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Sword in the Storm (The Rigante #1)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 3,161 ratings · 77 reviews

Born in the storm that doomed his father, Connavar grows to manhood among the mist-covered mountains of Caer Druagh, where the Rigante tribe dwell in harmony with the land and its gods.

But beyond the border, across the water, an evil force is gathering strength, an unstoppable force that will change the world beyond all recognition.

Haunted by malevolent spirits and hunted...more

Paperback, 480 pages

Published June 3rd 1999 by Corgi (first published September 3rd 1998)

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Jul 14, 2012 Steve rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi-fantasy

Probably my favourite (yes I can spell, I'm English *laughing*) Gemmell. In fact, definately in my top 3 reads of all time. Gemmell's ability to draw an intense and gripping story through the ability to make his character's 'human' was the best I've ever come across. All his heroes had their flaws or weaknesses, with most of his villains having a side that showed them as 'not too far removed from most' or 'even holding some great skill beyond ours'.

I don't rate 'all' of Gemmell's books (though...more

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Jun 17, 2008 Cheryl rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gemmell may be a great storyteller, but there are parts of the story that I didn't care for. Way too many pages that I had to skip over due to sexual content. Let's just say, "Too much information!!!!"

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Jan 08, 2012 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

In a terrible storm that doomed his father, the young babe Connavar was born. His father died running from battle, and he vowed never to be a coward, never to betray his friends. He grows in strength and skill, but is also impulsive and quick to anger. But this must be tempered if he can save his people from the terrible armies that one day will attack the tribes of the Rigante.[return][return]This is a damn fine fantasy book. Unlike most in the heroic fantasy sub-genre, this book is set at the...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An epic tale of undying love, heroic courage and ultimate sacrifice that is breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely imaginative.

David Gemmell is one of Britain’s greatest storytellers whose inspired imaginative ideas and clever creativity merge together strong themes within a fantasy setting that is astonishing. Whether you are an avid reader of the fantasy genre or simply someone who delights in powerful, affecting prose this author whose accomplished ability and remarkable depth of meaning (tha...more An epic tale of undying love, heroic courage and ultimate sacrifice that is breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely imaginative.

David Gemmell is one of Britain’s greatest storytellers whose inspired imaginative ideas and clever creativity merge together strong themes within a fantasy setting that is astonishing. Whether you are an avid reader of the fantasy genre or simply someone who delights in powerful, affecting prose this author whose accomplished ability and remarkable depth of meaning (that remains unmatched) is a master of his craft. As someone who grew up with reading works by JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, David Farland and Raymond E Feist (to name but a few) I was enchanted by David Gemmell’s work who stood-out with a distinctive flair and originality. Fast-paced action, dramatically intense plot twists and substantial, meaningful tales make this book a real page-turner that is quite different to anything else you will have encountered.

Book one in the Rigante series; ‘Sword in the storm’ begins deep within the green mountains lands of the Rigante lies the settlement of the Three Streams, whose people worship the Gods of Air and Water and the spirits of the Earth. Among them lives a boy whose destiny is written in the starlight. He is Connavar, the Demonblade, born in a storm that doomed his father…
A man with the makings of greatness will always have enemies and from the start of this epic chronicle it is prophesized that the armies of the Stone will one day cross the water…and that their coming will be like an avalanche.
Even as that terrible time draws near, another story is told. One that links the price of glory with the loss of a Witch’s powers, and with the abiding hurt of a broken promise. Here the strongest forces, wise and evil, play their allotted part – from the Ghost General and the Malignant Morrigu to the woods whose magic harks back to a world before the coming of man.

This magnificent, indescribable masterpiece of such scope is truly astonishing and remains as great a timeless legend as that of Merlin. With the quality and depths of the Arthurian Legends, combining complex, detailed world-building with exquisite storytelling this really is an extraordinarily, noteworthy creation. With the author’s sad death in 2006 it seems that his work has slipped into the shadows, therefore I would like to propel this genius’ creation into readers hearts once again – where it deserves to be. If you want to experience epic fantasy, sword and sorcery at its very best and delve into an outstanding creation beyond all imagination, then I urge you to discover the roots of the most widely-read and universally loved genre; for it is authors such as David Gemmell that ignited a passion and the enthusiasm for fantasy and great literature. This stunning, beautifully written piece of spectacular literary greatness is just exceptional!
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Oct 07, 2012 Mrs. S rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first book that I have read by David Gemmell.

