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The Rigante #2
Midnight Falcon
looks unread with no spine creasing. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging.
544 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
284 people are currently reading
2464 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
200 books3,842 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 226 reviews
August 31, 2024
My brother and I now have a booktube called The Brothers Gwynne. Check it out! The Brothers Gwynne
*3rd read - the ending of this still has me in bits. *
Re-read - Bane is just a top character.
Just beautiful storytelling. Gemmell is a true great and the emotions he wrought me with throughout this and Sword in the Storm show how much I love his writing. I will miss Connavar and Bane so much.
*3rd read - the ending of this still has me in bits. *
Re-read - Bane is just a top character.
Just beautiful storytelling. Gemmell is a true great and the emotions he wrought me with throughout this and Sword in the Storm show how much I love his writing. I will miss Connavar and Bane so much.
September 6, 2023
Secondo romanzo della saga dei Rigante e conclusione del primo arco narrativo iniziato con "Spada nella Tempesta". Le vicende del popolo dei Rigante giungono al loro secondo atto e una nuova generazione di eroi ne raccoglie il destino.
Per tutti coloro che non hanno ancora avuto il piacere di leggere un romanzo di Gemmell consiglio vivamente di iniziare con questa duologia. Gemmell è al suo massimo splendore, questi due romanzi sono un termine di paragone per il genere eroico. Tutte le caratteristiche dello scrittore sono condensate in questi due libri. Letti questi avrete Gemmell.
Emozionante e drammatico, dove sono i personaggi il motore perpetuo che tira le redini della storia, mai semplici comparse.
Altri scrittori più blasonati neanche si avvicinano a quello che Gemmell riesce a dare in sole 350 pagine. Dimostrazione che non è nè la lunghezza del romanzo, nè un sistema magico elaborato e macchinoso o un'ambientazione sconvolgente a decretarne l'effettivo valore.
Sono i personaggi ben scritti, reali ed imperfetti, con le loro aspirazioni, dolori, peccati e gioie, che riescono ad arrivare a toccare le vere emozioni del lettore, lasciando un marchio indelebile nella memoria.
Gemmell ci riesce.
------------------------------------------
Second novel in the Rigante saga and conclusion of the first narrative arc that began with "Sword in the Storm". The events of the Rigante people reach their second act and a new generation of heroes takes up their destiny.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of reading a Gemmell novel yet, I highly recommend starting with this duology. Gemmell is at his best, these two novels are a touchstone for the heroic genre. All the characteristics of the writer are condensed in these two books. Read these you will have Gemmell.
Exciting, and dramatic, where the characters are the perpetual engine that pulls the reins of the story, never mere extras.
Other more famous writers don't even come close to what Gemmell manages to give in just 350 pages. Demonstration that it is neither the length of the novel, nor an elaborate and cumbersome magic system or a shocking setting to decree its actual value.
They are the well-written, real and imperfect characters, with their aspirations, pains, sins and joys, who manage to touch the reader's true emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the memory.
Gemmell succeeds.
Per tutti coloro che non hanno ancora avuto il piacere di leggere un romanzo di Gemmell consiglio vivamente di iniziare con questa duologia. Gemmell è al suo massimo splendore, questi due romanzi sono un termine di paragone per il genere eroico. Tutte le caratteristiche dello scrittore sono condensate in questi due libri. Letti questi avrete Gemmell.
Emozionante e drammatico, dove sono i personaggi il motore perpetuo che tira le redini della storia, mai semplici comparse.
Altri scrittori più blasonati neanche si avvicinano a quello che Gemmell riesce a dare in sole 350 pagine. Dimostrazione che non è nè la lunghezza del romanzo, nè un sistema magico elaborato e macchinoso o un'ambientazione sconvolgente a decretarne l'effettivo valore.
Sono i personaggi ben scritti, reali ed imperfetti, con le loro aspirazioni, dolori, peccati e gioie, che riescono ad arrivare a toccare le vere emozioni del lettore, lasciando un marchio indelebile nella memoria.
Gemmell ci riesce.
------------------------------------------
Second novel in the Rigante saga and conclusion of the first narrative arc that began with "Sword in the Storm". The events of the Rigante people reach their second act and a new generation of heroes takes up their destiny.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of reading a Gemmell novel yet, I highly recommend starting with this duology. Gemmell is at his best, these two novels are a touchstone for the heroic genre. All the characteristics of the writer are condensed in these two books. Read these you will have Gemmell.
Exciting, and dramatic, where the characters are the perpetual engine that pulls the reins of the story, never mere extras.
Other more famous writers don't even come close to what Gemmell manages to give in just 350 pages. Demonstration that it is neither the length of the novel, nor an elaborate and cumbersome magic system or a shocking setting to decree its actual value.
They are the well-written, real and imperfect characters, with their aspirations, pains, sins and joys, who manage to touch the reader's true emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the memory.
Gemmell succeeds.
July 9, 2017
I didn't HAVE to read this one the way I did the first, but in some ways I liked it better. It starts 20 years after the events of the first book which put me off a bit at first since the first was leading up to showdown that is now over. That was a bit of a let down, but Gemmell fills in the story in bits & pieces as this story goes along. Instead of just another big battle full of heroic deeds, he shows it from other angles that are more true to life. It's not just the aftermath, but the results that we get to see. As usual, he makes the reader think, shows the regular warriors' perspective.
