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The Rigante #4
Stormrider
One glorious spark, one moment of Rigante rebellion has ignited a revolution and forged a legend. In the mountains of the north, the outlaw leader known as Ravenheart waits, knowing the forces of the blackhearted Moidart will come, led by the brutal ruler’s only son, Stormrider. Unaware that the fate of the world lies in their hands, sworn enemies Ravenheart and Stormrider will be forced to unite—and face the vengeance of an ancient evil.
For immense armies of darkness are advancing on the highlanders, and it seems as if nothing will stop them. They crush their victims with ease, until only a few thousand men stand before them, with no help in sight. But these are not ordinary men they face. They are clansmen, and more than that, they are Rigante. . . .
For immense armies of darkness are advancing on the highlanders, and it seems as if nothing will stop them. They crush their victims with ease, until only a few thousand men stand before them, with no help in sight. But these are not ordinary men they face. They are clansmen, and more than that, they are Rigante. . . .
489 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
170 people are currently reading
2248 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
199 books3,821 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 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 7, 2016
The BEST ending to any Gemmell book I have read to date! And I have read many. Almost made me cry. Almost...*puffs out chest*
October 29, 2024
Not quite up to the usual Gemmell standards, Stormrider felt a little too crowded to really allow the characters each to shine. Still, it's the Rigante, it's a Gemmell books so it will always be at the very least great.
November 27, 2018
Just finished the last book in the Rigante series. And yet again I love another of David Gemmell’s books.
Stormrider takes place a few years after the ending of Ravenheart, and shares many of the same characters, but also has some new major additions. One being the main antagonist, Winter Kay.
Civil war has occurred with the Varlish and many people from Ravenheart such as Gaise Macon have been drawn into the turmoil. The war seems to be coming to a close, but no one knows what will happen next.
Winter Kay occupies a powerful ancient relic and is preparing to release its full power upon the world. But there is much he has to do to reach his goal, and he will be opposed at every corner.
As destruction and death ensues in the south, the Rigante have been recovering from conflict with the Varlish and still battle to regain their homeland and their traditions. Kaelin Ring has become a prominent figure among the clansmen and has tried to prepare the Rigante warriors for the battle he believes is inevitable to be fought with the dread Moidart and his brutal armies.
The plot and characters were brilliant, as I now expect every time I read one of David Gemmell’s creations. I have sadly read the entire series now, so I need to find another book of David Gemmell’s to dive into.
Overall, loved this book and the entire series. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys three dimensional characters, epic scale battles and a fight of good vs evil.
Stormrider takes place a few years after the ending of Ravenheart, and shares many of the same characters, but also has some new major additions. One being the main antagonist, Winter Kay.
Civil war has occurred with the Varlish and many people from Ravenheart such as Gaise Macon have been drawn into the turmoil. The war seems to be coming to a close, but no one knows what will happen next.
Winter Kay occupies a powerful ancient relic and is preparing to release its full power upon the world. But there is much he has to do to reach his goal, and he will be opposed at every corner.
As destruction and death ensues in the south, the Rigante have been recovering from conflict with the Varlish and still battle to regain their homeland and their traditions. Kaelin Ring has become a prominent figure among the clansmen and has tried to prepare the Rigante warriors for the battle he believes is inevitable to be fought with the dread Moidart and his brutal armies.
The plot and characters were brilliant, as I now expect every time I read one of David Gemmell’s creations. I have sadly read the entire series now, so I need to find another book of David Gemmell’s to dive into.
Overall, loved this book and the entire series. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys three dimensional characters, epic scale battles and a fight of good vs evil.
December 25, 2020
This amazing fantasy novel is the 4th and final part of the "Rigante" series, from the author, the late David Gemmell.
Once again is storytelling of a top-notch quality, the tale is wonderfully structured and executed, while all characters involved come superbly to life within this thrilling fantasy adventure.
If you want to make a comparison between this fantasy adventure and a certain kind of history, then you'll find in this book that it has much in common with the English Civil War, a war fought between the Royalists under the Kings Charles I and II against the Parliamentarians, here called Covenanters, with as their leader, Oliver Cromwell.
