What do you think?
Rate this book
White Knight Black Swan
David Gemmell was the UK's number one fantasy and historical novelist until his death in 2006. A regular Sunday Times bestseller, and international sensation, his legacy lives on through his novels, his influence on the genre, and through the David Gemmell Legend awards.
White Knight/Black Swan was David Gemmell's crime thriller debut, first published under a pseudonym in 1993 and long out of print, and highly sought-after by readers. Re-editing and republished under his own name, it's a must read for fans of his heroic and powerful style.
An action-filled story set in working class London in the 1980's, Jardine is a bouncer and gang enforcer with a heart of gold. To protect a friend, he goes up against an Irishman demanding protection money - only to realise too late that they work for the same employer.
One act of kindness will lead to murder, betrayal, blackmail and some long-hidden secrets . . .
White Knight/Black Swan was David Gemmell's crime thriller debut, first published under a pseudonym in 1993 and long out of print, and highly sought-after by readers. Re-editing and republished under his own name, it's a must read for fans of his heroic and powerful style.
An action-filled story set in working class London in the 1980's, Jardine is a bouncer and gang enforcer with a heart of gold. To protect a friend, he goes up against an Irishman demanding protection money - only to realise too late that they work for the same employer.
One act of kindness will lead to murder, betrayal, blackmail and some long-hidden secrets . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 7, 2025
This fabulous story is possibly the only crime novel, still Rhyming Rings to read, produced by this late great author.
The author's storytelling is excellent, all characters, good and bad, are very believable and lifelike, while the changing times, people, environment and crime in London during the late 80s and very early 90s come splendidly off the pages.
This crime novel was started by the author in 1986 and was finally first published in 1993, and it shows a changing London, environmentally and criminally in particular, and it shows that man can find redemption and peace of mind when given the chance.
The book itself is a crime story with at the heart of it a giant of a man called John "Bimbo" Jardine, and his struggle to escape a criminal environment in an attempt to remain humane with his fellow humans and especially with his favourite beloved Black Swan.
This Bimbo, a money collector for a gangster called Reardon, will get into conflict with this same Reardon when saving his mate from extortion, and this action will escalate into war between Bimbo and Reardon, with at Reardon's side a insane henchman called, Jackie Green.
Although trying hard to remedy this lethal situation, several friends of Bimbo will die, and it will come to a final showdown between good and evil, with the honourable Bimbo ending on top as it should be and with certain help from various people who truly believe in right and wrong.
Highly recommended, for this is a morally and spiritual high quality crime novel, and that's why I like to call this book: "An Amazing Gallant Serene Tale"!
The author's storytelling is excellent, all characters, good and bad, are very believable and lifelike, while the changing times, people, environment and crime in London during the late 80s and very early 90s come splendidly off the pages.
This crime novel was started by the author in 1986 and was finally first published in 1993, and it shows a changing London, environmentally and criminally in particular, and it shows that man can find redemption and peace of mind when given the chance.
The book itself is a crime story with at the heart of it a giant of a man called John "Bimbo" Jardine, and his struggle to escape a criminal environment in an attempt to remain humane with his fellow humans and especially with his favourite beloved Black Swan.
This Bimbo, a money collector for a gangster called Reardon, will get into conflict with this same Reardon when saving his mate from extortion, and this action will escalate into war between Bimbo and Reardon, with at Reardon's side a insane henchman called, Jackie Green.
Although trying hard to remedy this lethal situation, several friends of Bimbo will die, and it will come to a final showdown between good and evil, with the honourable Bimbo ending on top as it should be and with certain help from various people who truly believe in right and wrong.
Highly recommended, for this is a morally and spiritual high quality crime novel, and that's why I like to call this book: "An Amazing Gallant Serene Tale"!
June 24, 2020
It took me about a decade to obtain a copy of this book, and about three days to finish once I started. It’s bittersweet because I officially have run out of Gemmell stuff to read for a first time—but that doesn’t mean I won’t read his stuff for the rest of my life.
Like Rhyming Rings, this was a tease of what was to come later, but that is not to say it fell short. David Gemmell’s characters are beautifully complicated and the lessons they teach are so valuable. He shows us that no one is beyond redemption, as long as there is in him or her the smallest seed of nobility and the courage to stand up for what is right. If I could meet any one in the world to give thanks, I think I would choose Gemmell. I’m proud to call him my first hero, and look forward to carrying his messages with me forever.
