Last Guardian (The Stones of Power: Jon Shannow Trilogy Book 2)

Jon Shannow returns and finds himself thrust in a gritty epic fantasy adventure where the fates of two worlds hang in the balance.Story:The story begins in two places: The Post Apocalyptic future where bands of people struggle to survive with technology equal to the wild west, and thousands of years earlier during the final days of Atlantis. The two story arcs clash and the fate of both worlds are at stake. This definitely plays out like a sci-fi western, with some high fantasy elements. Before you read this book, you really should read Wolf in Shadow (Stones of Power Book 3). You don't need to read the first two books in this series to enjoy this book. All of the characters, themes, and settings are vastly different.World Building:The world takes place over 100 years from now and is similar to the frontiers of the old west. There are horses, muskets, revolvers, and some magic in the form of astral projection, premonition, and possession. There is also time travel, dimensional travel, demons, lizard men, lion men, bear men, hired killers, lawmen, preachers, and good folk trying to survive on an unforgiving frontier.Characters:This is the second of three books that feature Jon Shannow. He's not a perfect man and he's made many mistakes, but he is an honest man who just tries to do right by others. If you wrong him, chances are that he's better with a gun than you are. He definitely deserves to be mentioned with some of the many great characters created by David Gemmell: Druss, Skilgannon, Waylander, Connor, Decado, and The Lion of Macedon.The supporting characters are also very strong. There are villains that you love to hate and some memorable allies that lend a hand.Writing Style:David Gemmell is one of the All Time Greats at creating heroic characters in harsh worlds. These are battle hardened characters tested by the world itself. They can survive and persevere where most of us would give up. They all live by some sort of code, whether it is just or unjust. The world is dangerous, the story is epic, the characters are memorable, and the action is hard hitting. Wolf in Shadow (the previous book) flows a bit better and there's more momentum, where The Last Guardian hiccups a just a bit, but it's still a very fun read.Action:This book is loaded with action. There are brawls, assassinations, maulings, gunfights, skirmishes, battles, shootouts, magic, demons, and memorable deaths. If you like the heroes of the old west, then you should enjoy this book.Maturity: TeenThere is lots of violence in the form of gun and knife fights and a brief mention of non-graphic sex. It's kind of like a Hollywood action film.Overall:This is a very good book written by one of the greats. It has a bit of everything. A fast moving plot, memorable characters, humor, action, honor, romance, and some diabolical villains.Buy it if you like heroic westerns.Buy it if you are a fan of David Gemmell.Avoid it if you just like pure medieval fantasy with swords.If you enjoyed this book, I'd say keep on reading books by David Gemmell. These are some his best: Legend, Waylander, Winter Warriors, Sword in the Storm, the Lion of Macedon.

The stones of power series is quite odd in that the first two books take place in one era and the following tales in another. The first two are straight up swords and magic type violence, the last few are more like Science Fiction.. a Post-Apocalyptic world where gunpowder and low-tech guns are available and a powerful meteor provides a threat to the world as the bad guys seek to harness it. Jon Shannow is an interresting character, sort of a gun for hire who hates violence, but uses it when necessary... which is often... as he deals with brigands and evil powers seeking to open the universe to a parrallel universe full of bad stuff. Interesting. stuff... I wonder what happens in the next one, which I have on my to read shelf.

This book freaked me out. Books 1 and 2 of the Stones of Power series are centered around King Uther. Book 3 introduces the adventures of Jon Shannow.And Book 4? Book 4 of the Stones of Power series thrusts us into a continuation of crazy sci-fi, but adds a little religion to the mix. We learn more about Atlantis (finally!) as a portal is opened that exposes the modern tipsy-turvy world to Atlantis, a nation unknowingly on its death bed. A prophet from Atlantis flees to Shannow's land and sort of finds answers to questions he didn't even know he needed to ask. Shannow battles the forces of evil, quotes scripture, and somehow is connected to the mysterious revival taking place in other parts of the land.His ability to look back upon "our" time to see our mistakes is eye opening and a bit more than you bargain for in a futuristic novel. Eloquent and very well done fiction.

One of my favourite series. Great read, recommended especially for fans of post apocalypse (Fallout franchise). It's not another two dimensional story about gunslinger or some hero. Jon Shannow is a tormented man with his flaws. Legend for some, murderer for others. After dealing with Hellborn once again he is drawn into middle of a war. Circle of history almost finished the turn this time not one but two worlds can be destroyed. Great action scenes, well written dialogues, awesome characters and some tough subject and decision that a reader can definitely enjoy.Only downside is absence of my favourite character from part 1, Batik. Well, I'll live.If you like western, post apocalypse, special setting like in Dark Tower series - this is a book for you.

David Gemmell was one of the best storytellers ever. All his books are fast paced, easy to read, very suspenseful and they leave you with a strong desire to read more of his books and adventures. He paints his characters and worlds full of color and makes you feel part of his stories. I have reread all his books many times and they never fail to thrill me and make me want to read them yet again.

Legend is his 1st book.

How can you not like David Gemmell, one of the greatist masters of Fantasy writing.

Jon shannow's story continues and Gemmell's power over words shines again. If you liked wolf in shadow you won't want to miss this!

What a good book. I can't wait to see how it's going to continue from here, or can is it possible to lol

Great book

another wonderful story from a legend author

Another superb page turner from David Gemmell. Great interweaving of future and past, legend and biblical mythology. A must read for any fan of the genre

love Gemmell books