Standard David Gemmell fare - a one-off so not part of a series. This reads well although slightly too long in the last third. The story of a civilisation trying to hold on to its power with an assortment of main characters, both heroic and interesting. ( )

Substance: A tale of caste systems undone by events that illustrate with stark clarity the sterility of immortality and arrogance. Full of heroes, some fools, and even conflicted villains. Insightful view of characters more complex than usual in a sword- & sorcery novel. Enough humor to lighten the load, without being funny.
Style: Gemmell writes high fantasy without affectation. Straight-forward narrative (a few back-stitches), exciting action without being overpowering. The chapter headings about "legendary" figures, placed in front of the events that gav rise to them, were intriguing. ( )

More of the same from Gemmel. ( )

http://www.sfreader.com/read_review.asp?ID=435 ( )

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