Awesome read - Rated 
This was my first David Gemmell book, and undoubtedly was my personal favourite. The character of Druss is very inspiring, and reminds me of the late Lenny Mclean - The Guvner, who was a legendary bare knuckle fighter, paralleling in many ways all that Druss stood for.
Like all Gemmell's books, it will take you on a wonderfull adventure, and lead you from his troubled beginnings as a young lad, on through numerous fantastic conflicts, which ultimately forged the Legend that is known throughout the history of the Drenai.
A Truly inspiring read.
Very Poor - Rated 
Very poor novel. Nothing compared to his Troy books. The stories were very disjointed and the characters were not given any sense of honour or worthiness to make you love them. I skipped and jumped so many pages of the book, yet it took me weeks to finish it. I would not recommend it at all.
A tale the fans needed - Rated 
Druss has been the central protagonist in two novels and a short story. His heroic character and abilities are the result of an epic quest to reunite himself with his stolen wife in his youth. The First Chronicles transforms this background explained in those first books in to a full novel. For those readers who have read the initial books will already know the basics, but Gemmell adds new plotlines to engage the reader in to a book which seemingly would offer no surprises. As the story develops the characterisations are excellent and Gemmell creates scenes which are emotionally charged. As usual, the action scenes are remarkably written, and there are enough twists to ensure the generic story never becomes dull. Although the book is well conceived the final chapter is somewhat disappointing if you have read the first volume of Drenai Tales, since it is simply the 10,000 word short story from that compendium tacked on to the end. For new Druss readers this is no issue, and it provides the closure to the story. Overall, a great book, somewhat unoriginal but full of the strong characters which make Gemmell a joy to read.
Fantastic - Rated
This is possibly only the 4th ever book I have read where I had a definate 'lump in my throat' at the end.
This is the 'origin' of the character of Druss The Legend.
The story starts with him as a young farmer and takes us through to the battle of Skeln Pass some 30 years later.
What happens in between is a real 'boys own' adventure as
Druss sets off to rescus his missus when she's captured by slavers.
I gave the book to my 13 year old son when I'd finished and he devoured it in a couple of days.
Demons, monsters,witches and wizards they're all there. Real nasty bad guys including pirates, slavers, evil emperors, mad princes etc etc.
The characters are well told. The good guys are all likeable and you will have your favourite..whether or not that character survives is a lottery.
It's the end that ultimately steals the show as the Battle of Skeln Pass is told and various characters fates are explained.
It's just a great book, easy to read, fast paced with great charaters and dialogues.The fights are well described and you wouldn't want to cross Druss!
Epic - Rated
I am currently reading this fantastic book, and i think it is brilliant. The stroy is about a young woodsman called Druss, a quiet man living in a small village with his family and wife. Soon, raiders deverstate the village, taking his wife with him. The following quest involves companions such as a legendary swordsman and a poet. If you are a fan of David Gemmell, and you somehow missed this book, please read it, you will not be dissapointed.
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