This book is set straight after the adventures of Kaelin Ring, aka Ravenheart, who's definitely also featuring in this great story, but the main protagonist we now follow in this book is his step-brother, Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider.
The book starts off with a short prologue, in which Winter Kay, aka Lord Winterbourne, through murder and slaughter will come into the possession of the Orb of Kranos, a most powerful object that can destroy the world, and that object being the skull and life spirit of Cernunnos.
Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider, finds himself in the army as a Cavalry General fighting for the King, but someone is trying to kill him at every opportunity, while Kaelin Ring, aka Ravenheart, will come to an alliance with his enemy, the man who killed his father Lanovar, a man called the Moidart, in an attempt to stop the dark forces of Winter Kay and his followers, the Redeemers, while the lives of the Lady of the Wishing Tree woods as well as that of Feargol, son of Finnbar Ustal who along with his wife and other son Basson was killed by a bear, are very much in danger too from that same dangerous and devilish man, Winter Kay.
What is to come is a fabulous action-packed and fast-paced thrilling adventure, where in a bloody battle between the forces led by Stormrider against those of Winter Kay everything will be concluded in a most fascinating and decisive manner. and where the skull and live spirit of Cernunnos, in the form of Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider, will play a very important part in the final and ultimate action at this same heroic battle.
Highly recommended, for this is a fabulous fantasy adventure series that's ending in a most splendid fashion, and that's why I like to call this final episode, an: "Awesome Conclusion Of Fantastic Rigante Series"!
Once again is storytelling of a top-notch quality, the tale is wonderfully structured and executed, while all characters involved come superbly to life within this thrilling fantasy adventure.
If you want to make a comparison between this fantasy adventure and a certain kind of history, then you'll find in this book that it has much in common with the English Civil War, a war fought between the Royalists under the Kings Charles I and II against the Parliamentarians, here called Covenanters, with as their leader, Oliver Cromwell.
This book is set straight after the adventures of Kaelin Ring, aka Ravenheart, who's definitely also featuring in this great story, but the main protagonist we now follow in this book is his step-brother, Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider.
The book starts off with a short prologue, in which Winter Kay, aka Lord Winterbourne, through murder and slaughter will come into the possession of the Orb of Kranos, a most powerful object that can destroy the world, and that object being the skull and life spirit of Cernunnos.
Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider, finds himself in the army as a Cavalry General fighting for the King, but someone is trying to kill him at every opportunity, while Kaelin Ring, aka Ravenheart, will come to an alliance with his enemy, the man who killed his father Lanovar, a man called the Moidart, in an attempt to stop the dark forces of Winter Kay and his followers, the Redeemers, while the lives of the Lady of the Wishing Tree woods as well as that of Feargol, son of Finnbar Ustal who along with his wife and other son Basson was killed by a bear, are very much in danger too from that same dangerous and devilish man, Winter Kay.
What is to come is a fabulous action-packed and fast-paced thrilling adventure, where in a bloody battle between the forces led by Stormrider against those of Winter Kay everything will be concluded in a most fascinating and decisive manner. and where the skull and live spirit of Cernunnos, in the form of Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider, will play a very important part in the final and ultimate action at this same heroic battle.
Highly recommended, for this is a fabulous fantasy adventure series that's ending in a most splendid fashion, and that's why I like to call this final episode, an: "Awesome Conclusion Of Fantastic Rigante Series"!
August 18, 2017
While this stands well alone, it takes place shortly after Ravenheart & has many of the same characters. I'd highly recommend reading it first.
Gemmel is a master of writing a character driven story. While the setting, action, & magic are well done, the characters are what really shine. There are good guys & bad; some swap places as they grow & events shape them. Often these changes are against all odds if viewed from a distance, but make perfect sense as the particulars become known. Small strengths or defects are amplified & then I realize there really isn't anything else the character could do under the circumstances. Very cool.
I definitely want to read more by Gemmel. His stories are fairly long, but they're never slow. While they're often complex, they're never dulled by too much exposition or description. Best of all, there's never any repetition. My kind of author.
