviews all i can say is that i agree totally with them all....sheer class....i will return to this one again and again.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
An Epic from Start to Finish, 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, and borrowed Dark Prince straight after. They were classics, and I knew it.
I saw this on the shelf of my local waterstones, and after nine months of reading mostly Star Trek and 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, and his voyages and escapades sailing his ship, the Xanthos, across the murky waters of 'The Great Green' (Mediteranean Sea). It follows the exploits of him and his friend Zidantas and the crew of his ship.
On her maiden voyage the Xanthos picks up two Mykene Warriors, one who is called Argurios, and is one of the main characters in the book.There is some animosity between Helikaon and Argurios to start with, although this is metered with an amount of Respect and Mutual Appreciation, which leads to often surprising situations and 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, and apparently very attractive in a non-descript sort of way. Either way there is some Poltical conspiracy in 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 and Odysseus only play a supporting role in this re-telling of the Greek Legend, their pressence is felt throughout the story, as are the consequences of Battle, Piracy and Betrayal.
I recommend this to anybody, especially Lord of the Rings Fans!
"Fantastic" what more can one say, 27 Jun 2008
I have just finished reading `Troy fall of kings` the third book in 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, 11 Apr 2008
Although this is set in ancient Greece it could really be set in 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 and 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!, 28 Mar 2008
As with a number of other reviewers this was the first time I have read David Gemmell and it won't be the last. I enjoy historical fiction and this book is up there with the best. It is a great mix of awesome battles, romance, legend and humanity that leaves you unable to put it down. I read the last 250 pages on a transatlantic flight and couldn't wait to get volume two out of my suitcase when I got to my hotel room! If you enjoy Cornwell, Scarrow and Iggulden you will love this one.
Not His Best, But Still Better Than Most, 02 Feb 2008
David Gemmell is without doubt the best fantasy author on the planet and 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 Schliemann in the mid nineteenth century.
David Gemmell weaves his magical spell yet again and takes the reader over the walls and into the mystical city of Troy. A city that is having its very heart and soul ripped out by destructive rivalries. Beyond the walls Troy's enemies watch and wait, plotting the downfall of the city and lusting after its riches.
One way or the other there is bound to be death and destruction.
David Gemmell always leaves his readers' wanting more, more, more . . .
This book changed my life!, 26 Dec 2007
What a title eh? I bet it caught your attention. The book certainly caught mine! While the title may claim too much it most certainly is The Truth. Before I read this I was stuck reading books written by lesser authors with much less imagination and I was beginning to stop reading altogether.
My gran picked this up for me at my local library. I was a kid at the time I suppose or at least smaller than I am now. I was hesitant at first but after the first page I couldn't put it down. The gags came thick and fast and through it all was written something much better than anything I had read up to that point. I'd like to think there was a message in the book because after reading it I felt as if I had found one and I'd hate to think I was wrong lol...
The plot is amazing and although it may not be original it certainly feels as if it is. The characters were wonderful, I was taken in not by William who you have to assume is the main character but by the depth of character and life given to every single character in the book from the man with the funny vegetables to the greatest character ever written - in my opinion - Sam Vimes. I hadn't read any other Discworld before this point so I assumed that Vimes was created solely for this book. How wrong I was...
If you can't get into Pratchett's amazing series of books by reading Colour of Magic then read this. I guarantee you'll feel the same way as I did and you'll end up going back and reading Colour of Magic and every other published Discworld novel you can get your hands on.
Believe the hype because Discworld is in my mind and obviously in the minds of millions of readers the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi series in existence. You'll find the occasional part of some of the novels boring or unnessary but after reading through those couple of pages you'll find once again that you've been sucked back in. Those occasional gaps in the action are merely there to give your brain a break and your lungs a rest ;)
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Depth: 5
Overall: 5
The Truth will set you free..., 01 May 2007
The 25th Discworld novel (my, how time flies!)manages to be both a successful celebration of the past while adding some new spins on old formulas. It's another novel built around the introduction of a new 'real world' process to Ankh-Morpork, and having previously had guns, the cinema and rock music it's now the turn of the printing press, as the Discworld gets it's first newspaper. Added to this is yet another conspiracy to oust Lord Vetenari, though having previously failed to assasinate the him the twist this time is that it's an attempted character assasination, with the Patrician being framed for an attempted murder. Ordinarily this would lead to Sam Vimes cracking the mystery but in a refreshing change the Watch are pushed to one side as Pratchett concentrates on newspaper editor William de Worde, while the evil pair of Mr Pin and Mr Tulip make memorable foes.
