• The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend

  • Drenai Series
  • By: David Gemmell
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (476 ratings)

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The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend  By  cover art

The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend

By: David Gemmell
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Publisher's Summary

Druss. The Legend. Saviour of Skeln Pass. Protector of Dros Delnoch. The most famous - and dreaded - of Drenai's heroes.

But before all men knew Druss, he was a young husband, hewing tress instead of men - most of the time - and held in check by his beloved wife, Rowena. When she is stolen by slavers, Druss becomes a killing machine intent on only one thing: Rowena's return.

©2017 David Gemmell (P)2017 Hachette Audio

What listeners say about The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend

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Gemmel and Barrett = Excellent

I started reading Gemmel' s work in the mid 80's and I've been reading him ever since! Over the years, I developed Druss's voice in my head. Rough but warm with friends. Cold as ice grating with enemies. Loving with Rowena. Sean Barrett slipped into my thoughts and borrowed that voice. A perfect combination of author and narrator!

4 people found this helpful

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The GOAT

Gemmell is the reason I started reading the genre. This book is at its core what fantasy is supposed to be. If your looking for an incredible story look no further.

4 people found this helpful

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Incredible!

The worst part of this book is that the author is dead, and one day soon, I will have no books of his left to read. My heart is already heavy with sadness.

2 people found this helpful

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Simply Fantastic

David Gemmell is (was) a master story teller. The mystical elements are wonderfully balanced as a backdrop for the deeper human story. Lovers of Joe Ambercrombie will enjoy Gemmell’s work completely. His style is the perfect balance of deeply entertaining lore and approachable stand alone adventure tales.

In terms of narration- there are few voice actors I love more than Sean Barrett. The texture of his voice is wonderful, and his performance feels effortless and conversational; as if your listening to an old friend.

The post script notes to the reader that Gemmell included were such a lovely personal touch. All together, his body of work shouldn’t be missed for fantasy fans. I’m shocked it took me so long to find him, but I’m so happy I did.

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Exceptional!

Such a great book. I can listen to them over and over again. Especially the Waylander series. A+++

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Disappointed

I really enjoyed the book and the performance from Sean Barrett. I really enjoyed the beginning and end of the book however disliked the middle about him and rowona, it felt like a huge let down as there were so many different and more interesting ways to go then the old cliche. The book is still excellent though the middle of it killed a lot of it for me.

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gemmell is great

Druss is the man code and all... who so ever doesn't want to do heroic acts after this book, I do not know...

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A Brilliant and engaging story

If you've listened to Legend you know what Druss did to become legendary. This story, The First Chronicles, tells you how he did it. The characters are dynamic and entertaining while also being thoughtful. Having the poet be a kind of comic relief to Drusse’s gruff personality was my favorite part. It's a great book!

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Excellent story and narration

DG never fails to enthrall and entertain although with some novels the narration is a serious distraction particularly the female series - but this is not an issue with this story which is allowed to breathe and charm without lame accents or unconvincing mannerisms. I wish all of the books were done by this narrator

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Awesome

If you loved Legend and Druss this gives you everything you’re looking for! Another classic

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  • Martha Alice Wolfgang
  • 08-15-17

Best ever listen

Legend is brilliant, The Chronicles of Druss surpasses it in my opinion, this has to be the best book I've ever listened to. I've read all of David Gemmell's books and proudly own a considerable amount of first editions signed by the great author but nothing compares to the exhilarating life Sean Barrett brings in his reading of them. I am blown away by the listening experience. I will be buying them all. Highly recommended, I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed.

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  • B. C. Furzer
  • 08-15-17

super, recommended

This is a superb performance from both author and narrator. Characters and events are brought to life to involve the listener. Thoroughly recommended.

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  • E. Robinson
  • 08-06-17

Great story Fabulous Performance

This is my fourth David Gemmell book and the best so far. Sean Barett appears to revel in his performance of this story, it really is a masterclass on how audio books should be performed. If fantasy is you r bag them I would highly recommend giving this a listen.

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  • Wayne
  • 07-22-17

perfect listening

love the story
love the characters
and love the saga. Druss the legend what an enormous read

1 person found this helpful

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  • harrier626
  • 07-19-17

Brilliant

I have read all the David Gemell books and i have been hoping they would appear on Audible. This is s great story, but Waylander was chronologically the first story, that said, this is a great introduction to Druss. Superb.

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  • Joe small
  • 07-18-17

Swordplay, sorcery and sieges galore!

This is a classic book from my childhood which I was extremely happy to finally find on audible. Looking forward to delving back into the great Gemmell catalogue.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Paul jones
  • 07-17-17

Epic

I have read this so many times love the story and druss is the best character in fantasy today

1 person found this helpful

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  • Stephen
  • 07-17-17

just epic

i didn't want it to end, absolutely brilliant, well read, well written. Ill be buying them all

1 person found this helpful

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  • Stu
  • 07-09-17

thoroughly enjoyable

it's Druss, as a young man, his journey to becoming the legend enough said, love this character

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • bdhussar
  • 07-08-17

Druss series

Loved the book this was even better, great story great narration. I look forward to the Waylander series which I have already pre ordered.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Nicholas Quinn
  • 06-08-21

WOW my favourite Gemmell book/audiobook so far

after reading waylander who is one of my all time favourite science function characters, I thought I would not be able to endear myself to any other Gemmell further

I read/listen to everything in chronological order... not publication date order

enter Druss, a Hero to walk the mountains with

I am very sad that David Gemmell has passed away, but he is one of the best authors I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

A true hero of mine, his books has provided so much solace to me over the years.
I am never more content than the moment I finish the re reading of one of Mr Gemmells books again.

one of the greats, up there with Tolkien, Sanderson and Abercrombie in my personal top 4 favourite authors (obviously there are 1,000,000s of fantastic authors out there, but I am not as prolific a reader as I would like,

if anybody did not enjoy this audiobook they 100% should demand a refund, they can put the monies they receive from their refund towards their therapy sessions.

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  • Hamuera Maika
  • 05-23-23

Druss is a legend

It’s been a longtime since I’ve read these books and I can remember why I liked them so much. The voice gives life to the characters and I enjoyed every part of it.

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  • b3nje909
  • 03-10-23

Exceptional.

Druss The Legend, IS my favourite book of all time. The man is awe inspiring, and the vision of what most men (should) aspire to be.

Strong, protective, loyal, a defender of the weak, a moral compass in a cruel and harsh world, afraid of no one or no thing, an utter daemon in combat. In many ways its a fantastic love story, but it is also tragically sad and there is no shame to have some tears welling in your eyes towards the end.

I found the narration a bit confusing at the start, the way Sean increases the tempo for fight scenes felt abit strange, but then he falls into a rhythm.

but what fallows is a great story of heroism, adventure and bravery.

5/5

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-07-22

never lets me down!

Sean Barrett's voice is perfect for Druss, and all Gemmell characters. beautiful tone, pace and expression, drags you into the story and holds on!

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 08-01-22

Sensational read

David Gemmell is one of the best fantasy authors out there. the depth of tge characters is awesome.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 06-01-22

excellent

great story. Top narration. definitely recommended. do yourself a favour and get this audio book

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  • G M N Young
  • 05-06-22

unbelivable

David Gemmel was an amazing writer...Druss was his greatest Character.... the best story. A great book to read. lots of excitement.

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  • Typhus.
  • 01-18-22

Reliving youth.

I ham very happy to listen to this for the first time as I have read it before hut everyone should listern to this.

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  • Keith S.
  • 09-25-21

Great adventure

Druss is a nonchalant character that always gets sucked into fighting at which he is very good at

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  • Andrew
  • 07-25-21

Mesmerizing

Fantastic story and masterfully read by Sean Barrett. Sean should be the official Gemell narrator