Quest for Lost Heroes by David Gemmell is the third book in the Drenai saga. The first book is Legend and the second is The King Beyond the Gates, both good books. In this book, Gemmell follows what he does well, that being a hero coming out of the past to complete a quest. I don’t want to knock Gemmell, but changing things up a little may be helpful once and awhile.

As I mentioned above the plot for this book is straight forward Gemmell, if you have read Legend and The King Beyond the Gates and enjoyed them then I have no doubt you will enjoy this one as well. As with other Gemmell books, this plot is well thought out and moves along at a brisk pace. There is little ‘down’ time in this book, it seems to dare you to put it down and walk away from it. There are some elements in this book that are not found in the first two books, but in my opinion they add considerably to the books power. I can’t really explain them here for fear of spoiling something for someone. In my opinion this book is the best one I have read of Gemmell yet, keep in mind I have only read the three listed above though. There is a very good plot twist towards the end that really drives this book and one that I honestly didn’t see coming. I think this really solidified the book in my eyes.

The characters in this book are classic Gemmell with a few little tweaks and additions to make them seem like something new. However, one character really stands out and develops very well within the pages of this novel and that would be Kiall. The development of this character is fantastic and well done. The reader is drawn into his quest and really feels for him through his trials. The other characters in this book are equally entertaining as well. For some reason Gemmell’s characters really draw me in and get me to care about them.

In the end scheme of things, Gemmell’s work will not be considered the Best of the Best in the Fantasy realm, but for those looking for a good tale with some good characters, give Gemmell a try. I have really enjoyed the first three books. This is not Epic fantasy by any means, but there is a good story here none-the-less. Fans of books set in the Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance worlds should really try these books, there are lot of similar ‘feels’ to those and Gemmell’s work. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy fans.