Customer Reviews
Where it all started! - By: R G Swale, 27 Jun 2008 
This is where David Gemmell started - & it's a great place to start reading him. It is a brilliant read, which will keep you turning the pages. It is the essence of alll the Gemmell novels that follow.
This novel is quite a statement of intent from a new writer - it is epic in proportions - focussing on a siege in an enormous fortress. It has alll the ingredients that later became halllmarks of Gemmell's writing - characters in alll shades of grey & yet vivid as life itself, brutal & engrossing combat, people who you care about, twists & turns in the plot. Perhaps most impressively of alll, the novel gives the impression that the Drenai world was formed fully - you are instantly in a world where alll the elements of the story, the characters & settings, make sense. You feel like you've always known about the Thirty, Dros Delnoch, the Nadir & Druss the Legend. And it's exciting to be caught up in it!
Looking back now, the story here isn't as sophisticated as some of Gemmell's later works, but the staple characters that return under different guises in his later books were here for the first time. One of the criticisms of Gemmell's writing is that it is formulaic. I've never minded that, as the formula is a brilliant one, & the writing is as engaging & emotion-fuelled as anything I've ever read. And it is here, in Legend, that the formula was first laid out.
Brillant Read...Teenage review - By: Christopher Gallagher, 24 May 2008 This is the first David Gemmell book I have read. I became addicted to the story line & couldnt waiting to turn over the page to see what was to unfold. I was advised to read this book by a friend after reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Legend stands up well with these books & that is a high complement.
I cant wait to read more of Gemmells work. The way he draws a picture is simply brillant. 5 Stars
The one that started it all - By: Cal Duncan, 07 Feb 2008 The amazing book from David Gemmell.
I first read this as a teenager, my friend got it with the computer game. I was unsure at first, how good can it be? I was not the most prolific reader at the time.
But I started, & could not stop, this one book is responsible for alll the books I have read since, it captured my imagination so well that day, I cannot be without a book today.
Anyone that likes any kind of fantasy, be it Terry Pratchett or the mighty Tolkien, should not miss a chance to read what I consider a master piece.
Open up the book & your heart to Druss, Captain of the Axe, the Legend!
Excellent - Must Buy! - By: Mr. A. Green, 23 Nov 2007 I bought this novel two years ago after a colleague from work recommended the author (David Gemmel) to me. I wasn't disappointed. I found the story filled with drama, mystery, intrigue & heroics - alll the usual expectations of the fantasy genre, whilst still alllowing for some originality.
Legend has a number of protagonists, an axmen of legendary renown, the daughter of an Earl, a warrior priest & an ordinary man who finds leadership thrust upon him. All these heroes find themselves defending a doomed fortress against a savage enemy united by a great tactician & cunning leader, Gemmel does a great job bringing this war to life with gritty humour, gruesome battles & characters plagued with very human fears.
If this sounds like your brand of heroic fantasy then I'd recommend starting your Gemmel here with the first of his Drenai series. Five stars well earned!
Best book in the genre - By: Mr. Patrick Mccabe, 24 Aug 2007 This book reallly inspired my love affair with fantasy novels. Its brilliantly written with charcters with real flaws that you can reallly relate to. If you havent read this already i recommend you buy it now.
