Waylander

Waylander, published in 1986, is a heroic fantasy novel by British fantasy writer David Gemmell. It is the first of three Waylander stories, although chronologically the earliest. Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf and Waylander III: Hero In The Shadows follow on from this story.
The novel introduces the eponymous assassin Waylander. It also brings other characters important to the Drenai saga, such as Karnak and the Thirty into being. Waylander is doomed to travel the world in search of revenge against those who killed his family. After allying with a priest, a fellow assassin, and a young mother, Waylander redeems himself. He also tries to save the kingdom. The origin of the Armour of Bronze is also detailed in the course of the story. Also detailed are the events that lead to Drenai becoming a republic.

In summary this is another winner by David Gemmell. Waylander is the usual subtle blend of action, extreme violence and humans struggling to come to terms with change. And this is where Gemmell excels over other authors. He realises that we all struggle with change. Why is that? The people who populate Gemmell's world all cling to the the illusion of certainty. Just as we all do in real life.

Gemmell realises that we all want things to be certain. A certain income each month, a routine that works, dependable relationships, a trustworthy version of ourselves. In other words a version of reality that isn't fluid. A version that is predictable and dependable. Rationally we know this isn't possible, but it's still hardwired into us that this is what we need and should strive for.
The book uses dark fantasy to explore this desire, along with themes of friendship and faith. The scenes covering besieged fortresses and vast plains are bleak, the future is unknown. The anti-hero is a flawed, an uncertain man. The philosophical musings on the idea of redemption are profound. The epic, sprawling story and plot is basic but that isn't the most important point here. What's most critical is what drives the characters. Can they ever be certain of anything?

Waylander is entertaining, masterfully written and a morally challenging fantasy. Its also a fast-paced adventure in which Dardalion, Danyal and Waylander grab the reader's attention. They become people you care about, people who you care about. The story holds you until the end. This is Gemmell at his best.