Life is better with a David Gemmell book in it!
Like Rhyming Rings, this was a tease of what was to come later, but that is not to say it fell short. David Gemmell’s characters are beautifully complicated and the lessons they teach are so valuable. He shows us that no one is beyond redemption, as long as there is in him or her the smallest seed of nobility and the courage to stand up for what is right. If I could meet any one in the world to give thanks, I think I would choose Gemmell. I’m proud to call him my first hero, and look forward to carrying his messages with me forever.
Life is better with a David Gemmell book in it!
March 13, 2020
Well that's it, my last ever David Gemmell book. It didn't disappoint. Even though it wasn't fantasy, I still loved the story and the characters. It was Gemmell gold!
I stayed up too late most nights because I couldn't put it down, though on the other hand I didn't want it to end and leave me Gemmell-less. I guess I will just have to hit the bookcase and dig out some of my old favourites.
I stayed up too late most nights because I couldn't put it down, though on the other hand I didn't want it to end and leave me Gemmell-less. I guess I will just have to hit the bookcase and dig out some of my old favourites.
November 16, 2019
WHITE KNIGHT, BLACK SWAN is the once-rare contemporary thriller from David Gemmell, written under the pseudonym Ross Harding, that used to be impossible to get hold of - until publishers kindly re-released it a couple of years back. Now that I've finally got my hands on it, I'm pleased to report that it's every bit as interesting and engaging as Gemmell's better-known fantasy work, telling a wide-reaching story with plenty of life and depth.
Gemmell paints a complex little picture of life on his London estate, with a large cast of both good and bad characters connected in interesting ways. Bimbo makes for a great protagonist and might as well be our world's version of Druss, an honourable fish-out-of-water drawn into an increasingly murky plot. I love the larger-than-life and truly sadistic villains, particularly Green, who appears infrequently but is invested with real power by the author. The parallels to classic westerns like HIGH NOON and SHANE make for a lot of fun, and Gemmell carefully adds the psychological complexity and philosophical musings that always make his stories stand out from the crowd. Life, death, sex, violence, friendship and courage are all explored in detail and I loved every moment of the journey to that classic climax.
Gemmell paints a complex little picture of life on his London estate, with a large cast of both good and bad characters connected in interesting ways. Bimbo makes for a great protagonist and might as well be our world's version of Druss, an honourable fish-out-of-water drawn into an increasingly murky plot. I love the larger-than-life and truly sadistic villains, particularly Green, who appears infrequently but is invested with real power by the author. The parallels to classic westerns like HIGH NOON and SHANE make for a lot of fun, and Gemmell carefully adds the psychological complexity and philosophical musings that always make his stories stand out from the crowd. Life, death, sex, violence, friendship and courage are all explored in detail and I loved every moment of the journey to that classic climax.
November 23, 2018
I took a long time finishing this book. The final book for me to read by David Gemmell. Enjoyed it. Not his usual but twists, pace, action and good characters
January 19, 2019
I have waited 13 years to read this book. It is impossible to oversell how big an influence David Gemmell had on my tastes as a reader, and nearly 18 years after first picking up one of his books, I am still in awe of his body of work. Therefore, nearly 13 years after his untimely death, it is incredible to read something new from this author again and finally complete my collection.
However, all that being said, this isn't any kind of Gemmell novel I've ever read before. For starters it is set in modern day (for when it was written) London and there wasn't a sword in sight. I'll admit to being a bit put off by this, especially in the beginning as I struggled with the a author's attempt at writing accents (A pet peeve of mine).
However, after a slow start for the first 40-50 pages, the book finally gripped me and I started to see the signs of David Gemmell I'd been hoping for.
At their heart, I've always found Gemmell's books to be an exploration of the warrior spirit. This book is no different with Bimbo Jardine earning his place amongst Druss the Legend, Waylander, and Jon Shannow as a warrior/force of nature. In many ways he reminded me of Jaim Grymauch, the Rigante Highlander from Ravenheart. He is the outlaw with the heart of gold, but where Jaim was rougish and playful, Bimbo is straight spoken and oddly innocent.
