Here it is Lord of the Silver Bow the first of the last Gemmell Trilogy the last thing that he ever wrote. It is in many ways his masterpiece all things fall into place here in a way that stared in the Rigantee Cycle. The Trojan War according to Gemmell Helikaon and Odysseus can rightfully take their place among Waylander, Druss and the Moydart. Thank you Mr. Gemmell for this one last gift.

David Gemmell, prolific author who sadly passed away in 2006, sets the stage for an interesting body of work about the oft-described battle of Troy. In this, the first book of a triology completed before his untimely death, Gemmell presents the dramatis personae for his epic of one of Antiquity's greatest adventure tales.

Drawing from actual recorded history with characters such as Odysseus and Priam, as well as many of Priam's numerous sons, Gemmell also creates an intriguing lot of soldiers, warriors, traitors, courtesans, and slaves to populate his novel. But although the story carries a large, varied cast, it really centers on three principal characters.

The story begins with a soldier afloat on a piece of wreckage from his destroyed ship, clinging for his life. Spared by the Gods, Gershom finds his path crossing with that of Helikaon, also known to readers by the names Aeneas, 'The Golden One', and 'Lord of the Silver Bow'. Helikaon, Prince of Dardania, whose own father plotted Helikaon's youthful death once his new wife brought forth another son, welcomes Gershom into his crew as he and his followers pilot their ship over 'The Great Green' to the city of Troy. A warrior capable of fierce and bloodthirsty attacks, Helikaon is also a man of deep passions, who determines to marry 'only for love'.

Helikaon's travels bring him into the company of Argurios; a
'Mykene' warrior sent by King Agamemnon to Troy in an effort to determine the weaknesses in the defenses of the city as he plans an attack. A man of iron willed determination and strong moral code, Argurios finds his loyalty to his mission tested by the bonds of true friendship and love.

Also en route to Troy, being betrothed to one of Priam's sons, is the 'goddess' Andromache. A statuesque, strong-willed woman of plain and quiet beauty,and accomplished archer, with a mind of her own. Andromache, despairing of her duty to marry Prince Hektor, nevertheless travels to Troy in order to fulfill her obligation. But despite her commitment to become the wife of Hektor, Andromache finds herself drawn to 'The Golden One'.

Once the three tales intersect, the stage is set for an initial battle in Troy as one of Priam's own sons plots his overthrow and murder. Discovering the treachery, Helikaon and Argurios join forces to defend the palace, prevent the death of Priam, and to protect their lady loves.

Had I not known that this was the first book of a trilogy, I might have found the work 'incomplete' in terms of the story and the conclusion. David Gemmell set quite a story in motion with this book, which warrants further reading and completion of the work as a whole. While there appear to be some idioms in the dialogue that don't seem to really fit the classical time period, they are easily overlooked in terms of a good story. David Gemmell's prose is easily and enjoyably readable, and his creation of character and setting show both the depths of his imagination and research. While this isn't on the same level as the works of Mary Renault, my favorite chronicler of Antiquity, Gemmell's entry (at least the one that I have now read) is a worthwhile read.

I primarily read and review historical fiction set in Roman times through the Middle Ages. I decided to try something different when I noticed Troy while browsing Amazon. I am very glad I did. This is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read. The characters are well developed and captivate you throughout the book. The pace of the novel is excellent and there is never a dull moment. Gemmell is on par with Bernard Cornwell. A shame that Gemmell has now passed, but what a great trilogy to end one's career with. Gemmell will be missed but his novels will delight others for generations to come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a fantastic read. No question this book is one of the best pieces of historical fiction I have read recently, and should be on the bookshelf of any person interested in an original retelling of an aged tale.