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Highlander #1
Highlander
"There Can Be Only One"
The battle rages across the centuries, from the wind-scoured Sahara to the wild Russian steppes to the rocky crags of Scotland. And only one Immortal can survive.
MacLeod is the Highlander. A Scottish clan warrior from the 16th century, he was taught the deadly arts by an ancient mentor, who then suffered the only wound that can end an Immortal's life: decapitation.
Now, seven lifetimes later, MacLeod faces the final test. The Kurgan, his ancient adversary, has tracked him all the way to the streets of New York City.
The fight will be the same: blade to blade. Only the outcome is in doubt. Will the Highlander win? Or will the Kurgan's scimitar stop him with a blow that will plunge the earth itself into an era of darkness and chaos?
Based on the cult film classic, the original novel.
The battle rages across the centuries, from the wind-scoured Sahara to the wild Russian steppes to the rocky crags of Scotland. And only one Immortal can survive.
MacLeod is the Highlander. A Scottish clan warrior from the 16th century, he was taught the deadly arts by an ancient mentor, who then suffered the only wound that can end an Immortal's life: decapitation.
Now, seven lifetimes later, MacLeod faces the final test. The Kurgan, his ancient adversary, has tracked him all the way to the streets of New York City.
The fight will be the same: blade to blade. Only the outcome is in doubt. Will the Highlander win? Or will the Kurgan's scimitar stop him with a blow that will plunge the earth itself into an era of darkness and chaos?
Based on the cult film classic, the original novel.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
2 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Garry Kilworth
224 books118 followersGarry Douglas Kilworth is a historical novelist who also published sci-fi, fantasy, and juvenile fiction.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 21, 2020
An amuse bouche between epic fantasy tomes, I read this in a couple hours on a rainy morning. I like movie adaptations that go beyond the source material, fill in some blanks, go inside the characters's heads for more. This filled that, though it still didn't go into the things that made me truly curious, like the origin of the immortals, how they can feel each others's presence, etc. Still, would have totally been worth the read if it didn't degenerate into some truly wretched writing for the last 1/5th of the book. I'm gonna put that on some deadline, or perhaps a rushed editor, because the first parts of the book were significantly better.
September 21, 2022
Both of you that have seen my reviews know I like adaptations and understand how they come about, usually taken from an earlier version of the film script to that of the final movie version.
This is no exception, and so it is that I enjoyed the extra insights, particularly that of the Kurgan’s background.
However, what appeared to be direct lifts from the script when describing points of action in the final duel between Connor and the Kurgan did feel like a quick way out and a definite break in style.
But had to have this Highlander novelisation from the 80s regardless.
This is no exception, and so it is that I enjoyed the extra insights, particularly that of the Kurgan’s background.
However, what appeared to be direct lifts from the script when describing points of action in the final duel between Connor and the Kurgan did feel like a quick way out and a definite break in style.
But had to have this Highlander novelisation from the 80s regardless.
January 24, 2024
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE. (Quote from the movie).
Ladies and gentlemen as I only have 35% battery left and, many criticisms for writing I took advantage of to write is based on a cult film from the 80s that has @beetruvian had the good taste to edit. This was the last book to be read in 2023. Why this, and not "The Napoleon of Notting Hill"? Because "The Napoleon of Notting Hill" by G.K. Chesterton The Napoleon of Notting Hill had already been read in that volume of G.K. Chesterton's complete works published in @plazayjanes (second or, third, since the fourth was the biography). Anyway you are promised a review of the "Napoleon of Notting Hill" which I liked very much and, I hope to complete some things that he has not told @beetruvian. "The Highlanders" is a kind of compensation because I didn't like "Lilith" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... as much as I had expected and I wanted to compensate because @beetruvian had done an excellent editorial job and this pays off our debt.
