In this novel of fantasy, no elves, dwarves or orcs, men and just a little magic (divination, prescience, telepathy and mental projection).
The plot of the book is classic. A gradual rise of the action with presentation of the characters, training, jousting and individual fights before the big shock, the assault which only happen on page 325 (of 505 pages). Some heroes present from the beginning or arriving timely.
Some interesting points: The heroes are not all smooth, large beautiful and strong. Druss sees himself as an old man with a swollen knee and an arthritic back (which does not prevent him from making a carnage in the enemy troops). The wicked are not entirely black: Ulric admired and is presented as a great man or at least as a great conqueror (even if torture, maiming and practice of summary executions); what is more normal in these uncertain times?
The style is fluid, simple, pleasant to read, with humor, a lot of emphasis and a description quite involved fighting.
In short, a virile novel, spectacular, quite primary but devilishly effective.
Great time for distraction.