Gemmel is a master of writing a character driven story. While the setting, action, & magic are well done, the characters are what really shine. There are good guys & bad; some swap places as they grow & events shape them. Often these changes are against all odds if viewed from a distance, but make perfect sense as the particulars become known. Small strengths or defects are amplified & then I realize there really isn't anything else the character could do under the circumstances. Very cool.
I definitely want to read more by Gemmel. His stories are fairly long, but they're never slow. While they're often complex, they're never dulled by too much exposition or description. Best of all, there's never any repetition. My kind of author.
February 28, 2020
David Gemmell is now on my favorite author’s list.
I’m glad I started on this series of Gemmell books.
This book made me want to read the first 3 books again just for history fact checks lol. Great read and adventure. Love the world building and the unforgettable characters.
I’m glad I started on this series of Gemmell books.
This book made me want to read the first 3 books again just for history fact checks lol. Great read and adventure. Love the world building and the unforgettable characters.
February 14, 2019
The final instalment on the Rigante series is nothing less than epic but the biggest weakness in this book was its characters. None of the books previous and new heroes could realize its full potential because of the crowded scene but nevertheless, the story was amazing.
The action pack finale showed the final attempt by the villains in a multi layers plan to laid waste on lands and bring an old god back to full life. It occurs nearly 6 years after the third book’s plot.
“Humankind is a plague for earth and it continues to destroy it unless something stop him”. An old god wants to destroy humans to save the earth but out heroes believe otherwise.
The action pack finale showed the final attempt by the villains in a multi layers plan to laid waste on lands and bring an old god back to full life. It occurs nearly 6 years after the third book’s plot.
“Humankind is a plague for earth and it continues to destroy it unless something stop him”. An old god wants to destroy humans to save the earth but out heroes believe otherwise.
December 11, 2010
I finished this book (for about the seventh time) about a week ago, but this is the first chance I've had time to write a review.
Although, not Gemmell's best work (Sword In The Storm, Midnight Falcon, Legend, Winter Warriors, Waylander II & III, Dark Moon), it is up there with them.
As I've already said, I've read this book (and many others) several times over the years, and there are only so many books that are gripping enough to do that with. Gemmell was always the master at character driven stories. You follow the characters because Gemmell gave you that depth of description and life, strengths and weaknesses, in a style I have yet to see reached by other authors.
Stormrider, although a stand-alone read, follows on with the story of Ravenheart and Gaise Macon (son of the dreaded Moidart). There's no shortage of deep character's including Huntsekker, Lord Winter Kay and his Redeemer Knight's, and the Moidart who almost steals the show. There is civil war between the King and Ludan Macks, there's a powerful relic of a Rigante Seidh God, and the Rigante are required to fight alongside their long time enemy, the Moidart.
The actions of the Cochland brother's shows, and the result of their actions, shows what Gemmell was largely about in his writing and messages he felt deeply about.
This is still a 4 star read, although not the best of the Rigante books.
Although, not Gemmell's best work (Sword In The Storm, Midnight Falcon, Legend, Winter Warriors, Waylander II & III, Dark Moon), it is up there with them.
As I've already said, I've read this book (and many others) several times over the years, and there are only so many books that are gripping enough to do that with. Gemmell was always the master at character driven stories. You follow the characters because Gemmell gave you that depth of description and life, strengths and weaknesses, in a style I have yet to see reached by other authors.
Stormrider, although a stand-alone read, follows on with the story of Ravenheart and Gaise Macon (son of the dreaded Moidart). There's no shortage of deep character's including Huntsekker, Lord Winter Kay and his Redeemer Knight's, and the Moidart who almost steals the show. There is civil war between the King and Ludan Macks, there's a powerful relic of a Rigante Seidh God, and the Rigante are required to fight alongside their long time enemy, the Moidart.
The actions of the Cochland brother's shows, and the result of their actions, shows what Gemmell was largely about in his writing and messages he felt deeply about.
This is still a 4 star read, although not the best of the Rigante books.
October 2, 2016
Every book in this series has amazed me with powerful characters and strong stories with meaning. The story of Kaelin Ring and Gaise Macon and all the others was just perfect. This fourth book brings the story of the Rigante to an end but you can see there was a whole other story that was waiting for him to write. A shame he didn't get to. This series will remain on the shelf for another read, someday soon. 5 Stars Every Gemmell book I have read has been excellent.
April 25, 2019
Don't let the cover art fool you - this is an amazing series.
December 3, 2024
In ogni caso, sono sicuro di non aver commesso un atto gentile. Io penso che per un codardo ogni giorno porti un po’ di morte.
Dopo un salto di ottocento anni, assistiamo alla nuova lotta per la libertà dei Rigante, asserragliati sulle loro montagne aspre e indomabili, ancora legati al culto della terra e agli antichi riti celtici, ciascuno con un nome segreto e un destino già tracciato, che solo la Wyrd e gli ultimi spiriti buoni possono ancora vedere, mentre il male, la civiltà e i colonizzatori avanzano.
Nel regno Varlish è scoppiata la guerra civile tra monarchici e indipendentisti, ma le sorti della stessa rischiano di travolgere gli stessi Rigante.
Nel momento in cui l'unico freno all'avanzata del male diviene proprio l'unico figlio del Moidart, noto come Cavalca la Tempesta grazie al suo sangue misto nelle vene, per Kaelin e i suoi highlander si prospetta una svolta impensabile: il nemico del nemico diviene amico e alleato.
Un fronte comune che affronterà battaglie e invasioni, narrato con la stessa incredibile bravura che ha contraddistinto questa saga. Che si tratti di fuga dall'orso malvagio nei boschi innevati o un confronto cerebrale con quel villain sorprendente che è il Moidart, non riesci a interrompere la lettura.
Saga epic spettacolare: avrei solo voluto qualcosa di più per Gaise, dopo tanta sofferenza.
Dopo un salto di ottocento anni, assistiamo alla nuova lotta per la libertà dei Rigante, asserragliati sulle loro montagne aspre e indomabili, ancora legati al culto della terra e agli antichi riti celtici, ciascuno con un nome segreto e un destino già tracciato, che solo la Wyrd e gli ultimi spiriti buoni possono ancora vedere, mentre il male, la civiltà e i colonizzatori avanzano.
Nel regno Varlish è scoppiata la guerra civile tra monarchici e indipendentisti, ma le sorti della stessa rischiano di travolgere gli stessi Rigante.
Nel momento in cui l'unico freno all'avanzata del male diviene proprio l'unico figlio del Moidart, noto come Cavalca la Tempesta grazie al suo sangue misto nelle vene, per Kaelin e i suoi highlander si prospetta una svolta impensabile: il nemico del nemico diviene amico e alleato.
Un fronte comune che affronterà battaglie e invasioni, narrato con la stessa incredibile bravura che ha contraddistinto questa saga. Che si tratti di fuga dall'orso malvagio nei boschi innevati o un confronto cerebrale con quel villain sorprendente che è il Moidart, non riesci a interrompere la lettura.
Saga epic spettacolare: avrei solo voluto qualcosa di più per Gaise, dopo tanta sofferenza.
March 7, 2011
Draig Cochland is who the hero of this book.
p 325: "All was silent at the center of the Wishing Tree woods. The ancient standing stones, only three of them upright now, cast long moon shadows across the hilltop. Other pillars lay cracked and broken on the ground, the meaning of the runic symbols carved into the golden stone long forgotten. A black beetle scurried across the surface of one fallen stone, its tiny legs powering it over a written wisdom it would never know."
p 459: "The grass beneath the Moidart's feet shimmered and writhed. Small blue flowers swelled from the earth. All across the battlefield they grew. It was as if the sky had painted the earth."
damn, he's good.
p 325: "All was silent at the center of the Wishing Tree woods. The ancient standing stones, only three of them upright now, cast long moon shadows across the hilltop. Other pillars lay cracked and broken on the ground, the meaning of the runic symbols carved into the golden stone long forgotten. A black beetle scurried across the surface of one fallen stone, its tiny legs powering it over a written wisdom it would never know."
p 459: "The grass beneath the Moidart's feet shimmered and writhed. Small blue flowers swelled from the earth. All across the battlefield they grew. It was as if the sky had painted the earth."
damn, he's good.