The Immortals was one of those mythical films of the second golden age of Hollywood because the best one for me is the one that goes from the 30s and 60s when good films were made and not the rubbish of now. That second period of splendour goes from the 1980s to the year of the "Return of the King" The Return of the King including the last film mentioned) which, for me, is the end of an era. The best cinema is from the 30s to the 60s, but in the fantasy component the 80s were a little better. The best thing about Garry Killworth's book is its fidelity to the film which is well known for its soundtrack and the songs of the prematurely ill-fated Freddie Mercury (which I love /). Also for its combats and the originality of the plot. Although Poul Anderson (that underrated writer already spoke of Immortal beings in his novel "The boat of a Million Years " The Boat of a Million Years although in Poul Anderson's novel they did not kill each other, but were involved in the most decisive moments of humanity) This film Highlander did a lot to popularize and put Scotland on the map (something similar to what Crocodile Dundee did for Australia) and, it is one of the films that did not accept the Black Legend and, spoke more or, less well, of the Catholic Church and, of Spain. Juan Sánchez Villalobos Ramírez, the character played by Sean Connery (Connor McLeod's mentor), is one of the most or, less well-treated Spanish fictional characters by Hollywood. The others could be Inigo Montoya from "The Princess Bride" played by Mandy Patimkin The Princess Bride and the Maximus Decimo Merideo Gladiator from Gladiator. This film made a big star out of Christopher Lambert, who had made the interesting Greystoke Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes Greystoke: The Seventh Earl, John Charles Clayton: Tarzan, Lord of the Apes in which he played Tarzan with great success. An actor that I unfairly despised in my youth and that in my maturity I have learned to appreciate was the mythical Rayden in Mortal Kombat and is recommended in Prisoners of the Cult. A ninja movie. A ninja movie. The film greatly revalued Scotland and, without the success of this franchise, it would not have been possible to expand the universe of The Highlander or make its sequels, including a Canadian series played by Adrian Paul where he is trained by Connor McLeod himself and they appear together in the film The Immortals Endgame. But, without the success of the original film. All in all, without this film, a Braveheart Braveheart or, Rob Roy , the Passion of a Rebel Rob Roy would not have been possible and, something must have influenced the saga of novels of Diana Gabaldon , Outlander Outlander #1
since, like The Highlander, they are sagas that take place in the past (where the life adventures of the immortal are told) and, the present. In the end, everything converges in the 20th century, as in Back to the Future Back to the Future #1
, the key year was 1955. A cosmic connection, or a coincidence (it's not at all). The only difference between Garry Killworth's novel and, the film adaptation (the second one was first and, it shows. As in "The Third Man," The Third Man the film is superior to the novel.) Just as in Willow Willow in "The Highlander" some Kurgan is added (in Drew Wayland's adaptation of the film some vital reference to McMartigan the character played by Val Kilmer was included) that had an Arab master, the novel is started by him unlike the film that goes directly to the wrestling match (reminding me of the prologue of "Battle Royale" by Koushun Takami Battle Royale ) and, to the sword duel between McLeod and Aman Fasil and, something of the Kurgan's childhood will be seen later on. Connor McLeod tells of a confrontation that did not appear in the film, deepens his relationship with Kastagir and tells a little more about Ramírez such as the fact that he tells Heather the truth with which he comes out even better than in the film. The historical context of the appendices of the Beetruvian edition is acceptable, perhaps, it should have been said that the so-called Protestant Reformation began in England and would spread to Scotland where it took root on that subject see "Characters of the Reformation" Characters of the Reformation and, "How the Reformation Happened" by Hilaire Belloc How The Reformation Happened and, the book by Carlos M.N. Eire Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450-1650 recommended to me by Sandra E. Miesel Sandra Miesel . The notes from @beetruvian are very well brought, but for religious reasons I do not share his sympathies for the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins Richard Dawkins . Brenda Wyatt's connection to the poet Thomas Wyatt Thomas Wyatt , whose son tried to overthrow the legitimate Mary Tudor, are very good, see my review of "Mary Tudor: The Great Unknown Queen" by María Jesús Pérez María Tudor. La gran reina desconocida , published in @edicionesrialp. It is also very good that the notes clarify that the Kurgan has nothing to do with the group of Marija Gimbuttas Marija Gimbutas of the Bronze Age and that they would be the antecedents of the Europeans. Perhaps the pejorative treatment of the Kurgans is perhaps a remnant of the Cold War, of the clash between the West and the Soviet Union. Also Hollywood's contempt for everything that is not WASP or, typically American, especially with Central Europe and, part of these prejudices, perhaps, occur in Western Europe. I can't give more details because it practically adapts the film with very few changes, perhaps the slightly more negative view of the priest Rainey who refuses to prevent the cremation of Connor McLeod out of cowardice, or the scene in the Church when the Kurgan mocks religion and priests, even though by that unwritten law he maintains the peace of God on sacred ground. However, there are good moments such as the fight between Connor McLeod and Garfield or the Kurgan fight as Matunas. Moran's research and Brenda Wyatt's research is very good. Here there is more violence, some bad sounding words, although not profanities and, sex is more present since the Kurgan is a degenerate, commits rape and is absolutely disgusting in its ways of mating. But this contribution would be more of the novel, not the film. It is clear that the author is not as religious as Russell Mulcahy, Christopher Lambert (he played Mendel and appeared in a film that debunked that Pius XII was Hitler's Pope as communists, leftists, leftist Jews and liberal Catholics tried to make us believe) and, Sean Connery this adaptation can be compared to that of the "First Knight" First Knight . One of my favorite films and a tribute to the Knight of the Cart Lancelot: ou Le Chevalier de la charrette . Perhaps the most Christian film ever made of King Arthur. The most interesting thing is Ramirez and his training with him and his nods to Japanese culture. Ramirez reminds me a lot of Hanon from "The Million Year boat trip"" (my friend Professor Alfonseca Manuel Alfonseca , in our correspondence, made fun of this saga because he did not understand how an immortal person could die if his head was cut off) nor is he from the country he claims to represent. There's that positive fascination of the time with fantasy, role-playing, and Japanese culture. The series and sequels attempted to expand a cult film. The stories of the past and the present are very good and close in an unbeatable way. In my opinion, the saga would not have needed sequels, but it is already known that Hollywood is a business and a profit factory that is collapsing because of wokism and, because it affects the racial issue, and anti-imperial and because it tries to divide and ideologize everything. However, this is a happier time in which there was more freedom of expression. By the way, I influenced The Highlander so much in that video game saga that I like so much, such as Baldur's Gates Forgotten Realms: Baldur's Gate #1
, especially in the final expansion that is Throne of Bhaal. Where there is strife among all the sons of Bhaal and, with nuances, only one can remain. Although the video game added an eschatological component absent in this saga. Even if the government of the Kurgan could have been the Dictatorship of the Antichrist. My grade is (4/5). Highly recommended. P.S. I take this opportunity to apologize to my sister Maggie Sendra for having read this book before the Three Wise Men brought me, but I wanted to do Beetruvian a favor.
