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The Rigante #1-2
Tales of the Rigante: Sword in the storm / Midnight falcon
SWORD IN THE STORM Fierce and proud, the Rigante dwell deep in the green mountain lands, worshiping the gods of air and water, and the spirits of the earth. Among them lives a warrior who bears the mark of fate. Born of the storm that slew his father, he is Connavar, and tales of his courage spread like wildfire. The Seidh--a magical race as old as time--take note of the young warrior and cast a malignant shadow across his life. For soon a merciless army will cross the water, destroying forever the timeless rhythms of life among the Rigante. Swearing to protect his people, Connavar embarks on a quest that will take him into the heart of the enemy. Along the way, he receives a gift: a sword as powerful and deadly as the Seidh who forged it. Thus he receives a name that will strike fear into the hearts of friend and foe alike--a name proclaiming a glorious and bitter destiny . . . Demonblade.
MIDNIGHT FALCON Bane the Bastard is the illegitimate son of the Rigante king who men called Demonblade. Born of treachery, Bane grew up an outcast in his own land, feared by his fellow highlanders, and denied by the father whose unmistakable mark he bore?the eyes of Connavar, one tawny brown, the other emerald green. Hounded from the country of his birth, Bane found acceptance across the seas?only to have it stripped away in an instant by a cruel and deadly swordsman. Now fighting as a gladiator in the blood-soaked arenas of the Empire, Bane lives for one thing: revenge. And he pursues his goal with the same single-minded determination that won his father a crown. But more is at stake than a young warrior?s quest for vengeance. The armies of the Stone are preparing to march on the lands of the Rigante. The fate of human and Seidh alike will be decided by the clash of swords?and by the bonds of twisted love and bitterness between a father and a son . . .
MIDNIGHT FALCON Bane the Bastard is the illegitimate son of the Rigante king who men called Demonblade. Born of treachery, Bane grew up an outcast in his own land, feared by his fellow highlanders, and denied by the father whose unmistakable mark he bore?the eyes of Connavar, one tawny brown, the other emerald green. Hounded from the country of his birth, Bane found acceptance across the seas?only to have it stripped away in an instant by a cruel and deadly swordsman. Now fighting as a gladiator in the blood-soaked arenas of the Empire, Bane lives for one thing: revenge. And he pursues his goal with the same single-minded determination that won his father a crown. But more is at stake than a young warrior?s quest for vengeance. The armies of the Stone are preparing to march on the lands of the Rigante. The fate of human and Seidh alike will be decided by the clash of swords?and by the bonds of twisted love and bitterness between a father and a son . . .
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
711 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
David Gemmell
207 books3,879 followersDavid 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 sell worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 8, 2017
the 2 titles combined rank a 4, perhaps even 4.5. #1, Sword in the Storm, is a great heroic tale told somewhat at a distance. it felt off, like I was held an arm's length away throughout. the hero Connavar is rather stellar, and Gemmell definitely puts him through the wringer. the culture and creeds of his people (faux Celtic) shine and the magical aspects are woven extremely well into the tale. lots of blade swinging and brotherhood, good action, thoughtful decision-making (and emotional too!), all around decent...just doesn't ring like a Druss story for me. if it hadn't been part of an omnibus, I probably would not have read #2.
Midnight Falcon is Bane's story. Connavar is King, still present throughout, but this book is of the next generation (a glance at the next Rigante books reveals this changing of protagonists pattern). I was slightly disappointed at first, as Connavar had more to accomplish -- which Gemmell glossed over in a paragraph at the start -- but Bane turned out to be much more of a complete character, really rather terrific as a fully rounded individual who gains his rounding out right before the reader's eyes. his maturing is well-done. again, the Celtic-like magic works smoothly throughout, there's lots of sword, strategy, death, danger, sacrifice, sorrow, love, family, betrayal...just plain ol' good stuff galore that played my emotions well. Bane begins as maybe even an irritant, but by story end he could be a companion...though he most likely wouldn't want or need one. I highly recommend this second book, though you'll miss so much depth in backstory that some of its impact will soften if you don't read book one. your call.
Midnight Falcon is Bane's story. Connavar is King, still present throughout, but this book is of the next generation (a glance at the next Rigante books reveals this changing of protagonists pattern). I was slightly disappointed at first, as Connavar had more to accomplish -- which Gemmell glossed over in a paragraph at the start -- but Bane turned out to be much more of a complete character, really rather terrific as a fully rounded individual who gains his rounding out right before the reader's eyes. his maturing is well-done. again, the Celtic-like magic works smoothly throughout, there's lots of sword, strategy, death, danger, sacrifice, sorrow, love, family, betrayal...just plain ol' good stuff galore that played my emotions well. Bane begins as maybe even an irritant, but by story end he could be a companion...though he most likely wouldn't want or need one. I highly recommend this second book, though you'll miss so much depth in backstory that some of its impact will soften if you don't read book one. your call.
August 21, 2019
Read in 2019
June 8, 2014
A good book. It has the distinct feel of the nature of celts in pre Roman times but there is no distinct correlation that confirms this.
If you like Gemmell, you'll like this. Not quite as strong as the Drenai stories but still thoroughly enjoyable.
Characters are pure Gemmell, nobody is perfect, everyone has flaws and they have rich backstories that are slowly eeked out through the unfolding plot.
The plot itself is strong but though it is gripping and entertaining throughout, I felt myself still missing Drenan.
It follows Gemmell's usual stance of incorporating simple magics that do more to enhance characters and nudge the plot rather than to be the baffling 'Magic saves all' scenarios.
If you like Gemmell, you'll like this. Not quite as strong as the Drenai stories but still thoroughly enjoyable.
Characters are pure Gemmell, nobody is perfect, everyone has flaws and they have rich backstories that are slowly eeked out through the unfolding plot.
The plot itself is strong but though it is gripping and entertaining throughout, I felt myself still missing Drenan.
It follows Gemmell's usual stance of incorporating simple magics that do more to enhance characters and nudge the plot rather than to be the baffling 'Magic saves all' scenarios.
October 24, 2015
Peut-être un peu masculin nostalgique des capes et épées. Mais bon...
Impatient de lire la suite !
Impatient de lire la suite !
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews