I've never been a big fan of fantasy novels but decided to read this one because it is on the "1001 books you must read before you die" list. After reading it, I would say it was an OK novel with a pretty straight forward storyline about a fortress under siege by a barbarian horde and a retired "lengend" (Druss) who comes to the aid of the Drenai. It includes elements of heroism, magic, valor, love, etc. I am assuming this novel takes place in an alternate reality since Earth is mentioned and the elements of the story are seated in Medieval Europe. I don't think it takes place in a pre-history like the Conan stories. Gemmell also borrowed from other literature like Robin Hood (the character Bowman), the Arthurian legend (Excalibur), and even fairy tales -- the ending was straight out of Sleeping Beauty. There was one aspect of the story that kind of bothered me: The fortress was under siege by a huge hoard of barbarians numbering over 500,000 yet, people were able to leave the fortress on the South side to escape the siege. Wouldn't the invading army have surrounded the entire fortress?? This novel is the first in a series about the Drenai but I doubt if I would seek out others in the series.
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