January 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, although this 4th and last book in Gemmell's "Rigante" series was probably the weakest of the four. Certain changes in character in the book, particularly for Gaise Macon and the Moidart, seemed a little forced, and perhaps made more for plot convenience than for consistency in the story. This is still a rather minor complaint given that I really liked the story overall and was certainly caught up in it while reading it.
January 3, 2017
Good end. Wish there was more. Found it the author died while I was reading this book. Sad
December 30, 2021
I cried at the ending, it was so sad, but beautiful for it being a sacrifice. The Moyadart's redemption arc is one of the most interesting character developments I've ever read. There was a lot of action in this book, with lots of different war strategies. All the characters were interesting. This is a really good series. It is written as 2 duologies set 800 years apart. I really loved everything that encompassed being Rigante.
June 27, 2019
4 Stars.
This is a 4 book series that really would have worked better as 2 books. Books 1 & 2 could have been the first book and Books 3 & 4 could have been the second book.
That being said. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the overall story. I'm glad I read it and will read some more of David Gemmell's novels.
This is a 4 book series that really would have worked better as 2 books. Books 1 & 2 could have been the first book and Books 3 & 4 could have been the second book.
That being said. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the overall story. I'm glad I read it and will read some more of David Gemmell's novels.
January 7, 2019
The Rigante's tale comes to a conclusion in this book which brings to the forefront a new antagonist. Cernunnos, an ancient Seidh who desires the eradication of all humans. It is interesting that as the story moves farther into the future and magic has faded further away making it less and less available that the tales actually contain more magic.
Connavar's epic saw only a spattering of healing and foresight. Some magical trinkets. By the time it reaches the end in which all the Seidh are essentially dead or gone and the world has begun drying up of all spirit power, that users of magic and their powers become a much more core part of the story.
The combat leaves behind most of bladed combat and falls more heavily on the use of pistols, muskets, and cannon fire.
Over all the story is told well and the conclusion leaves one pondering the true essence of good and evil. Do small evils that beget greater goods justify themselves? Does an evil act done to prevent a greater act of evil have honor? Should those with honor stand in the face of a tide of evil and allow it to wash over and consume them in order to avoid losing that honor or should they sink to the level of their assailant and fight it on its own terms in order to prevail?
Much is left open to speculation at the end, and the reader is likely to be left in a state of melancholy much as many of the characters as the book closes.
Connavar's epic saw only a spattering of healing and foresight. Some magical trinkets. By the time it reaches the end in which all the Seidh are essentially dead or gone and the world has begun drying up of all spirit power, that users of magic and their powers become a much more core part of the story.
The combat leaves behind most of bladed combat and falls more heavily on the use of pistols, muskets, and cannon fire.
Over all the story is told well and the conclusion leaves one pondering the true essence of good and evil. Do small evils that beget greater goods justify themselves? Does an evil act done to prevent a greater act of evil have honor? Should those with honor stand in the face of a tide of evil and allow it to wash over and consume them in order to avoid losing that honor or should they sink to the level of their assailant and fight it on its own terms in order to prevail?
Much is left open to speculation at the end, and the reader is likely to be left in a state of melancholy much as many of the characters as the book closes.
September 11, 2020
I first need to say that I love this series. This author is amazing. Maybe that’s why I’m being so hard on this last book? But I’m pretty disappointed.
It builds up this huge Ravenheart saving the stag prophecy, but I’m still not entirely sure when that happened. It seems like maybe it was when Kaelin saved a minor character in book 3? I was expecting it to be some big scene in the end.
The end of this one was incredibly rushed and was set up to be entirely predictable. What even happened to Kaelin? I feel so unsatisfied. There was too much Macon (who wasn’t the least bit likeable... something went wrong in that character development) and not enough Kaelin, who we’ve invested so much time in.