I love SF fantasy and was looking for a new author. The story involves Connavar who is the "Sword in the Storm." When he was a baby, his father is killed while running away in battle and he is lovingly raised by his stepfather, Ruathain and his mother. After learning of his father's "cowardly" act, he develops a need to prove that he is not coward and finds himself in many situations that test him. His life is influenced periodically by t...more

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Jun 30, 2011 T.L. Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the fifth book I've read of David Gemmell, and in case you haven't guessed, I'm hooked. He is by far the most consistently enjoyable fantasy writer I've ever read.

Sword in the Storm is about Connovar, a young man growing up in a fantasy version of Scotland among his fellow Rigante (Scottish Celts). He is faced with a destiny to defend his people from the coming of the Stone people (Romans) and fight off the Sea Raiders (Norse?). The Seidhe, ancient Fey spirits have taken a shine to him,...more

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Apr 21, 2011 David Dalglish rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At what point do you condemn a hero?

This seems to be the overall theme in Sword in the Storm, the third novel I've read by David Gemmell. The first was Legend, the other one of the Troy series. In all three, we have legendary warriors, towering men who can stand at the center of a battle and survive through sheer skill and will. Yet of the three main heroes, Sword in the Storm seems to have the most failings, not in just his character, but in the way he is told.

In Legend, we have Druss. He's old...more At what point do you condemn a hero?

This seems to be the overall theme in Sword in the Storm, the third novel I've read by David Gemmell. The first was Legend, the other one of the Troy series. In all three, we have legendary warriors, towering men who can stand at the center of a battle and survive through sheer skill and will. Yet of the three main heroes, Sword in the Storm seems to have the most failings, not in just his character, but in the way he is told.

In Legend, we have Druss. He's old, tired, and grumpy. Yet despite that, we see a legendary warrior still mourning his wife. Facing impossible odds, he refuses to give in, and that strength aids the many around him until they triumph. Druss is almost perfect. He's intelligent. He can fight. He acts calm and rational when he needs to, and he can roar and bellow when he needs to.

In Troy, we have Helikaon. Again, skilled fighter, revered by many, superb wealth, handsome, and able to turn an impossible battle. Except we also see him perform incredibly harsh actions. In this, though, he seems almost at peace about them. The world is dark and unafraid, and they will understand only the violence he delivers to them. Sure he gets a little close to crossing the line, but nothing like Connavar. Nothing like Sword in the Storm.

Connavar slaughters innocent women and children. He cheats on his wife. He often swears revenge, easily gives in to hate, and is sorely lacking the self-control of either Helikaon or Druss. But the problem is...he's still a "perfect" David Gemmell hero. It just doesn't feel quite right yet. What do I mean by "perfect" Gemmell hero? He's got the looks, the brains, the charisma, and the fighting skill. Basically, cross Napoleon with Conan the Barbarian. As a child, he struggles to help his parents, he saves a fawn with no thought to the injuries he'll take himself, befriends a cripple solely to be kind to him, and he commits self-less act after self-less act.

The problem is when anything "personal" happens to Connavar. See, when dealing with warfare, politics, diplomacy, it doesn't matter. He'll react perfectly, keep his head, show mercy, etc. However, the second something happens to a friend, he loses it. Completely. He'll storm off with vows of vengeance. He'll give in to red fury and slaughter whole villages. The lack of self-control is astounding. Sure, he acts guilty about it later, but it almost feels like I'm dealing with a schizophrenic. Dealing with foreign leader? Connavar the magnificent: outsmart him, say the right thing, defeat some lackey, and then leave a hero. Dealing with the death of a friend? RAAAWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRR, CONNAVAR SMAAASSHHHHH!

Anyways, I'm getting wordy. Gemmell deals with some wonderfully mature themes, playing one what is right and what is wrong. My favorite example is of a fox eating a hen's chicks. To the hen, the fox is a murderer. To the fox, he just had a meal to sustain his life. He constantly tweaks with perspective. Who is evil, the king who kills four people to take the throne, or the warlord who slays thousands to take the throne back "honorably"? Connavar is clearly supposed to be complex, and he's pictured as a massive bear with chains holding him in check (the chains being honor, duty, etc). More often, he feels like two characters. Cliche or not, repetitive or not, I still LIKE the good Connavar, the stereotypical Gemmell hero. While I certainly understand readers who cannot endure this book because of what bad Connavar does, I also can sympathize to some extent. I can forgive a man who himself is seeking forgiveness. I just expect him to learn eventually.

So far, it doesn't seem like Connavar is learning. After one incident, he swears that he will never be the same again, and always remember that lesson. And then a few chapters down the road, he does something even worse. He mopes, hides, and eventually swears, again, that he will never be the same, and never forget. Except this time, I don't believe him. I want to, but I don't. We'll see if the next Rigante book changes my mind.(less)

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Jun 08, 2010 Lindsey Duncan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: just-fantasy

Following the adventures of Connavar from childhood to hero, this is an intense book sternly loyal to the archetypes of sword and sorcery. For those who are fans of the style, it is atmospheric and immersive, a skillful take on those underlying tropes. The dark mystery of magic, the evils of civilization, the glories of battle ... it's exactly as old-school sword and sorcery should be. There is nothing new here, but it's homage rather than derivation.

... mostly. There are a few spots, particular...more Following the adventures of Connavar from childhood to hero, this is an intense book sternly loyal to the archetypes of sword and sorcery. For those who are fans of the style, it is atmospheric and immersive, a skillful take on those underlying tropes. The dark mystery of magic, the evils of civilization, the glories of battle ... it's exactly as old-school sword and sorcery should be. There is nothing new here, but it's homage rather than derivation.

... mostly. There are a few spots, particularly later in the book, where I felt that the author was adhering to The Formula rather than thoughtfully applying the circumstances of his world and characters to the plot. I just didn't buy some of Connavar's later bursts of rage, except that they were "in style" for the subgenre. I do agree with other reviewers that these made me lose a lot of sympathy for the character.

And the sex. Oy, the sex. More graphic than I wanted, thank you. However, once you get past the first eighty pages or so, the scenes become the kind of "gentle fade" that really seemed all that was necessary to make the point. Beats me.

Also, there are several phrases used - particularly in these sex scenes, but also in some of the healing / injury descriptions - that seem really modern. I am sorry, I can't see a character in the period described in Sword in the Storm saying, "Was it good for you, too?"

That aside, I did enjoy much of this book. It's a leisurely style you can't get away with much any more, unfolding back to the character's first days and watching him grow ... while still holding the reader and making you want to read on. There's a real pleasure in this long-term development, and the secondary characters grow and change in satisfying ways, as well. Connavar may be a lone hero, but he's also part of a vibrant community.

But - and this is why the book ultimately gets three stars from me, not four - in the end, the conflict we've been promised and foreshadowed through the vast majority of the book never materializes. I didn't even feel like the ending was a real ending. This might be forgiveable in a more compact work, but for me, you can't provide a sprawling life story and then stop before the epicenter, even with a promised sequel.(less)

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Jul 10, 2011 Gordon Doherty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I ever forget what good storytelling is, then I can safely turn to David Gemmell for a sterling reminder.

Sword in the Storm exhibits all the traits that made me love his style (have read Troy series, Lion of Macedon series, Stones of Power series) and in particular the very real-feeling portrayal of Connovar, the flawed hero. Every character has a touch of this, no archetypal villains or infallible good guys in this story, and the people of the Roman/Kelt-like world only become tainted as go...more

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May 30, 2010 Daniel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well-written. I liked the main character and thought his motivations and experiences were compelling. I liked the culture and the interesting fantasy world; stayed up till 3 am reading.

However, I have two beefs with the book. The first was that several scenes had way more detail about sexual encounters than I wanted. I was able to skip over these for the most part, and I was prepared to forgive the author since the book was so well done in other ways.

