[JamesL]

You could always start with Sword in the Storm, the first of the Rigante series.

However I would advise readers new to Gemmell's work to start with the Drenai novels, Legend in particular. That novel just encapsulates every typical Gemmell theme so perfectly.

[Madness]

No offense to Gemmell, as I've read alot of his books, but almost all his novels are poor man's fantasy. With exception of the most recent books, every one of his novels followed a specific pattern. Character development, history, throw in a couple mild skirmishes here and there, climax with a large scale battle and happy ending.

Now though this may sound harsh, it's not meant to be. This is coming from a guy on who's bookself sits nearly the entire Drenai series (working on it), the Rigante series, a few choice standalones. I've also read the majority of his work and the new Troy series.

As to where to start, I couldn't really say, only recommend.

Legend is hands down his greatest novel. It might pin me as an emotional guy but I cried nearing the end of it.

Echoes of the Great Song is among my favorites as many of the novel's premises are excellent. I'd say one of the most original of Gemmell's novels.

Dark Moon is fantastic, though perhaps only on a scale that I love the hero and the Daroth are terrifying.

White Wolf is the first book I read and another favorite though I completely loathe it's sequel. Meeting Druss in White Wolf probably attributed to my respect for him in Legend.

Waylander I, the Rigante Series - particularily Midnight Falcon was good though Jaim Grymauch will always hold a place in my heart, First Chronicles of Druss the Legend, and Legend of Deathwalker are great especially the last as it explains Ulric of the Nadir.

But uh, I would just say pick one based on consensus. Or throw a dart at a list of names. I would say the majority of his books are great but again, poor man's fantasy. Nothing in the way of the Rings, the Prince of Nothing, or John Marco.