David Gemmell

"We make choices everyday, some of them good, some of them bad. And - if we are strong enough - we live with the consequences"

Born in west London during the summer of 1948, Gemmell’s was a colourful upbringing, with a childhood that culminated in expulsion from school at the age of sixteen after he was found guilty of orchestrating a gambling syndicate. In the following years he found employment as a labourer and part-time bouncer in Soho, and eventually took to working as a freelance journalist.

By the early 80’s Gemmell had been working for a number of years as a writer/editor for several south England papers, and though he put much of his free time toward writing fiction, it was not until he received a misdiagnosis of cancer – later amended – that he set about his true passion in earnest. Certain that his days were limited, the apparently doomed author-to-be completed his first book, Legend, in 1984.

Sadly, David Gemmell passed away on Friday, 28th July 2006, two weeks after heart bypass surgery.

Gemmell for me was great reading, it is Fantasy and should be different from our mundane PC world. Druss and Waylander are men that men wished they could have been. Face and defeat the enemy, never doubt and never complain about hardship.

What genre does David Gemmell write?

He is best known for heroic fantasy and epic action-adventure that blend mythic scope, gritty combat, and moral questions about courage and honour.

What are his major series and notable books?

Major series include the Drenai Saga (for example Legend and The Legend of Deathwalker), the Rigante books (Sword in the Storm, Midnight Falcon), the Sipstrassi/Stones of Power/Jon Shannow stories, the Skilgannon the Damned novels, the Hawk Queen books, and the Troy trilogy (Lord of the Silver Bow; Shield of Thunder; Fall of Kings).

Where is a good place to start reading Gemmell?

A common entry point is Legend, which introduced his Drenai world. If you prefer mythic retellings, start with the Troy trilogy. Many of his series entries also work as standalone adventures, so you can start with a single title that matches your interests.

Do his novels need to be read in order?

It depends. Some series like the Troy trilogy should be read in sequence. Many Drenai and other novels are written so individual books can be enjoyed on their own, though publication or series order can enrich recurring character arcs.

What recurring themes and types of characters appear in his work?

Expect tough, often flawed heroes and legendary warriors, themes of duty, sacrifice, redemption, and tough moral choices, and fast-paced battle-driven plots with an emphasis on honour and resilience.