Unfortunately, near the end, the main charact...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Michael Slabbert rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book and the Rigante Series has to be one of my all time favourites. I just re-read it for the first time, 5 years after first reading it and it brought back many fond memories. Gemmel is fantastic and telling a story, and creates truly great characters who you come to be emotionally invested in, even though they have their flaws. His description of the world the book is set in is also fantastic, really helping one to become lost in the book.
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is I felt...more

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Jan 18, 2010 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

It's been a couple of years since I read this series but I remember being surprised by the emotions that I felt during the reading. It is a big story filled with hard emotions about survival, tragedy and triumph. I was really kinda blown away! I got the impression that this series was written more for men than women, but I found myself completely involved and committed. Really a great read.

Also after reading this series I got another couple of Mr. Gemmel's books to try out. I haven't read them y...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Gnuvolante rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: narrativa

Connavar teme che suo padre sia morto da codardo ed è per questo che egli vota la sua vita al coraggio e alla sua gente, nella volontà di non fuggire di fronte al pericolo. Egli cresce in fretta, le vicissitudini della vita gli portano via il sorriso adolescente per fare spazio alle rughe della maturità: Spada nella Tempesta diventa Spada del Demonio, ma ciò non gli impedisce di fronteggiare la battaglia finale al fianco della sua gente, che farà cerchio attorno a lui.

Anche quelli che lo circond...more

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May 19, 2011 Trayana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, owned, eng, deities

В съзнанието ми Дейвид Гемел обитава същата равнина като Гай Гавриел Кай. И двамата са създатели на светове близки до нашия, но съдържащи зрънце магия. Точно толкова, колкото да създаде мистична атмосфера без да се стига до там, че развитието на сюжета да зависи от магически битки. Но и при двамата писатели, запомням не магията или големите събития, а дишащите, истински герои – със своите добри и лоши качества, радости и страхове, правилни и погрешни решения.

Sword in the Storm, която изчетох за...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy, favorites

I generally read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi books and this series is always one of the first I recommend. David Gemmell does an EXCELLENT job with developing his characters, there is so much depth to them. While most people don't like how commonplace (and detailed) sex can be in the novels, I didn't find it to be a problem because it didn't take away from the story that he was telling. I highly recommend this series. It's very exciting and a beautiful display of the human spirit.

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Apr 17, 2012 Strayybullett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Incredible,this is a brilliant book, the way David Gemmell writes you just cannot put his books down, he is the essence of just one more page. Sword in the Storm is his first novel in the Rigante series of books and follows the adventures of Connavar from birth, I cannot recommend this book enough it is truly brilliant, David Gemmell writes such incredible characters you cannot help but loose yourself in them and there adventures.I encourage everyone to read this NOW.

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Mar 24, 2010 Dolphe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: david-gemmell, favorites

This beautifully crafted fantasy tale is a true example of David Gemmell at his finest. I know ... I know .. I am running the risk of entering the realm of uber geekdom, but in our current political and social atmosphere which promote lies as truth, scandal as honor and bigotry as acceptable; how could I not find respite in tales where men live by their word, where honor is something done not said and where the greater good extends beyond your own back yard?

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Aug 06, 2011 Alicia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another one of my favorite stories! Fantastically written and a wonderful story. The characters in the story are obviously flawed, but entirely believable and lovable. This story tells of a man's struggle to do the right thing while battling with his own human emotions and desires. I have nothing bad to say about this book or the following one, "Midnight Falcon". This book was meant to be read more than once- or twice!

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Jul 25, 2010 Gwyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sword-and-sorcery

I couldn't quite bring myself to finish this book. Although the plot promised to be interesting (which was why I read as far as I did), the characters were flat and the plot was very, very slow to move forward. From what I did read, Sword in the Storm appears to be very much a typical semi-historical fantasy, so if that's your cup of tea you should give this a try. I will give David Gemmell points for being the first person I have ever known to cast a European people as Noble Savages.

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Jan 28, 2012 James Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The First Gemmel book I ever read and I couldn't put it down, from the first page this book gripped me and when asked why I couldn't answer, I'm not sure if it was the story or the characters or the writing style, but what ever it was it gripped me.

Great book even if you don't like fantasy literature you will probably enjoy this great story.