And lord almighty, if I read one more book where a woman’s death is used to spark a man’s story I will just scream. It’s predictable and boring. Not to mention robbing the story of a decent female character. It’s a crutch... nearly every fantasy author uses it, except the greats. Frodo and Harry Potter have plenty of interesting angst without needing that. It just takes longer and requires subtlety.
Along that line, I’ll add my usual complaint about fantasy authors being unable to create good, active female characters. They wind up being either helpless or infuriating. Can’t they just be normal people? With good and evil fighting within the character... leading them to good and/or evil acts? You know, like the heroes?
And good grief. If you find yourself unable to create a sustainable female character, do not attempt to write in any romance. It’s super cringey every time. You have to have one to do the other successfully.
When I reread this great series, I’ll probably just skip this last one.
It builds up this huge Ravenheart saving the stag prophecy, but I’m still not entirely sure when that happened. It seems like maybe it was when Kaelin saved a minor character in book 3? I was expecting it to be some big scene in the end.
The end of this one was incredibly rushed and was set up to be entirely predictable. What even happened to Kaelin? I feel so unsatisfied. There was too much Macon (who wasn’t the least bit likeable... something went wrong in that character development) and not enough Kaelin, who we’ve invested so much time in.
And lord almighty, if I read one more book where a woman’s death is used to spark a man’s story I will just scream. It’s predictable and boring. Not to mention robbing the story of a decent female character. It’s a crutch... nearly every fantasy author uses it, except the greats. Frodo and Harry Potter have plenty of interesting angst without needing that. It just takes longer and requires subtlety.
Along that line, I’ll add my usual complaint about fantasy authors being unable to create good, active female characters. They wind up being either helpless or infuriating. Can’t they just be normal people? With good and evil fighting within the character... leading them to good and/or evil acts? You know, like the heroes?
And good grief. If you find yourself unable to create a sustainable female character, do not attempt to write in any romance. It’s super cringey every time. You have to have one to do the other successfully.
When I reread this great series, I’ll probably just skip this last one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
Generally a good story, but very dependent on remembering a lot of the characters and events from the previous Rigante books. Which is ironic, because I've complained before that the other books seemed written to be standalones with little direct connection - so this book caught me very off-guard. I think I would have enjoyed it far more if I'd have read it closely after the third book, Ravenheart.
Stormrider contains all the elements we come to expect from Gemmell, but what he does expertly here is challenge the morality of characters - so it's not always easy to distinguish the heroes from the villains. This allowed some very interesting story developments, and a more satisfying read overall.
Stormrider contains all the elements we come to expect from Gemmell, but what he does expertly here is challenge the morality of characters - so it's not always easy to distinguish the heroes from the villains. This allowed some very interesting story developments, and a more satisfying read overall.
July 3, 2014
Big Disappointment. Normally if it were any other author would have given 2 star but it being Gemmell i expect so much more from him. Worst book i have read of him (Read about 20 of them)
It's not at all consistent with the previous book in the series(Ravenheart). Personality of most of the characters change in a big way. Also the ending is contradictory.
It's not at all consistent with the previous book in the series(Ravenheart). Personality of most of the characters change in a big way. Also the ending is contradictory.
July 23, 2018
As always brilliant
There will never be enough words to try and explain the depth and meaning these amazing books. They are telling us so many stories but also lessons on humanity. Mr and Mrs Gemmell had there eyes open for a very long time. Such a shame Mr Gemmell is no longer with us.
There will never be enough words to try and explain the depth and meaning these amazing books. They are telling us so many stories but also lessons on humanity. Mr and Mrs Gemmell had there eyes open for a very long time. Such a shame Mr Gemmell is no longer with us.
September 24, 2020
There is no greater despair than to feel helpless.
I officially decided that adult fantasy is my absolutely favorite genre of all time just because of this series.
All because of this gorgeously woven characters centric masterpiece by Gemmell and I am adding his name into my all time favorite authors list without a spec of regret.
Love carries burden. And great love understands pain beyond bearing.
