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Troy #3
Fall of Kings
Darkness falls on the Great Green and the Ancient World is fiercely divided.
On the killing fields outside the golden city of Troy, forces loyal to the Mykene King Agamemnon mass.
Among them is Odysseus, fabled storyteller and reluctant ally to the Mykene. He knows that Agamemnon will stop at nothing to secure the treasure that lies within the city walls, and he must soon face his former friends in deadly combat.
Ailing and bitter, the Trojan king waits. His hope is pinned on two heroes: his favourite son, Hektor, the mightiest warrior of his age, and the dread Helikaon, who will wreak terrible vengeance for the death of his wife at Mykene hands.
War has been declared.
As enemies, who are also kinsmen, are filled with bloodlust, they know that some of them - men and women - will become heroes: heroes who will live for ever in a story that will echo down the centuries.
On the killing fields outside the golden city of Troy, forces loyal to the Mykene King Agamemnon mass.
Among them is Odysseus, fabled storyteller and reluctant ally to the Mykene. He knows that Agamemnon will stop at nothing to secure the treasure that lies within the city walls, and he must soon face his former friends in deadly combat.
Ailing and bitter, the Trojan king waits. His hope is pinned on two heroes: his favourite son, Hektor, the mightiest warrior of his age, and the dread Helikaon, who will wreak terrible vengeance for the death of his wife at Mykene hands.
War has been declared.
As enemies, who are also kinsmen, are filled with bloodlust, they know that some of them - men and women - will become heroes: heroes who will live for ever in a story that will echo down the centuries.
449 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2007
About the author
David Gemmell
171 books3,352 followersDavid Andrew Gemmell was a bestselling British author of heroic fantasy. A former journalist and newspaper editor, Gemmell had his first work of fiction published in 1984. He went on to write over thirty novels. Best known for his debut, Legend, Gemmell's works display violence, yet also explores themes in honour, loyalty and redemption. With over one million copies sold, his work continues to sell worldwide.
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November 23, 2018
The end of the Trojan War is here, did Gemmell delivered a satisfying conclusion in his final work?
The answer to that will be mostly yes, and a few sections of no. I’m honestly quite conflicted about Fall of Kings. This is the last book in the Troy trilogy by David Gemmell, it’s also his final work before he passed away that ended up being finished by his wife, Stella Gemmell. Because this is his final work, there’s a part of me that really want to give this book a full 5 stars but I can’t due to a few problems I had with it. I’ll divide this review into two simple parts: parts that worked first and then parts that didn’t.
Firstly, the prose. Same as the first two books, the writing was once again top-notch. If I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t have known that Stella Gemmell took part in the writing of this book; it totally felt like David Gemmell was still the one who wrote it completely. Second, the last 30% of the book which encompassed the final battle of the Trojan War was awesome. Hector vs Achilles was absolutely amazing. I’m serious. I’ve been waiting for the final duel between these two prominent figures since the first book and Gemmell wrote their duel with expertly that it ended up being one of the best duels I’ve ever read. It was superb, intense, compelling, and I completely lost track of time because of the breathtaking battle and drama that unfolds during this sequence. The characters of the trilogy felt real and the conclusion was also satisfying. Plus, Gemmell did a great reimagining on the “Trojan Horse” event that became the signal fire that took down the city of Troy. Finally, I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up caring about Kalliades and Banokles. I was super bored with their one hundred pages introduction at the beginning of Shield of Thunder, I didn’t realize that they would end up being some of the best characters from this trilogy alongside Hector and Odysseus. Not Helikaon the main character? Exactly.
Helikaon was amazing in the first book. However, since the second book, I feel like he’s becoming much more of a side character compared to the other characters. One huge example for this is that in the last battle of the Trojan War, Kalliades and Banokles were there entirely and they did a lot of bloodbath battles while Helikaon appeared very briefly to literally climb. And then there was the matter of Gershom’s story ended up being super bizarre and out of place. After finishing this and letting it sit for a few hours, I honestly don’t know what the purpose of his storyline was. Finally, I don’t think it was really necessary to have this series being a trilogy; two books should’ve been enough. I found that there were quite plenty of sections within the last two books that didn’t really add any value to the storyline.
Overall though, I very much enjoyed reading through this trilogy despite a few issues I had along the way. Although the Trojan War came from Greek Mythology, Gemmell turned the narrative completely to a historical fiction style; close to zero magic, no gods or demigods appearances. I know that I started reading Gemmell’s work from his final trilogy, and after enjoying this one, I won’t dispute the possibility that I will backtrack through his work and start from the beginning, Legend. Fall of Kings was an incredible read, it's Gemmell's final work and it's a great one. I highly recommend this trilogy to any fans of historical fiction and Greek Mythology.
Series Review:
Lord of the Silver Bow: 4.5/5 stars
Shield of Thunder: 4/5 stars
Fall of Kings: 4/5 stars
Troy: 12.5/15 stars
You can buy the book with free shipping by clicking this link!
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
The answer to that will be mostly yes, and a few sections of no. I’m honestly quite conflicted about Fall of Kings. This is the last book in the Troy trilogy by David Gemmell, it’s also his final work before he passed away that ended up being finished by his wife, Stella Gemmell. Because this is his final work, there’s a part of me that really want to give this book a full 5 stars but I can’t due to a few problems I had with it. I’ll divide this review into two simple parts: parts that worked first and then parts that didn’t.
“Trust your instincts, and make judgements on what your heart tells you. The heart will not betray you.”
Firstly, the prose. Same as the first two books, the writing was once again top-notch. If I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t have known that Stella Gemmell took part in the writing of this book; it totally felt like David Gemmell was still the one who wrote it completely. Second, the last 30% of the book which encompassed the final battle of the Trojan War was awesome. Hector vs Achilles was absolutely amazing. I’m serious. I’ve been waiting for the final duel between these two prominent figures since the first book and Gemmell wrote their duel with expertly that it ended up being one of the best duels I’ve ever read. It was superb, intense, compelling, and I completely lost track of time because of the breathtaking battle and drama that unfolds during this sequence. The characters of the trilogy felt real and the conclusion was also satisfying. Plus, Gemmell did a great reimagining on the “Trojan Horse” event that became the signal fire that took down the city of Troy. Finally, I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up caring about Kalliades and Banokles. I was super bored with their one hundred pages introduction at the beginning of Shield of Thunder, I didn’t realize that they would end up being some of the best characters from this trilogy alongside Hector and Odysseus. Not Helikaon the main character? Exactly.
“I was a man before I was a king, and no true man walks away when a friend needs him.”
Helikaon was amazing in the first book. However, since the second book, I feel like he’s becoming much more of a side character compared to the other characters. One huge example for this is that in the last battle of the Trojan War, Kalliades and Banokles were there entirely and they did a lot of bloodbath battles while Helikaon appeared very briefly to literally climb. And then there was the matter of Gershom’s story ended up being super bizarre and out of place. After finishing this and letting it sit for a few hours, I honestly don’t know what the purpose of his storyline was. Finally, I don’t think it was really necessary to have this series being a trilogy; two books should’ve been enough. I found that there were quite plenty of sections within the last two books that didn’t really add any value to the storyline.
“Hate is the father of all evil.”
Overall though, I very much enjoyed reading through this trilogy despite a few issues I had along the way. Although the Trojan War came from Greek Mythology, Gemmell turned the narrative completely to a historical fiction style; close to zero magic, no gods or demigods appearances. I know that I started reading Gemmell’s work from his final trilogy, and after enjoying this one, I won’t dispute the possibility that I will backtrack through his work and start from the beginning, Legend. Fall of Kings was an incredible read, it's Gemmell's final work and it's a great one. I highly recommend this trilogy to any fans of historical fiction and Greek Mythology.
Series Review:
Lord of the Silver Bow: 4.5/5 stars
Shield of Thunder: 4/5 stars
Fall of Kings: 4/5 stars
Troy: 12.5/15 stars
You can buy the book with free shipping by clicking this link!
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
October 8, 2011
IT IS OFFICIAL…David Gemmell has written the BESTEST and most HEROIEST fantasy trilogy...ever....EVER.
I just finished this third installment of the epic Troy trilogy by the late (and sorely missed) David Gemmell and all I can say is that if you loved the first two, you will love this one. If you haven’t read the first two books, then you might want to take a long serious look in the mirror and reconsider some of your recent life choices as you may have taken a wrong turn somewhere. However, never fear, it is not too late. Just drop what you are doing and GO BUY THEM.....NOW!!!!
In this final installment, the battle lines have been drawn, some major battles and minor skirmishes have occurred and the final Siege of the City of Troy is ready to begin.
IN THIS CORNER:
Agamemnon: The power-hungry Mykene King;
Achilles: Warrior Supremo and badass numero uno;
Odysseus: the honorable and brilliant tactician who Fate has made Agamemnon’s reluctant ally; and
Ajax, the Bone-splitter....guess what he does.
AND IN THIS CORNER:
Priam: The less than honorable ruler of Troy;
Helikaon (now called Aeneas): King of Dardania and dangerously Hulk-tempered when pushed too far;
Hektor: Prince of Troy and second greatest warrior in the world (save for Achilles);
Gershon (aka Ahmose): The exiled prince of Egypt whose destiny finally catches up with him in stunning fashion; Banokles and Kalliades: Two former officers and stone killers of the Mykene army who now serve Troy; and
Andromache: Wife of Hektor and lover of Aeneas (I know what you are thinking but its complicated).
And many, many more supporting characters on both sides. Oh....oh.....The Epicness is Awesome!!!!!
Okay, everything about this book was transcendant in its testosterone-fueled greatness but I do want to specifically mention one aspect that I thought was especially well done. This series deals with an historical event (the fall of Troy) that is fairly well known, at least in a popular sense (thank you Homer), despite the minimal amount of historical records on the subject. Gemmell manages to include all of the famous “elements” of the Troy saga, but he does so in such a fresh, original way that the story feels completely new while still making sense within the popularly understood historical frame of reference.
I will give you one example (don’t worry…no spoilers): I assume everyone knows the story of the Trojan Horse. Well Gemmell includes this element in the story, but his depiction is so unique and credible way that the reader (at least me) (a) doesn’t recognize it as such until it's actually happening and (b) once the scene occurs, the reader (again at least me) is left thinking, ‘Oh...shit...I can completely see how this event over time would become the “legend” of the Trojan Horse.’
The execution was....BRILLIANT!!!
In addition, the way that Gemmell expands the story to include characters and events that are remembered in world history outside the narrative arc of the fall of Troy was simply amazing and added real epic depth to the story.
Of course, I do have one NEGATIVE thing to say about this book and the series which may seem pretty obvious.
Itmade me feel really, really sucky about myself!!
Not exactly the kind of book you want to pick up if you are struggling with your self-esteem. These guys (and girls) are at the pinnacle of bravery, loyalty, honor and overall badassedness and I kept feeling like the last one chosen at recess when the kids are picking kickball teams. Apart from that personal self-image speed bump, this is as fun and enjoyable as it gets and I give it my HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!!!
6.0 stars.
I just finished this third installment of the epic Troy trilogy by the late (and sorely missed) David Gemmell and all I can say is that if you loved the first two, you will love this one. If you haven’t read the first two books, then you might want to take a long serious look in the mirror and reconsider some of your recent life choices as you may have taken a wrong turn somewhere. However, never fear, it is not too late. Just drop what you are doing and GO BUY THEM.....NOW!!!!
In this final installment, the battle lines have been drawn, some major battles and minor skirmishes have occurred and the final Siege of the City of Troy is ready to begin.
IN THIS CORNER:
Agamemnon: The power-hungry Mykene King;
Achilles: Warrior Supremo and badass numero uno;
Odysseus: the honorable and brilliant tactician who Fate has made Agamemnon’s reluctant ally; and
Ajax, the Bone-splitter....guess what he does.
AND IN THIS CORNER:
Priam: The less than honorable ruler of Troy;
Helikaon (now called Aeneas): King of Dardania and dangerously Hulk-tempered when pushed too far;
Hektor: Prince of Troy and second greatest warrior in the world (save for Achilles);
Gershon (aka Ahmose): The exiled prince of Egypt whose destiny finally catches up with him in stunning fashion; Banokles and Kalliades: Two former officers and stone killers of the Mykene army who now serve Troy; and
Andromache: Wife of Hektor and lover of Aeneas (I know what you are thinking but its complicated).
And many, many more supporting characters on both sides. Oh....oh.....The Epicness is Awesome!!!!!
Okay, everything about this book was transcendant in its testosterone-fueled greatness but I do want to specifically mention one aspect that I thought was especially well done. This series deals with an historical event (the fall of Troy) that is fairly well known, at least in a popular sense (thank you Homer), despite the minimal amount of historical records on the subject. Gemmell manages to include all of the famous “elements” of the Troy saga, but he does so in such a fresh, original way that the story feels completely new while still making sense within the popularly understood historical frame of reference.
I will give you one example (don’t worry…no spoilers): I assume everyone knows the story of the Trojan Horse. Well Gemmell includes this element in the story, but his depiction is so unique and credible way that the reader (at least me) (a) doesn’t recognize it as such until it's actually happening and (b) once the scene occurs, the reader (again at least me) is left thinking, ‘Oh...shit...I can completely see how this event over time would become the “legend” of the Trojan Horse.’
The execution was....BRILLIANT!!!
In addition, the way that Gemmell expands the story to include characters and events that are remembered in world history outside the narrative arc of the fall of Troy was simply amazing and added real epic depth to the story.
Of course, I do have one NEGATIVE thing to say about this book and the series which may seem pretty obvious.
Itmade me feel really, really sucky about myself!!
Not exactly the kind of book you want to pick up if you are struggling with your self-esteem. These guys (and girls) are at the pinnacle of bravery, loyalty, honor and overall badassedness and I kept feeling like the last one chosen at recess when the kids are picking kickball teams. Apart from that personal self-image speed bump, this is as fun and enjoyable as it gets and I give it my HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!!!
6.0 stars.
March 19, 2017
I can't....I won't....I don't.....Just....Just can't. Not right now.
After a long while, years actually, and almost a huge number of books later, I have finished a series that has me at a total loss for words.
It has been such a ride. So many ups and downs. So many deaths. So much love. Such love. Such ferocious love, the one that threatens to destroy everything if shattered. Friendship. Respect. So many emotions I have no words to say it all.
Just that I am low right now that this series has ended. I’ve only felt this a couple of times before. And this feeling, the end of a journey, THIS feeling, the despair and happiness mixed in right amounts is the reason I have been and will always be a SERIES reader. I need that connection with my characters and 1 book is not sufficient.
It broke my heart to know that the author couldn’t complete this series. It will haunt me to know that he couldn’t see it through and passed away. His wife completed this book and concluded the series. I have a complaint. Just the one. But after such a great trilogy, I would be a petty man to voice it.
I have love and respect for David Gemmell. I will die if I do not read more of his works sometime soon.
I do not know how to review this book. I probably can’t. No, I definitely can’t. But it would be a damn shame if I never told the words that I fell in love with.
I will leave you all with a few of the gems I found in this book.
“War makes brutes of us all and it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between insanity and cold-blooded brutality.”
“By the gods, boy, no one wants to see the truth of war. They want to see heroes, tall and strong, striking and handsome.”
“It is said that the gates of paradise can only be opened by the tears of those left behind. I do not know whether that be true. It should be, I think.”
“At this moment war and perhaps death seemed wonderfully simple. It was life that was so hard.”
“What could he say? That all his life he had dreamed of finding love and that she was the embodiment of that dream? That every day since he had met her she had been in his heart? That upon falling asleep at night her face shimmered in his mind, and upon waking his first thoughts were of her?”
“We’ve seen a lot of death, you and I — more than most. You know as well as I do death doesn’t always come to those who deserve it.”
“Until then, though, he had had no idea what love was. And arrogantly, he had believed the choice of marriage always would be his. He never had dreamed he would fall helplessly in love with someone who was unavailable, already betrothed to his closest friend. The gods watch for such arrogance with glee, he thought.”
“She was his north star, the fixed point around which his world turned. For as long as his heart beat, or hers, he believed they would share a destiny.”
“They never should have killed him, you see. Hektor and Achilles were the last great heroes. And after the Age of Heroes comes the Age of Darkness.”
After a long while, years actually, and almost a huge number of books later, I have finished a series that has me at a total loss for words.
It has been such a ride. So many ups and downs. So many deaths. So much love. Such love. Such ferocious love, the one that threatens to destroy everything if shattered. Friendship. Respect. So many emotions I have no words to say it all.
Just that I am low right now that this series has ended. I’ve only felt this a couple of times before. And this feeling, the end of a journey, THIS feeling, the despair and happiness mixed in right amounts is the reason I have been and will always be a SERIES reader. I need that connection with my characters and 1 book is not sufficient.
It broke my heart to know that the author couldn’t complete this series. It will haunt me to know that he couldn’t see it through and passed away. His wife completed this book and concluded the series. I have a complaint. Just the one. But after such a great trilogy, I would be a petty man to voice it.
I have love and respect for David Gemmell. I will die if I do not read more of his works sometime soon.
I do not know how to review this book. I probably can’t. No, I definitely can’t. But it would be a damn shame if I never told the words that I fell in love with.
I will leave you all with a few of the gems I found in this book.
“War makes brutes of us all and it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between insanity and cold-blooded brutality.”
“By the gods, boy, no one wants to see the truth of war. They want to see heroes, tall and strong, striking and handsome.”
“It is said that the gates of paradise can only be opened by the tears of those left behind. I do not know whether that be true. It should be, I think.”
“At this moment war and perhaps death seemed wonderfully simple. It was life that was so hard.”
“What could he say? That all his life he had dreamed of finding love and that she was the embodiment of that dream? That every day since he had met her she had been in his heart? That upon falling asleep at night her face shimmered in his mind, and upon waking his first thoughts were of her?”
“We’ve seen a lot of death, you and I — more than most. You know as well as I do death doesn’t always come to those who deserve it.”
“Until then, though, he had had no idea what love was. And arrogantly, he had believed the choice of marriage always would be his. He never had dreamed he would fall helplessly in love with someone who was unavailable, already betrothed to his closest friend. The gods watch for such arrogance with glee, he thought.”
“She was his north star, the fixed point around which his world turned. For as long as his heart beat, or hers, he believed they would share a destiny.”
“They never should have killed him, you see. Hektor and Achilles were the last great heroes. And after the Age of Heroes comes the Age of Darkness.”
Read
September 12, 2022Fall of Kings is a satisfying conclusion to this unique and fresh Trojan retelling that takes so many events and characters that we know, but also has the confidence to create a lot, so that there is a great dose of unpredictability that is often lacking from the traditional Trojan retelling. the mixture of familiar and unknown characters adds a lot of flavour which makes this a different read, and so I would definitely recommend this to those wanting a different, engaging take on the Trojan War and Greek retellings.
Full Review to Come
January 12, 2018
How Fall of Kings should have ended
In Fall of Kings and the entire trilogy David Gemmell really captured Odysseus well and that was the strongest part of the series. The rest of the series was fairly plain and average.
My biggest gripes have to be Gershom's storyline and the epilogue. I really don't see the point of the detour Gershom's story became. It doesn't fit the book or the story at all. It's inclusion just seemed pointless. The epilogue was a rushed attempt to show the future yet it didn't really add anything of value to the story.
The Fall of Kings was an adequate conclusion to the retelling of the Trojan War.
(Note: All endings are written by me in an homage to
How it Should Have Ended. They aren't spoilers, none of this stuff happened although I would've enjoyed any of these endings more than the actual ending.)
Possible ending #1
"Lord Helikaon," said Khalkeus.
"What is it Khalkeus? I'm busy with preparation for our next steps in the war with the Mykene," said Helikaon.
"That's what this is about Lord. I've found a way to massively increase the range of your ships fire hurlers. The increase will enable the ship to throw fire for miles rather than a few hundred feet," replied Khalkeus.
"Do it then Khalkeus," Helikaon said while his icy blue eyes saw right through Khalkeus.
Fast forward to the siege of Troy
"We are close enough now to burn the sieging Mykene army to the ground," said Oniacus.
"Let's rain fire on Agammenon's ambition and end his reign of evil," said Helikaon.
The jars of nephthar were hurled for miles shattering into the armies of the west as men were soaked. Then the fire flew through the air for what seemed like days before it finally ignited and burned Agamemnon's ambition and men to ashes.
Possible ending #2
"Come do your daughterly duty Andromache," Priam said while groping all over her body.
Suddenly Hektor stepped around the corner.
"Father I was speaking with my brothers and we are tired of you raping our wives. So we decided to give Agammenon exactly what he wants you, your gold, and your city," Hektor said with a tone as cold as winter.
"My son you can't mean...." Priam mumbled as the Eagles and Antiphones bound and gagged him.
Fast forward to the armies of the west arriving at Troy
"There are no men, women, children, or animals to be seen," Achilles said.
"Battle King, Battle King," a soldier screamed as he ran to Agammenon. "You must see this my King."
They all headed into the unlocked doors of Troy to find Priam bound and gagged sitting in his treasury with a parchment on his chest that read, "We surrender the city and the gold as you demanded and included the King Priam as a bonus." It was signed by all Priam's sons, daughters, grandson/sons, and granddaughter/daughters.
Possible ending #3
"You are a coward Achilles," Agammenon sprayed spit as he snarled the words.
Achilles said nothing, but in the time it takes a man to sneeze he drew his sword and decapitated Agammenon with his head making a heavy thud sound as it hit the wall. Achilles scanned the speechless crowd, shrugged his massive shoulders, and said "Come now, I can't be the only one who was thinking about doing that."
All the men in the meeting except Menelaus laughed. Odysseus laughed so hard wine came out his nose and he couldn't regain his composure.
In Fall of Kings and the entire trilogy David Gemmell really captured Odysseus well and that was the strongest part of the series. The rest of the series was fairly plain and average.
My biggest gripes have to be Gershom's storyline and the epilogue. I really don't see the point of the detour Gershom's story became. It doesn't fit the book or the story at all. It's inclusion just seemed pointless. The epilogue was a rushed attempt to show the future yet it didn't really add anything of value to the story.
The Fall of Kings was an adequate conclusion to the retelling of the Trojan War.
September 4, 2017
One of Gemmell's finest series. I have now read all his books and recommend this series especially.
It is wonderfully written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Historically correct and the characters are ones that have often been over looked. Gemmell will go down as one of the finest writers known. I strongly suggest that anyone reading this, read the Troy series. Any series by him actually. You will be glad you did.
It is wonderfully written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Historically correct and the characters are ones that have often been over looked. Gemmell will go down as one of the finest writers known. I strongly suggest that anyone reading this, read the Troy series. Any series by him actually. You will be glad you did.
September 25, 2020
فانتزی نویس قهار با این سه گانه روایت دیگر و جدیدی از جنگ یونانی ها و تروا ارائه می دهد که خواندنش هم بسیار لذت بخش است. به من یکی خیلی خوش گذشت . اصل قصه همانیست که می دانید ولی کلی جزئیات و شخصیت اضافه شده اند که سبب می شوند اوضاع خیی باحال تر از نسخه ی قدیمی شود. البته مرحوم گمل عمرش قد نداد تا جلد سوم را تا انتها بنویسد و پایان این داستان را همسر دومش استلا نوشت. من یکی به شخصه آخرهای این کتاب توانستم احساس کنم که کس دیگری دارد برایم قصه می گوید.
مقصود این نیست که کار بدی از آب در آمده و این حرف ها ، حرفم این است که گمل نیست و این هم دردی ست برای خودش.
مقصود این نیست که کار بدی از آب در آمده و این حرف ها ، حرفم این است که گمل نیست و این هم دردی ست برای خودش.
June 30, 2014
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
Troy: Fall of Kings is the end of David Gemmell's epic historical series, and here a reader will find portrayed the final days of the Trojan War, the duel between Hektor and Achilles, the Trojan Horse, and the fall of mighty Troy. Without a doubt, the novel dazzles in its realistic portrayal of these historical events, leaving one both in awe of its brilliance and perplexed by its obvious flaws.
The good parts of the novel are easy to point out. David Gemmell and his wife (Who I understand finished said book after her husband’s death.) did an outstanding job of portraying realistic characters, who fit perfectly into the historical narrative of this period. These characters behave realistic based upon their established personality, and some of them almost burst off the page in their brilliance. The same can be said about the combat scenes in Fall of Kings, because they radiate ultra realism as the Greek and Trojan warriors exude fear and adrenaline while clashing in ancient combat. Even the final duel between Hector and Achilles is superbly done, penned in such detailed and dramatic fashion that it must stand as one of the best portrayed combats between heroic warriors in all of literature. And we must not forget the final “Trojan Horse” resolution, which might be the most well thought out and simplest solutions I've ever encountered.
No matter how well the Gemmell's did some things, however, there are still obvious flaws with the story. Helikaon and Andromache, in particular, make certain decision that do not ring true to their characterization throughout the series and seem forced so that other important moments in history can be written about. Another is the resolution - if you can even call it that - of Gershom’s strange plot line that was somewhat mystifying throughout the series. There are other examples of characters just disappearing or behaving strangely throughout the later part of the book, especially the last few chapters where Troy’s survivors are shown fleeing for their lives, but I do not want to belabor the point, only point out that these moments detract from the effect of the narrative as a whole.
With all that being said, I enjoyed the novel. It was a fitting ending to a good series. A trilogy where the Gemmells did an excellent job of taking the myths about Troy and turning them into compelling historical fiction. Not to say they did not take artistic liberties with historical fact, but that, even though they did, it rang more or less true. For attempting to shed a light of reason on the Trojan War, this novel and series is a must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Finally, I would be remise if I did not salute the legendary David Gemmell. There will never be another writer who can do justice to a warrior’s true spirit as he did in this series and all his novels. A final triumph for a true master of his craft!
Troy: Fall of Kings is the end of David Gemmell's epic historical series, and here a reader will find portrayed the final days of the Trojan War, the duel between Hektor and Achilles, the Trojan Horse, and the fall of mighty Troy. Without a doubt, the novel dazzles in its realistic portrayal of these historical events, leaving one both in awe of its brilliance and perplexed by its obvious flaws.
The good parts of the novel are easy to point out. David Gemmell and his wife (Who I understand finished said book after her husband’s death.) did an outstanding job of portraying realistic characters, who fit perfectly into the historical narrative of this period. These characters behave realistic based upon their established personality, and some of them almost burst off the page in their brilliance. The same can be said about the combat scenes in Fall of Kings, because they radiate ultra realism as the Greek and Trojan warriors exude fear and adrenaline while clashing in ancient combat. Even the final duel between Hector and Achilles is superbly done, penned in such detailed and dramatic fashion that it must stand as one of the best portrayed combats between heroic warriors in all of literature. And we must not forget the final “Trojan Horse” resolution, which might be the most well thought out and simplest solutions I've ever encountered.
No matter how well the Gemmell's did some things, however, there are still obvious flaws with the story. Helikaon and Andromache, in particular, make certain decision that do not ring true to their characterization throughout the series and seem forced so that other important moments in history can be written about. Another is the resolution - if you can even call it that - of Gershom’s strange plot line that was somewhat mystifying throughout the series. There are other examples of characters just disappearing or behaving strangely throughout the later part of the book, especially the last few chapters where Troy’s survivors are shown fleeing for their lives, but I do not want to belabor the point, only point out that these moments detract from the effect of the narrative as a whole.
With all that being said, I enjoyed the novel. It was a fitting ending to a good series. A trilogy where the Gemmells did an excellent job of taking the myths about Troy and turning them into compelling historical fiction. Not to say they did not take artistic liberties with historical fact, but that, even though they did, it rang more or less true. For attempting to shed a light of reason on the Trojan War, this novel and series is a must read for lovers of historical fiction.
Finally, I would be remise if I did not salute the legendary David Gemmell. There will never be another writer who can do justice to a warrior’s true spirit as he did in this series and all his novels. A final triumph for a true master of his craft!
September 18, 2020
امتیازم 3.5 از 5.
برعکس تعریفهای که شنیده بودم خیلی راضی کننده نبود یعنی من هميشه از گمل انتظار بیشتری دارم. این آخرین کتاب دیوید گمل بوده و تا اونجا که میدونم «استلا گمل» در انتشار این کتاب نقش زیادی داشته البته نمیدونم فقط نوشتههای پراکنده رو گردآوری کرده یا خودش هم چیزی اضافه کرده چون تو برخی بخشهای کتاب احساس میکردم یا روایت دوپارهست یا توصیف کم داره یا حتی دیالوگنویسیش کمی خام به نظر میرسه و یه چیزی کم داره مثل مبارزه هلیکون با دزدان دریایی، بخش سقوط شهر طلایی و... ولی بههرحال کتاب منتشر شده و باید درمورد چیزی که هست نظر بدیم و قضاوتش کنیم.
داستان شروع خوبی داره و دویست صفحه اول این باور به خواننده دست میده که «سقوط پادشاهان» بهترین، باورپذیرترین و امروزیترین داستان از نبرد حماسی و معروف تروآست. عنصر فانتزی در کتاب عملاً صفره و خبری از خدایان و اتفاقات غیرطبیعی نیست. روی خود نبرد تروآ بهخوبی فکر شده و مثل فیلم تروی ساخته «ولفگانگ پترسن» داستان نبردی به این عظیمی تو یک هفته جمع نمیشه و سالها بهطول میکشه البته روایت گمل بهقدری روی محاسبات ریاضی و نظامی حساب شده و اعداد و ارقام تأکید داره که از طرفی بهخودیخود کمی غیرواقعی به نظر میرسه و از طرفی عنصر غافلگیری نداره و وارد نشدن به جزئیات دقیق و ریز به نبرد ضربه بزرگ و جبران ناپذیری زده. این کتاب بهشدت تأکید داره که ارتش آگاممنون و قوای مهاجم حجم بیشتری داره، تجهیزات بیشتری دارن بنابراین پیروزیشون قطعیه درصورتی که در طول تاریخ جنگهای بسیاری رخ دادن و بارها و بارها نبردهای نابرابرتر به پیروزی رسیدند. البته که انتظار نداشتم گمل دست به یک خودکشی در داستان بزنه و تاریخ و طرف فاتح رو بهکل عوض کنه ولی ��ر این کتاب شخصیتهایی وجود داشتند که میتونستند روایت رو خودشون جلو ببرن تا نبرد قابل لمستر بهنظر برسه بالأخره اگه قرار بود که انسانها نتیجهی جنگ رو تغییر ندن که پیروزیها و نتیجهی نبردها بهدست ریاضیدانها رقم میخورد نه افراد نظامی.
من از کتاب جنگی انتظار خشونت بیشتری دارم. البته سقوط پادشاهان برعکس بیشتر کتابهای دیوید گمل مثل شیرمقدونیه، طوفانسوار، سپر آذرخش تعادل خوبی بین شخصیتپردازی، روایت و صحنهپردازی در نبردهاش برقرار کرده اما شیوه توصیفهاش جادویی بهنظر نمیرسه و حتی برای من کمی خشک بود البته باتوجه به اینکه مترجم هم قابل اعتماد نیست و تو جلدهای قبلی، متن ترجمه رو با متن اصلی مقایسه کردم و دیدهم که مترجم برخی از جملات رو حذف کرده و خب تو این کتاب هم متن خوب برگردان نشده، نمیتونم با اطمینان خاطر بگم که ایراد از گمل هستش یا مترجم. در ادامه بازهم باید اضافه کنم که کتاب خشک بود و این خشکی در روایت و نبود توصیفهای درستوحسابی باعث شده بود تا احساس همدلی مورد نیازی که شخصیتها باهمدیگه داشتند وجود نداشته باشه، بنابراین من نمیتونستم آرمان قهرمانهای داستان، آندروماک، بانوکلس و کالیداس و مردم تروآ رو بهزیبایی احساس کنم که چرا وقتی دست کم سی بار به آینده داستان و سرنوشت روبهفنا رفته شهر تروآ اشاره میشه اینا فرار نمیکنن و جونشون رو نجات نمیدن! اونم وقتی روایت مثل ارباب حلقهها و خود ایلیاد هومر حماسهسرایی صرف نیست و این باعث میشد تا نبرد خیلی اوقات بیشتر شبیه به یک خودکشی دستهجمعی باشه تا نبرد واقعی یا حماسی و عمیقاً امیدوارم و حس میکنم که نسخه اصلی کتاب این ضعف رو نداشته باشه.
بخش مورد علاقهی من در این کتاب تغییرات شجاعانه دیوید گمل در جزئیات و روند داستان بود. سرنوشت شخصیتهای این روایت از نبرد تروآ اصلاً اونطوری که در گذشته دیدیم و میدونستیم نیست و منطقیتره. مرگ دو سلحشور و شاهزاده یعنی آشیل از تسالی و هکتور از تروآ، سرنوشت پاریس و هلن و آگاممنون و ادیسه گرچه در نهایت همون سرنوشتی میشه که همهمون انتظار داریم ولی بسیار حماسی و درعینحال واقعیتر از فیلم تروآ ساخته ولفگانگ پترسن یا حتی خود ایلیاد هومر شده و چون دوست ندارم اسپویل کنم فقط دراین حد بگم که سیر حوادث خواننده رو به شک خواهد انداخت.
مورد پایانی هم شخصیتهای داستانه.
هلیکون قهرمانی بود که دیوید گمل خودش به این نبرد اضافه کرده یعنی در کتاب اول اضافه کرد ولی در دو کتاب پایانی خط داستانیاش خیلی کند شد بهقدری که اگرچه نقش مهمی در پایان داره اما عملاً در همون منجلابی فرو میره که شخصیتهای مرد کتاب طوفانسوار(جلد آخر مجموعه ریگانت) فرو میرن یعنی خط داستانیاش در سیر حوادث گم و بیتأثیر میشه و در نهایت دوباره سروکلهاش پیدا میشه، بهخاطر همین موضوعه که من «شمشیرهای روز و شب» و «گرگ سفید» رو بهترین کتاب دیوید گمل میدونم چون سفر قهرمان، رشد و سرانجامش بهخوبی تصویر کشیده میشه چیزی که اینجا این اتفاق نمیافته.
بانوکلس و کالیداس شخصیتهای محوری بودند که درکنار برخی شخصیتهای فرعی دیگه خط مقدم نبرد تروآ رو نشون میدادند و هردو کار خودشون رو بهخوبی انجام دادند اما چون قهرمان داستان نبودند تأثیری که باید رو نگذاشتند.
آندروماک. آندروماک یکی از بهترین شخصیتهای کل کتابهای دیوید گمل محسوب میشه. زنی که نه نسخه غیرواقعی زنهاییه که هالیوود بهشکل زشت و احمقانهای داره مثل سریدوزی نشون میده و نه نسخه جنسیتزده زنهای کلاسیک سینما و تلویزیونه. آندروماک نه مثل هِلن از اسپارت ��ود که باعث و مسبب جنگ بین پادشاهان باشه، دختری با عشوهگری و زیبایی صرفاً ظاهری نابودی یه تمدن رو رقم بزنه و نه «نسخه سریالی دنریس تارگرین غیرواقعیه» که هفت پادشاهی رو به آشوب بکشه. آندروماک تلفیقی واقعگرایانه از کهن الگوهای آرتمیس، آتنا و احتمالاً کمی هم هرا باشه. میتونم بگم اگر که گمل درمورد شخصیت جیانا(جاویدان) در دوجلدی نفرین شده کم لطفی کرد و سفر قهرمانیش رو خلاصه نشون داد، هرچقدر که در کتابهای دیگه گمل یه زن فوقالعاده که باید براش دست زد و عاشق اشتباهاتش و تصمیماتش شد، وجود نداشته باشه اینجا آندروماک اینکارو انجام میده اصلاً حالا که فکر می��نم به نظرم قهرمان این داستان آندروماک بود! آندروماک در این سهگانه هم نقش یک معشوقهای رو اجرا میکنه که معشوقه و معشوقانی داره اما مثل هلنی دیده بودیم غیرطبیعی نیست هم یک مادر فوقالعادهست که به شخصیتش میخوره و هم یک مبارز واقعی(هم فیزیکی و هم ذهنی و روحی) که به فیزیک بدنی و شخصیتش میخوره. درکل نقطه عطف کتاب و حتی کل مجموعه محسوب میشه.
چند شخصیت رو هم باهمدیگه میگم.
هکتور و آشیل هردو شخصیتهایی بودند که میتونستن خط داستانی خودشون رو داشته باشن اما فرعی باقی موندن اما به بهترین شکل ممکن ازشون استفاده شده. ادیسه دقيقاً دچار همون مشکلی میشه که هلیکون در کلیت مجموعه دچارش میشه و یهجوری به نظر میرسه که انگار دیوید گمل سرنوشت و نقشش رو به اسطوره و تاریخ سپرده. پریام و آگاممنون هم بهقدر کافی بهشون پرداخته شده بود حتی آگاممنون کمی زیادی هم بود!
پایان داستان ه�� اگرچه برای همه علاقمندان به تاریخ و اسطوره اسپویل شده است اما تکراری نیست و اگر مواردی که پیشتر گفتم رعایت میشد و داستان بهتر گفته میشد کتاب شاهکاری درمیاومد.
برعکس تعریفهای که شنیده بودم خیلی راضی کننده نبود یعنی من هميشه از گمل انتظار بیشتری دارم. این آخرین کتاب دیوید گمل بوده و تا اونجا که میدونم «استلا گمل» در انتشار این کتاب نقش زیادی داشته البته نمیدونم فقط نوشتههای پراکنده رو گردآوری کرده یا خودش هم چیزی اضافه کرده چون تو برخی بخشهای کتاب احساس میکردم یا روایت دوپارهست یا توصیف کم داره یا حتی دیالوگنویسیش کمی خام به نظر میرسه و یه چیزی کم داره مثل مبارزه هلیکون با دزدان دریایی، بخش سقوط شهر طلایی و... ولی بههرحال کتاب منتشر شده و باید درمورد چیزی که هست نظر بدیم و قضاوتش کنیم.
داستان شروع خوبی داره و دویست صفحه اول این باور به خواننده دست میده که «سقوط پادشاهان» بهترین، باورپذیرترین و امروزیترین داستان از نبرد حماسی و معروف تروآست. عنصر فانتزی در کتاب عملاً صفره و خبری از خدایان و اتفاقات غیرطبیعی نیست. روی خود نبرد تروآ بهخوبی فکر شده و مثل فیلم تروی ساخته «ولفگانگ پترسن» داستان نبردی به این عظیمی تو یک هفته جمع نمیشه و سالها بهطول میکشه البته روایت گمل بهقدری روی محاسبات ریاضی و نظامی حساب شده و اعداد و ارقام تأکید داره که از طرفی بهخودیخود کمی غیرواقعی به نظر میرسه و از طرفی عنصر غافلگیری نداره و وارد نشدن به جزئیات دقیق و ریز به نبرد ضربه بزرگ و جبران ناپذیری زده. این کتاب بهشدت تأکید داره که ارتش آگاممنون و قوای مهاجم حجم بیشتری داره، تجهیزات بیشتری دارن بنابراین پیروزیشون قطعیه درصورتی که در طول تاریخ جنگهای بسیاری رخ دادن و بارها و بارها نبردهای نابرابرتر به پیروزی رسیدند. البته که انتظار نداشتم گمل دست به یک خودکشی در داستان بزنه و تاریخ و طرف فاتح رو بهکل عوض کنه ولی ��ر این کتاب شخصیتهایی وجود داشتند که میتونستند روایت رو خودشون جلو ببرن تا نبرد قابل لمستر بهنظر برسه بالأخره اگه قرار بود که انسانها نتیجهی جنگ رو تغییر ندن که پیروزیها و نتیجهی نبردها بهدست ریاضیدانها رقم میخورد نه افراد نظامی.
من از کتاب جنگی انتظار خشونت بیشتری دارم. البته سقوط پادشاهان برعکس بیشتر کتابهای دیوید گمل مثل شیرمقدونیه، طوفانسوار، سپر آذرخش تعادل خوبی بین شخصیتپردازی، روایت و صحنهپردازی در نبردهاش برقرار کرده اما شیوه توصیفهاش جادویی بهنظر نمیرسه و حتی برای من کمی خشک بود البته باتوجه به اینکه مترجم هم قابل اعتماد نیست و تو جلدهای قبلی، متن ترجمه رو با متن اصلی مقایسه کردم و دیدهم که مترجم برخی از جملات رو حذف کرده و خب تو این کتاب هم متن خوب برگردان نشده، نمیتونم با اطمینان خاطر بگم که ایراد از گمل هستش یا مترجم. در ادامه بازهم باید اضافه کنم که کتاب خشک بود و این خشکی در روایت و نبود توصیفهای درستوحسابی باعث شده بود تا احساس همدلی مورد نیازی که شخصیتها باهمدیگه داشتند وجود نداشته باشه، بنابراین من نمیتونستم آرمان قهرمانهای داستان، آندروماک، بانوکلس و کالیداس و مردم تروآ رو بهزیبایی احساس کنم که چرا وقتی دست کم سی بار به آینده داستان و سرنوشت روبهفنا رفته شهر تروآ اشاره میشه اینا فرار نمیکنن و جونشون رو نجات نمیدن! اونم وقتی روایت مثل ارباب حلقهها و خود ایلیاد هومر حماسهسرایی صرف نیست و این باعث میشد تا نبرد خیلی اوقات بیشتر شبیه به یک خودکشی دستهجمعی باشه تا نبرد واقعی یا حماسی و عمیقاً امیدوارم و حس میکنم که نسخه اصلی کتاب این ضعف رو نداشته باشه.
بخش مورد علاقهی من در این کتاب تغییرات شجاعانه دیوید گمل در جزئیات و روند داستان بود. سرنوشت شخصیتهای این روایت از نبرد تروآ اصلاً اونطوری که در گذشته دیدیم و میدونستیم نیست و منطقیتره. مرگ دو سلحشور و شاهزاده یعنی آشیل از تسالی و هکتور از تروآ، سرنوشت پاریس و هلن و آگاممنون و ادیسه گرچه در نهایت همون سرنوشتی میشه که همهمون انتظار داریم ولی بسیار حماسی و درعینحال واقعیتر از فیلم تروآ ساخته ولفگانگ پترسن یا حتی خود ایلیاد هومر شده و چون دوست ندارم اسپویل کنم فقط دراین حد بگم که سیر حوادث خواننده رو به شک خواهد انداخت.
مورد پایانی هم شخصیتهای داستانه.
هلیکون قهرمانی بود که دیوید گمل خودش به این نبرد اضافه کرده یعنی در کتاب اول اضافه کرد ولی در دو کتاب پایانی خط داستانیاش خیلی کند شد بهقدری که اگرچه نقش مهمی در پایان داره اما عملاً در همون منجلابی فرو میره که شخصیتهای مرد کتاب طوفانسوار(جلد آخر مجموعه ریگانت) فرو میرن یعنی خط داستانیاش در سیر حوادث گم و بیتأثیر میشه و در نهایت دوباره سروکلهاش پیدا میشه، بهخاطر همین موضوعه که من «شمشیرهای روز و شب» و «گرگ سفید» رو بهترین کتاب دیوید گمل میدونم چون سفر قهرمان، رشد و سرانجامش بهخوبی تصویر کشیده میشه چیزی که اینجا این اتفاق نمیافته.
بانوکلس و کالیداس شخصیتهای محوری بودند که درکنار برخی شخصیتهای فرعی دیگه خط مقدم نبرد تروآ رو نشون میدادند و هردو کار خودشون رو بهخوبی انجام دادند اما چون قهرمان داستان نبودند تأثیری که باید رو نگذاشتند.
آندروماک. آندروماک یکی از بهترین شخصیتهای کل کتابهای دیوید گمل محسوب میشه. زنی که نه نسخه غیرواقعی زنهاییه که هالیوود بهشکل زشت و احمقانهای داره مثل سریدوزی نشون میده و نه نسخه جنسیتزده زنهای کلاسیک سینما و تلویزیونه. آندروماک نه مثل هِلن از اسپارت ��ود که باعث و مسبب جنگ بین پادشاهان باشه، دختری با عشوهگری و زیبایی صرفاً ظاهری نابودی یه تمدن رو رقم بزنه و نه «نسخه سریالی دنریس تارگرین غیرواقعیه» که هفت پادشاهی رو به آشوب بکشه. آندروماک تلفیقی واقعگرایانه از کهن الگوهای آرتمیس، آتنا و احتمالاً کمی هم هرا باشه. میتونم بگم اگر که گمل درمورد شخصیت جیانا(جاویدان) در دوجلدی نفرین شده کم لطفی کرد و سفر قهرمانیش رو خلاصه نشون داد، هرچقدر که در کتابهای دیگه گمل یه زن فوقالعاده که باید براش دست زد و عاشق اشتباهاتش و تصمیماتش شد، وجود نداشته باشه اینجا آندروماک اینکارو انجام میده اصلاً حالا که فکر می��نم به نظرم قهرمان این داستان آندروماک بود! آندروماک در این سهگانه هم نقش یک معشوقهای رو اجرا میکنه که معشوقه و معشوقانی داره اما مثل هلنی دیده بودیم غیرطبیعی نیست هم یک مادر فوقالعادهست که به شخصیتش میخوره و هم یک مبارز واقعی(هم فیزیکی و هم ذهنی و روحی) که به فیزیک بدنی و شخصیتش میخوره. درکل نقطه عطف کتاب و حتی کل مجموعه محسوب میشه.
چند شخصیت رو هم باهمدیگه میگم.
هکتور و آشیل هردو شخصیتهایی بودند که میتونستن خط داستانی خودشون رو داشته باشن اما فرعی باقی موندن اما به بهترین شکل ممکن ازشون استفاده شده. ادیسه دقيقاً دچار همون مشکلی میشه که هلیکون در کلیت مجموعه دچارش میشه و یهجوری به نظر میرسه که انگار دیوید گمل سرنوشت و نقشش رو به اسطوره و تاریخ سپرده. پریام و آگاممنون هم بهقدر کافی بهشون پرداخته شده بود حتی آگاممنون کمی زیادی هم بود!
پایان داستان ه�� اگرچه برای همه علاقمندان به تاریخ و اسطوره اسپویل شده است اما تکراری نیست و اگر مواردی که پیشتر گفتم رعایت میشد و داستان بهتر گفته میشد کتاب شاهکاری درمیاومد.
July 29, 2022
Gemmell was a master of heroic fantasy… I loved this so much. A mix of political maneuvering, humanity, battle and anguish. With a dollop of mythology/ fantastical elements.
December 21, 2022
This book is not what I expected at all, but I loved it. If you think you know the story of Troy, expect surprises. Once again, Gemmell shows great characterization and brings this trilogy to a great conclusion. I didn't notice any change in prose from his wife taking over, which is an awesome compliment to her, but I do think the book felt less...cohesive? Propulsive? I don't know...the book was still very enjoyable, but probably my least favorite of the three, slightly. I loved, loved the Hektor and Achilles stuff in this one. And Andromache remains an all-time favorite for me.
9/10
Read this series!!!
9/10
Read this series!!!
April 8, 2015
Really Grand Adventure tale!
It has it all, battles, betrayals, heroes & to top it of enough plot twists & differences then the more recognisable storyline of Troy to keep you going & guessing right until the very last chapter.
Looking back was I overally hard on the first two parts of the trilogy....... mayeb? As this chapter really stood out for me, loved all the characters good n bad & looking around for my next read by the author.
It has it all, battles, betrayals, heroes & to top it of enough plot twists & differences then the more recognisable storyline of Troy to keep you going & guessing right until the very last chapter.
Looking back was I overally hard on the first two parts of the trilogy....... mayeb? As this chapter really stood out for me, loved all the characters good n bad & looking around for my next read by the author.
December 3, 2015
Not really a review but I was sitting on 4 stars for this one until the last 30 pages. Wow, what a nice surprise tie-in to some major historical events! I'd recommend this series to anyone who is familiar with the story of Troy but wants to see it retold with an incredible twist.
March 31, 2012
And this is it... The end of this EPIC Troy trilogy.
Oh God, I'm sad. I didn't want this to end. When i finished it, i just closed the book and stared at the ceiling for several hours,... ok no, I'm kidding,... for several minutes and couldn't help but start thinking about life and death and war and human kind, and i just felt so sad. Sometimes people are so greedy and ambitious, and want to get everything and don't care how. It doesn't matter if, to get whatever they want, they'll end up leaving a path of destruction, misery, ruins, loss, pain, death behind.
I like the way it was described in one paragraph in the book:
Are all wars really necessary?, Do they do any good at all after all the destruction they cause?, In this example Troy was a mighty empire, there were some kings trying to bring it down to try to steal its treasury and in the process they were taking many lives to doom. And it all for what?
Sad, as it is, the execution of this popular story was outstanding. All the events were believable, they looked like something that would happen in a real life situation, not with imaginary elements or unrealistic. I JUST LOVE IT.
Really, these books are a must read, i can't believe the few ratings it's got here on goodreads. This gem should be known, Gemmell has given us a superb heroic fantasy tale, that even though I'm sorry to realize the author died a while ago, he'll still live through his characters, which are absolutely of the best characters I've ever come across. It's impossible not to relate with them, not to feel their sufferings, it might a couple of times bring tears to your eyes.
This is good writing, I'll for sure be reading more of his work.
Oh God, I'm sad. I didn't want this to end. When i finished it, i just closed the book and stared at the ceiling for several hours,... ok no, I'm kidding,... for several minutes and couldn't help but start thinking about life and death and war and human kind, and i just felt so sad. Sometimes people are so greedy and ambitious, and want to get everything and don't care how. It doesn't matter if, to get whatever they want, they'll end up leaving a path of destruction, misery, ruins, loss, pain, death behind.