There's plenty of kings, fighting, & even some magic. This is sword & sorcery, but magic isn't the key, simply one aspect of life. Pivotal at times, ignore it at your own peril, or embrace it. It just depends. The results of small decisions loom large. Everyone makes choices & then has to live with the consequences. They often don't have the information they need to choose properly, but that's life. If we only knew then what we know now, right?
I didn't like the characters as much in this book. Everyone was flawed in the first book, but in this one the flaws seemed even greater because they bore the weight of many earlier ones. They managed to deal with them & the story played out very well. It was very difficult to put down toward the end.
Highly recommended.
There's plenty of kings, fighting, & even some magic. This is sword & sorcery, but magic isn't the key, simply one aspect of life. Pivotal at times, ignore it at your own peril, or embrace it. It just depends. The results of small decisions loom large. Everyone makes choices & then has to live with the consequences. They often don't have the information they need to choose properly, but that's life. If we only knew then what we know now, right?
I didn't like the characters as much in this book. Everyone was flawed in the first book, but in this one the flaws seemed even greater because they bore the weight of many earlier ones. They managed to deal with them & the story played out very well. It was very difficult to put down toward the end.
Highly recommended.
October 17, 2016
5 Stars
Midnight Falcon, book two of the Rigante series by David Gemmell is a fantastic second book in the series and an unusual one in that it ties up pretty much all of the plot lines. David Gemmell has been in my to-read queue for more than 30 years. I know that the Drenai series is his most popular one starting with Legend, however the description of this one had me from the start. This is a classic sword and sorcery series that is every bit epic in sense and scope. Magic plays a role here but is not the star.
I really enjoyed pretty much everything about this book. Gemmell gave us great characters, great places, an amazing world, interesting magic, plenty of fighting and action, and overall awesome world building. The first book was all about Connaver, who reminded me a great deal of the bad ass Jorg from Mark Lawrence Broken Empire series. Midnight Falcon is all about Conn's bastard son named Bane. Let's just say that with him, the Apple does not fall far from the tree.
I loved the writing and the story telling of Gemmell. I can't believe I waited so long to read a book by him. I loved that this book basically had four parts that all took place in different locations and had very different feel. It was fabulous. Midnight Falcon did not suffer from second book syndrome.
"'We all face it, and succumb to it. It follows us like a dark shadow. Yet if we live in terror of it, then we do not live at all. Yes we are born alone, and yes we will die alone. But in between, Tae, we live. We know joy. I am a lonely man. I think I always have been. But I am not lonely now. Not at this moment.'"
Highly recommended!
Midnight Falcon, book two of the Rigante series by David Gemmell is a fantastic second book in the series and an unusual one in that it ties up pretty much all of the plot lines. David Gemmell has been in my to-read queue for more than 30 years. I know that the Drenai series is his most popular one starting with Legend, however the description of this one had me from the start. This is a classic sword and sorcery series that is every bit epic in sense and scope. Magic plays a role here but is not the star.
I really enjoyed pretty much everything about this book. Gemmell gave us great characters, great places, an amazing world, interesting magic, plenty of fighting and action, and overall awesome world building. The first book was all about Connaver, who reminded me a great deal of the bad ass Jorg from Mark Lawrence Broken Empire series. Midnight Falcon is all about Conn's bastard son named Bane. Let's just say that with him, the Apple does not fall far from the tree.
I loved the writing and the story telling of Gemmell. I can't believe I waited so long to read a book by him. I loved that this book basically had four parts that all took place in different locations and had very different feel. It was fabulous. Midnight Falcon did not suffer from second book syndrome.
"'We all face it, and succumb to it. It follows us like a dark shadow. Yet if we live in terror of it, then we do not live at all. Yes we are born alone, and yes we will die alone. But in between, Tae, we live. We know joy. I am a lonely man. I think I always have been. But I am not lonely now. Not at this moment.'"
Highly recommended!
November 13, 2018
Midnight Falcon was a great sequel to the Sword in the Storm.
As usual, Gemmell gave us great characters, great plot and fantastic battle scenes. This book was filled with action that ranged from duels in gladiator pits to large scale confrontations.
Bane is the main character of this book. He is the illegitimate son of Connavar, the greatest warrior and general the Rigante has ever had. The possibility of war with Stone looms over the Rigante tribes once again, but as they set out to crush civil uprisings and keep their lands protected, Bane heads towards the land of Stone with his friend Banouin. His journey is filled with politics, action and unique characters as he loses loved ones and realises what is truly important in life.
Another immersive book created by David Gemmell.
I highly recommend :).
As usual, Gemmell gave us great characters, great plot and fantastic battle scenes. This book was filled with action that ranged from duels in gladiator pits to large scale confrontations.
Bane is the main character of this book. He is the illegitimate son of Connavar, the greatest warrior and general the Rigante has ever had. The possibility of war with Stone looms over the Rigante tribes once again, but as they set out to crush civil uprisings and keep their lands protected, Bane heads towards the land of Stone with his friend Banouin. His journey is filled with politics, action and unique characters as he loses loved ones and realises what is truly important in life.
Another immersive book created by David Gemmell.
I highly recommend :).
February 28, 2022
Book 2 of the Rigante picks up a little bit after the end of the first book and continues the tale from the perspective mostly of Connavar's son Bane. While I enjoyed book 1 quite a bit, I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of the story. The way the overall story circled back and completed the different arcs that started in book 1 was brilliantly done, I thought. I really connected better with the characters here also, and by the time the story reached its conclusion, I was an emotional mess, lol. I am such a sucker for heroic fantasy!
