DEATH’S HEAD By David Gunn – Reviewed

Amazon suggested this book to me because of a previous purchase of one of Andy Remic’s books. Andy Remic writes the kind of fast-paced, action-packed SF and fantasy stories that thrill and entertain in equal measure, so I was looking forward to this one.

For once amazon got it pretty much spot on.

Sven is an ex-sergeant Legionnaire who is about to be lashed to death for insubordination, until a group of Ferox (unfriendly Wookie-type creatures) attack the out-post he’s stationed at, killing everyone but him. One of the massive alien beasts talks to Sven using telepathy and Sven is taken back to their camp where he lives with them as a kind of pet.

This is the beginning of Sven’s adventures.

When the cave system the Ferox live in is attacked and Sven is saved, he becomes a tool of the General, given mission where the army needs deniability. Sven’s unique abilities and his tougher than shit attitude not only get him into trouble, but also out of it, as he tackles prison, treason, war and command.

Ok, so Sven’s adventures feel very much organic, the plotting for the novel seems to have happened during the writing process and each episode doesn’t connect too much with what follows or what came before other than occasional details, but that doesn’t matter.

The haphazard plotting makes it feel like a real adventure, and you can’t help but enjoy Sven’s “fuck you” attitude. This guys got huge balls and isn’t afraid to display them for all to see. You want Sven to win, whatever it is he’s doing. He’s one of those grumpy bastards, like Kell, Conan and Druss, that we’re used to seeing in fantasy fiction, but a lot less so in SF. Here we have a true hero, who knows the difference between right and wrong, but does things he own ways, whether it gets him into trouble or not.

So the aliens involved in the final battle all become a bit confused, and you’re not sure quite who’s fighting who, but who cares!

Sven is what carries the story on, and Gunn gives us a great helping of action to keep things speeding along nicely so we don’t get too worried about the details. Great fun, the kind of book that puts a grin on your face. A boy’s own adventure in space.

LEGEND By David Gemmell – Reviewed

This is the book that started Gemmell’s career. The epic battle to protect Dros Delnoch fortress, to stop the invading hordes of the Nadir. It’s a fantasy tale of Thermopylae. If the fortress is lost the entire Drenai empire will follow, but the warriors are outnumbered fifty to one and everyone knows it’s just a matter of time before the fortress falls. They know this even before the Nadir’s massive army arrives.

An ancient warrior, nearly sixty, and aching with fatigue, is called upon to assist. Druss takes his axe and his knowledge, prepared to die to help slow the mighty Nadir forces. He knows it is a lost cause, but he will do everything he can.

A group of monks, a warrior sect, head to the fortress to aid them knowing only death awaits.

A coward helps a woman being attacked in a forest, and suddenly finds himself part of the defending force.

A bandit is called upon, taking his band of thieves and cutthroats to help out.

The massive siege is masterfully portrayed. Gemmel’s detailing is spot on. The characters are brilliant and you can’t help but will them to win, despite the incredible odds.

His first book set off a career and Gemmel is still recognised as one of the masters of heroic fantasy. This book takes from myth and legend, but history and even has a Return of The Jedi moment for those of you reading carefully.

Action packed, cleverly plotted, and brimming with character and sparkling with genius, Legend is a book that’s difficult to put down and easy to enjoy. I think I will be seeking out more of Gemmel’s work and working my way through his back catalogue of Drenai novels.