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; andAndromache: 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.
A markedly noteworthy ending to an outstanding epic fantasy trilogy, that professes such remarkable depth! David Gemmell has to be one of the greatest writers of all-time whose work is just so astonishing, that it outshines many within the increasingly diverse fantasy genre. His work is truly original and of such quality and profound substance, that his stories remain with you long after you have read them. Fall of Kings (Troy 3#) is the magnificent conclusion to a sweeping historical masterpiece, which can only be described as pure perfection and sublime storytelling. As a fan of authors such as Conn Iggulden (Genghis Khan & Caesar) and Bernard Cornwell, I thoroughly enjoyed this absorbing tale that was full of action and intense drama. I would certainly recommend this trilogy to those who enjoy historical works by authors mentioned above or Christian Cameron, Michael Jecks ect. as it incorporates stirring action, bloodthirsty battles and brave warriors amidst a compelling narrative of such great scope. The Ancient World is divided. On the killing fields outside of Troy, forces loyal to the Mykene King mass. Among them is Odysseus; a fabled storyteller and reluctant ally to the Mykene. The King’s task is to secure the treasure that lies within the city’s walls, and he will stop at nothing to carry out this task, including facing his former friends in deadly combat. The Trojan King waits. His hopes are pinned on two individuals; his son Hektor (who is the mightiest warrior of his age) and the dread Helikaon (who is determined to gain vengeance on the death of his wife at Mykene’s hand). 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. This fantastic conclusion to an epic saga is just brilliant, and is as impacting as you would expect it to be – with twists and turns until the dramatic ending. Sat on the edge of my seat throughout I was lost within a world of heated conflict, bitter revenge and self-centered ambition that seeped into others like a poison and so corrupts those pure of heart whilst others fight for justice. The striking golden cover of this book ties-in with the tale that exudes magnificence, with the writing as ever being highly readable and exceptional. This wonderful tale by a most accomplished author is nail-bitingly gripping, full of shocking events and fueled by heated passion that is so strong it radiates off the page. A spectacular triumph and a trilogy that I shall be re-reading very soon!!
What do You think about Fall Of Kings (2007)?
I am an ardent fan of Gemmell's work and therefore this book is twice sad for me. He died in the writing of this last installment of the Troy saga. Anyone who knows their history will know that the story of Troy, like Shakespeare's Lear, is nothing but a tragedy, and Gemmell, who has never been afraid of killing off characters, treats this one well. But it was his last and for that I am saddened. It was finished with the assistance of his Widow, Stella Gemmell and I do wonder if the last line in the book is hers alone. This last portion of his three part version of Troy could only be darker as we reach the culmination of the story, the duel between Hector and Achillies, and the subsequent fall of the once great city. But with his skill at developing characters, you can only hope that he provides some unheard of twist to save them at the last moment. You read, becoming more fond of them knowing that their fate is sealed. Overall, I enjoyed his twists on the story and as usual his understanding of political machinations and battle tactics is superb. I am sad that he is gone, but am also assured that his writing is of the classic sort that will live on as folk legends do.
—Horus
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.
—Kerry
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!
—Bookwraiths