I'm a solid 5.0/5.0 stars, and really glad I chose to continue this saga.
I'm a solid 5.0/5.0 stars, and really glad I chose to continue this saga.
August 15, 2025
Втората част от историята на Риганте отстъпва малко на първата, но все пак си остава интригуващо четиво. Но някак доста по-схематично и претупано ми се видяха повествованието и героите. Определено Гемел е могъл да се справи и по-добре.
Бях уведомен от Бард, че следващите две книги най-вероятно няма да бъдат издадени...
Отново крайно нескопосано изпълнение от тяхна страна!!! :(
Цитат:
"Толкова далеч сме стигнали в злото, че тази дума вече е загубила смисълът си."
Бях уведомен от Бард, че следващите две книги най-вероятно няма да бъдат издадени...
Отново крайно нескопосано изпълнение от тяхна страна!!! :(
Цитат:
"Толкова далеч сме стигнали в злото, че тази дума вече е загубила смисълът си."
April 26, 2022
Nutrire lo spirito del mondo
"Guardati intorno, le colline e gli alberi. Guarda il modo in cui la luce del sole si infrange contro le querce. Sento il vento sul volto. Questa è la vita, Banouin. La scorsa notte, l'esercito fantasma, non sono altro che ricordi, ora. Domani deve ancora venire. La vita è adesso! In questo momento, ma non tu non vivi mai l'attimo. Pensi sempre a qualche tragedia avvenuta nel passato o guardi avanti ai tuoi sogni."
"Aveva conosciuto quell'uomo da poco tempo, ma aveva imparato a rispettarlo e ora provava una paura tremenda. Non l'aveva né ringraziato né gli aveva detto addio. Non gli aveva neanche augurato buona fortuna.
Furia attraversò l'arena con la spada nel fodero, l'elmo sotto il braccio e la sciarpa rossa che brillava alla luce del sole."
Con il beneplacito che Elden Ring gentilmente mi concede, dopo un mese conchiudo la lettura del secondo atto dei Rigante. Un Gemmell in grande spolvero, meritorio di rilanciare l'architettura genealogica del primo libro con un duo di protagonisti che concretizzano il greve rapporto tra vocazione e divergenza culturale: Flagello e Banouin diventano fisiologici trascinatori di una storia che persegue l'evoluzione tramite il gioco di contrasti - guerriero/sapiente, coraggio/pavidità, religione/ateismo, tribalismo/impero, padre/figlio, determinismo/fatalismo. La prima metà del romanzo gode di quel salto di maturità che La Spada nella Tempesta, maggiormente ancorato a stilemi della narrativa gemmelliana, non è riuscito a offrire per tutto il proprio arco narrativo.
Se il libro indubbiamente si distingue per una una notevole ecletticità introspettiva (si pensi a Meira, Braefar o l'improvvisato imprenditore Persis Albitane), una menzione va tributata anche al repertorio di contesti, capace di spaziare dalle arene gladiatorie alle montagne del Caer Druagh.
La seconda metà del romanzo si ricompatta maggiormente sul confronto Rigante-Stone; il tutto, di conseguenza, va a confluire nel robusto heroic fantasy, ove il dispiegamento di eserciti va di pari passo con l'afflato epico dell'eroe - dall'irreparabile destino - che arde il cuore di ingenui e lestofanti.
"Guardati intorno, le colline e gli alberi. Guarda il modo in cui la luce del sole si infrange contro le querce. Sento il vento sul volto. Questa è la vita, Banouin. La scorsa notte, l'esercito fantasma, non sono altro che ricordi, ora. Domani deve ancora venire. La vita è adesso! In questo momento, ma non tu non vivi mai l'attimo. Pensi sempre a qualche tragedia avvenuta nel passato o guardi avanti ai tuoi sogni."
"Aveva conosciuto quell'uomo da poco tempo, ma aveva imparato a rispettarlo e ora provava una paura tremenda. Non l'aveva né ringraziato né gli aveva detto addio. Non gli aveva neanche augurato buona fortuna.
Furia attraversò l'arena con la spada nel fodero, l'elmo sotto il braccio e la sciarpa rossa che brillava alla luce del sole."
Con il beneplacito che Elden Ring gentilmente mi concede, dopo un mese conchiudo la lettura del secondo atto dei Rigante. Un Gemmell in grande spolvero, meritorio di rilanciare l'architettura genealogica del primo libro con un duo di protagonisti che concretizzano il greve rapporto tra vocazione e divergenza culturale: Flagello e Banouin diventano fisiologici trascinatori di una storia che persegue l'evoluzione tramite il gioco di contrasti - guerriero/sapiente, coraggio/pavidità, religione/ateismo, tribalismo/impero, padre/figlio, determinismo/fatalismo. La prima metà del romanzo gode di quel salto di maturità che La Spada nella Tempesta, maggiormente ancorato a stilemi della narrativa gemmelliana, non è riuscito a offrire per tutto il proprio arco narrativo.
Se il libro indubbiamente si distingue per una una notevole ecletticità introspettiva (si pensi a Meira, Braefar o l'improvvisato imprenditore Persis Albitane), una menzione va tributata anche al repertorio di contesti, capace di spaziare dalle arene gladiatorie alle montagne del Caer Druagh.