I will admit my bias in that I wanted to love this, but love it I did and I can only give it 5 stars.
However, all that being said, this isn't any kind of Gemmell novel I've ever read before. For starters it is set in modern day (for when it was written) London and there wasn't a sword in sight. I'll admit to being a bit put off by this, especially in the beginning as I struggled with the a author's attempt at writing accents (A pet peeve of mine).
However, after a slow start for the first 40-50 pages, the book finally gripped me and I started to see the signs of David Gemmell I'd been hoping for.
At their heart, I've always found Gemmell's books to be an exploration of the warrior spirit. This book is no different with Bimbo Jardine earning his place amongst Druss the Legend, Waylander, and Jon Shannow as a warrior/force of nature. In many ways he reminded me of Jaim Grymauch, the Rigante Highlander from Ravenheart. He is the outlaw with the heart of gold, but where Jaim was rougish and playful, Bimbo is straight spoken and oddly innocent.
I will admit my bias in that I wanted to love this, but love it I did and I can only give it 5 stars.
November 1, 2025
Ross Harding/David Gemmell
David Gemmell was the uncrowned king of heroic fantasy in the UK, and when he passed away in 2006, he’d published over thirty novels. This is his only crime novel, released under the pen name Ross Harding, and at the time it wasn’t a success.
White Knight/Black Swan came out in 1993, and for many years it was impossible to find in any format. Recently it became available as a Kindle book, and I could finally read it.
I’ve been a huge fan of the author ever since I read The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend in 1995. That same year I read seventeen books, eleven of them from Gemmell. The next year, 1996, I read seven more. And so it went. I simply could not get enough.
As it stands today I’ve read all his books at least twice, some even thrice. But I will probably never read WKBS again. Plainly spoken, it has problems.
The chapters are too long. I like to read at least one chapter before bedtime, and that is difficult when one chapter comprises nine percent of the book. Also, indentations are almost nonexistent, barely one character wide.
For a guy who likes to keep fit, John «Bimbo» Jardine knows very little about nutrition and proper training. He talks about «carbo-loading» and «oxygen debt», and he eats four eggs for breakfast. And then he goes running for one hour.
I honestly don’t know where to start, but I’ll try, and I’ll do my best to keep it short.
For a grown man, especially a big man, the absolute worst thing you can do is go running. It’s brutal for your knees and your spine. The repeated motion, pounding your legs against the hard ground, ruins your joints, fills your body with stress hormones, and wears down your muscles.
Yes, fighters need stamina, but that you can get from lifting weights the right way, with the correct intensity, and a few explosive exercises.
Walk, don’t run. Always breathe through your nose, lift heavy weights, and eat like a human. Get enough sleep and sunshine.
My first meal every day is nine eggs, and I’m not as big as Bimbo. He should eat at least twelve eggs, not four, which would yield far too little protein and fat. Bacon is good, of course, as long as it’s proper bacon and not the modern fakery.
I’m beginning to wonder if the author knew anything about proper nutrition. On page 102 Bimbo takes a family to McDonald’s. Sure, let’s feed the two malnourished kids more junk food and poison. I’m sure that’ll do the trick!
In addition to that, I found a couple more errors in the text. The name of Earth (as in the planet) is written «earth», and he claims that the Tiger I used diesel. It did not. It was powered by the Maybach V-12 gasoline engine.
In the novel there’s also a reference to a Charles Bronson movie where he wields a «machine gun». I’m pretty sure David Gemmell means Death Wish 3 where Bronson uses a MAC-10. That’s called a «submachine gun».
In the 1958 movie Machine Gun Kelly, he uses a Thompson M1A1 AKA a «Tommy Gun». This is also not a «machine gun» but a «submachine gun». A machine gun is a heavy weapon used by military squads to suppress enemy movement on the battlefield, like the famous MG42. Machine guns are usually belt-fed. In the movie First Blood (1982) the main character (John Rambo) runs around with an M60, which is in fact a machine gun, but not a very good one.
WKBS isn’t a bad novel. I truly enjoyed it, and the fighting scenes are great, but with all the mistakes, I end up with a 6/10 score, or three out of five stars.