Ladies and gentlemen as I only have 35% battery left and, many criticisms for writing I took advantage of to write is based on a cult film from the 80s that has @beetruvian had the good taste to edit. This was the last book to be read in 2023. Why this, and not "The Napoleon of Notting Hill"? Because "The Napoleon of Notting Hill" by G.K. Chesterton The Napoleon of Notting Hill had already been read in that volume of G.K. Chesterton's complete works published in @plazayjanes (second or, third, since the fourth was the biography). Anyway you are promised a review of the "Napoleon of Notting Hill" which I liked very much and, I hope to complete some things that he has not told @beetruvian. "The Highlanders" is a kind of compensation because I didn't like "Lilith" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... as much as I had expected and I wanted to compensate because @beetruvian had done an excellent editorial job and this pays off our debt.
The Immortals was one of those mythical films of the second golden age of Hollywood because the best one for me is the one that goes from the 30s and 60s when good films were made and not the rubbish of now. That second period of splendour goes from the 1980s to the year of the "Return of the King" The Return of the King including the last film mentioned) which, for me, is the end of an era. The best cinema is from the 30s to the 60s, but in the fantasy component the 80s were a little better. The best thing about Garry Killworth's book is its fidelity to the film which is well known for its soundtrack and the songs of the prematurely ill-fated Freddie Mercury (which I love /). Also for its combats and the originality of the plot. Although Poul Anderson (that underrated writer already spoke of Immortal beings in his novel "The boat of a Million Years " The Boat of a Million Years although in Poul Anderson's novel they did not kill each other, but were involved in the most decisive moments of humanity) This film Highlander did a lot to popularize and put Scotland on the map (something similar to what Crocodile Dundee did for Australia) and, it is one of the films that did not accept the Black Legend and, spoke more or, less well, of the Catholic Church and, of Spain. Juan Sánchez Villalobos Ramírez, the character played by Sean Connery (Connor McLeod's mentor), is one of the most or, less well-treated Spanish fictional characters by Hollywood. The others could be Inigo Montoya from "The Princess Bride" played by Mandy Patimkin The Princess Bride and the Maximus Decimo Merideo Gladiator from Gladiator. This film made a big star out of Christopher Lambert, who had made the interesting Greystoke Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes Greystoke: The Seventh Earl, John Charles Clayton: Tarzan, Lord of the Apes in which he played Tarzan with great success. An actor that I unfairly despised in my youth and that in my maturity I have learned to appreciate was the mythical Rayden in Mortal Kombat and is recommended in Prisoners of the Cult. A ninja movie. A ninja movie. The film greatly revalued Scotland and, without the success of this franchise, it would not have been possible to expand the universe of The Highlander or make its sequels, including a Canadian series played by Adrian Paul where he is trained by Connor McLeod himself and they appear together in the film The Immortals Endgame. But, without the success of the original film. All in all, without this film, a Braveheart Braveheart or, Rob Roy , the Passion of a Rebel Rob Roy would not have been possible and, something must have influenced the saga of novels of Diana Gabaldon , Outlander Outlander #1
since, like The Highlander, they are sagas that take place in the past (where the life adventures of the immortal are told) and, the present. In the end, everything converges in the 20th century, as in Back to the Future Back to the Future #1
, the key year was 1955. A cosmic connection, or a coincidence (it's not at all). The only difference between Garry Killworth's novel and, the film adaptation (the second one was first and, it shows. As in "The Third Man," The Third Man the film is superior to the novel.) Just as in Willow Willow in "The Highlander" some Kurgan is added (in Drew Wayland's adaptation of the film some vital reference to McMartigan the character played by Val Kilmer was included) that had an Arab master, the novel is started by him unlike the film that goes directly to the wrestling match (reminding me of the prologue of "Battle Royale" by Koushun Takami Battle Royale ) and, to the sword duel between McLeod and Aman Fasil and, something of the Kurgan's childhood will be seen later on. Connor McLeod tells of a confrontation that did not appear in the film, deepens his relationship with Kastagir and tells a little more about Ramírez such as the fact that he tells Heather the truth with which he comes out even better than in the film. The historical context of the appendices of the Beetruvian edition is acceptable, perhaps, it should have been said that the so-called Protestant Reformation began in England and would spread to Scotland where it took root on that subject see "Characters of the Reformation" Characters of the Reformation and, "How the Reformation Happened" by Hilaire Belloc How The Reformation Happened and, the book by Carlos