I lived among the Royal Rigante and stinky Varlish(not everybody but yes) for a thousand odd years. I enjoyed their joyful days with them and I wept with their sorrow. I witnessed the greatest among the great people. I despised a vast array of vile beings with pitch in their hearts.
I fought battles with fearless Rigante, Physical and metaphorical.
The writing definitely ported me into the shoes of every character. Never imagined I could finish a epic fantasy in my life and enjoy it as much as I do. But, life has a curious talent for reversal..
"Saddest sight in all the world is a battle lost. The second saddest sight is a battle won". It cannot be said in better words than this..
Steal a loaf of bread and they hang you, steal a land and they'll make you king.
This conclusion to the Rigante quartet is just perfect. All the books of this series will urge you to fly through it yet without missing a single point. I don't even recall a single sequence in all the books which did not serve it's purpose or not have a imposing impression on the reader.
He had seen grown men, tough men, reduced to whimpering dolts because some doxy refused their attention.
I am not sure how much should I stress it but this series is awesome, awesome and AWESOME.
A must read indeed for the fantasy geeks.
Magic, started as a subtle hint in the first book of the series is a teen in this finale. I love how it is handled. Hell, I love how everything is handled. Despite being extremely character driven story, absolute zero boredom in story.
It's a gem.
A man should know his friends, but it is vital that he knows his enemies.
Trust and heed my advice puny mortals, thou shalt float in the ocean of enjoyment. Thank me later :)
April 29, 2021
Quelques années après la victoire des Rigantes noires sur les troupes royales, le pays est ravagé par une guerre civile. Le jeune Gaise Macon dirige une partie des armées royales. Cependant, une menace bien plus grande attend son heure.
Le dernier tome de la série et probablement celui qui m'a le moins accroché. Malgré ses qualités indiscutables et habituelles (style de Gemell, développement de certains personnages), je ne suis pas rentré dedans à 100%. En cause un tournant beaucoup plus axé sur le mystique. Il est difficile d'expliquer mon ressenti car l'on pourra m'opposer que la magie était déjà présente auparavant. Certes. Mais elle m'a paru plus "intrusive" ou moins "naturelle" que dans les tomes précédents. Par conséquent la grande menace finale révélée à mi-tome ne m'a pas du tout convaincu. Cela dit, il s'agit d'un ressenti purement personnel.
Autre légère déception : l'histoire, qui était assez intéressante concernant le personnage de Gaise lors de la première moitié, m'a paru s'allonger un peu trop sur les cent dernières pages, accompagnée d'un final qui m'a laissé sceptique (voir paragraphe précédent).
Cela reste malgré tout un roman d'excellente facture sur un plan purement objectif. Certains personnages laissés de côté lors du tome III sont ici développés un peu plus. J'ai particulièrement apprécié que l'on en sache enfin plus sur le fameux Moïdart qui m'intriguait et je n'ai pas été déçu sur ce point!
Un bon roman selon vos attentes mais une conclusion un peu frustrante pour ma part.
Le dernier tome de la série et probablement celui qui m'a le moins accroché. Malgré ses qualités indiscutables et habituelles (style de Gemell, développement de certains personnages), je ne suis pas rentré dedans à 100%. En cause un tournant beaucoup plus axé sur le mystique. Il est difficile d'expliquer mon ressenti car l'on pourra m'opposer que la magie était déjà présente auparavant. Certes. Mais elle m'a paru plus "intrusive" ou moins "naturelle" que dans les tomes précédents. Par conséquent la grande menace finale révélée à mi-tome ne m'a pas du tout convaincu. Cela dit, il s'agit d'un ressenti purement personnel.
Autre légère déception : l'histoire, qui était assez intéressante concernant le personnage de Gaise lors de la première moitié, m'a paru s'allonger un peu trop sur les cent dernières pages, accompagnée d'un final qui m'a laissé sceptique (voir paragraphe précédent).
Cela reste malgré tout un roman d'excellente facture sur un plan purement objectif. Certains personnages laissés de côté lors du tome III sont ici développés un peu plus. J'ai particulièrement apprécié que l'on en sache enfin plus sur le fameux Moïdart qui m'intriguait et je n'ai pas été déçu sur ce point!