A good interesting plot, plenty of humourous moments and some vivid new characters make 'The Truth' one of the better Discworld novels, and a worthy milestone in the series.
The Truth review., 23 Apr 2006
The Truth is another captivating read by Terry Prattchet.In The Truth William De Worde has set up the Disc's first newspaper, but to keep it running he must battle through rival pubilcations,the Patrician,his suicidal vampire photographer Otto,gangsters,and photos of humerously shaped potatos.If you like reading sci-fi,fantasy or simply reading a newspaper then read The Truth
Absolutely completely and utterly hilarious buy it!, 31 May 2005
This is honestly the funniest book that i have ever read, head and shoulders above any other comedy books i have read (except posssibly bored of the rings) This book is brilliant but unfortunately so much better than the rest of terry pratchets books possibly because its fairly new so his writing may have developed and also because of the original characters.
he ruth, 26 Jan 2005
This book is the 25th Discworld novel. It is a good reed. William de Word is the accidental editor of the Discworlds first newspaper. Now he must cope with jernalists life - people how want him dead, a recovering vampire with a a suicidal fasination for flash photography, some more people who want him deead in a difrent wayand, worst of all, the man who keeps beggingf himto publish pictures of his humourously shaped potatoes.
William just wants to get at
THE TRUTH
Unfortunately, everyone els wants to get William. ANd it's only the third edition.
A must reed for all adults young and old
One of the best, 11 Jan 2008
Once an author is turning out a novel a year in a growing series he can be forgiven for getting rather stale. That isn't really a problem with Terry Pratchett: his output can be a bit uneven but overall the Discworld fantasies just seem to be getting better, and "The Fifth Elephant" is one of the best.
The wonderful Sam Vimes - clever, upwardly mobile but basically honest and down-to-earth chief of police of Ankh-Morpork - is sent with his aristocratic wife on a diplomatic mission to troubled realm of Uberwald. Why did the city's ruler Lord Vetinari, a man who could give Machiavelli lessons in deviousness, chose Vimes of all people for this delicate task? What exactly is going on in Uberwald, where the uneasy balance of power between dwarves, werewolves, and vampires seems to be breaking down? All is revealed in a book that is both dark and humorous, engrossing and highly entertaining.
Many of the usual characters we have come to know from the Discworld novels are here, and trying to make the best of an unfamiliar and threatening place and understand the peoples and their politics.
Once again Pratchett is the master not only of plot and character but also of the little aside, the fascinating but not overdone individual, the sly and amusing reference. We learn, for instance, that it is a social blunder to use the word "bath" to an upper-class werewolf when he is in human form, it makes him uncomfortable. We are introduced to a vampire equivalent of AA where members help each other keep off the human blood and get through "vun night at a time". We discover that the Low King of the Dwarves must be crowned sitting on a large, hard item called the great Scone of Stone - a clever one this, referring not only to the durability and lethal solidity of dwarfish bread as explained in previous novels but also to the Stone of Scone (pronounced "Skoon") on which for centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned. And much more...
If you know the characters you will enjoy the book even more, but Pratchett newbies could find a worse place to start than this one.
Enter the Werewolves...., 18 Mar 2007
Number 24 (gulp!) in the Discworld series has Sam Vimes (and assorted Watch colleages) sent on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald, along the way encountering viscious werewolves and a whodunnit mysery as a vital Dwarf artifact goes missing just as a new King is about to be crowned...