M.N. Eire Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450-1650 recommended to me by Sandra E. Miesel Sandra Miesel . The notes from @beetruvian are very well brought, but for religious reasons I do not share his sympathies for the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins Richard Dawkins . Brenda Wyatt's connection to the poet Thomas Wyatt Thomas Wyatt , whose son tried to overthrow the legitimate Mary Tudor, are very good, see my review of "Mary Tudor: The Great Unknown Queen" by María Jesús Pérez María Tudor. La gran reina desconocida , published in @edicionesrialp. It is also very good that the notes clarify that the Kurgan has nothing to do with the group of Marija Gimbuttas Marija Gimbutas of the Bronze Age and that they would be the antecedents of the Europeans. Perhaps the pejorative treatment of the Kurgans is perhaps a remnant of the Cold War, of the clash between the West and the Soviet Union. Also Hollywood's contempt for everything that is not WASP or, typically American, especially with Central Europe and, part of these prejudices, perhaps, occur in Western Europe. I can't give more details because it practically adapts the film with very few changes, perhaps the slightly more negative view of the priest Rainey who refuses to prevent the cremation of Connor McLeod out of cowardice, or the scene in the Church when the Kurgan mocks religion and priests, even though by that unwritten law he maintains the peace of God on sacred ground. However, there are good moments such as the fight between Connor McLeod and Garfield or the Kurgan fight as Matunas. Moran's research and Brenda Wyatt's research is very good. Here there is more violence, some bad sounding words, although not profanities and, sex is more present since the Kurgan is a degenerate, commits rape and is absolutely disgusting in its ways of mating. But this contribution would be more of the novel, not the film. It is clear that the author is not as religious as Russell Mulcahy, Christopher Lambert (he played Mendel and appeared in a film that debunked that Pius XII was Hitler's Pope as communists, leftists, leftist Jews and liberal Catholics tried to make us believe) and, Sean Connery this adaptation can be compared to that of the "First Knight" First Knight . One of my favorite films and a tribute to the Knight of the Cart Lancelot: ou Le Chevalier de la charrette . Perhaps the most Christian film ever made of King Arthur. The most interesting thing is Ramirez and his training with him and his nods to Japanese culture. Ramirez reminds me a lot of Hanon from "The Million Year boat trip"" (my friend Professor Alfonseca Manuel Alfonseca , in our correspondence, made fun of this saga because he did not understand how an immortal person could die if his head was cut off) nor is he from the country he claims to represent. There's that positive fascination of the time with fantasy, role-playing, and Japanese culture. The series and sequels attempted to expand a cult film. The stories of the past and the present are very good and close in an unbeatable way. In my opinion, the saga would not have needed sequels, but it is already known that Hollywood is a business and a profit factory that is collapsing because of wokism and, because it affects the racial issue, and anti-imperial and because it tries to divide and ideologize everything. However, this is a happier time in which there was more freedom of expression. By the way, I influenced The Highlander so much in that video game saga that I like so much, such as Baldur's Gates Forgotten Realms: Baldur's Gate #1
, especially in the final expansion that is Throne of Bhaal. Where there is strife among all the sons of Bhaal and, with nuances, only one can remain. Although the video game added an eschatological component absent in this saga. Even if the government of the Kurgan could have been the Dictatorship of the Antichrist. My grade is (4/5). Highly recommended. P.S. I take this opportunity to apologize to my sister Maggie Sendra for having read this book before the Three Wise Men brought me, but I wanted to do Beetruvian a favor.
September 29, 2021
Highlander is one of my favourite films and, for over thirty years, I've wanted to read the book. Sometimes, if you read a book and then see the film you're disappointed. But this was the book of the film. All the lines were in there, all the scenes (and a couple more) were there, beautifully described by Garry Kilworth. I absolutely loved reading this and heartily recommend it to any other fan of the film.
April 26, 2020
Really more of a 3.5 star adaptation of the movie. Lots of extra information. It’s a good read. Really enjoyed it.
August 17, 2023
The discussion around movie tie-in books could either end up in three different directions: they could compliment their source and expand the experience from screen to pages; lead to disappointment and failure to catch up with the established fans’ expectation; or get the more neutral stance of being a stand-alone artwork that could be enjoyed separately, removed from its predecessors. Fortunately, the latter case fits ‘Highlander’ by Garry Kilworth, a movie tie-in to the 1986’s film with the same title, for I haven’t seen (or simply could not recall having seen) its movie version and thus annul the inevitable comparison had I watched it first before reading it.
