Last Sword of Power

Book Two is great in it's own right as is Book One. Interpreting Arthurian legend, this story focuses on Cormac, son of the Blood King, Uther Pendragon. Cormac grows to manhood and becomes a warrior under the tutalage of the Lance Lord. He seeks life and love even to the extend of traveling Hell itself. A new "god" seeks to conquor Britain and it's up to Cormac and the heroes, much older now, from the first book to stop the horror and blood. As with other Gemmell stories, some of the characters you've grown to respect and love (or hate) will die in an attempt to stand on the side of good....and they might not succeed. Unlike the Drenai series, this story claims roots in Earth's history and legends of ancient Western culture. One of Gemmell's gifts is telling a story of adventure and fantasy while exploring shades of good and evil within a person. Good people will do terrible things in fits of anger or perceived need for the greater good, and bad people will inexplicably or deliberately do an act of kindness that makes a difference. Someday a movie director will turn one or all of David Gemmell's books into a movie series that will rivial LOTR and Harry Potter. This book will be a smashing hit! Read it and you'll find it satisfying, while hungering for more of D.G. books.

First, a bit of a practical review: in this book we learn of the future of King Uthur, named the Blood king as his reign has been a bloody battle with various enemies. We learn of the fate of his wife, of his friends, and of his friend Prasamaccus (who, coincidentally, was my favorite character in the first two books). But now let me tell you how I really felt about it. Book 2 in the "Stones of Power" series impressed the heck out of me. Don't get me wrong - I loved book one; I thought it was tremendously well done fantasy. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this novel... and once I started reading it I couldn't help but get a little more emotionally involved than I normally do. I felt myself grieving over the debilitating marriage of the King - I was furious at him, then at her, then both of them. I grieved for characters that lost loved ones, and rejoiced when men and women realize the truth inside of them. Gemmell continues to impress me with fantasy that strays from the expected. He's created a great set of characters, and I would love to see some books that talk in more detail about everything that happened between Ghost King and Last Sword of Power. Some of the new characters include Uthur's long lost son, and a blind girl who can see better than most of us. You get attached to them as easily as you do the Blood King and Revelation, and by the end cheering for their victory. Probably my favorite book out of the series.

The Goth leader Wotan would open the Gates of Hell, with power that stemmed from sorcery and human sacrifice. No sword could cut him, and his armies cut a bloody swath. Only Uther Pendragon could save Britannia--and even he would have to wield Cunobelin's blade, the last sword of power.The mighty Gemmell has written another winner. I highly recommend this book to you. Go get this book.

Gemmell's genius for storytelling is again beautifully demonstrated in this book, the second in this wonderful series. I had become disappointed with modern fantasy and Gemmell came to the rescue! Once again the characters are so real you believe in them and the story just makes you feverishly turn the pages to see what comes next. Do yourself a favour and read this series, which begins with "Ghost King".

This is the first Gemmell book I have ever read. I was stunned. Finally, a writer that can craft a story. The characters drew you in as if you were there. Gemmell can weave a story better than anyone I have ever read in any catagory - period. Everything in this book was geared towards the conclusion. Even the narrative moved the story forward with efficient skill. There was absolutely no wasted verbage. Amazing. I am going to read everything Gemmell has ever written. I have always struggled to finish novels because most have long, boring blah blah blah's sandwiched in, strictly to increase word count. Not Gemmell. Every word counts and moves the story along. Buy this book.