Lord of the Silver Bow

I’m cheating a little here by recommending a trilogy but this was one of the best historical fiction I’ve read.

The series is about Prince Aeneas and the legendary story of the war between the Trojans and the Greeks. David Gemmell sets the scene prior to war from the POV of Aeneas, who was regarded as pirate but as the story progresses you learn more about his actions and why he keeps roaming the sea.

It is full of action and stays true to the unfolding drama of the Trojan War. For me, the historical backdrop and the research the… show more.

No list of mine would be complete without a title from my favourite author; but the Troy trilogy is a bittersweet masterpiece—Gemmell died before it was completed. Thankfully, his wife took up the work from his extensive notes and it’s graciously unclear as to where in the final book the transition is made. She captured his voice tremendously.

As a lover of the Classics, it didn’t take long for me to get fully immersed in this reimagining of Homer’s Iliad, with the excellent characterisation and worldbuilding you’d expect from Gemmell. It also incorporates echoes of the author’s love… show more.

Okay, I’m taking some liberties here. Gemmell’s series is actually set during the Trojan war rather than ancient Rome, but there are constant references to “The Seven Hills,” so I’ll make an exception. I read this book when I was still in grade school and instantly fell in love with historical fiction, and ancient history in general. This book was fundamental to getting me started on the path of writing historical fiction. And to my delight, the story is just as impressive and moving now as it was then. This is the Trojan War like you’ve never seen before, and… show more.

David Gemmell wrote some truly amazing books in his life, this trilogy for me stands out. His re-imagining of the Trojan myths is unrivalled, his ability to build a world and make it real, fill it with flawed but brilliant characters had me hooked. He took a well-worn tale, stripped it down and brought it to life in a way no one else could. This taught me that it didn’t matter if I wanted to write something that I thought had already been ‘done.’ Only you can tell your story, and at the end of the day, that’s what’s really… show more.

Gemmell’s books are renowned, and I have enjoyed every single one. None more so than this, however. ‘Lord of the Silver Bow’ spirits one to the Bronze Age and to the Trojan War. Never have I been so touched by the individuals in the well-known cast – not even in The Iliad itself – than here. Packed with tension, love, tragedy, high adventure, and moral philosophy throughout. An absolute masterpiece.