The story revolves around Connor Macleod, a young Scottish who, after narrowly escaping death from a mortal wound in a clash between Macleod and Fraser clans in 1536 Scotland, found himself mysteriously healed and soon got back on his feet like nothing happened. His vitality was rejuvenated, his gaping wound vanished into thin air, his head light as air as if he’s an … immortal. His brethren were not as amused as him, watching this whole ‘journey back from the dead’ episode, though. They shunned and stoned him, claiming he’s the devil and cast him aside. Connor, forced to accept his first Excommunicado, ran as fast as his eternal legs would carry him to present day New York, where he was confronted by archenemy Victor ‘The Kurgan’ Kruger — a fellow immortal — who soon meet him face to face in a battle to the death in their own signature style of Gathering to fulfill their ominous yet inescapable prophecy: “There can only be one”.
Personally, I enjoy his recollection of the past more. The narration of Scottish land with its lochs and glens is quite refreshing, not to mention the colorful bunch of angry Macleods with their (not-entirely-unfounded) harsh judgment, the compassionate and loving Heather and the wise Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez. An immortal’s first is their most notable memory; it has the power to etch itself to last an eternity — which in Connor’s case is quite literal. His first love, Heather, led to his first heartbreak that doubled as his first warning of the consequence of having undying existence. He may be distrustful of Ramírez at first, but he soon found a kind mentor and faithful aid in him, not to mention Ramirez was the first one who went out of his way to seek him out and help him unearth his identity and potential — essentially prep him for the worst battle an immortal would face: The Kurgan.
However, as soon as the narrative shifted to a more contemporary time where Connor is now a jaded, centuries-old cynic who has ‘grown weary of life at last’, I admit I kind of lost interest. There is not much to entertain, what with conveniently abhorrent Kurgan as the antagonist and conveniently attractive and intelligent Brenda Wyatt as the damsel-in-distress whose sole purpose is to trigger Connor’s long-dead passion for life and galvanize him into action — it’s all very predictable, one might say. The lack of surprises in the plot combined with failure in giving Brenda’s character more complexities only resulted in a lackluster and uninspiring finale to an otherwise great story. Yes, I do recognize and appreciate the attempt to flesh out The Kurgan more by sharing his tale of woe or portraying the complexities of comradeship between immortals by showing Connor and Sunda Kastagir’s awkward friendship, but I sure couldn’t care less of the unlikely rapid progress of Connor and Brenda’s romance (they literally JUST met and still decided to propose undying love to each other? Hello? This is not Romeo and Juliet!).
Nevertheless, I did take pleasure in reading this one. It's not every day that you hear about a band of invincible mutants who — instead of devoting their limitless time slot engaging in more worthwhile objectives like cutting-edge scientific research, space exploration or uncovering the enigma of the universe — dedicate their long lives to an inexplicable inner urge to kill one another. The idea of withholding unnecessary details of the origin of immortality is feeding into the mystery of their whole being and leaves the reader with something to think about at the end of the book. Although it leaves not much room for me to actually want to check their movies, but oh well, you can’t have everything, can you?
The story revolves around Connor Macleod, a young Scottish who, after narrowly escaping death from a mortal wound in a clash between Macleod and Fraser clans in 1536 Scotland, found himself mysteriously healed and soon got back on his feet like nothing happened. His vitality was rejuvenated, his gaping wound vanished into thin air, his head light as air as if he’s an … immortal. His brethren were not as amused as him, watching this whole ‘journey back from the dead’ episode, though. They shunned and stoned him, claiming he’s the devil and cast him aside. Connor, forced to accept his first Excommunicado, ran as fast as his eternal legs would carry him to present day New York, where he was confronted by archenemy Victor ‘The Kurgan’ Kruger — a fellow immortal — who soon meet him face to face in a battle to the death in their own signature style of Gathering to fulfill their ominous yet inescapable prophecy: “There can only be one”.
Personally, I enjoy his recollection of the past more. The narration of Scottish land with its lochs and glens is quite refreshing, not to mention the colorful bunch of angry Macleods with their (not-entirely-unfounded) harsh judgment, the compassionate and loving Heather and the wise Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez. An immortal’s first is their most notable memory; it has the power to etch itself to last an eternity — which in Connor’s case is quite literal. His first love, Heather, led to his first heartbreak that doubled as his first warning of the consequence of having undying existence. He may be distrustful of Ramírez at first, but he soon found a kind mentor and faithful aid in him, not to mention Ramirez was the first one who went out of his way to seek him out and help him unearth his identity and potential — essentially prep him for the worst battle an immortal would face: The Kurgan.
However, as soon as the narrative shifted to a more contemporary time where Connor is now a jaded, centuries-old cynic who has ‘grown weary of life at last’, I admit I kind of lost interest. There is not much to entertain, what with conveniently abhorrent Kurgan as the antagonist and conveniently attractive and intelligent Brenda Wyatt as the damsel-in-distress whose sole purpose is to trigger Connor’s long-dead passion for life and galvanize him into action — it’s all very predictable, one might say. The lack of surprises in the plot combined with failure in giving Brenda’s character more complexities only resulted in a lackluster and uninspiring finale to an otherwise great story. Yes, I do recognize and appreciate the attempt to flesh out The Kurgan more by sharing his tale of woe or portraying the complexities of comradeship between immortals by showing Connor and Sunda Kastagir’s awkward friendship, but I sure couldn’t care less of the unlikely rapid progress of Connor and Brenda’s romance (they literally JUST met and still decided to propose undying love to each other? Hello? This is not Romeo and Juliet!).
Nevertheless, I did take pleasure in reading this one. It's not every day that you hear about a band of invincible mutants who — instead of devoting their limitless time slot engaging in more worthwhile objectives like cutting-edge scientific research, space exploration or uncovering the enigma of the universe — dedicate their long lives to an inexplicable inner urge to kill one another. The idea of withholding unnecessary details of the origin of immortality is feeding into the mystery of their whole being and leaves the reader with something to think about at the end of the book. Although it leaves not much room for me to actually want to check their movies, but oh well, you can’t have everything, can you?
August 29, 2025
Highlander Novelization
Gary Kilworth
“There Can Be Only One.”
Since the dawn of man, the battle for the prize has raged across the world. Sporadically, throughout the ages, one person is born into a life of immortality. This gift or curse (depending on one’s perception) can only come forth after the person has died a horrific death, well before their time, then and only then are they reborn into a long life of immortality. Although they’re immortal, they can be killed by decapitation. When another Immortal takes the head of one of their own, it unlocks The Quickening, a transference of the dead immortal’s essence, with it their memories, skill, and power.
Connor MacLeod of the Clan Macleod, born in Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands in the year 1518 (on the shores of Loch Shiel), is a 16th century Immortal that has been living in New York City posing as antique dealer Russell Nash. For centuries, he has been fighting to stay alive, witnessing historical events take place right before his eyes. He has outlived his bonny wife Heather, buried his mentor Ramirez an Egyptian Warrior (who, like himself, saw first-hand the rise and fall of many kingdoms), who taught Macleod all he had to learn about his immortal life.
Now the time of the Gathering has arrived when the last of the Immortals will gather to a faraway land to fight for the final prize, in the end there can be only one. May it be Connor Macleod of Clan MacLeod, The Highlander. Only the Black Knight stands in his way The Kurgan an evil Immortal who not only took Ramirez’s head, raped Connor’s wife, but was also the one responsible for murdering Connor on the battlefield with the opposing Frasier Clan in the 16th Century, robbing him of his mortal life.
I have started reading this novelization many times and have only ever gotten through the first couple of chapters, which confused me because Highlander is my number 1 favourite film of all time. Released to the world in 1986, my birth year it has always been close to my heart. I picked this up again, dusting off the cover and continued where I left off (Madison Square Garden), and what an incredible journey it was. If you’re a fan of the movie like myself, then this isn’t just a novelization. This provides some further insight really complimenting the original film.
A few points to moisten your wet stone:
Witness the initial meeting between Connor and Heather. In the film, you see Connor banished from his Clansman and then in the next flashback scene, the relationship between Connor and Heather has already been established.
A flashback from the Kurgan’s life before he became the Black Knight, explaining to a degree why he embraced his wickedness.
A confrontation that deepens Connor’s relationship with Kastagir in 1879 that actually makes sense, Kastagir helps Connor escape from Zulu captivity in South Africa.
And plenty of other scenes that provide further insight into Brenda’s character but aren’t vital to the story.
Reliving the Highlander experience was well worth the journey back to the Scottish Highlands. I love hearing the sound of swords reverberating against one another and the flashbacks throughout history, which is why I am giving this novel 4/5 Claymore Swords 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
What can I say, “It’s like a Kind of Magic.”
Gary Kilworth
“There Can Be Only One.”
Since the dawn of man, the battle for the prize has raged across the world. Sporadically, throughout the ages, one person is born into a life of immortality. This gift or curse (depending on one’s perception) can only come forth after the person has died a horrific death, well before their time, then and only then are they reborn into a long life of immortality. Although they’re immortal, they can be killed by decapitation. When another Immortal takes the head of one of their own, it unlocks The Quickening, a transference of the dead immortal’s essence, with it their memories, skill, and power.
Connor MacLeod of the Clan Macleod, born in Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands in the year 1518 (on the shores of Loch Shiel), is a 16th century Immortal that has been living in New York City posing as antique dealer Russell Nash. For centuries, he has been fighting to stay alive, witnessing historical events take place right before his eyes. He has outlived his bonny wife Heather, buried his mentor Ramirez an Egyptian Warrior (who, like himself, saw first-hand the rise and fall of many kingdoms), who taught Macleod all he had to learn about his immortal life.
Now the time of the Gathering has arrived when the last of the Immortals will gather to a faraway land to fight for the final prize, in the end there can be only one. May it be Connor Macleod of Clan MacLeod, The Highlander. Only the Black Knight stands in his way The Kurgan an evil Immortal who not only took Ramirez’s head, raped Connor’s wife, but was also the one responsible for murdering Connor on the battlefield with the opposing Frasier Clan in the 16th Century, robbing him of his mortal life.
I have started reading this novelization many times and have only ever gotten through the first couple of chapters, which confused me because Highlander is my number 1 favourite film of all time. Released to the world in 1986, my birth year it has always been close to my heart. I picked this up again, dusting off the cover and continued where I left off (Madison Square Garden), and what an incredible journey it was. If you’re a fan of the movie like myself, then this isn’t just a novelization. This provides some further insight really complimenting the original film.
A few points to moisten your wet stone:
Witness the initial meeting between Connor and Heather. In the film, you see Connor banished from his Clansman and then in the next flashback scene, the relationship between Connor and Heather has already been established.
A flashback from the Kurgan’s life before he became the Black Knight, explaining to a degree why he embraced his wickedness.
A confrontation that deepens Connor’s relationship with Kastagir in 1879 that actually makes sense, Kastagir helps Connor escape from Zulu captivity in South Africa.
And plenty of other scenes that provide further insight into Brenda’s character but aren’t vital to the story.
Reliving the Highlander experience was well worth the journey back to the Scottish Highlands. I love hearing the sound of swords reverberating against one another and the flashbacks throughout history, which is why I am giving this novel 4/5 Claymore Swords 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
What can I say, “It’s like a Kind of Magic.”
January 21, 2021
Me ha encantado este libro, erá todo lo que esperaba y más, mucho más. He sido fan de Highlander desde que puedo recordar, tanto de la serie como de la película. Recuerdo que veía la serie en TV con mi mamá en cable pero sin duda lo que más recuerda es el magnífico tema de la mano de la banda Queen y con la prodigiosa voz del inigualable Freddy Mercury.
El libro sigue la historia de la película, casi al pie de la letra, pero agregando algunas cosillas extra y sobre todo profundizando más es los pensamientos de los personajes. Si eres fan de la película amarás este libro y si no conoces la historia de HIGHLANDER ésta es una buena introducción.
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of you all
- Queen
El libro sigue la historia de la película, casi al pie de la letra, pero agregando algunas cosillas extra y sobre todo profundizando más es los pensamientos de los personajes. Si eres fan de la película amarás este libro y si no conoces la historia de HIGHLANDER ésta es una buena introducción.
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of you all
- Queen
April 5, 2018
Highlander was truly an epic movie and the Highlander book explains more of the background. Garry Kilworth did a great job writing this novel and the results filled in a lot of relevant information. To me, that made the movie even better as it added to the story. There were a few differences and this made me wonder about what choices are made to create a great movie. The Scenes in Scotland were particularly vivid with great added backstory. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it made me appreciate the entire Highlander saga even better.
December 5, 2020
I never saw the movie, so I thought I'd read this quick, to get a feel for what everybody else already knows. It reads like a novelization of an action movie. That is to say, it's entertaining enough, but kind of stupid. There are so many occasions in which the reader wants to ask, "why don't they just...?" and "why didn't they...?" But of course, that would have ruined the big fight scene at the end among the girders and pipes and electrical cords spewing sparks and smoke.
Now I know I probably won't be worth my time to catch up on the TV show that so many others enjoyed.
Now I know I probably won't be worth my time to catch up on the TV show that so many others enjoyed.
February 23, 2018
Obviously when reading a novelisation it helps to be a fan of the original property. It just so happens that this is one of my favourite films and while it largely follows the film as you'd expect, there is enough extra inner dialogue and character background included to make this more than a script read through.
August 21, 2018
A slightly cheesy novelization of a great motion picture. Although the action sequences come off a little dry, and parts of the book feel a little awkward, the novel was a still a fun little vacation read.
November 13, 2025
Great book that follows the movie pretty closely. There were a few scenes in here that I don't recall from the movie and those were all one's that I'm glad were in here. Maybe they're in the movie and I simply forgot about them. Many of them were flashbacks.
November 23, 2025
A fun quick read. But Kilworth is a much better writer than this movie tie-in. Lots of exposition in the writing but I guess he was constrained and instructed by the movie people. Enjoyable nevertheless.
July 21, 2016
I'm a big fan of this movie, despite its many flaws, because it's a clever story and tries to make some impact with its visual style. However, a good script is hampered by the director not being able to direct his actors with more care and emotion (if an actor is good elsewhere I will usually blame the director or the scriptwriter).
However, I love this novelisation because it gives a lot more depth to the existing story. Conner's life before his immortality is explained further, as are the thoughts and feelings of his friends and relatives; the Kurgan's life is fleshed out and his motivations make him a more realistic character; Brenda is a more interesting character (and even calls out her colleagues on their sexism occasionally); and in general, there's a lot more information and depth given than you would find in a regular, standard retelling of a script.
That said, there's a sense of uneasiness when Mr Kilworth tries to marry that depth to the scenes as written by script-writer Gregory Widen where you get the feeling that he doesn't feel comfortable with the style of the source material. This is a problem when an author collaborates with another author, and I can only imagine that it must be magnified when you are putting some flesh to another author's words and can't alter them too much because you're retelling the story and can't change it too much.
Overall, enjoyable fun that enhances and complements the movie.
January 4, 2016
I think what made me read this was the few episodes of the television series I happened across online.
That and friends would tackle me to the ground, shouting, "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!" after seeing a Toyota Highlander - it was the new 'Punch-Buggy' and 'Cop-Pop' of 2011.
Many-a friend would make reference of some kind, explain it to me with a quizzical face, and call me an uneducated noid. And like with Firefly, we would speak on it and then never let me borrow the said Nerdry.
(In retrospect- my nerd friends are selfish and opinionated. *great*)
All that aside, I really, really, REALLY lost myself and my mind while reading this!
Not like the mind-blowing-where-are-we, but the engrossing, SHUT-UP-I'M-READING losing of self.
There were a few, tiny things I disliked *cough BRENDA cough* and I wanted so much more from Ramirez's character/backstory, plus WAY more Immortal fight scenes.
So, because of this excellent film novelization - I will get my hands on the film version soon, dive a little deeper in to the fanbase (there are more novels to be had!), and probably take up fencing lessons.
Who's to know!
Hopefully, not addressing myself by clan name and whipping out a sword when people irk my nerves. . .
That and friends would tackle me to the ground, shouting, "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!" after seeing a Toyota Highlander - it was the new 'Punch-Buggy' and 'Cop-Pop' of 2011.
Many-a friend would make reference of some kind, explain it to me with a quizzical face, and call me an uneducated noid. And like with Firefly, we would speak on it and then never let me borrow the said Nerdry.
(In retrospect- my nerd friends are selfish and opinionated. *great*)
All that aside, I really, really, REALLY lost myself and my mind while reading this!
Not like the mind-blowing-where-are-we, but the engrossing, SHUT-UP-I'M-READING losing of self.
There were a few, tiny things I disliked *cough BRENDA cough* and I wanted so much more from Ramirez's character/backstory, plus WAY more Immortal fight scenes.
So, because of this excellent film novelization - I will get my hands on the film version soon, dive a little deeper in to the fanbase (there are more novels to be had!), and probably take up fencing lessons.
Who's to know!
Hopefully, not addressing myself by clan name and whipping out a sword when people irk my nerves. . .
July 5, 2025
A fun extra for fans of the film, but don’t expect anything mind-blowing.
Highlander has a cool concept—immortals battling through history for a mysterious “Prize.” The book sticks closely to the movie’s plot, but adds more depth to some characters, especially The Kurgan. I liked how the author made him more than just a mindless villain.
That said, it doesn’t go far beyond what the film already gave us. There are still lots of unanswered questions about how immortals work, where they come from, or how they sense each other. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore those ideas more.
Overall, it was an okay read. If you’re a fan of the film and want a bit more insight into the characters, especially the villain, it might be worth checking out. But if you’re hoping for a deeper or expanded story, you’re not missing much if you skip it.
Highlander has a cool concept—immortals battling through history for a mysterious “Prize.” The book sticks closely to the movie’s plot, but adds more depth to some characters, especially The Kurgan. I liked how the author made him more than just a mindless villain.
That said, it doesn’t go far beyond what the film already gave us. There are still lots of unanswered questions about how immortals work, where they come from, or how they sense each other. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore those ideas more.
Overall, it was an okay read. If you’re a fan of the film and want a bit more insight into the characters, especially the villain, it might be worth checking out. But if you’re hoping for a deeper or expanded story, you’re not missing much if you skip it.
March 15, 2016
Having seen the movie a multitude of times since my youth, I was able to easily visualize many of the scenes depicted. I appreciated the expansion on both the Highlander's and the Kurgan's backstory, though I find it rather lackluster the way in which Conner and Brenda's relationship developed so quickly toward an attraction to each other. I also find it strange the way that the last confrontation with the Kurgan was depicted insofar as the description of the action. I don't recall the clash with Fasil being written so and it just seemed odd. On the whole however this has been a fine read.
September 27, 2014
The central romance felt way too rushed and underdeveloped (an issue more of the original script than this adaptation) and some of the fight scenes are a bit brisk and clumsy, and don't quite follow through on the power of the build toward them. That said, this is a fantastic adaptation of a fine film, really digging into the characters and building on their immortal, existential journeys.
Read
August 22, 2008Highlander: The Original Novel of the Classic Motion Picture by Garry Kilworth (1986)
December 15, 2010
Awesome adaptation of the original 1986 film, with some extra goodies that weren't in the film.
December 28, 2013
A decent novelization of one of my favorite movies - there can be only one.
August 17, 2016
Excellent adaption of the film with neat extra details missing from the film such as more on Brenda's personal life as well as more on Kurgan.
March 6, 2014
Film only
March 21, 2015
If you're a fan of the movie, which I am, you'll love this book. The Kurgan's history is expanded upon very nicely by the author. Overall, an easy read that wont disappoint.
December 12, 2016
Five nostalgia stars for the Highlander movies and when Highlander and Xena ruled the airwaves. The good ole days!
January 24, 2017
How could I not love it.... I love the movie after all!
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