The obvious comparison with 'The Fifth Elephant' is the preceeding Discworld novel 'Carpe Jugulum', as where that novel had the witches of Lancre encountering Uberwald's vampires now it's the turn of the Watch to meet another Uberwald 'monster' race in the shape of the werewolves. Concerning the Watch's own shapeshifter Angua it's nice to get some more background on her family, but in a way this novel has a feel of Pratchett going back to the same well of inspiration a bit too often, with this being the second novel in a row to feature lurching self-made Igors and vampires with a modern outlook on life.
This isn't a particularly amusing book by Discworld standards, but Pratchett's writing is of a high enough quality that this is still a well-crafted and readable novel, and the mystery of the missing Dwarfish Stone of Scone is enough to keep the pages turning, but one does get a faint whiff of formula here, and while this is still a good Discworld book Pratchett has written better.
Could be better..., 03 Dec 2006
I can't believe so many have voted this with 5... ok it's better than night watch and is is the 3rd worst that features the night watch, the worst being Jingo and 2nd worst being night watch. There are some good gags as usual but over all this didn't really grab me... the first 3 featuring the night watch guard guards! men at arms and feet of clay are great however.
dont forget, 16 Aug 2006
Just finished reading it for the umpteenth time. Still funny. Angua & Carrot modern Romeo & Juliet? Long may the disk spin.
The Fifth Elephant review., 09 Apr 2006
The Fifth Elephant is a fast-paced,political thriller.In The Fifth Elephant the Scone of Stone has been stolen and now watch commander Sam Vimes must find out where it is before the coronation of the next low king.However,there are werewolves on his trail,constable Angua has disapeared,corperals Cheery and Detritus have been arrested and the only person to of been remotly civil to Sam Vimes is a vampire!If you like reading sci-fi or fantasy then read Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.If you enjoy this book then read books 8,15,19,21,27 and 32.
Thrown in at the deep end? A good thing IMO, 04 Dec 2008
Firstly the preface to this new edition explains some of the rationalisation behind Ericksson's first Malazan Novel. And whilst his background in Roleplaying writing is evident in the somewhat pigeonholed character description, often clearly defining them in a manner that wouldn't look amiss in an RPG. Tattersail is clearly: "the Sorceress" and others "the Thief" and "The Assassin". Whilst this obviously is a niggling problem I have with the series, I hope it works itself out as the characters themselves beyond this were well defined individuals with foibles and flaws.
Secondly, that little if anything is explained to the reader can lead to some frantic scrabbling for the glossary and character guide, it appealed to me in not leading me step by step. The writer clearly mentioned this in his preface as intentional, and I am with him on this. Nothing upsets me more than starting in ignorance and having huge chunks of backstory and lore explained to me in usually forced passages of dialogue (I'm looking at you Eragon...). I rejoiced in the freedom to connect the dots and really brought a greater sense of "reality" if you will as it came from my intuition.
I certainly hope that the rest of the books in this setting take this line as I would be upset if it "dumbs down"....
highly recommended, 02 Dec 2008
With this book I found a new favourite author which in many ways is surprising.
Firstly, I normally like a really good, honourable hero and some totally evil dislikeable baddie that gets soundly beaten in the end. However, in GotM, by the end of the book I still had no idea who was on the good and who was on the bad side. Having read all the other Malazan books, too, I am still not absolutely sure whom to trust. I find that like the real world, Erikson gives us characters in every shade of gray available and sometimes those shades get closer to one end of the spectrum or the other, but rarely do they go all the way. And as to the baddie getting beaten soundly... hmmm, it hasn't been clear cut so far and I doubt the ending will be but somehow I don't care, because the getting there is just amazing.
Secondly, yes, I will admit to skipping battle scenes and more so, duels in many books. I am just not into sword thrust left, parry right, stab middle and repeat for ten pages. However, the battles in the Malazan books are never that boring. Erikson brings in so many different viewpoints, so many unexpected twists and turns and more importantly, so much information into the fights that it is impossible to skip these sections. I wasn't even tempted.
I will say that you might be confused by the end of book one. The way Erikson writes, you are not meant to get it all straight away. You very much enter in the middle of a story where you don't know what went on before nor where things are heading and only by careful observation and listening can you work out what's going on. You hit the ground running.
