Hero in the Shadows

Drenai Series

By: David Gemmell

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The final story of Waylander, available in audio for the first time.

Thousands of years ago, the city of Kuan Hador - a place steeped in evil - was defeated by a vast army of mystic warriors, the enemy banished beyond the gateway between worlds.

Spells of enormous power sealed the gateway. Now, in the Duchy of Kydor, 2,000 miles from the lands of the Drenai, icy mists begin to form around the ruins of Kuan Hador. Awesome beasts stalk the hills and forests. The spells are fading, the days of blood drawing nearer.

Beyond the gateway the vengeful armies of Kuan Hador await. And where years before a host stood against the enemy, now only a handful of warriors prepare to face it once more: Kysumu the Swordsman, last of a dying breed; Yu Yu Liang, the ditch digger; Ustarte, the Beast-Priestess; and the mysterious Waylander.

Together they must solve an ancient mystery that will bring the dead to life for a final battle outside time. But first Waylander must find a way to kill a man who cannot die.

Read by Sean Barrett.

©2000 David Gemmell (P)2017 Orion Publishing Group

Grand finale

Awesome conclusion of Waylander! Can't help but be sad and pleased at the same time.

Solid, riveting story

I think I would have liked this series of 3 better if I had read them 25 years ago. Among the many series by other authors which present heroic characters, I have found that women can be more than the subject of rape and battle scenes need not drag on with so many details (hence 1 star deduction). So, I continue on to finish Drenai because the stories are compelling (I particularly like aging heroes and themes of atonement) but am aware that I may have to endure a few more battle scenes, interspersing some Robin Hobb and Michael Sullivan for contrasting imagery.

Perfection

Well, since I'm writing this immediately after the absolutely beautiful ending to the Waylander trilogy, I'm bound to use some superlatives.

This series has given me so much. From the Waylander books, I got strong, expertly crafted writing - I got fantastic world building - I got complex, fantastically drawn characters with complete inner lives - I got awesome adventure and action sequences.

And, as if that wasn't enough, I got one of the most satisfying and emotionally complete denouements I've ever read in long form fantasy fiction.

After the Waylander series (and Legend, which started me on this journey) I am a life long David Gemmell fan.

And regarding the auidiobook experience, this trilogy boasts one of the finest narrators ever. Sean Barrett carried this story with expert pacing, characterizations, and clarity. At times, he did sound like he was too old to be reading some of the characters, but his mature, deep, growling voice was tailor made for many of the characters. I'm so grateful he was cast to read Gemmell's works. An excellent pairing that will keep me coming back to Gemmell's audiobooks.

In all, a wonderful audiobook experience that I'll happily revisit again.

I don't know Gemmell's other works yet. But his Waylander series, is highly, highly recommended!

I loved it!

Fantastic writing and excellent narration!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all.

The best of Waylander

a great and final conclusion to the Waylander trilogy. One of the best installments of the Drenai series!

Favorite Series

This is a favorite audio series. The story line is excellent because the author is amazing. And the narrator is one of the best.

I experience maximum pleasure every time I listen to this series.

Fantastic

Listened to it many times. Yes, it is that good. It seems a peaceful ending to Waylander’s journey.

Beyond good

A story by David Gemmell never disappoints, and the ending to the Waylander trilogy does not break this statement.

Fantastic

One of the very best series and books I’ve read in a long while. Great characters and story.

continual

listen often, never boring. a great story. Waylander is the perfect character. introspective, dangerous, relentless. lots of commonsense wisdom sprinkled everywhere.