La seconda metà del romanzo si ricompatta maggiormente sul confronto Rigante-Stone; il tutto, di conseguenza, va a confluire nel robusto heroic fantasy, ove il dispiegamento di eserciti va di pari passo con l'afflato epico dell'eroe - dall'irreparabile destino - che arde il cuore di ingenui e lestofanti.
August 10, 2012
Okay, review time...
Midnight Falcon (Bane's soul name) doesn't follow on directly from Sword In The Storm. There is about a fourteen year gap, giving time for Bane to grow into his teens. The main focus of this book is Bane's life and character as the outcast bastard son of Connavar, now the tribal king and famed Demonblade...
Bane has just lost his mother and after years of trying to gain his father's love, or even a kind word, seems lost of hope. He's grown to be a strong warrior, even at fifteen, but he's been outcast by his Rigante tribe, as his mother was outcast when she bore Connavar's illegitimate child. Though the resemblance between father and son is without question, right down to the odd coloured eyes...
Bane's only friends are the witch Vorna and her son Banouin, whom Bane protected as they grew amongst the Rigante. Bane sets out on a journey, at Vorna's request, to protect Banoiun on his journey to Stone. Stone shows great similarity to our ancient Rome, though here the renowned general Jasaray and his armies are the enemy. As are the deadly knights, known as the Crimson Priests.
In the journey to Stone alone, we see much of what Gemmell did so well; the depth of character's and the distinctly different complex personalities and hearts of people. The conversations between Bane and Banouin are a prime example of this. Bane is an outcast, a warrior, and a killer, but he relishes every day he lives and will give his life for those he loves. Banouin, well, he wants to be away from savages like his friend and The Rigante. Banouin thinks, but does not act, he moans and lives in regret and bitterness, he thinks Bane's life is savage and foolish and that the people of Stone are more civilized. Partly because Banouin's father, his namesake, was from Stone and a revered general until he left to join the peaceful Rigante.
There are way too many twists and turns in this book to mention, and I wouldn't spoil that for you ;) But, Bane finds love, he also finds what it is to be loved. He finds an enemy, he hones his warrior skills, and he finds himself. Banouin is also on a journey, and the Seidh Goddess The Morrigu keeps making timely appearances. There are surprises in store for Connavar too, and many other characters.
This book is a journey, and not just for one man. It's a read of characters and people not unlike many we might know. This book, in my opinion, is one of Gemmell's best. It's also the second best in the Rigante series. It can be read as a stand alone book, though if you've read Sword In The Storm prior to this book it will fill in much of the background to this one.
Oh, as a side note: I've read this book at least fifteen times over the years, as I used to rotate all my really good reads. I still do with some ;)
Midnight Falcon (Bane's soul name) doesn't follow on directly from Sword In The Storm. There is about a fourteen year gap, giving time for Bane to grow into his teens. The main focus of this book is Bane's life and character as the outcast bastard son of Connavar, now the tribal king and famed Demonblade...
Bane has just lost his mother and after years of trying to gain his father's love, or even a kind word, seems lost of hope. He's grown to be a strong warrior, even at fifteen, but he's been outcast by his Rigante tribe, as his mother was outcast when she bore Connavar's illegitimate child. Though the resemblance between father and son is without question, right down to the odd coloured eyes...
Bane's only friends are the witch Vorna and her son Banouin, whom Bane protected as they grew amongst the Rigante. Bane sets out on a journey, at Vorna's request, to protect Banoiun on his journey to Stone. Stone shows great similarity to our ancient Rome, though here the renowned general Jasaray and his armies are the enemy. As are the deadly knights, known as the Crimson Priests.
In the journey to Stone alone, we see much of what Gemmell did so well; the depth of character's and the distinctly different complex personalities and hearts of people. The conversations between Bane and Banouin are a prime example of this. Bane is an outcast, a warrior, and a killer, but he relishes every day he lives and will give his life for those he loves. Banouin, well, he wants to be away from savages like his friend and The Rigante. Banouin thinks, but does not act, he moans and lives in regret and bitterness, he thinks Bane's life is savage and foolish and that the people of Stone are more civilized. Partly because Banouin's father, his namesake, was from Stone and a revered general until he left to join the peaceful Rigante.
There are way too many twists and turns in this book to mention, and I wouldn't spoil that for you ;) But, Bane finds love, he also finds what it is to be loved. He finds an enemy, he hones his warrior skills, and he finds himself. Banouin is also on a journey, and the Seidh Goddess The Morrigu keeps making timely appearances. There are surprises in store for Connavar too, and many other characters.
This book is a journey, and not just for one man. It's a read of characters and people not unlike many we might know. This book, in my opinion, is one of Gemmell's best. It's also the second best in the Rigante series. It can be read as a stand alone book, though if you've read Sword In The Storm prior to this book it will fill in much of the background to this one.
Oh, as a side note: I've read this book at least fifteen times over the years, as I used to rotate all my really good reads. I still do with some ;)
February 1, 2016
There are some wonderful books you review by discussing their characters, plot and writing. Yet there are some books that are beyond that. In reviewing them, I don't talk about this twist and that character, but about what I experienced while reading them.
This is a review of the second kind.
There was one point while I was reading this that my hands started to tremble and my heart was beating so fast it actually hurt.
I had to put the book aside, calm my breathing, drink some water and watch a sitcom episode before I felt calm enough to continue reading.
I literally had to remind myself of my life, that I wasn't going to war, that I could survive the death of the characters, that they were characters.
I wasn't too successful.
That is the beauty of Gemmell. I have cried for thousands of characters, sometimes not even because they died but for their griefs. But there is something to the way Gemmel writes, or perhaps it's about his characters, their lives are more vibrant,more real. I haven't read knights of dark renown in years, yet there is one particular death in it that I can remember in all details and believe it or not, thinking about it still hurts. Same is the case with Ghost king, Legend or Echoes of the great song.
Reading Gemmel means reading about strategy and politics, wars and religions and philosophy, About whores and thieves, kings and heroes. Reading about pain and betrayal, crushing defeats and horrible mistakes. His books are in no way light reads, they are not pick me ups.
They are beautiful and wondrous and sad. They make you laugh but they make you cry harder.
Yet, they make you happy in the way great art always can. It's a twisted kind of joy, but it's joy in one of the brightest forms I've experienced.
In the way that I know when I'm dying, reading his books will never be something I'll regret spending time on. Even If I am to die in a month, a week or even a day.
This is a review of the second kind.
There was one point while I was reading this that my hands started to tremble and my heart was beating so fast it actually hurt.
I had to put the book aside, calm my breathing, drink some water and watch a sitcom episode before I felt calm enough to continue reading.
I literally had to remind myself of my life, that I wasn't going to war, that I could survive the death of the characters, that they were characters.
I wasn't too successful.
That is the beauty of Gemmell. I have cried for thousands of characters, sometimes not even because they died but for their griefs. But there is something to the way Gemmel writes, or perhaps it's about his characters, their lives are more vibrant,more real. I haven't read knights of dark renown in years, yet there is one particular death in it that I can remember in all details and believe it or not, thinking about it still hurts. Same is the case with Ghost king, Legend or Echoes of the great song.
Reading Gemmel means reading about strategy and politics, wars and religions and philosophy, About whores and thieves, kings and heroes. Reading about pain and betrayal, crushing defeats and horrible mistakes. His books are in no way light reads, they are not pick me ups.
They are beautiful and wondrous and sad. They make you laugh but they make you cry harder.
Yet, they make you happy in the way great art always can. It's a twisted kind of joy, but it's joy in one of the brightest forms I've experienced.
In the way that I know when I'm dying, reading his books will never be something I'll regret spending time on. Even If I am to die in a month, a week or even a day.
October 28, 2017
دیوید گمل است دیگر...
و البته انتشارات تندیس که نوشته های گمل مرحوم را چاپ می کن د و من چقدر سپاسگزارم...
و البته انتشارات تندیس که نوشته های گمل مرحوم را چاپ می کن د و من چقدر سپاسگزارم...
April 3, 2019
This was a little better than the first one, if that could be possible, having in mind that the story here starts some 20 years from where it has been left in the previous volume.
With strong characters, a lot of drama, killings, adventures and surprises, a small amount of magic and gladiators fights, also let`s not forget the big scale battles, in short, with a lot of things going on in here, this was a delight to read!
Five stars without a doubt!
With strong characters, a lot of drama, killings, adventures and surprises, a small amount of magic and gladiators fights, also let`s not forget the big scale battles, in short, with a lot of things going on in here, this was a delight to read!
Five stars without a doubt!
October 7, 2020
This fantastic heroic fantasy adventure is the 2nd volume of the great "Rigante" series, from the author, David Gemmell.
Story-telling has been once again of a top-notch quality, the story is very well structured and executed, while also the characters are developing superbly and they come all vividly to life within this fascinating adventure.
This second book is mainly about, Bane the Bastard, with the soul-name Midnight Falcon, illegitimate son of the High King, Connavar, and his youth love, Arian, who seduced him while he was on his way to meet his wife, Tae, and as promised to take her to the lake, where Tae died, while the story is also a bit about his friend, Banouin, son of Vorna and old Banouin.
Together they set out towards the city of Stone, but on their way they will have a quarrel that will have consequences and separate them, with Banouin heading straight for the city of Stone to study there, and for Bane it will be Goriasa, and there he will learn the trade of gladiator, after his own pledge to kill the murderer, Voltan, after his assassination of Appius and his girl-friend, Lia, in Accia.
At Goriasa he will enter the Circus Orises of Persis Albitene and Norwin, and there he will train under the tutelage of Rage (Vanni), who will become his father-friend, and after winning their bouts against the Circus Pelantes, they will embark on a journey to the city of Stone to join the Circus Occian.
While in the city of Stone there's treachery and an attempt to kill the Emperor, Jasaray, at the hands of Nalademus and Voltan, in order to gain full power over the city of Stone, but this attempt will fail and Nalademus will be condemned to death while Voltan will die at the hands of Rage, while also at home the King's brother, Braefar (Wing) is changing sides, and all this backstabbing and betrayal will eventually inspire a new war between the city of Stone and the Rigante.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced heroic fantasy, with similarities in my opinion with the Celts of Britain, Rome and the Vikings, with a lot of political intrigue, personal intrigue, loyalty, treachery, love and hate, intertwined with great battle scenes for supremacy, survival and freedom, against the armies of Stone and the Vars.
Highly recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this great series and that's why I want to call this: "A Glorious Heroic Fantasy Sequel"!
Story-telling has been once again of a top-notch quality, the story is very well structured and executed, while also the characters are developing superbly and they come all vividly to life within this fascinating adventure.
This second book is mainly about, Bane the Bastard, with the soul-name Midnight Falcon, illegitimate son of the High King, Connavar, and his youth love, Arian, who seduced him while he was on his way to meet his wife, Tae, and as promised to take her to the lake, where Tae died, while the story is also a bit about his friend, Banouin, son of Vorna and old Banouin.
Together they set out towards the city of Stone, but on their way they will have a quarrel that will have consequences and separate them, with Banouin heading straight for the city of Stone to study there, and for Bane it will be Goriasa, and there he will learn the trade of gladiator, after his own pledge to kill the murderer, Voltan, after his assassination of Appius and his girl-friend, Lia, in Accia.
At Goriasa he will enter the Circus Orises of Persis Albitene and Norwin, and there he will train under the tutelage of Rage (Vanni), who will become his father-friend, and after winning their bouts against the Circus Pelantes, they will embark on a journey to the city of Stone to join the Circus Occian.
While in the city of Stone there's treachery and an attempt to kill the Emperor, Jasaray, at the hands of Nalademus and Voltan, in order to gain full power over the city of Stone, but this attempt will fail and Nalademus will be condemned to death while Voltan will die at the hands of Rage, while also at home the King's brother, Braefar (Wing) is changing sides, and all this backstabbing and betrayal will eventually inspire a new war between the city of Stone and the Rigante.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced heroic fantasy, with similarities in my opinion with the Celts of Britain, Rome and the Vikings, with a lot of political intrigue, personal intrigue, loyalty, treachery, love and hate, intertwined with great battle scenes for supremacy, survival and freedom, against the armies of Stone and the Vars.
Highly recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this great series and that's why I want to call this: "A Glorious Heroic Fantasy Sequel"!
July 10, 2015
This book was so good, one of those books you search for and seldom find. Strangely, it was not all that original in the setting. Think of an Arthurian England/Scotland/Ireland culture (the Rigante) against the expanding Roman Empire (sliding from a republic to a dictatorship) as the growing Stone empire. But the characters are so vivid and the eternal themes confronted are so well done: love and hate; revenge and forgiveness; trust and betrayal; sacrifice and selfishness; greed and charity; envy and contentment; choices made and avoided. I thought Sword in the Storm (which must be read first) was good but Midnight Falcon was such a better book--a sequel that surpasses the start. 5 Stars
October 1, 2009
This author is amazing. I was told to read this series by Orson Scott Card at a seminar of his. He said to read it if you want to understand strength of character. He's right. The characters in these books are faced with such heart wrenching decisions it makes you want to cry. David Gemmell writes his characters with such power. As young Bane tries to make something of his life, he must overcome not just physical obstacles, but ones of friendship and loyalty as well. The main part of the story is driven by Bane's lust for vengeance but there is an underlying moral that carries him through to the end. There is such truth in the morals presented here, such dilemma and revelation that I dare say anyone could learn a thing or two about love and forgiveness from this novel. True love, like caring for all fellow men, not romantic love, which can be found anywhere and is rarely spiritually uplifting. This book is a gem, rare indeed. The writing is amazing and the action is superb. Everyone must read this series.
November 3, 2022
Il figlio bastardo e ostracizzato del grande re dei Riganti si trova, suo malgrado, a diventare il perno del futuro di due civiltà opposte. Sangue e arena, vendetta, colpi di stato, battaglie campali, persecuzioni religiose... Falco di Mezzanotte è una montagna di carne al fuoco di poco più di cinquecento, straordinarie, pagine.
Al netto dei mille pregi della scrittura di Gemmell (mai abbastanza elogiato), la cosa che ogni volta mi sorprende è quanto ogni singolo personaggio, non importa quanto minore in termini di spazio o importanza nella trama, possa tranquillamente sostenere il ruolo protagonista in un fantasy di ottimo livello. Vorna, Persis, Furia... quanto avrei voluto saperne di più, quanto avrei voluto leggere dei prequel su di loro?
Un grande romanzo di uno dei signori assoluti del fantasy.
Al netto dei mille pregi della scrittura di Gemmell (mai abbastanza elogiato), la cosa che ogni volta mi sorprende è quanto ogni singolo personaggio, non importa quanto minore in termini di spazio o importanza nella trama, possa tranquillamente sostenere il ruolo protagonista in un fantasy di ottimo livello. Vorna, Persis, Furia... quanto avrei voluto saperne di più, quanto avrei voluto leggere dei prequel su di loro?
Un grande romanzo di uno dei signori assoluti del fantasy.
July 9, 2022
quando si dice compiere il proprio destino!
Re Connovar muore ma salva i Rigante attraverso il figlio Flagello, che poi se ne va a cercare la sua amata sacerdotessa
Re Connovar muore ma salva i Rigante attraverso il figlio Flagello, che poi se ne va a cercare la sua amata sacerdotessa
April 20, 2013
This book is without a doubt one of my top favorite books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, if not thee top. The first one was entertaining and a great read, but this one is an absolute wonder. I can't really say what it is about this book that is so fascinating, just that I love every single aspect. Bane is a wonderful character who has a lot of depth and range. I find it rare to come across such well-written characters, so that immediately drew me into the book.
I have probably read this a total of four to five times in the last few years, and not once does it get old. I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone who just loves a great story regardless of genre. Kudos to David Gemmell for a most excellent book.