My star ratings are the result of the following breakdown:
How difficult was it to put the book down: this is a strange one for me for a good read. I actually had to put it down for breathers, to take time to chew over the latest section because there was so much to take in and I actually felt the need to savour the words = five stars
Would I buy the hardcover of this one: definitely = five stars
Am I likely to read it again: I have already re-read it several times and will again = five stars
The best of the best, 08 Nov 2008
Although complex and at times difficult to follow, Steven Ericksons saga is the finest of all modern fantasy novels. This is the first book of the masterpiece that is the 'Malazan, book of the fallen' series. Steven Erickson has a remarkable talent for creating depth to characters and interplaying story lines in a surprising and interetesing way. Seriously, anyone with a faint interest in fantasy novels must read this book it really is a modern classic.
A dark, gritty fantastic read, 07 Nov 2008
First, hard to get into. The world is new, the atmosphere dark and peculiar, the characters many. But soon, without even you noticing, you enter the world and start understanding its scale and the depth of the story and characters.
By then you're hooked and will keep on reading what seems to me like one of the best book of the genre. And I've read plenty !
Challenging but very satisfying., 05 Nov 2008
It is a challenging book. If you don't have the patience or mental flexability to hold the plot lines together you will probably give up on it and miss out on something truly amazing. This book is the gateway to the series, it does throw you in at the deep end, if you really want to start from the beginning read Ian C Esslemont's Night of Knives first, as that is the actual first book (I believe) to this world.
Essentially these books are a retelling of a very long and in depth role playing game played out by Steven Erikson and Ian C Esslemont.
I don't quite understand one of the other comments here complaining about the character development, I wouldn't agree at all, but I don't know what novels the writer of that comment would compare this to.
The only possible reasoning I could think of is... the story does not build up, there is no "And the hero grew up with his aunt on a farm..", in fact there is no hero. There are factions, and gods, and armies, and wizards, and planes of existance, and races. The story starts and you are thrown into it without time to get your footing, much like the characters in the book.
As the series progresses seemingly inexplicable occurrances and actions from earlier books suddenly make perfect sense, are seen from different angles, or simply are explained in a perfectly satisfactory way, with each book I got the urge to read the previous books again to apply the new perspectives and knowledge to what was written before. It's very satisfying, but challenging. This is definately not a children's book, and as mentioned, it's definately not David Eddings.
I've read all of the Malazan Book of the Fallen that has been released so far, and Ian C Esslemont's two books. I consider it to have been a brilliant investment of time and I recommend these books to anybody. They're gritty, hilarious, epic, intricate, fantastical creations.
I AM CONAAAAAAAAN!!!!, 07 Dec 2008
I bought this book shortly after having a reminiscing afternoon watching youtube videos of cartoons from my childhood. 'Conan The Adventurer' brought back many fond memories, so I decided to buy the season one DVD. Managed to stumble across this book and on a whim, bought it. Up until then, I'd never heard of Robert E. Howard, never knew that there were stories from which Conan was created, barely knew there were comics, and had seen the Conan movie with Arnie a coupla times.
I've been a big fan of barbarian-type character such as He-Man, Hercules, and as mentioned, loved the conan cartoon. The book is fantastic. I am currently only half-way through it but there are so many stories. As mentioned by others, the order of the stories isn't chronological (it starts with a a couple of stories that should be at the end of the book, not at the beginning) but they pave the way for what to expect.
The stories show the various sides of Conan, apart from his barbarism, and there are a few unexpected actions from Conan even when you begin to understand his character. Don't expect origin stories that depict Conan's birth, his childhood or adolescence. They are stories that deal with an adult Conan, spanning from his earlier days to his later ones.
The writing is fantastic and completely involves you in the action. You WANT to read the next story, the next page, the next paragraph.
There are rumours that a new Conan movie is to made. If they are true, the writers, director and main actor should all read the book to get an accurate picture of what Conan is like. There is more than enough material to make a beautiful trilogy!
The one and only, 22 Sep 2008
I highly recommend this book, it is the only conan book you need.
I got this after watching the film and reading a couple of the comics. It blows the film out of the water, I mean the film is good, but this is so much better.
When you read some of the stories you can see where other authors got their ideas from.
If you like the film, y | | |