Hero in the Shadows

There will always be vile men, just as there will always be men of kindness and compassion...

Following on from the demon story created in a previous Drenai novel, Winter Warriors, Hero in the Shadows once more plunges heroes against magic. Hero in the Shadows, published in 2000, is a novel by British fantasy writer David Gemmell. It is the final tale featuring Waylander, in the Drenai saga. Sequel to ‘Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf', the novel gives a change of place and name to Waylander's story. It furthers his motivations and the development of the legendary Prince of Assassins.

In this final volume Waylander is old, grey and ready to receive the Source. The story continues 6 years after the end of the previous book. Waylander has begun a new life, leaving behind his past. He is now a rich looking for a world that will give him peace and atonement for his crimes. This new life it too hides its own dangers and secrets. He will find himself between the plots and schemes for the political power of the Lords. Faced with enemies he cannot easily fight and a magical sorcerer working for an unknown cause, he is forced to take up his crossbow and sabre. And so once again he becomes Waylander. He is helped by an idealistic warrior, a braggart with a stolen sword, a girl with a special talent, and a mysterious priestess and her followers. He then seeks to close the chapter of his life by destroying the evil he has created by his own hand.

Gemmell has crafted this tale with it's roots firmly in action and development of the new heroes, who fight alongside Waylander. The magic used here is insidious and the the body count keeps rising. As ever, the dynamic fight scenes are simple but deadly. They paint a picture in blood rather than gory descriptions. There are strong emotional currents throughout and into this Gemmell weaves action, tension, and mystery.

Waylander is without any doubt one of the most fascinating anti-heroes ever created. Previous books follow the path from his creation as an assassin. With expert character development and sharp dialogue I recommended this book to any fantasy reader. Although previous Drenai novels (especially the Waylander ones and Winter Warriors) would create a perfect backdrop.

So, overall, this is a very strong book with Gemmell, as also his writing, reaching a very high level. As I reach to the end of this series, it was the most heroic, and magical, adventure. Indeed, all Gemmells legendary characters; from Druss the Legend, to Waylander the Slayer, to Skilgannon the Damned and all the other great heroes, show us the true meaning of sacrifice and of heroism.

If you enjoy Gemmell and heroic fantasy in general, you'll enjoy this.