David Gemmell was the uncrowned king of heroic fantasy in the UK, and when he passed away in 2006, he’d published over thirty novels. This is his only crime novel, released under the pen name Ross Harding, and at the time it wasn’t a success.
White Knight/Black Swan came out in 1993, and for many years it was impossible to find in any format. Recently it became available as a Kindle book, and I could finally read it.
I’ve been a huge fan of the author ever since I read The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend in 1995. That same year I read seventeen books, eleven of them from Gemmell. The next year, 1996, I read seven more. And so it went. I simply could not get enough.
As it stands today I’ve read all his books at least twice, some even thrice. But I will probably never read WKBS again. Plainly spoken, it has problems.
The chapters are too long. I like to read at least one chapter before bedtime, and that is difficult when one chapter comprises nine percent of the book. Also, indentations are almost nonexistent, barely one character wide.
For a guy who likes to keep fit, John «Bimbo» Jardine knows very little about nutrition and proper training. He talks about «carbo-loading» and «oxygen debt», and he eats four eggs for breakfast. And then he goes running for one hour.
I honestly don’t know where to start, but I’ll try, and I’ll do my best to keep it short.
For a grown man, especially a big man, the absolute worst thing you can do is go running. It’s brutal for your knees and your spine. The repeated motion, pounding your legs against the hard ground, ruins your joints, fills your body with stress hormones, and wears down your muscles.
Yes, fighters need stamina, but that you can get from lifting weights the right way, with the correct intensity, and a few explosive exercises.
Walk, don’t run. Always breathe through your nose, lift heavy weights, and eat like a human. Get enough sleep and sunshine.
My first meal every day is nine eggs, and I’m not as big as Bimbo. He should eat at least twelve eggs, not four, which would yield far too little protein and fat. Bacon is good, of course, as long as it’s proper bacon and not the modern fakery.
I’m beginning to wonder if the author knew anything about proper nutrition. On page 102 Bimbo takes a family to McDonald’s. Sure, let’s feed the two malnourished kids more junk food and poison. I’m sure that’ll do the trick!
In addition to that, I found a couple more errors in the text. The name of Earth (as in the planet) is written «earth», and he claims that the Tiger I used diesel. It did not. It was powered by the Maybach V-12 gasoline engine.
In the novel there’s also a reference to a Charles Bronson movie where he wields a «machine gun». I’m pretty sure David Gemmell means Death Wish 3 where Bronson uses a MAC-10. That’s called a «submachine gun».
In the 1958 movie Machine Gun Kelly, he uses a Thompson M1A1 AKA a «Tommy Gun». This is also not a «machine gun» but a «submachine gun». A machine gun is a heavy weapon used by military squads to suppress enemy movement on the battlefield, like the famous MG42. Machine guns are usually belt-fed. In the movie First Blood (1982) the main character (John Rambo) runs around with an M60, which is in fact a machine gun, but not a very good one.
WKBS isn’t a bad novel. I truly enjoyed it, and the fighting scenes are great, but with all the mistakes, I end up with a 6/10 score, or three out of five stars.
August 5, 2019
Periodically I've looked for this book over the years, as it has been out of print for a long while. This time around,to my delight, I realised that it has been reprinted. This was the difference between paying for a normal paperback or paying hundreds of pounds for an original copy.
So was it worth the wait.....Uhh, sort of. If you a David Gemmell fan then you will want to read this, if only to compare it to his fantasy works. If you aren't, I would recommend almost anything else he has written above this. It's not that it's a bad book - it has some relatable characters and a well structured plot - it's more that his other work is so much more vibrant and impressive this suffers by comparison.
I often think that the mark of a convincing character is that you can imagine what they would do in a given scenario, as if they are a real person. This is achieved here with Bimbo at least.The bad guys are a bit less well drawn, but it's a fun read nevertheless
So was it worth the wait.....Uhh, sort of. If you a David Gemmell fan then you will want to read this, if only to compare it to his fantasy works. If you aren't, I would recommend almost anything else he has written above this. It's not that it's a bad book - it has some relatable characters and a well structured plot - it's more that his other work is so much more vibrant and impressive this suffers by comparison.