Un bon roman selon vos attentes mais une conclusion un peu frustrante pour ma part.
April 3, 2024
What an amazing book and a great end to this series. This has been my favourite of the four because it stuck with the same characters from book 3 and continued that story rather than jumping off another few centuries. Gemmell writes such great characters and so it was really satisfying to stick with the same cast and see more of their lives and how they get on.
This book was jam packed and it just flowed off the page. Gemmell focussed a lot on characters known for evil deeds having a change of heart and committing heroic acts like the brothers that saved Chara Ring and even the Moidart. The Moidart was excellent in this, a great villain and then a great turnaround of character and there was some great scenes where his intelligence and ruthlessness was shown.
Gaise Macon and Mulgrave were both such good characters but it was a real bummer to watch Gaise turn into this cold general and Mulgrave’s disappointment in him at killing any of the enemy surrendering was like a cold knife in the heart. Especially the moment when he compares his actions to Winterbourne trying to kill hostages Gaise was protecting earlier in the book. Ouch! But it was a great ending and good to see Stormrider redeem himself but heartbreaking all the same to see him sacrifice himself.
Solid series from Gemmell that keeps you thinking all the way through.
This book was jam packed and it just flowed off the page. Gemmell focussed a lot on characters known for evil deeds having a change of heart and committing heroic acts like the brothers that saved Chara Ring and even the Moidart. The Moidart was excellent in this, a great villain and then a great turnaround of character and there was some great scenes where his intelligence and ruthlessness was shown.
Gaise Macon and Mulgrave were both such good characters but it was a real bummer to watch Gaise turn into this cold general and Mulgrave’s disappointment in him at killing any of the enemy surrendering was like a cold knife in the heart. Especially the moment when he compares his actions to Winterbourne trying to kill hostages Gaise was protecting earlier in the book. Ouch! But it was a great ending and good to see Stormrider redeem himself but heartbreaking all the same to see him sacrifice himself.
Solid series from Gemmell that keeps you thinking all the way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
This is a 4,5 read. Everything that makes Gemmell great is in here, and not that much of his flaws. Story wise this nicely wraps up this series. In the Rigante series Gemmell basically bases his story on actual history and adds folklore magic and some of his typical themes: Is good vs evil a choice, Does one act define a man, honor, heroics and last stands against the odds, alternative realities, etc...
It is also very clear in this book where authors like Abercrombie and Gwynne got their inspiration from.
It is also very clear in this book where authors like Abercrombie and Gwynne got their inspiration from.
May 23, 2021
امان امان امان
چقدر خوب بود
چقدر زیبا بود
خداوندگاران را شکر
مجموعه به اون خوبی اگه اینطوری تموم نمی شد احتمالا نمره این و سه رو میاوردم رو دوD:
شخصیت پردازی مویدارت چقدر شیرین و مزخرف بودD:
قهزمانی که از مردم خودش متنفره، منفوری که قهرمان میشهD:
چقدر خوب بود
چقدر زیبا بود
خداوندگاران را شکر
مجموعه به اون خوبی اگه اینطوری تموم نمی شد احتمالا نمره این و سه رو میاوردم رو دوD:
شخصیت پردازی مویدارت چقدر شیرین و مزخرف بودD:
قهزمانی که از مردم خودش متنفره، منفوری که قهرمان میشهD:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
Gemel piše predobro za moj ukus. Njegova fantazija je puna života i zanimljivih sitnica. Četvrta knjiga o rigantima nastavak dostojan svojih predhodnika. Priča o bogu i čoveku priča o dimenzijama koje se prepliću. Puno akcije bitaka i emotivnih situacija. Svaka preporuka.
August 25, 2020
I first read this book 20 years ago and I had forgotten how good it is. Fantasy at its finest. Heroes, villains, desperate odds, battles and so much more. Brilliant
January 20, 2021
A fitting end to a magnificent saga! Bittersweet and poignant, as is the Gemmell way.
February 3, 2025
This was a great way to end this book. I loved this series and highly recommend the books
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