Troy: Fall of Kings (The Troy Trilogy)

I apologize for presuming to tell you what to do with your life, BUT don't read this Troy series book first! Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. So if you do happen to read first the first book in the series, Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow, and assuming that you liked it; then it goes almost without saying (but, of course, I am saying) that you will naturally read all the way through the final installment in the Troy series. But was it worth it? Yes. How is this particular book compared to the first two? It is a four-star (compared to a five-star read for book 1 and a 4.5-star read for book 2) read that you just have to make. We all know that Troy is doomed. We all anticipate that some of our much-beloved characters will no doubt take their last heroic breaths upon those crisp white pages. We've all read the 15,693 lines of the Iliad. We all saw the Brad Pitt movie. So while reading this book we all know that there will be no surprises, right. Or will there? I loved the wickedly clever reimagining of the Troy story. Just how did the Trojan Horse get into Troy? - Classic! Keep in mind that the author died while composing this book. His wife picked up his shield & quill and fought the good fight in his place while she was still mourning for her husband. If this story gets a little weepy near the end, I suppose that this book was part eulogy for Gemmell by his wife. Hey, I almost shed half a tear during one or two of the passages. I did wait quite a while between reading the first and the last book; I had to "psyche" myself up for it.

Long ago I'd read the first two in the series and was eager for this one to come out except Mr. Gemmell went and died and put this one on hold. Many years later I'm going through a Bronze Age interest and decide to revisit Mr. Gemmell's work. After reading books 1 & 2 I decided to see how 3 is. Honestly a little underwhelming after the first two. While Mrs. Gemmell did an admirable job cleaning this up for publishing it, the story becomes a little contrived to make events fit a timeline (Moses vs. Troy vs. Thera) and the bend/warping of the Iliad. Having said that I do give cudoes to the story line for best characters with the best moment being the duel between Achilles and Hector. I feel I'm robbing it with a 3 star rating vs. 4 but defend it because this is a step down from the earlier stories and while it's very readable, the love isn't there.

Troy: Fall of Kings is one of those books that leaves you both in awe of its brilliance and perplexed by its obvious flaws.The good points of this book are many. Gemmell and his wife (Who I understand finished said book after her husband's death.) continued the series' trend of creating realistic characters, who fit perfectly into the historical narrative of this period. These characters are multi-dimensional, behave realistic based upon their established personality, and burst off the page. The same can be said of the battle scenes, where they are realistically portrayed and one can feel the adrenaline rush of fear and the sound of clashing weapons as the Greek and Trojans warriors clash. And the final duel between Hector and Achilles is one of the best written I've read between two, heroic warriors. Even the final "Trojan Horse" resolution is well thought out and makes historical sense.Still, there are instances where the story just doesn't ring true. Helikaon and Andromache, in particular, make certain decision that 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 this 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.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.

I have read almost every Gemmell book over Christmas 2019-2020. I have reached the conclusion that his Troy series is a masterwork, the pinnacle of this writer’s great career.I can’t do anything other than recommend this work. Read the series though.A splendid piece of work that traverses from hero fantasy into legendary and classic writing.These books are great.

My review will cover all three books of the Troy trilogy as unlike a few others I think that they are all wonderful reads and combine to make a most wonderful, breathtaking read.I didn't know David Gemmell's books before reading Troy and so I came to them with no expectations - and this meant I didn't judge on other books (some of which I have now read and find lacking in comparison)The books are beautifully written, and whilst this 3rd book lacks the same impact as the first 2 due to the author's passing, which in itself is a tragedy, it is still a fantastic read. To take the well known story of Troy and re-write it was a bold and risky move and without a doubt it came off. The stories, characters, sub-plots, tales of heroism and tragedy are so well written you imagination is fired to a time long ago. You will tear through the chapters and devour the words, you will fall in love with the characters, for their flaws as well as their strengths. You find yourself urging them on despite thinking you know the outcome, and then gasp when the story goes in a direction you weren't expecting.I urge anyway considering these books to buy them, you will not regret it, buy the series and treat yourself to a wonderful reading epic.

I like the author have read several of his books and enjoyed them all. This one though couldn’t get into. It’s well written, but perhaps the plot line is to factual. I really enjoy his pure fantasy books. I wouldn’t want to put anyone off reading his just not for me.

Just finished the trilogy, for the second time, the first time long ago. The joys of getting older is I couldn’t remember it. What a cracking Read, great characters, great rewriting of mythology and great action scenes. Just a great set of books. What a gift David Gemmell left us.

This trilogy is not just a bunch of books to read - it's a legacy. It is unlike anything I've ever read before, being an avid reader since an early age.There's no going away from these books until you're finished. Comprehensive and full of completely opposing characters, Gemmell offers us a peek inside of the mind of each of them - the warriors, the heroes, the kings, the princesses, the servants... their hopes and dreams, their often surprising fates. They make you laugh and cry and gasp in horror as you live through every second of each tale. Truly captivating, you'd think David Gemmell was there to experience it all. These stories that will always stay with me, its characters forever ingrained in my mind and heart.Like many others have said, words literally fail me as I try to describe Gemmell's writing in all its legendary glory. I cannot believe it's over, it's been a remarkable journey.