Echoes   of   the   Great   Song

This represents- in my view- a departure for Gemmell from much of his
previous work. I know many who disagree with me and say that it is too
close to formulaic writing for their tastes, but I would have to 
disagree.

There are undoubtedly elements reminiscent of his other workds- but 
it's only natural; that familiarity is the part of himself he puts it 
into his work- to remove it would be to remove Gemmell's essence.

'Echoes' is a more mature book in some ways and the idea behind it is 
as ingenious as Gemmell fans have come to expect from his other books.
Staggering events are dealt with with such a gentle brushstroke that
the more impatatient reader could miss them altogether.

It is a book of intricacies in many ways- the moments are no less 
heartfelt than his others, but they are far from cliche and reveal a 
surprising aspect to Gemmell' work- that of light handed beauty. But 
I don't mean to make it sound like 'Sense and Sensibility' because,
of course, there is much traditional Gemmell action, involving
fight scenes (some interesting technological weapons too- the zhi 
bows a favourite)and some great characters- Viruk must rate a mention
as a superb psycho.

The first time I read this book I was somewhat ambivalent about it...
coming hot off the press I had devoured it impatiently, expecting 
something different, and was a little taken aback- where was the 
familiar formula I knew and loved? Of course all the Gemmell aspects 
were there- lurking behind delicasy, and on my second reading I found
it to be one of his best. 

A book that should be read twice before making judgements- and proof
that, though Gemmell may change, some things about his work won't.