Few writers in modern fantasy have left as profound and lasting a mark as David Gemmell. His stories of courage, honor, and defiance in the face of impossible odds have resonated with readers across generations, inspiring not only countless fans but also shaping the imaginations of many of today’s most celebrated authors.  Gemmell’s novels are more than tales of battle and heroism—they are lessons in resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable human spirit. Through characters who stand tall against darkness, even when hope seems lost, he gave us worlds that reflected both our frailties and our strengths. For many, his books were not simply entertainment, but guiding lights during difficult times.

It is no surprise, then, that writers who followed in his footsteps speak of him with deep admiration and gratitude. His influence can be seen in the stories they tell, the heroes they craft, and the themes they explore. In their own words, these tributes stand as a testament to the enduring power of David Gemmell’s legacy—a legacy that continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift.

The following tributes are from respected and acclaimed authors of the fantasy genre.

“David Gemmell has meant a great deal to me – for forty years now. His characters taught me some valuable things: about courage, about putting past failures behind; about being unable to. I loved Waylander, Bane, John Shannow, the Thirty, Parmenion – too many to list. He had a huge talent for plotting and his endings are among the best I’ve ever read. His greatest talent though was in creating characters – men and women as real to me as any others in all literature. He made me want to write, to be much better at writing. I owe him a huge debt for that pervasive and enduring influence. I left it too late to meet him; I thought there would be more time. I have written since about his influence on my career. I just wish I’d been able to tell him in person. My tribute is the books I write and the stories I tell – all influenced by him.”  Conn Iggulden

“David Gemmell was one of the first writers who opened my eyes to just how powerful and moving heroic fantasy could be, and his stories have stayed with me ever since. As a teenager, Legend struck me in a way few books ever had. On the surface it was a tale of a besieged fortress and an empire on the brink, but what made it unforgettable were the people who stood within those walls their fears, friendships, and sacrifices. Druss the Deathwalker especially left a lasting mark on me, showing how true heroism is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face it head-on. What impressed me most about Gemmell’s writing was the depth he gave to every character. Ulric, the Nadir warlord, was not portrayed as a simple villain but as a leader with duty and vision of his own, which made the conflict all the more compelling. His characters were never one-dimensional, but strong or resourceful while also capable of ruthlessness or manipulation when the story demanded it. It was the complexity of character which gave his worlds a richness and credibility drawing me in completely. When I started writing, I found myself constantly reminded of those lessons. David Gemmell showed me characters must feel alive, readers need to care about their fates, and that real strength often shines brightest in flawed, human figures. If anything in my own work ever carries even a spark of what Gemmell achieved, it is because his stories inspired me from the very beginning.”  Gary Martin

“I started reading Gemmell’s work about the same time I became interested in the art and mechanics of writing. I remember reading a handful of lines about the aftermath of an attack – in a book early on in the Drenai Saga – and pausing to wonder how so few words could strike so deep. I looked at it from several angles and began to understand what he had done. Some of my best reading moments lie between the covers of a Gemmell novel, and although I read many more, he kept finding new ways to surprise me.”  Mark Lawrence

“I always knew I wanted to be a fantasy author. It was a goal of mine from an early age. However, it wasn’t revealed to me the kind of writer I wanted to be until I read Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell. It was a foray into our planet’s ancient past but made compellingly relevant to the present. The story telling was magnificent, the characters wonderfully flawed and the writing steeped in a mix of adventure, humor, and political intrigue I could only wonder at. In short, it was the best told tale that I’d ever read. I feel lucky to have walked through middle earth…shared a laugh with Mat Cathon, and hoisted a tankard alongside the magicians of Recluse. No one, however had the impact on my writing like David Gemmell. For me, he is the epitome of what it is to be an outstanding fantasy author. Though he is gone, his words will ring with reading enthusiasts throughout history. The greatest compliment I have ever received about my own writing, is that it would have made the big man proud.” Michael K. Falciani