Lord of the Silver Bow

Starred review from August 8, 2005
Bestseller Gemmell (Legend
) boldly recasts the Trojan War in this first of a new trilogy, which centers on a warrior variously called Helikaon, Aeneas or the Golden One, who's blessed by luck to have all he turns his hand to prosper. Populated by compelling and finely drawn characters taken from either Greek mythology (Odysseus, Hektor, etc.) or the author's own fertile imagination, the novel lays the groundwork for the war to come. Spurred by prophecy, Agamemnon, King of Mykene, sets his men the task of killing Aeneas. The ensuing conflict threatens to engulf the Mediterranean. While this enchanting tale is more historical fiction than fantasy (the obligatory oracles and Kassandra's prophecies are the only hints of magic), genre fans and more general readers alike will have trouble putting it down. Agent, Howard Morhaim.

Starred review from July 15, 2005
Called away from her life as a priestess on the isle of Thera, Andromache travels to Troy as the wife-to-be of Hektor, warrior hero and son of King Priam. Before she meets her future husband, however, Andromache becomes involved in the sometimes petty, always dangerous household politics of the house of Priam. Most disturbing to the free-spirited former priestess, she falls in love with Hektor's good friend Helikaon, also called Aeneas, the Lord of the Silver Bow. Gemmell begins his epic trilogy several years before Agamemnon sends his fleet to lay siege to Troy. By focusing on the minor characters of Homer's "Iliad", the author of the "Stones of Power" cycle adds another dimension to a classic tale of passion and honor. Andromache's independent spirit and warrior-maiden demeanor work in counterpoint to Helikaon's honorable conscience and battle-hardened prowess. A series opener for all libraries; highly recommended.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2005
This hefty historical fantasy opens a trilogy dealing with the Trojan War but without the usual number of variations on the theme readers have come to expect from prolific and popular fantasist Gemmell. The title character is Aeneas, not outwardly the Trojan hero, however, but a Trojan ally using the name Helikaon. He and the Greek Odysseus are on terms of mutual respect, and he is also in love with Andromache, the betrothed of Hector, Troy's greatest warrior. When relations between Troy and Mycenae start deteriorating dramatically, Helikaon/Aeneas is in several kinds of dilemma. We soon learn that Gemmell's isn't the Homeric scenario of the " Iliad," however, because this book's Hector doesn't survive the battles of this preliminary book, and those occur before Agamemnon sets sail for Troy. Gemmell is a master of fast pacing and original, not to say offbeat, takes on legendary and mythical characters. The alternate " Iliad" he launches here does honor to his reputation and promises to lift it higher while adding notably to readers' pleasure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)