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Aug 11, 2010 Rodolfo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-currently-reading, gemmell-read

Gemmell has a way of writing about heroes that brings new life into the genre for me. I love how he seems to pack so much into so few pages. By 2 3rds of the book I am wondering how so much has happened already. Not a page wasted. His characters come off the page and into the story and leave a lasting impression, even after they have died. and many of his heroes will die.

He makes courage and honor something real to me. His characters are terribly flawed and their actions have consequences, usua...more

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May 03, 2010 Benjamin Newland rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads

Another throw-away paperback for vacation, I grabbed this one on the strong recommendation of my neighbor. Pretty straight up high fantasy, which I think I might be outgrowing. Nothing wrong with the story, except that it so obviously needs many sequels. I enjoyed it for the pulp-fiction I intended it to be. Won't be buying it for myself though.

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Nov 30, 2009 Matt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it

This book definitely deserved the five star rating I have given it. Gemmell really knows how to enchant the reader and bring them into the story. It's been awhile since I've gotten that "magical" feeling of being swept away from reality and stepping foot into a new realm.

Gemmell also does a really good job of portraying human emotions. All too often, I scratch my head when reading a book thinking to myself that some characters do the most ridiculous things for absolutely no reason. Well with Ge...more

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May 04, 2012 Dovile rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story was interesting and the prologue definitely kept me reading on, but the writing style is pretty mediocre, I've read much better written fantasy novels. And the names of characters seem to be completely random - more like captcha words than something that would distinguish a character as belonging to one of the cultures in the book.

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Apr 11, 2009 Ange Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

loved the story and couldnt put it down. Loved the characters and the way of life of the rigante people. My favourite character has to be the young connavor and his step father ruathain.
another great story, that leaves you wanting more.

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Apr 05, 2012 Joe Odran Doran rated it 3 of 5 stars

A solid fantasy adventure.

My issue with it is that, as heroic fantasy, the whole thing is so damn macho that it just comes across as pitiable. References to breasts that were " larger than he'd expected " left me cringing.

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Jan 18, 2008 Paul rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was loaned the Ravenheart series by a good friend and read it during a summer camping trip to a state forest; one of those trips that the extended family goes on and spends a week at a 4 campsites with tents and picnic tables. I was surprised that I'd never heard of Gemmell at the time, but really loved his storytelling! For the past 4 years, I bring the four Rigante books (Ravenheart, Midnight Falcon, Stormrider and Sword in the Storm) with me for this annual trip and have a great time reread...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Nick Sheridan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Paint-by-numbers David Gemmell, but that means twists, endearing and genuine characters on believable and enthralling adventures, and a rich world of landscapes and peoples.

www.nicksheridan.com

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Jul 25, 2010 Ben rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anybody and everybody

Recommended to Ben by: My Father in law

My absolute favourite book of all time. I am totally in love with the Rigante people, their customs and beliefs. If ever a book deserves a film, so I can see Caer Draugh.

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Feb 16, 2010 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good fantasy, loosle1y based on ancient Briton. Good character development w/ characters that are not one sided, but have flaws as well as good qualities like most of us

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About David Gemmell

David Andrew Gemmell was a bestselling British author of heroic fantasy. A former journalist and newspaper editor, Gemmell had his first work of fiction published in 1984. He went on to write over thirty novels. Best known for his debut, Legend, Gemmell's works display violence, yet also explores themes in honour, loyalty and redemption. With over one million copies sold, his work continues to sel...more

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Books by David Gemmell

The King Beyond the Gate (Drenai Saga, #2)

The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend (Drenai Saga, #6)

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Quotes from Sword in the Storm

“It is hard to be angry when one has seen the sun rise,' she said.
It seems to be true,' he admitted. 'I wonder why.'
Because it makes one feel so small and insignificant. It has been rising forever and will rise forever no matter what we do or do not do. All our problems are as nothing to the sun.” — 44 people liked it

“Not one of the creatures of blood can escape death. We all face it, and succumb to it. It follows us like a dark shadow. Yet if we live in terror of it, then we do not live at all. Yes we are born alone, and yes we will die alone. But in between, Tae, we live. We know joy.” — 6 people liked it

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Sword in the Storm (The Rigante #1)

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