I like the way it was described in one paragraph in the book:
"... After the Age of Heroes comes the Age of Darkness... Within a generation they will tear down the stone palaces of the mighty. In the Lion's Hall where the heroes walked there will be only rats and beetles feeding; then green grass will cover the ruins, and sheep will graze there."
Are all wars really necessary?, Do they do any good at all after all the destruction they cause?, In this example Troy was a mighty empire, there were some kings trying to bring it down to try to steal its treasury and in the process they were taking many lives to doom. And it all for what?
Sad, as it is, the execution of this popular story was outstanding. All the events were believable, they looked like something that would happen in a real life situation, not with imaginary elements or unrealistic. I JUST LOVE IT.
Really, these books are a must read, i can't believe the few ratings it's got here on goodreads. This gem should be known, Gemmell has given us a superb heroic fantasy tale, that even though I'm sorry to realize the author died a while ago, he'll still live through his characters, which are absolutely of the best characters I've ever come across. It's impossible not to relate with them, not to feel their sufferings, it might a couple of times bring tears to your eyes.
This is good writing, I'll for sure be reading more of his work.
December 17, 2022
4.5 Stars
What an ending! What a series! Gemmell has crafted a trilogy to fall in love with and characters to remain with the reader forever. This brought out *all* the tears and though there was much to wrap up, tension was well maintained. I think it was a little less polished than book 2, which may be explained by Gemmell's passing. Regardless, I am very pleased with the ending and I'm sure I will return to this series in the future!
A must read for any fantasy/historical fiction fan.
What an ending! What a series! Gemmell has crafted a trilogy to fall in love with and characters to remain with the reader forever. This brought out *all* the tears and though there was much to wrap up, tension was well maintained. I think it was a little less polished than book 2, which may be explained by Gemmell's passing. Regardless, I am very pleased with the ending and I'm sure I will return to this series in the future!
A must read for any fantasy/historical fiction fan.
September 6, 2019
"از اسب چوبی بر حذر باش آگاممنون، پادشاه رزمجو، چراکه با بالهای آذرخش در آسمان اوج خواهد گرفت و مرگ ملتها را جار خواهد زد."
مجموعهی سهجلدی تروا برای من یک تجربهی شگرف بود و خیلی راحت میتونم بگم بهترین مجموعهی غیرفانتزیه که خوندم و این بهم نشون داد دیوید گمل نه تنها فانتزینویس درجه یکی بوده بلکه یک نویسنده و یک انسان درجه یک بوده. اما قبل از هرچیز باید بگم من این مجموعه رو به همه پیشنهاد نمیکنم چراکه ریتم کندی داره و پر از جزئیاته و حوصلهی زیادی رو میطلبه اما باور داشته باشید که اگر پیش از این مجموعه، فیلم تروی رو دیده باشید و اطلاعی از جنگ تروا و خدایان یونان و سرگذشت اودیسه داشته باشین لذت وافری خواهید برد و براتون تأثیر گذار و بزرگتر از کلمات خواهد بود، برای من چنین بود.
سبک منحصر بهفردی برای شخصیتپردازی در این سری استفاده شده که هرچه بیشتر به شخصیتها روح میبخشه. جلد اول مجموعه شخصیتهای خاص خودش رو داره و جلد دوم هم از شخصیتهای نامدارتر و مجزای جلد قبلی استفاده شده درحالی که در جلد سوم همزمان از همهی شخصیتهای جلدهای قبلی استفاده میکنه و تمام و کمال از پس همهشون بر میاد و تغذیهشون میکنه و داستان بهقدری به تصمیمات و کنشهای انسانی وابستهست که حتی باوجود اقتباسهای فراوان از این اثر، داستان غیرقابل پیش بینی پیش میره و با توجه به جزئی نگریهای نویسنده، داستان هرچه بیشتر در ذهن خواننده واقعی جلوه میکنه و اثر میذاره.
و تو دیوید گمل عزیز، میگن این آخرین کتاب تو پیش از مرگت بود اما تو نمردی چرا که در صفحهی پایانی کتاب هم گفتی"داستان سراها تا وقتی که داستانهاشون باقی مونده هرگز نمیمیرن"
مجموعهی سهجلدی تروا برای من یک تجربهی شگرف بود و خیلی راحت میتونم بگم بهترین مجموعهی غیرفانتزیه که خوندم و این بهم نشون داد دیوید گمل نه تنها فانتزینویس درجه یکی بوده بلکه یک نویسنده و یک انسان درجه یک بوده. اما قبل از هرچیز باید بگم من این مجموعه رو به همه پیشنهاد نمیکنم چراکه ریتم کندی داره و پر از جزئیاته و حوصلهی زیادی رو میطلبه اما باور داشته باشید که اگر پیش از این مجموعه، فیلم تروی رو دیده باشید و اطلاعی از جنگ تروا و خدایان یونان و سرگذشت اودیسه داشته باشین لذت وافری خواهید برد و براتون تأثیر گذار و بزرگتر از کلمات خواهد بود، برای من چنین بود.
سبک منحصر بهفردی برای شخصیتپردازی در این سری استفاده شده که هرچه بیشتر به شخصیتها روح میبخشه. جلد اول مجموعه شخصیتهای خاص خودش رو داره و جلد دوم هم از شخصیتهای نامدارتر و مجزای جلد قبلی استفاده شده درحالی که در جلد سوم همزمان از همهی شخصیتهای جلدهای قبلی استفاده میکنه و تمام و کمال از پس همهشون بر میاد و تغذیهشون میکنه و داستان بهقدری به تصمیمات و کنشهای انسانی وابستهست که حتی باوجود اقتباسهای فراوان از این اثر، داستان غیرقابل پیش بینی پیش میره و با توجه به جزئی نگریهای نویسنده، داستان هرچه بیشتر در ذهن خواننده واقعی جلوه میکنه و اثر میذاره.
و تو دیوید گمل عزیز، میگن این آخرین کتاب تو پیش از مرگت بود اما تو نمردی چرا که در صفحهی پایانی کتاب هم گفتی"داستان سراها تا وقتی که داستانهاشون باقی مونده هرگز نمیمیرن"
March 24, 2019
I just cried & cried & cried at the end...
April 8, 2019
Terminada la trilogía que recrea de forma contemporánea la epopeya homérica por excelencia sólo queda rendirme ante la maestría de David Gemmell. Muy buena, fantástica, todo un triunfo y un canto a la lealtad, la traición, el amor, el valor y la heroicidad. La nota es de 4,35 estrellas.
En líneas generales la trilogía me parece un 4,5 estrellas, la redondeo a 5, a la categoría de obra magna, por mi pasión por el mito troyano y la habilidad del autor para reformular, partiendo de una historia clásica mil veces contada, escuchada y observada, un relato convincente y real, que embelesa y te abstrae trasladándote a una época de héroes y dioses.
El último libro ha sido, no obstante, el que menos me ha entusiasmado tal y como refleja la puntuación. El desarrollo de la batalla por la Ciudad Dorada no me ha convencido; quizá por la saturación que uno experimenta cuando devora una trilogía dejando escaso margen temporal entre sus tomos y la marginal participación en ella de mis personajes favoritos.
Por lo demás el libro es un compendio de los anteriores, pero agregándole la épica y la emoción inherente al desenlace de una historia. De las mejores trilogías que he leído.
Darle las gracias a [Xabi] por la recomendación. El tío sabe recetar literatura, no falla. Es garantía de entretenimiento y calidad (estas últimas líneas pueden tener un contenido rico en peloteo).
November 6, 2021
Read this book in 2007, and its the 3rd and final volume of the awesome "Troy" trilogy.
War is coming to the Ancient World of the Great Green, and outside the walls of Troy forces are gathering to fight out the famous final great battle.
On the one hand there's the King of Mykene, Agamemnon, with the reluctant legendary storyteller, Odysseus at his side.
Odysseus knows that Agamemnon will stop at nothing to gain the treasury that lies within the city walls, and sad it may be, but soon enough he must face his former friends from Troy.
On the other hand there's the King of Troy, and he will set his high hopes on his son and mighty warrior, Hektor, and the deadliest warrior of all, Helikaon, but if that will be enough to win this clash that remains to be seen.
What is to come is the legendary mythical Battle of Troy, in which two formidable armies will decide the fate of Troy once and for all, and where heroes will fall and become legends in their own kind of way, and in the end this action will be remembered as the Battle of renown for centuries to come.
Highly recommended, for this is an awesome conclusion to this glorious trilogy, and that's why I like to call this final episode: "A Brilliant Trojan Ending"!
War is coming to the Ancient World of the Great Green, and outside the walls of Troy forces are gathering to fight out the famous final great battle.
On the one hand there's the King of Mykene, Agamemnon, with the reluctant legendary storyteller, Odysseus at his side.
Odysseus knows that Agamemnon will stop at nothing to gain the treasury that lies within the city walls, and sad it may be, but soon enough he must face his former friends from Troy.
On the other hand there's the King of Troy, and he will set his high hopes on his son and mighty warrior, Hektor, and the deadliest warrior of all, Helikaon, but if that will be enough to win this clash that remains to be seen.
What is to come is the legendary mythical Battle of Troy, in which two formidable armies will decide the fate of Troy once and for all, and where heroes will fall and become legends in their own kind of way, and in the end this action will be remembered as the Battle of renown for centuries to come.
Highly recommended, for this is an awesome conclusion to this glorious trilogy, and that's why I like to call this final episode: "A Brilliant Trojan Ending"!
August 1, 2022
4 Stars!
A solid conclusion to David Gemmell's Troy Trilogy.
Fall of Kings had plenty of action and concluded most of the plot lines. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is due to some of my favorite characters being left out of the final chapter and epilogue. My heart yearns to know what happened to many of my beloved characters and if they found peace and happiness. I'm assuming they did, but would like to know the details. Still a satisfying finish to the Fall of Kings Trilogy.
A solid conclusion to David Gemmell's Troy Trilogy.