I have probably read this a total of four to five times in the last few years, and not once does it get old. I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone who just loves a great story regardless of genre. Kudos to David Gemmell for a most excellent book.
September 7, 2018
I really really liked the first book in this series, I didn't think a second book could beat it. But it did! I LOVED this book. I laughed and I cried. Numerous times. It was very well written with realistic and fully developed characters that you can't help but feel like you know personally. The Plot and events are presented vividly and are rapidly paced! The book is interesting with every single page, with numerous twists, turns and surprises. The story is jammed full of all aspects of human emotion and human frailties. So far, this series are some of the best books I have read in many years.
June 1, 2019
4 Stars!
Midnight Falcon, the 2nd book in the series, is much better than its predecessor, Sword in the Storm. The characters are better developed and more interesting (Ie. Bane). Good enough to keep reading. On to book 3, Ravenheart!
Midnight Falcon, the 2nd book in the series, is much better than its predecessor, Sword in the Storm. The characters are better developed and more interesting (Ie. Bane). Good enough to keep reading. On to book 3, Ravenheart!
September 29, 2025
Genius!!
November 25, 2024
«È difficile odiare un uomo che ha amato qualcuno che anche tu hai amato.»
4,5 - Se il primo volume si era rivelato introduttivo ma comunque avvincente, questo secondo mi ha tenuto compagnia per qualche sera e ammetto di aver rallentato per non farlo finire troppo presto.
Gemmell parte in modo inconsueto visto che, anziché riprendere da dove la storia si era fermata, con una narrazione lineare, salta alla generazione successiva, incentrando il romanzo sul figlio illegittimo di Connavar, quel Flagello non voluto e non cresciuto (aggiungerei pure non amato, visto che un po' tutti a Tre Torrenti, a parte Vorna, non gli hanno nascosto i propri sentimenti non positivi), che si trova ad affrontare però le vittorie e il peso della gloria paterna.
Il bastardo del Re è divenuto un diciassettenne emarginato e solo, mosso da un odio gelido verso la propria gente e la propria stessa vita, finché non troverà una missione capace di fargli aprire gli occhi.
Che si resti nella terra dei Rigante o si vada finalmente in giro per l'impero di Stone, non ci si può non affezionare a questi caratteri in apparenza semplici, ma in realtà tormentati e orgogliosi fino alla miopia, che maturano a forza di eventi, perdite o interventi (a volte non trasparenti) delle divinità.
Qui trovate un po' tutto: l'avventura, le scuole dei gladiatori e il sangue nell'arena, gli intrighi politici e le persecuzioni religiose, gli assedi e la lotta di un popolo per la libertà. E aggiungo i banali legami familiari, come le divisioni tra fratelli, le incomprensioni e le distanze tra genitori e figli.
Un mix ben riuscito e che continua a convincere, sempre consigliato agli amanti dell'epic fantasy.
4,5 - Se il primo volume si era rivelato introduttivo ma comunque avvincente, questo secondo mi ha tenuto compagnia per qualche sera e ammetto di aver rallentato per non farlo finire troppo presto.
Gemmell parte in modo inconsueto visto che, anziché riprendere da dove la storia si era fermata, con una narrazione lineare, salta alla generazione successiva, incentrando il romanzo sul figlio illegittimo di Connavar, quel Flagello non voluto e non cresciuto (aggiungerei pure non amato, visto che un po' tutti a Tre Torrenti, a parte Vorna, non gli hanno nascosto i propri sentimenti non positivi), che si trova ad affrontare però le vittorie e il peso della gloria paterna.
Il bastardo del Re è divenuto un diciassettenne emarginato e solo, mosso da un odio gelido verso la propria gente e la propria stessa vita, finché non troverà una missione capace di fargli aprire gli occhi.
Che si resti nella terra dei Rigante o si vada finalmente in giro per l'impero di Stone, non ci si può non affezionare a questi caratteri in apparenza semplici, ma in realtà tormentati e orgogliosi fino alla miopia, che maturano a forza di eventi, perdite o interventi (a volte non trasparenti) delle divinità.
Qui trovate un po' tutto: l'avventura, le scuole dei gladiatori e il sangue nell'arena, gli intrighi politici e le persecuzioni religiose, gli assedi e la lotta di un popolo per la libertà. E aggiungo i banali legami familiari, come le divisioni tra fratelli, le incomprensioni e le distanze tra genitori e figli.
Un mix ben riuscito e che continua a convincere, sempre consigliato agli amanti dell'epic fantasy.
June 3, 2021
Encore un excellent livre de David Gemmel qui restera un maître dans son art. Il y a bien quelques points qui ne m'ont pas plu comme l'histoire de Lia et de la source, en revanche j'ai adoretsuivre Bane et retrouver les personnages du premier livre avec vingt ans de plus. Les réflexions sur le courage, ce qui faitd'un homme une personne digne ou non sont toujours intéressants. Bien évidemment l'histoire est tragique et les prières des héros ne sont pas toutes entendues. Un grand moment de lecture !
