'Echoes of the Great Song' by David Gemmell is a fast-paced heroic fantasy tale set in a dystopian world where an elder civilization is on the brink of collapse. The story revolves around the Avatars, immortal beings who rely on crystals for their power and immortality. As their empire crumbles, they must seek help from other races to fend off aggressors, including the menacing Crystal Queen. Filled with fantasy action, magic, splendour, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, courage, and frailty, this book offers a unique blend of SF, supernatural elements, and historical events, all intertwined in a fascinating fashion.

The writing style in 'Echoes of the Great Song' is characterized by superb storytelling, vividly bringing characters to life and exploring themes of overbearing pride, humility, and wonder. Despite some reviewers noting a fast-paced plot that may lack depth in character development, the book offers a gripping adventure with plenty of fantasy action, intriguing concepts, and a thought-provoking look at an elder civilization facing its demise.

Characters:

The characters are largely underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fast-paced and action-oriented, often prioritizing plot over character development, giving it a historical-like narrative feel.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a civilization that discovers solar power for magic, leading to conflict among different races and the appearance of an immortal race, all while exploring themes of power and humility.

Setting:

The setting is a richly imagined fantasy world influenced by historical civilizations, featuring unique magical and technological aspects.

Pacing:

The pacing is rapid and frenetic, which can hinder emotional investment and understanding of the events.

Notes:

The story features a race of normal men who harness solar energy for magical crystals.

The crystals are used to create healing stones for eternal life and powerful solar energy weapons.

The elder race hoards technology to control simpler civilizations instead of sharing it.

As the power source for the elder race begins to fail, tensions rise with their former slaves.

A new immortal race appears to conquer the world during the elder race's decline.

The book is fast-paced and action-packed, but character development is minimal.

It contains elements of fantasy inspired by historical civilizations like the Aztecs, Ancient Greece, and Rome.

There are various magical technologies, including energy bows and cannons.

Characters often feel underdeveloped and more like plot devices than central figures.

The author, David Gemmell, is known for his engaging storytelling style and vivid world-building.

Many readers feel this book could have benefited from more pages or slower pacing.

The text explores themes of power, decay, and the consequences of selfishness in a civilization.

While praised for action, some action sequences are noted as glossed over and lacking impact.

The book features some adult themes but remains appropriate for younger readers.

It’s often compared to Gemmell's other works like 'Legend' and 'Waylander.'

Though it has an interesting premise, readers feel it lacks the depth of Gemmell's earlier novels.

From The Publisher:

"A HUMDINGER . . . A MASTERLY TALE TOLD WITH CLARITY AND VERVE."

- The Times (London)

The Avatars are immortal and live like kings-even though the empire is dying. Their immortality is guaranteed by magic crystals whose influence is now waning, overwhelmed by the sheer power of a great flood and a sudden ice age. But when two moons appear in the sky, and the ruthless armies of the Crystal Queen swarm across the land bringing devastation and terror, the Avatars unite with their subjects to protect their universe.

As the cities face imminent destruction, three heroes emerge. Talaban, a warrior haunted by tragedy; Touchstone, the mystic tribesman seeking his lost love; and Anu, the Holy One, the Builder of Time. And when all seems lost, two others enter the fray: Sofarita, the peasant girl who will inspire a legend, and the madman, Viruk, who will become a god. . . .

Reader Stats (1):

Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Echoes of the Great Song?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Echoes of the Great Song

David Gemmell

Characters:

Writing/Prose:

Plot/Storyline:

Setting:

Pacing:

Genres:

Tropes/Plot Devices:

Topics:

Notes:

From The Publisher:

Reader Stats (1):

What can you read after Echoes of the Great Song?

What can you read after
Echoes of the Great Song?