Fall of Kings had plenty of action and concluded most of the plot lines. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is due to some of my favorite characters being left out of the final chapter and epilogue. My heart yearns to know what happened to many of my beloved characters and if they found peace and happiness. I'm assuming they did, but would like to know the details. Still a satisfying finish to the Fall of Kings Trilogy.
January 7, 2022
Great ending to a terrific trilogy!
Every now and again I go on a David Gemmell read-a-thon. Now I'm in the mood for Lion of Macedon. I may pick that up next.
Every now and again I go on a David Gemmell read-a-thon. Now I'm in the mood for Lion of Macedon. I may pick that up next.
December 31, 2016
Muy bien acabada la trilogía. No es como yo la conocía pero eso da igual. Recomendable 100%.
Si por algo hay un premio que lleva el nombre de este tío. Lástima que ya no viva y no pueda seguir regalándonos la vista y la mente con sus obras.
No os pongo ni de que va. ¿Para qué? Si leeis el primer libro de la trilogía fijo, fijo, fijo, que llegais a este. Igual no le ponéis cinco estrellas pero dudaría que le pusiéseis menos de cuatro.
Si por algo hay un premio que lleva el nombre de este tío. Lástima que ya no viva y no pueda seguir regalándonos la vista y la mente con sus obras.
No os pongo ni de que va. ¿Para qué? Si leeis el primer libro de la trilogía fijo, fijo, fijo, que llegais a este. Igual no le ponéis cinco estrellas pero dudaría que le pusiéseis menos de cuatro.
June 20, 2018
Si conclude l'epopea della Guerra di Troia reinterpretata con precisione storica da David Gemmell (e conclusa postuma dalla moglie Stella, che aveva comunque collaborato nei primi due libri della trilogia). Siamo ancora in piena età del bronzo. Neanche gli ittiti padroneggiano ancora quel "metallo delle stelle", anche se Calcheo, detto il pazzo di Mileto, comincia a fare qualche esperimento. Uno dei momenti più belli del romanzo, comunque, è dedicato proprio a Calcheo che, da maestro d'ascia della Xanto, la nave di Elicaone/Enea - detta anche "la nave della morte" - riflette sull'opportunità di sperimentare nuove tecnologie per il bene del progresso. I suoi dubbi, il suo profondo tormento per aver costruito un'arma così micidiale (anche se lui l'aveva fatto con lo scopo di avere una grande nave a scopi mercantili, che potesse trasportare più merci e navigare anche durante il periodo invernale), lo mettono in crisi, anche se poi la sua curiosità e il desiderio di fare esperimenti con i nuovi metalli e le nuove tecnologie hanno il sopravvento.
Lo scontro tra Achille ed Ettore è comunque il clou della guerra - che si è protratta sì per dieci anni, ma non è stata condotta totalmente sotto le mura di Troia (era già cominciata nel secondo volume, in effetti) - ma avviene in modo ben diverso da come ce l'ha narrato Omero.
Sorprendenti e piacevoli i legami con i personaggi dell'Antico Testamento. Anche quei fatti vengono reinterpretati in altro modo, ma è divertente scoprire che uno dei personaggi che ci siamo portati avanti fin dal primo romanzo fa parte di una storia che non avremmo mai collegato alla guerra di Troia.
Il coronamento di una trilogia splendida, che narra l'età del bronzo nel Mediterraneo e dà un diverso significato alle leggende di Iliade, Odissea ed Eneide.
Lo scontro tra Achille ed Ettore è comunque il clou della guerra - che si è protratta sì per dieci anni, ma non è stata condotta totalmente sotto le mura di Troia (era già cominciata nel secondo volume, in effetti) - ma avviene in modo ben diverso da come ce l'ha narrato Omero.
Sorprendenti e piacevoli i legami con i personaggi dell'Antico Testamento. Anche quei fatti vengono reinterpretati in altro modo, ma è divertente scoprire che uno dei personaggi che ci siamo portati avanti fin dal primo romanzo fa parte di una storia che non avremmo mai collegato alla guerra di Troia.
Il coronamento di una trilogia splendida, che narra l'età del bronzo nel Mediterraneo e dà un diverso significato alle leggende di Iliade, Odissea ed Eneide.
August 2, 2018
Gemmell will always remain my favourite author.
So many feels for so many reasons.
It is not often I come across such a wonderful piece of perfection.
5+++++
So many feels for so many reasons.
It is not often I come across such a wonderful piece of perfection.
5+++++
July 17, 2022
This trilogy came out of no where and rocked my world.
January 31, 2017
Le voilà, le dernier tome de Troie, cette fois-ci signé par David et Stella Gemmell car le grand monsieur nous a quitté et c’est son épouse qui a terminé le tout pour ses lecteurs pleins de tristesse. La chute des rois est donc le dernier bouquin de ce grand auteur. Pourrait-il être son meilleur ?
Les deux tomes précédents ont mis tous les acteurs en place et ont parfaitement posé toutes les pièces de ce grand échiquier, c’est maintenant le moment tant attendu, la guerre de Troie est déclarée. Du côté des défenseurs, Hélicon, Hector, Andromaque, Banoclès et Calliadès se préparent à résister à un envahisseur largement supérieur en nombre qui va leur tomber sur le coin de la gueule. Et cet ennemi, c’est le cruel Agamemnon qui a rassemblé les rois de l’ouest pour prendre la grande cité. Il a à ses côtés d’autres héros tout aussi prestigieux : Ulysse, Achille, et tous ces héros antiques auxquels l’auteur va donner vie dans ce face à face final, ce grand combat désespéré, cette guerre mythique.
Le couple Gemmell continue évidemment sur la lancée des deux premiers tomes, mêlant les grands enjeux politiques de la cité aux caractères et aux soucis de chacun des personnages qui se débattent dans ce bouillon. Dans cette trilogie, l’écrivain à construit une trame exceptionnelle, et on a le plaisir de découvrir des personnages forts et attachants des deux côtés des grands murs de Troie. Il n’y a pas forcément de bon et de mauvais camp dans cette guerre, chaque héros a une raison de se retrouver dans le camp qu’il défend et le lecteur se surprend à aimer autant un camp que l’autre à travers ces personnages magnifiques. On assiste à une vraie grande tragédie, on vit cette guerre aux côtés de personnages écrasés par le rouleau compresseur du destin qui, lui, ne fait pas dans le détail.
On est toujours bluffés par la construction exemplaire du récit, d’un point de vue purement mécanique, on suit la logique des évènements avec une fluidité confondante et les pièces de ce grand jeu bougent naturellement sous nos yeux. Les enjeux politiques et personnels se mélangent et forment une trame dense et passionnante à suivre. Les victoires, les défaites et les coups du sorts s’enchainent et captivent notre imagination. On est pris dans le destins de ces nombreux personnages, on les suit, on souffre avec eux, on combat avec eux, on gagne et on perd avec eux.
Ces personnages, justement, sont encore une fois passionnants. Chacun est incarné avec une telle perfection qu’on a bien du mal à choisir lequel on préfère, tous les héros de cette épopée son parfaitement caractérisés et provoquent l’empathie du lecteur. On retrouve Hector, Hélicon et Andromaque, trio tragique déchiré par les circonstances mais qui gardent leur force et leur grandeur devant la guerre. En face on retrouve l’inoubliable Ulysse, roi conteur amer amoureux, et le grand Achille, condensé de rage et de talent. Ces grands personnages resteront inoubliables parmi tant d’autres héros moins imposants mais tout aussi forts qu’on va croiser un peu partout dans ces pages, que ce soit Patrocle, Scorpios, Xander, l’époustouflant Banoclès et son ami Calliadès. Il y en a tant, et aucun n’est mal traité par le récit, tous ont leur place et leur grandeur.
Il est aussi amusant de voir comment David Gemmell joue avec le mythe, réinterprétant les évènements de l’Iliade pour les inscrire à son histoire, en gardant la force des grandes lignes originales mais en les remodelant, les tordant pour y apporter son souffle. Il reste également le maitre de l’action, évidemment. Les grandes batailles et les combats s’enchainent et marquent, les uns après les autres, on garde en tête chaque épisode épique. Le sauvetage de Pénélope, le duel Hector contre Achille, la sortie de la baie par la flotte troyenne, l’embuscade de la caravane par la cavalerie d’Hector, ou bien sûr l’épisode du célèbre cheval de Troie. Tant de moments mémorables. Tant de raisons d’aimer ce bouquin… Il est aussi amusant de remarquer la symétrie dans la carrière de l’auteur, il avait commencé sa bibliographie par Légende, le siège désespéré de la forteresse de Dros Delnoch par les hordes Nadir, et voilà qu’elle se conclut par le siège d’une autre cité, encore plus mythique, encore plus marquante, encore plus aboutie, la boucle est bouclée de manière magistrale.
La chute des rois, et la trilogie Troie par extension, est un monument de littérature épique. Des personnages marquants, une intrigue solide, de l’action et du drame à un rythme implacable. C’est du pur Gemmell, mais qui prend une nouvelle dimension pour sa toute dernière œuvre. Il nous a offert sa plus grande aventure avant d’emprunter la route ténébreuse.
http://ours-inculte.fr/chute-rois/
Les deux tomes précédents ont mis tous les acteurs en place et ont parfaitement posé toutes les pièces de ce grand échiquier, c’est maintenant le moment tant attendu, la guerre de Troie est déclarée. Du côté des défenseurs, Hélicon, Hector, Andromaque, Banoclès et Calliadès se préparent à résister à un envahisseur largement supérieur en nombre qui va leur tomber sur le coin de la gueule. Et cet ennemi, c’est le cruel Agamemnon qui a rassemblé les rois de l’ouest pour prendre la grande cité. Il a à ses côtés d’autres héros tout aussi prestigieux : Ulysse, Achille, et tous ces héros antiques auxquels l’auteur va donner vie dans ce face à face final, ce grand combat désespéré, cette guerre mythique.
Le couple Gemmell continue évidemment sur la lancée des deux premiers tomes, mêlant les grands enjeux politiques de la cité aux caractères et aux soucis de chacun des personnages qui se débattent dans ce bouillon. Dans cette trilogie, l’écrivain à construit une trame exceptionnelle, et on a le plaisir de découvrir des personnages forts et attachants des deux côtés des grands murs de Troie. Il n’y a pas forcément de bon et de mauvais camp dans cette guerre, chaque héros a une raison de se retrouver dans le camp qu’il défend et le lecteur se surprend à aimer autant un camp que l’autre à travers ces personnages magnifiques. On assiste à une vraie grande tragédie, on vit cette guerre aux côtés de personnages écrasés par le rouleau compresseur du destin qui, lui, ne fait pas dans le détail.
On est toujours bluffés par la construction exemplaire du récit, d’un point de vue purement mécanique, on suit la logique des évènements avec une fluidité confondante et les pièces de ce grand jeu bougent naturellement sous nos yeux. Les enjeux politiques et personnels se mélangent et forment une trame dense et passionnante à suivre. Les victoires, les défaites et les coups du sorts s’enchainent et captivent notre imagination. On est pris dans le destins de ces nombreux personnages, on les suit, on souffre avec eux, on combat avec eux, on gagne et on perd avec eux.
Ces personnages, justement, sont encore une fois passionnants. Chacun est incarné avec une telle perfection qu’on a bien du mal à choisir lequel on préfère, tous les héros de cette épopée son parfaitement caractérisés et provoquent l’empathie du lecteur. On retrouve Hector, Hélicon et Andromaque, trio tragique déchiré par les circonstances mais qui gardent leur force et leur grandeur devant la guerre. En face on retrouve l’inoubliable Ulysse, roi conteur amer amoureux, et le grand Achille, condensé de rage et de talent. Ces grands personnages resteront inoubliables parmi tant d’autres héros moins imposants mais tout aussi forts qu’on va croiser un peu partout dans ces pages, que ce soit Patrocle, Scorpios, Xander, l’époustouflant Banoclès et son ami Calliadès. Il y en a tant, et aucun n’est mal traité par le récit, tous ont leur place et leur grandeur.
Il est aussi amusant de voir comment David Gemmell joue avec le mythe, réinterprétant les évènements de l’Iliade pour les inscrire à son histoire, en gardant la force des grandes lignes originales mais en les remodelant, les tordant pour y apporter son souffle. Il reste également le maitre de l’action, évidemment. Les grandes batailles et les combats s’enchainent et marquent, les uns après les autres, on garde en tête chaque épisode épique. Le sauvetage de Pénélope, le duel Hector contre Achille, la sortie de la baie par la flotte troyenne, l’embuscade de la caravane par la cavalerie d’Hector, ou bien sûr l’épisode du célèbre cheval de Troie. Tant de moments mémorables. Tant de raisons d’aimer ce bouquin… Il est aussi amusant de remarquer la symétrie dans la carrière de l’auteur, il avait commencé sa bibliographie par Légende, le siège désespéré de la forteresse de Dros Delnoch par les hordes Nadir, et voilà qu’elle se conclut par le siège d’une autre cité, encore plus mythique, encore plus marquante, encore plus aboutie, la boucle est bouclée de manière magistrale.
La chute des rois, et la trilogie Troie par extension, est un monument de littérature épique. Des personnages marquants, une intrigue solide, de l’action et du drame à un rythme implacable. C’est du pur Gemmell, mais qui prend une nouvelle dimension pour sa toute dernière œuvre. Il nous a offert sa plus grande aventure avant d’emprunter la route ténébreuse.
http://ours-inculte.fr/chute-rois/
November 24, 2018
Read Fantasy Book Critic's article The Trojan War - A Reinterpretation: "The Troy Trilogy" by David and Stella Gemmell
Mini-review of FALL OF KINGS: Sadly the world was poorer when David Gemmell passed away on 26th July 2006, condolence messages started pouring in & before anyone could speculate about what would happen to the third book, Stella Gemmell took it upon herself to complete her husband’s vision of Troy. She has assisted him in his previous books by doing research work & in the Troy trilogy specifically focused her abilities on all the background material required for the preparation in making of the books. Also David had managed to write 60,000-70,000 words before Stella thought of debuting. Though she had no previous writing experience she did soldier on & based on David’s notes for the entire series & the last book. She finished the book on time & it was set for publication.
The 3rd book Fall of Kings was coauthored by both the Gemmells’ & the beauty of it was that you could not differentiate between their voices. The story flowed smoothly beginning with the events set after fall of Thraki & the beginning of the invasion of Troy by Agamemnon as he has coerced & coaxed all of his allies into joining the attack on Troy.
All the previous POV characters are back in this one and with the addition of a few new POVs such as Achilles, Xander, Skorpius, etc. I won’t like to specify what exactly happens as almost all of us have a general idea how this is going to end. The beauty of the Gemmellian plotting makes the read worthwhile & manages to surprise the readers along the way with their twist on the myths of Troy.
The ending while heartbreaking is a testimonial to Homer’s Troy with some cool alterations and the addition of Gershorm’s sub-plot makes it pretty intriguing as well. The epilogue is one of the best I have ever read & can stand as a epithet to David, his talents & his way of thinking & is written emphatically by Stella Gemmell.
Even though the trilogy ends with this book, the story & characters will stay with you for a long time as its said “Storytellers never die, they live on in their stories”. We have been indeed fortunate to read David’s stories for nearly a quarter of a century. I can only imagine what could have been, if not for the tragic early demise. David Gemmell was one of the most inspirational writers ever to grace the world & will always continue to enthrall readers eternally with his ideals, thoughts & books.
July 27, 2016
An epic heroes farewell, or an epic farewell. This very readable and entertaining story has even more meaning for me when I learned Stella Gemmell completed this last book soon after her husband David's death.
Cathartic. Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
This is a long farewell. I could easily imagine that Stella was able to say goodbye to her hero David with every passage of this book. A silly romantic notion? Too idealistic or simplistic for me to think that? Perhaps, but 'Fall of Kings' is entirely about passing on and change.
Kings die, heroes bid farewell to their comrades through life ending acts of self-sacrifice then succumb to their wounds, great cities fall and their people are slain or are scattered to the four winds, and while redemption is at hand, so is death.
Odysseus's love for Penelope is so simple and total that he would walk recklessly into a room filled with would be killers because, for Odysseus, being rational is not rational when Penelope's life is at stake. Helikaon does not even consider danger when Andromache's life is at risk.
A hero does not forcefully drag his followers into a lost cause but most still follow the hero because his actions are noble and pure. The hero allows others their own journey and wishes them farewell when they part ways, even it is against everyone's best judgment.
Jedediah Purdy For Common Things: Irony, Trust, and Commitment in America Today calls Jerry Seinfeld, 'irony incarnate.' He has a 'style of speech and behavior that avoids all appearance of naivete -- of naive devotion, belief, or hope...'
If true, 'Troy: Fall of Kings' is anti-Seinfeld. For Gemmell's heroes devotion, belief and hope are the only things worth their salt, naïve or not. All things considered, I gave Troy the fifth star because such a notion appeals me, naïve or not.
Cathartic. Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
This is a long farewell. I could easily imagine that Stella was able to say goodbye to her hero David with every passage of this book. A silly romantic notion? Too idealistic or simplistic for me to think that? Perhaps, but 'Fall of Kings' is entirely about passing on and change.
Kings die, heroes bid farewell to their comrades through life ending acts of self-sacrifice then succumb to their wounds, great cities fall and their people are slain or are scattered to the four winds, and while redemption is at hand, so is death.
Odysseus's love for Penelope is so simple and total that he would walk recklessly into a room filled with would be killers because, for Odysseus, being rational is not rational when Penelope's life is at stake. Helikaon does not even consider danger when Andromache's life is at risk.
A hero does not forcefully drag his followers into a lost cause but most still follow the hero because his actions are noble and pure. The hero allows others their own journey and wishes them farewell when they part ways, even it is against everyone's best judgment.
Jedediah Purdy For Common Things: Irony, Trust, and Commitment in America Today calls Jerry Seinfeld, 'irony incarnate.' He has a 'style of speech and behavior that avoids all appearance of naivete -- of naive devotion, belief, or hope...'
If true, 'Troy: Fall of Kings' is anti-Seinfeld. For Gemmell's heroes devotion, belief and hope are the only things worth their salt, naïve or not. All things considered, I gave Troy the fifth star because such a notion appeals me, naïve or not.
July 5, 2015
An immensely readable trilogy, which kept me engaged from beginning to end, except perhaps for a couple of hundred pages in this book which described war, war and more war. I hate reading about war, love reading about people and their way of life. Hence one star deducted.
I keenly followed Odysseus, Hektor, Andromache, Xander, kassandra, Banocles and a myriad of others, including the two rivals Priam and Agamemnon who are the baddies of the series, one perhaps a tinge better than the other, and their cronies.
Man of the series award goes to Hektor, and woman of the series, Andromache. Ones I liked most and found to be totally harmless are Kassandra and Xander. Man of this book - shared by Banocles, Kalliodes (I think I got him wrong ) and Achilles.
Moments of the book : 1. The duel between Hektor and Achilles
2. Braving the volcano induced sea storm by Helikaon's ship.
This series has totally skewed my understanding of Troy, Helen and the history. But no regrets.
I keenly followed Odysseus, Hektor, Andromache, Xander, kassandra, Banocles and a myriad of others, including the two rivals Priam and Agamemnon who are the baddies of the series, one perhaps a tinge better than the other, and their cronies.
Man of the series award goes to Hektor, and woman of the series, Andromache. Ones I liked most and found to be totally harmless are Kassandra and Xander. Man of this book - shared by Banocles, Kalliodes (I think I got him wrong ) and Achilles.
Moments of the book : 1. The duel between Hektor and Achilles
2. Braving the volcano induced sea storm by Helikaon's ship.
This series has totally skewed my understanding of Troy, Helen and the history. But no regrets.
July 16, 2022
The conclusion to the best historical trilogy I have ever read! Gemmell died while writing this final book and his wife finished the tale. I have recently reread the first two parts and will eventually get round to reading this final book. It's that feeling of when it's read it's all over. Absolutely superb! A fitting and brilliant end to the trilogy and his collection of books. Perfect!
July 2022 reread. Genius!
July 2022 reread. Genius!
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