Echos of the Great Song by David Gemmell

David Gemmell is widely considered as a master of writing fantasy and in my opinion none can despute that. He is (if lacking a little originaility) masterful at potraying characters and describing everything that happens. His books are enthralling, entertaining and an exdellent read. And this book, Echoes of the Great Song, is no exception.

Through out the book it follows the lives of 4 main characters (and lots of minor ones.) Talaban, an honourable swordsmaster, Viruk, a cold blooded killer who also happens to be a swordsmaster, Questor Ro who wants the days of old to return and Sofarita, the last hope of the Avatar.

I thought this was a fantastic book and describes the thoughts, feelings and actions of the characters brilliantly.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The only problem is I felt as though I was back in the land of Jon Shannow, and the Sipstrassi. It lacked originality. Bloodstone, blood crystal, tidal waves, they are one and the same. But my complaining stops there! I loved the story, and I loved the characters, just as I love most Gemmell books

The Avatars are immortal. They live like kings and ruthlessly rule every other nation on the face of the planet. But a cataclysm has befallen their planet and their power has been weakend.
Every nation seeks to avenge the few surviving "Kings", and that is only the least of the perils that await the Avatar.
The book is a very thrilling novel.It is easily read and is very interesting in it's Apocalyptic nature.
In my opinion the writer tries to represent the fall of the Roman empire( metaphorically of course ), until in the end he takes a twist and gives the story a different ending.
Go read it!