I often think that the mark of a convincing character is that you can imagine what they would do in a given scenario, as if they are a real person. This is achieved here with Bimbo at least.The bad guys are a bit less well drawn, but it's a fun read nevertheless
October 30, 2025
Ross Harding is the pen name for David Gemmell, which for anyone who loves reading fantasy, is a familiar name. This is the only novel he ever wrote that wasn’t in the fantasy genre and the pseudonym wasn’t revealed (at least I believe so) until after his death. So naturally, as someone who has coveted any new work from Gemmell, I jumped at the chance to read this. Now I have read books by other authors that were not their normal genre, and have to admit to really not liking them. Not in this case. This thriller, set in England, is a good story about mostly terrible people. As usual, Gemmell’s ability to write about fighting and from multiple points of view, seamlessly, is present. The book reads quickly and he builds the drama effectively. Also as usual, I am somewhat amazed at his ability to get me to like those who should be unlikeable characters, proving I guess, that there is a lot of grey in the world.
December 2, 2023
2023 reread: still a flawed work but a great read. This read of it made me realise that Gemmell had written a contemporary novel using Fantasy themes. A lot of them work, especially by linking them to the ideas expressed in Western movies about heroism. But there’s a couple that don’t quite come off: the idea of a character haunted by terrible deeds committed when they were younger works brilliantly in Gemmell’s other books but I just can’t feel any kind of redemptive force at play in Stepney/Stolz’s arc. And the climax comes off as quite jarring in a lot of ways that I can’t really go into without giving away massive spoilers. But it is a great read.
—————-
Gemmell's only non-fantasy novel published in his lifetime. Not a brilliant book by any standards but told extremely well. More profound than it should be, not as deep as it wants to be. Has a lot of characters that would not be out of place in a more recent novel (this was written in the 80s, published in '93) but does feel forced and patronising in places. Able to be read in one sitting easily.
—————-
Gemmell's only non-fantasy novel published in his lifetime. Not a brilliant book by any standards but told extremely well. More profound than it should be, not as deep as it wants to be. Has a lot of characters that would not be out of place in a more recent novel (this was written in the 80s, published in '93) but does feel forced and patronising in places. Able to be read in one sitting easily.
May 7, 2012
Probably the rarest and hardest to find of David Gemmells books, especially as most don't even know it exists, many who do have called for it to be re-released so they don't have to pay the min of £1000 to get a paperback copy of it.
Why does a PB command such a high price? because its well written, well executed, the subject mater is heart-warming at very personal, the style very much written for TV gives it that episodic feeling, but does not detract from the raw emotion crammed into every chapter. I think there is rather more of DG in the pages of this book than he might of meant, but it was too good to take out.
If you ever et the chance read the book, but pass it along and share it don't hoard the title and keep it as a rarity that so few have read, that was not DG's intention when writing it I'm sure.
A must for any fan of good writing.
Why does a PB command such a high price? because its well written, well executed, the subject mater is heart-warming at very personal, the style very much written for TV gives it that episodic feeling, but does not detract from the raw emotion crammed into every chapter. I think there is rather more of DG in the pages of this book than he might of meant, but it was too good to take out.
If you ever et the chance read the book, but pass it along and share it don't hoard the title and keep it as a rarity that so few have read, that was not DG's intention when writing it I'm sure.
A must for any fan of good writing.
September 20, 2018
I only read this book because of the author, and did not pay any attention to what the plot was. Come on, the greatest fantasy author ever turning his hand to a more traditional piece of crime fiction, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It was simply fantastic, entirely believable and had me hooked from the very beginning. It was effortless to read, and was a clear indicator that an author on top of his game, does not need to be pigeon holed in to 1 genre.
I don't like reviews that go on to dissect a book, and invariably spoil an aspect of the story (even if done so inadvertently), so I will finish simply with you must read this book!
Oh, and that everyone should have a Bimbo in their life!
Well, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It was simply fantastic, entirely believable and had me hooked from the very beginning. It was effortless to read, and was a clear indicator that an author on top of his game, does not need to be pigeon holed in to 1 genre.
I don't like reviews that go on to dissect a book, and invariably spoil an aspect of the story (even if done so inadvertently), so I will finish simply with you must read this book!
Oh, and that everyone should have a Bimbo in their life!
June 3, 2019
Typical Gemmell protagonist. Courageous, staunch personal code and deep
Bimbo is Druss-like in his simplicity and rigid code. He also possesses tremendous generosity and despite growing up rough, he remains charitable in all his ways. The context of the story is quite different from any other Gemmell books however the narrative flows well and this is a powerhouse read. So glad I found it!
The uncompromising nature of the heroes in Gemmells books are always so compelling in today's day and age. I have learned so much about manhood from his books and the traits that I'd like to see more of in myself.
Bimbo is Druss-like in his simplicity and rigid code. He also possesses tremendous generosity and despite growing up rough, he remains charitable in all his ways. The context of the story is quite different from any other Gemmell books however the narrative flows well and this is a powerhouse read. So glad I found it!
The uncompromising nature of the heroes in Gemmells books are always so compelling in today's day and age. I have learned so much about manhood from his books and the traits that I'd like to see more of in myself.
August 31, 2022
Perhaps not the most perfectly written novel but definitely a most perfectly told story. Got me right in the feels.
Gemmell put me in the book, with the folks, beside the participants. Even the handful of scenes/situations I don't have previous experience with. He gifted us a marvelous, larger-than-life-yet-not-the-good-ol'-movies hero who would deny being a hero and nothing more than a friend. Wonderful sub-plots help round out a lovely character. Immersive settings of locales, environments, society, and economics help deliver a real-life sense. Bloody, violent, sometimes grotesque and horrific, this is an endearing story of honor, goodness, strength, and hope well-told.
Gemmell put me in the book, with the folks, beside the participants. Even the handful of scenes/situations I don't have previous experience with. He gifted us a marvelous, larger-than-life-yet-not-the-good-ol'-movies hero who would deny being a hero and nothing more than a friend. Wonderful sub-plots help round out a lovely character. Immersive settings of locales, environments, society, and economics help deliver a real-life sense. Bloody, violent, sometimes grotesque and horrific, this is an endearing story of honor, goodness, strength, and hope well-told.
October 9, 2017
I just wish we could look forward to more books about Bimbo. A true loss
November 30, 2025
Originally published under the pseudonym Ross Harding in order to not confuse his loyal fantasy fans, White Knight/Black Swan was the only David Gemmell novel not to become an instant bestseller. He wanted to try out a new genre. It was not a success, which is probably why the second book, Rhyming Rings, was published after his death.
In either case, WK/BS is a reasonably good novel in the crime fiction genre. The main character, a giant of a man affectionately known as Bimbo, works as a money collector for crime boss Reardon, a hardened gangster running a protection racket in London in the 1980s. When a friend of Bimbo’s is turned over by what appears to be a rival gang, Bimbo beats them up badly. When it turns out they work for his boss Reardon, Bimbo finds himself at odds with his employer.
There are many compelling characters in the novel, chief among them former nazi Heinrich Stolz. Gemmell portrays him masterfully. Bimbo himself is reminiscent of Druss the Legend. There are some intriguing female characters in the book too.
This is a four star novel that ends up with three stars for several reasons, chief among them the poor layout. Indentations are lacking in width, making them hard to spot. The chapters are way too long, forcing me to stop reading mid-chapter more often than not. Also, the writer has no concept of how to use paragraphs. Different people are speaking and acting within the same paragraph, making it difficult to figure out who is saying what. All of this could have been easily avoided.
Nonetheless, fans of David Gemmell should not come away disappointed.
In either case, WK/BS is a reasonably good novel in the crime fiction genre. The main character, a giant of a man affectionately known as Bimbo, works as a money collector for crime boss Reardon, a hardened gangster running a protection racket in London in the 1980s. When a friend of Bimbo’s is turned over by what appears to be a rival gang, Bimbo beats them up badly. When it turns out they work for his boss Reardon, Bimbo finds himself at odds with his employer.
There are many compelling characters in the novel, chief among them former nazi Heinrich Stolz. Gemmell portrays him masterfully. Bimbo himself is reminiscent of Druss the Legend. There are some intriguing female characters in the book too.
This is a four star novel that ends up with three stars for several reasons, chief among them the poor layout. Indentations are lacking in width, making them hard to spot. The chapters are way too long, forcing me to stop reading mid-chapter more often than not. Also, the writer has no concept of how to use paragraphs. Different people are speaking and acting within the same paragraph, making it difficult to figure out who is saying what. All of this could have been easily avoided.
Nonetheless, fans of David Gemmell should not come away disappointed.
December 27, 2018
Obviously very few people will have read this by chance and be completely unfamiliar with Gemmel's other work. I have read the vast majority of his books and am grateful to add this to that collection.
If you have read many of Gemmel's stories (particularly the Drenai tales) you will relate to the main character here. He is not the moral absolute of Druss, but has a particular way of approaching life and his own circumstances. Gemmel has a real skill in crafting characters who stand firm in the turbulent worlds around them. The setting of working class 1980s England is a wonderful vehicle for exploring this unique brand of morality.
The Good-
Fight scenes are well written, believable characters, genuinely tense drama and action.
The bad-
I would always praise Gemmell for his characters, I sincerely believe nobody writes better characters than him and this book is no exception. The problem is in pacing and plot, too many of the characters have too much interaction to an implausible degree. Neighbors, friends, wives, shelter workers, news reporters, shop keepers and others all interact with not only our protagonist but each other and the central plot in crucial ways. This sort of serendipity strains credulity just a tad.
Overall, if you like Gemmell you will like this. The writing style and character's are recognizably Gemmell. The change in setting (as mentioned above) is a fresh landscape for his character's to live and interact. The problem with sub-plots is minor and doesn't actually detract from the main story.
If you have read many of Gemmel's stories (particularly the Drenai tales) you will relate to the main character here. He is not the moral absolute of Druss, but has a particular way of approaching life and his own circumstances. Gemmel has a real skill in crafting characters who stand firm in the turbulent worlds around them. The setting of working class 1980s England is a wonderful vehicle for exploring this unique brand of morality.
The Good-
Fight scenes are well written, believable characters, genuinely tense drama and action.
The bad-
I would always praise Gemmell for his characters, I sincerely believe nobody writes better characters than him and this book is no exception. The problem is in pacing and plot, too many of the characters have too much interaction to an implausible degree. Neighbors, friends, wives, shelter workers, news reporters, shop keepers and others all interact with not only our protagonist but each other and the central plot in crucial ways. This sort of serendipity strains credulity just a tad.
Overall, if you like Gemmell you will like this. The writing style and character's are recognizably Gemmell. The change in setting (as mentioned above) is a fresh landscape for his character's to live and interact. The problem with sub-plots is minor and doesn't actually detract from the main story.
May 2, 2019
I read this because I never knew David Gemmell wrote crime fiction. I love his fantasy work so I dove in. The first page did hook me, but then everything slowed down. I found the first 100 pages a quite slow going, but I think that was because the main character was such a thug we needed to have lots of instances where he showed his good heart in order for the reader to like him enough to care about what happens to him later. It's a standard 'save the cat' device, but it might have been a bit overdone. The MC was also a modern mirror of Druss, from Gemmell's Legend series. That's not a bad thing, Druss is a great character, huge and will smash your head in, but with a soft side.
As usual, Gemmell excels with fight scenes, the reader feels like they are in the middle of it with blows landing all around them.
I would recommend this book, but not necessarily to Gemmell fans as the slow start might put them off.
As usual, Gemmell excels with fight scenes, the reader feels like they are in the middle of it with blows landing all around them.
I would recommend this book, but not necessarily to Gemmell fans as the slow start might put them off.
March 15, 2020
I actually struggled with this at the start. The actual start and the main character didn't immediately appeal to me and when a couple of other books that I had been waiting for came along I shelved it and I didn't come back to it until recently.
Oddly enough, this time around i quickly fell into the rhythm of the story, began to recognise the character types that became DG's stock in trade and just loved the hell out of this.
But for the real world setting and Crime/Thriller genre and lack of magic, this could easily have fitted in with some of his fantasy work. The themes, messages and morality were recognisable from those other works and Bim was a figure who could have stood toe to toe, or fought back to back with many of his greatest.
This was an unexpected gem.
Oddly enough, this time around i quickly fell into the rhythm of the story, began to recognise the character types that became DG's stock in trade and just loved the hell out of this.
But for the real world setting and Crime/Thriller genre and lack of magic, this could easily have fitted in with some of his fantasy work. The themes, messages and morality were recognisable from those other works and Bim was a figure who could have stood toe to toe, or fought back to back with many of his greatest.
This was an unexpected gem.
May 9, 2021
I'd always wanted to read this book. But seeing as it was out of print and difficult to come by I was never able to. But when I found out that it had been reprinted I jumped at a copy. I love it! I have read nearly all of Gemmell's work (he's my favorite author) and love everything he's written.
As far as the story itself, so much can be learned from it. Standing by your friends, looking beyond past wrongs, doing the right thing. Things that the world needs more of. Bimbo struggles with the shift that the world is making, where things aren't how they used to be. There isn't enough space or time for me to unpack the lessons to be gleaned from this work. Without a doubt this will be a perennial read.
As far as the story itself, so much can be learned from it. Standing by your friends, looking beyond past wrongs, doing the right thing. Things that the world needs more of. Bimbo struggles with the shift that the world is making, where things aren't how they used to be. There isn't enough space or time for me to unpack the lessons to be gleaned from this work. Without a doubt this will be a perennial read.
Read
April 25, 2024I don't know how to rate this book, so I won't.
It can be very depressing by depicting a truly bleak reality (and the swan subplot is a tearjerker), as intended, and at the same time it is full of optimism, kindness and people who care. This last bit is what kept me through it, it is rare to see, even though I know it is just fiction.
This is also the first book I read by Gemmell, and there is definitely something good about his writing that also helps, the characters kind of make sense. As much as rather idealised and flat-ish superheroes can, of course.
It can be very depressing by depicting a truly bleak reality (and the swan subplot is a tearjerker), as intended, and at the same time it is full of optimism, kindness and people who care. This last bit is what kept me through it, it is rare to see, even though I know it is just fiction.
This is also the first book I read by Gemmell, and there is definitely something good about his writing that also helps, the characters kind of make sense. As much as rather idealised and flat-ish superheroes can, of course.
November 19, 2022
4.5*
I totally haven't expected this kind of book from epic fantasy guru David Gemmell.
Interesting story with genius characters.
This is a story of a man of steel with a heart of gold. Bimbo is a man living in a harsh world, working for bad people, but he never allow that to change his pure soul and beliefs.
I totally haven't expected this kind of book from epic fantasy guru David Gemmell.
Interesting story with genius characters.
This is a story of a man of steel with a heart of gold. Bimbo is a man living in a harsh world, working for bad people, but he never allow that to change his pure soul and beliefs.
June 24, 2025
Love David Gemmel and this is way off his normal genre but really well written. You get to know a gentle giant Bimbo who is an angle in human form living in London, speaking his mind and doing it with his actions. His 'friends' get to support him and while he doesn't know it they work together bringing the evil to bear. Great story and well worth the effort to read.
September 9, 2017
This book is not up there with his other great works like legend, and the Jerusalem man novels. It is however a good read with gemmell trademark gritty style.
I would recommend it to any fan of his other work, or anyone after a good read.
I would recommend it to any fan of his other work, or anyone after a good read.
December 15, 2017
I’ve always been a massive Gemmel fan and was always on the lookout for his book and it was great to see it rereleased.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was enthralled by the different aspects of evil that the vast majority of characters show.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was enthralled by the different aspects of evil that the vast majority of characters show.
May 29, 2020
Great story although i suspect you probably appreciate it more if your from the UK and a city area.
Typical Gemmell, great characters and great story, although not fantasy like the rest of his work brilliant writing from the best author of his generation.
I loved it from start to finish.
Typical Gemmell, great characters and great story, although not fantasy like the rest of his work brilliant writing from the best author of his generation.
I loved it from start to finish.
March 8, 2025
David Gemmell shows again why he is the master of character. Moving away from his usual genre with ease, this is an excellent introduction to the world of Crime Drama with some trade-mark heroism sprinkled in.
February 10, 2026
Great book. For me, this cemented the idea that Gemmell was not a great "fantasy writer," he was a great "writer." Period. He had the ability to write in any genre he wanted and create great stories with characters that you'd care about and feel for.
November 22, 2017
David Gemmell could write, that’s for sure.
December 20, 2017
Perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews