[Ouroboros]

Anyone else pick this up yet?

I think the official release is September 1st, but there seem to be advance copies of 'Shield of Thunder' on some shelves. I got my copy this evening, and the clerk said they were a day or two ahead of Waterstones and the other retailers.

Ordinarily I'd put aside whatever I've been reading and start in on a new Gemmell novel, but in this case I'm going to put it on my shelf and wait a bit- I think I might re-read 'Lord of the Silver Bow' first.

Through some odd twist of fate, I'm already reading a re-take on the Troy mythos ... Simmons' 'Iliad'.

[Hobbit]

Quick off the mark there, Ouro!

I'm sure you've realised, but the Simmons version of Troy is very different to David's. Whereas David's is more traditional epic heroic fantasy (not meant to sound disparaging, it is good), the Simmons version is an SF version. By Olympos it is amazing to see how he juggles it all in the air. Enjoyed both; but very different.

Hobbit

[Sidmyster]

where did you get it from???

[Alex]

I picked the book up today. I'm about 1/4 through it and I must say that these books are by far Gemmells best. He has introduced many different characters in both Lord of the silver bow and Shield of thunder and you can start to see a pattern of how he's going to tie the ends up. The style is similar to his earlier works but it differs in the sense that Gemmell seems to have evolved as a writer (if you can say that in english=) in the sense that he now has many main characters instead of only one as he has had before. Somehow his style feels more mature now but I don't know if that is due to his historical setting or just because he has gotten even better=)

So sad that Gemmell passed away when he was just getting to the peak of his writing power.....

[Ouroboros]

where did you get it from???

I got mine in 'Chapters', a second hand bookstore in Dublin (they obviously do a certain amount of new releases as well). I often think that the smaller shops have the big titles out a day or two before chains like Waterstones ... Maybe trying to get in there early while they have the chance.

Hobbit-

Yes, Simmons takes a more.... layered approach. I'm not far into the 'Iliad' yet, but thusfar it's very interesting. I love how he throws in little interludes about Shakespeare and whatnot.

[Fuxxy Elf]

Waterstones in Liverpool have had it out for sale since last Thursday at least, but I can't afford it till payday tomorrow:mad: But I'm reading Legend at the moment as I intend to read all his books in publication order, so at least I'm getting a Gemmell hit either way.:D

[Sidmyster]

I have a £5 off book at WHSmith so ill see if they have it in today or tomorrow :D

[Mithfânion]

Just bought Lord of the Silver Bow in hardcover based on the glowing recommendations for this new Gemmell.

[Ouroboros]

Finished David Gemmell's 'Shield of Thunder' last night.

It was a bittersweet read. His writing is always a joy, but this time it was hard to escape the knowledge that this was the last completed work he gave us.

'Shield of Thunder' is Gemmell during his mature phase. Even more so than with 'Lord of the Silver Bow', extensive research into the ancient world is apparent. Where he does depart from known history, he does so intelligently and with purpose.

At it's core, 'Shield of Thunder' is a tragedy, in my opinion. While violence has always characterised Gemmell's work, the Troy series is among his darkest work in tone, with infanticides, rapes and murders in shakespearian quantities.

When I read a Gemmell novel I always look for the little pedagogic bits. The lessons and the parables. In 'Lord of the Silver Bow', Gershom and Odysseus provided the bulk of these, acting as a sounding board for Helikaon.

This time around, the pivotal themes mostly have to do with what it means to wage a just war, and the dialog between Helikaon and Gershom are central to its exploration. Issues such as the treatment of enemy prisoners, use of torture and the fate of civillian populations are central, and it's no coincidence that Gemmell chose to explore these. Topical stuff, even if like me, you don't necessarily agree with his apparent conclusions.

My final thoughts are that the Troy trilogy will be a fitting finale to a long and honorable career, if the third volume continues in the vein of the first two books. They're a little less cartoonish than some of his early work, even if thematically they are identical in terms of the core values and ideas that are explored.

[Hobbit]

Nice one, Ouro. I'm still trying to get to read Troy myself; as you say, a bittersweet experience.

Hobbit