Anharat :- One of the two twin Demon Lords, whereas Emsharas is the Lord of Day he is the Lord of the Night.

Antikas Karios :- Ventrian Swordsmaster and Second in command to the treacherous Malikada.

Axiana :- Wife of Skanda to legitimise his claim to the Ventrian throne as she is the daughter of the previous Ventrian Emperor. Also the cousin of Malikada and mother of the future king (third sacrifice.)

Bakilas :- Lord of the Krayakin

Banelion :- The White wolf, the retired Drenai General who leads the "old men" back to Drenan for thier pensions. Hated by Malikada who wants his death and defender of the third king at Anrahats own temple against the Ventrian army. Also it was he who saved Nogusta when the villagers tried to lynch him

Bison :- An unusual name for an unusual man, friend of Nogusta and Kebra he is a simple thinker and dislikes being manipulated. Known as bison due to his bald head but with hair growing long over his shoulders from his neck over his massive shoulders.

Dagorian :- Descendent of Hogun from Legend and former aide to Banilion. Before he became a soldier at the time of his fathers death he had been a source priest.

Emsharas :- One of the two twin Demon Lords, whereas Anharat is the Lord of Night he is the Lord of the Day. It was Emsharas who cast the first great spell to consign the airborn to the void and left the prophesy of the three kings but in the first place he used himself as the third sacrifice and returned to tell his brother the truth. Also Nogusta is one of his decendents.

Kalizkan :- A Master Mage who used blood magic in an attempt to heal himself but instead was taken over by Anharat. He returns throughout the novel to aid the saviours of the babe who Anharat wants to sacrifice.

Kebra :- Former Champion of the Silver Arrow and friend of Bison and Nogusta.

Malikada :- A treacherous Ventrian Nobleman serving as a General in the Drenai Army.

Nogusta :- Decendent of Emsharas and expert swordsman. Saved by Banelion from a lynch mob he served in the Drenai Army and was being pentioned off. Also carrier of a talisman of great power, friend of Bison and Kebra

Skanda :- King of all of Ventria and Drenai.

Ulmeneltha :- Companion of the Queen and priestess.

My Views

This book sees similar themes to Quest for Lost Heroes but has subtle differences as Gemmell creates a darker history to the world of the Drenai through the introduction of the Demon brothers.

A book of darker promises and blood sacrifices to unite not just the worlds of men but the worlds of demons. A different take but neither the less a book to read to see things differently.

Others Views