March 9, 2021
پسر چقدر اشک ریختم سر این
باورم نمیشه
خیلی خوب بود
حیف فقط نفهمیدیم آخرش پاراکس چی شد:| بلی یک عدد ایراد
بن و کاناوار شدید مورد علاقه من هستند و میرن توی لیست مقدس شخصیت هایی که روشون متعصب خواهم شدXD
#گمل_بخوانیم
امتیازم 4.5عه سر اون پاراکسش
باورم نمیشه
خیلی خوب بود
حیف فقط نفهمیدیم آخرش پاراکس چی شد:| بلی یک عدد ایراد
بن و کاناوار شدید مورد علاقه من هستند و میرن توی لیست مقدس شخصیت هایی که روشون متعصب خواهم شدXD
#گمل_بخوانیم
امتیازم 4.5عه سر اون پاراکسش
December 30, 2016
This is book 2 of the Rigante series. It's an excellent sequel to Sword in the Storm, and completes the full story of Connaver the King. The tale takes place in an alternate universe with a recognizable Rome and Celtic British Isles. I enjoyed it very much, particularly the ending. Gemmell does endings right and he's one of the few modern writers of heroic fantasy who creates straight up heroes rather than anti-heroes. This doesn't mean his heroes are perfect. They certainly have faults, but in the end you root for them unabashedly because they are decent, loyal individuals. Gemmell also does a better job than most writers at creating conflicts between characters that end up being resolved with friendship rather than violence. There is a ring of authenticity about his characters that I much admire. I'm more and more saddened that Gemmell isn't with us anymore.
On to book 3, which takes place some 800 years after the time of Connavar.
On to book 3, which takes place some 800 years after the time of Connavar.
July 4, 2022
Oh, poor, poor Bane. He definitely got the rawstick of the end. I really liked Bane, he had a sunny disposition even though he had been treated so badly. I really enjoyed his adventure to become a gladiator. But my favourite part was when he convinced the outlaws of the Rigante to help protect Three Streams. The ending was sad, but beautiful.
December 28, 2016
Great as expected
November 1, 2023
A great book and Gemmell’s writing style continues to surprise me. I didn’t expect the time shift in this one as it followed the next generation of characters. Part of me wishes it stayed with the existing characters from book 1 or at least had some of their POVs as I found the death of Connavar didn’t really hit as hard as it could have at the end as we didn’t really see him the whole book and he’s like 25 years older than the last time we’re in his POV in book 1.
However I still really enjoyed this book and the themes throughout of friendship and forgiveness. Seeing a bit of Connavar at the end was really well done and Bane’s visions of the big moments in Connavar’s life was an excellent part of the book.
I’m so glad we got to see the big battle at the end and DG went in depth with tactics and strategy which I’m all here for. I was concerned we weren’t going to see it as there had been a few parts of the book where the action was skipped sadly. I wish authors didn’t do this!
There was never a dull moment in this book nor did it feel like there was any fluff. Gemmell continues to make distinct characters and bonds between characters that you root for as well as making them realistic and interesting.
I’m hoping we get to see more of Bane and Rage together in the next one but I have no idea where DG is going next.
However I still really enjoyed this book and the themes throughout of friendship and forgiveness. Seeing a bit of Connavar at the end was really well done and Bane’s visions of the big moments in Connavar’s life was an excellent part of the book.
I’m so glad we got to see the big battle at the end and DG went in depth with tactics and strategy which I’m all here for. I was concerned we weren’t going to see it as there had been a few parts of the book where the action was skipped sadly. I wish authors didn’t do this!
There was never a dull moment in this book nor did it feel like there was any fluff. Gemmell continues to make distinct characters and bonds between characters that you root for as well as making them realistic and interesting.
I’m hoping we get to see more of Bane and Rage together in the next one but I have no idea where DG is going next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2014
After finishing Sword in the Storm I rushed out to get this second book in the series. It has a totally different feel to the previous one, but wasn't less enjoyable. I liked the story, but as with all tales that span a generation or two, the cycle of time does bring with it heartache and sorrow and I felt it while reading the story of Bane. A big chunk of that emotion came from being reunited with familiar characters from the previous book and to see how time has carved its progress in their lives. I enjoyed Bane's evolution from hothead fighter to lethal gladiator in the Arena. That was a satisfying experience. And as with the previous book, the story is far from predictable, and as with my previous review I'm keeping it short and vague. This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in heroic fantasy. I'm on a mission to read all of David Gemmell's books, and I think my next one will be Legend.
February 18, 2020
David Gemmell continues to surprise the reader with his choices in the Rigante, this time choosing to skip twenty years into the future with Bane, the bastard son of Connovar as the main protagonist
The story follows bane as he grows into manhood and deals with the cards that have been dealt to him. The story is not as enthralling as the first book and most of Bane's story are about him going to the city of stone and becoming a gladiator but the last 30% of the story shifts it's focus entirely back onto the Rigante conflict
As with the previous book, Gemmell explores the consequences of destiny and the weight men bear on their souls as a consequence of their choices. The Morrigu is a fantastic character in the story who really emphasizes that no choice comes without some kind of sacrifice.
While this book does not really live up to the quality of the first book, it still manages to share a good story. Onward to the next one
The story follows bane as he grows into manhood and deals with the cards that have been dealt to him. The story is not as enthralling as the first book and most of Bane's story are about him going to the city of stone and becoming a gladiator but the last 30% of the story shifts it's focus entirely back onto the Rigante conflict
As with the previous book, Gemmell explores the consequences of destiny and the weight men bear on their souls as a consequence of their choices. The Morrigu is a fantastic character in the story who really emphasizes that no choice comes without some kind of sacrifice.
While this book does not really live up to the quality of the first book, it still manages to share a good story. Onward to the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews