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The Hawk Queen #1
IRONHAND'S DAUGHTER
After the bloody battle of Colden Moor the warlike highlanders had lost their independence. They lived in surly subservience to the Outlanders, and only a teenage girl survived to represent the line of Sigarni.Sigarni the silver-haired. Huntress, whore, princess. All of these she was called. But those who pierce the veil of the future knew that a leader was coming to the North - a leader descended from Ironhand, mightiest of the highland kings.
283 pages, Hardcover
Published May 15, 1995
104 people are currently reading
1805 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 101 reviews
October 16, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the FBR Group, where we try to read everything Fantasy!!!
This was very interesting. Being my first read by David Gemmell, I went into it with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The book is Fantasy, the kind that reminds you a lot of tales told about existing realms, in this case I thought of the Highlander Scots and Irish clans in the middle ages. As we are all familiar with those lands mythologies, this was a perfect bland of a story of how a regular young woman from the mountains goes through some rough awakening and turns into a warrior queen with the help of some spirits, druids, sorcery, and some inter-dimensional travel with some time distortions thrown in. As it has the vibe of one of the tales of the land, it also is told in a manner that jars you with the reality of human cruelty and the futility of war.
"..."'We stopped one war, and now we have the means to pursue
another. Is our land any different from this one? How does High Druin feel about
the slaughter that is coming?'
'Our fight is not about honour, or a stolen wife,' said Ballistar. 'We fight for
survival against a pitiless enemy. There is a difference.'
'Is there? My hatred is all used up, Balli. When they raped me, I wanted to see
every Outlander slain. That is not what I desire any more.'"..."
The author does a great job at trying to represent all sides as objectively as possible, giving a voice to the motives, or even complete lack of motives of human strife. He also reminds us about how precious every moment we have is, because not one of those moments is guaranteed to us. The people we love and might take for granted, will not always be there to lean on or to laugh with. Our friendships are priceless and we should live every day going to sleep with the ease that if we don't wake up in the morning, there will be none of them feeling regret for words spoken or hurtful deeds... I think this was a very well developed theme from the beginning to the end of the book.
"..."'We had wizards once - a whole temple of them. They supervised the building of
the Great Library in Zir-vak. They were blamed when the sun went away and
sacrificed on the high altar. The King promised that with their deaths the
mountains would stop spewing fire, but it didn't happen. In the last two hundred
years there have been other prophets who claimed that blood sacrifice would
appease the gods, and they would relent of their punishment. But they have not.
We are a dying people, Sigarni; there is no hope for us.'
'And yet amid all this turmoil you fight a war,' she said. 'Why?'..."
Why?... Isn't that the question... Every side thinks they are right and the loss of life becomes nothing but piling up numbers, loosing humanity one number at a time... The story made me a tad melancholy, but it is not a sad story, it is a story of perseverance and this is why I liked it and plan on reading its follow-up.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!!!
A buddy read with the FBR Group, where we try to read everything Fantasy!!!
This was very interesting. Being my first read by David Gemmell, I went into it with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The book is Fantasy, the kind that reminds you a lot of tales told about existing realms, in this case I thought of the Highlander Scots and Irish clans in the middle ages. As we are all familiar with those lands mythologies, this was a perfect bland of a story of how a regular young woman from the mountains goes through some rough awakening and turns into a warrior queen with the help of some spirits, druids, sorcery, and some inter-dimensional travel with some time distortions thrown in. As it has the vibe of one of the tales of the land, it also is told in a manner that jars you with the reality of human cruelty and the futility of war.
"..."'We stopped one war, and now we have the means to pursue
another. Is our land any different from this one? How does High Druin feel about
the slaughter that is coming?'
'Our fight is not about honour, or a stolen wife,' said Ballistar. 'We fight for
survival against a pitiless enemy. There is a difference.'
'Is there? My hatred is all used up, Balli. When they raped me, I wanted to see
every Outlander slain. That is not what I desire any more.'"..."
The author does a great job at trying to represent all sides as objectively as possible, giving a voice to the motives, or even complete lack of motives of human strife. He also reminds us about how precious every moment we have is, because not one of those moments is guaranteed to us. The people we love and might take for granted, will not always be there to lean on or to laugh with. Our friendships are priceless and we should live every day going to sleep with the ease that if we don't wake up in the morning, there will be none of them feeling regret for words spoken or hurtful deeds... I think this was a very well developed theme from the beginning to the end of the book.
"..."'We had wizards once - a whole temple of them. They supervised the building of
the Great Library in Zir-vak. They were blamed when the sun went away and
sacrificed on the high altar. The King promised that with their deaths the
mountains would stop spewing fire, but it didn't happen. In the last two hundred
years there have been other prophets who claimed that blood sacrifice would
appease the gods, and they would relent of their punishment. But they have not.
We are a dying people, Sigarni; there is no hope for us.'
'And yet amid all this turmoil you fight a war,' she said. 'Why?'..."
Why?... Isn't that the question... Every side thinks they are right and the loss of life becomes nothing but piling up numbers, loosing humanity one number at a time... The story made me a tad melancholy, but it is not a sad story, it is a story of perseverance and this is why I liked it and plan on reading its follow-up.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!!!
October 21, 2017
“There was no change of heart. I left his head on a spike, and I burned his home to the ground. It was a grand fire, which burned bright and lit the sky for many a mile. It also lit men's hearts, and that fire burned for thirty years.”
What an easy read! If you are looking for a page-turner, a classic tale of the good forces fighting overwhelming evil invaders, you have found what you’ve been looking for.
The Ironhand’s Daughter tells a story of Sigarni the Huntress of the Highland people. At first I thought the book was going to suffer from a nasty case of special snowflake syndrome, because Sigarni is introduced as strikingly pretty and strong and the best in everything she does with the fastest hound and the swiftest hawk, but thankfully, instead of being a walking legend, Sigarni turned out to be beautifully flawed. When we meet her, she is just a wilful and selfish woman, revelling in her freedom with “the body of an angel and the mind of a whore.” At the beginning she lives the way of the hawk, essentially that means she “loves no one, needs no one, fears no one.”
Very quickly, and I am not revealing anything that is not hinted by the title, it becomes apparent that Sigarni is the vanished child of the legendary king called Ironhand, also the prophecized leader that will lead her people in the fight against the occupying force of Outlanders. But she is forced to accept her destiny nilly rather than willy.
“Something flickered deep within her, like the birth of a fire.”
I don't think I have ever read a book with such brutal turning point for the main character. Even the Red Rising (though that was shocking enough) doesn’t come close to the traumatic experiences Sigarni needs to go through in order to develop and mature. but, if you are fond of badass heroines, without a doubt you will count Sigarni among your favourites. What a brave young woman she is! The fact that she faces deadly challenges alone and on her own terms resonated strongly with me. She truly is a woman of fire and iron, but the iron in her has been run through the fire and moulded into something sharp and deadly.
The settings emulate the Scottish highlands with their breathtaking vistas and wonderful culture of the clans. It is an epic fantasy, so expect a clash between the forces of good and the forces of evil (and evil is evil here, without any undertones, the Baron will give you creeps and the sorcerer nightmares). The good ones are few, beleaguered by harsh occupation, and untrained. Shortly, they have all the odds pitched against them.
“They know how to fight, and they know how to die. What they don't comprehend is that war is not about fighting and dying. It is about winning….But you don't win by dying. You win by causing your enemy to die.”
A daunting task for Sigarni as she grows to become a true Battle Queen fought both by internal opposition and external foes.
Ironhand’s Daughter sports a vast array of great supporting characters. Among them you will find Belli, small in terms of height but of great spirit, brave Fell the hunter, exotic Asmidir, the strategist and magician, and a true friend, and also the Ironhand himself makes an appearance. There are scenes to weep, and to be scared beyond death and to cheer when victories small and big are won, sometimes on a battlefield, sometimes within the human heart.
“We are told that we must aspire to be just like these heroes, for only by so doing can we ensure the survival of civilization. It is very noble. Indeed it is laudable.' Kollarin chuckled. 'And then we become men, and we realize that it is all a nonsense.'
'It is not nonsense!' said Obrin. 'We need heroes.'
'Of course we do,' Kollarin agreed. 'The nonsense is that sometimes they are the enemy. What then do we do, Obrin?”
The novel is simplistic here and there but overall, it fits the general feeling of an ancient tale told by the hearth fire. You will fly through it on hawk’s wings and you will want more.
What an easy read! If you are looking for a page-turner, a classic tale of the good forces fighting overwhelming evil invaders, you have found what you’ve been looking for.
The Ironhand’s Daughter tells a story of Sigarni the Huntress of the Highland people. At first I thought the book was going to suffer from a nasty case of special snowflake syndrome, because Sigarni is introduced as strikingly pretty and strong and the best in everything she does with the fastest hound and the swiftest hawk, but thankfully, instead of being a walking legend, Sigarni turned out to be beautifully flawed. When we meet her, she is just a wilful and selfish woman, revelling in her freedom with “the body of an angel and the mind of a whore.” At the beginning she lives the way of the hawk, essentially that means she “loves no one, needs no one, fears no one.”
Very quickly, and I am not revealing anything that is not hinted by the title, it becomes apparent that Sigarni is the vanished child of the legendary king called Ironhand, also the prophecized leader that will lead her people in the fight against the occupying force of Outlanders. But she is forced to accept her destiny nilly rather than willy.
“Something flickered deep within her, like the birth of a fire.”
I don't think I have ever read a book with such brutal turning point for the main character. Even the Red Rising (though that was shocking enough) doesn’t come close to the traumatic experiences Sigarni needs to go through in order to develop and mature. but, if you are fond of badass heroines, without a doubt you will count Sigarni among your favourites. What a brave young woman she is! The fact that she faces deadly challenges alone and on her own terms resonated strongly with me. She truly is a woman of fire and iron, but the iron in her has been run through the fire and moulded into something sharp and deadly.
The settings emulate the Scottish highlands with their breathtaking vistas and wonderful culture of the clans. It is an epic fantasy, so expect a clash between the forces of good and the forces of evil (and evil is evil here, without any undertones, the Baron will give you creeps and the sorcerer nightmares). The good ones are few, beleaguered by harsh occupation, and untrained. Shortly, they have all the odds pitched against them.
“They know how to fight, and they know how to die. What they don't comprehend is that war is not about fighting and dying. It is about winning….But you don't win by dying. You win by causing your enemy to die.”
A daunting task for Sigarni as she grows to become a true Battle Queen fought both by internal opposition and external foes.
Ironhand’s Daughter sports a vast array of great supporting characters. Among them you will find Belli, small in terms of height but of great spirit, brave Fell the hunter, exotic Asmidir, the strategist and magician, and a true friend, and also the Ironhand himself makes an appearance. There are scenes to weep, and to be scared beyond death and to cheer when victories small and big are won, sometimes on a battlefield, sometimes within the human heart.
“We are told that we must aspire to be just like these heroes, for only by so doing can we ensure the survival of civilization. It is very noble. Indeed it is laudable.' Kollarin chuckled. 'And then we become men, and we realize that it is all a nonsense.'
'It is not nonsense!' said Obrin. 'We need heroes.'
'Of course we do,' Kollarin agreed. 'The nonsense is that sometimes they are the enemy. What then do we do, Obrin?”
The novel is simplistic here and there but overall, it fits the general feeling of an ancient tale told by the hearth fire. You will fly through it on hawk’s wings and you will want more.
October 28, 2017
3.5/5.0 stars
Thanks to the others I shared reading this with in the Fantasy Buddy Reads group! It was fun, and I appreciate all the great comments and perspectives.
I think what I liked best about this was the strait forward, easy to read and concise writing style that Mr. Gemmell uses to tell his story. It is pretty quick to the action, without relying on over-descriptiveness to get to the point, yet does not shirk on getting the emotional power of the story across. It was refreshing and I look forward to more of his books, including the sequel to this one, The Hawk Eternal.
As to the story itself, I enjoyed that very much as well. The main character, Sigarni, is a very strong character that must overcome a lot to grow into the person she must become. Besides her, the other supporting characters were very diverse, and I thought, well written as well. I felt their emotional struggles as well as their triumphs.
My reduction down to 3 stars instead of up to 4 stars was due to one aspect of the story and magic system. It really wasn't that big a deal, and I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say anything more.
I did enjoy one particular quote: "In the old days, the Highland peoples were free, independent, and unbroken. Perhaps that is what makes them seem stronger, more golden, and defiant. Their power did not derive from a hurled caber, but a vanquished enemy. They may not have been seven feet tall. Maybe they just felt as if they were." I love that respect for the past.
For a couple of terrific reviews of this book, try Great Review And Another Great Review
Thanks to the others I shared reading this with in the Fantasy Buddy Reads group! It was fun, and I appreciate all the great comments and perspectives.
I think what I liked best about this was the strait forward, easy to read and concise writing style that Mr. Gemmell uses to tell his story. It is pretty quick to the action, without relying on over-descriptiveness to get to the point, yet does not shirk on getting the emotional power of the story across. It was refreshing and I look forward to more of his books, including the sequel to this one, The Hawk Eternal.
As to the story itself, I enjoyed that very much as well. The main character, Sigarni, is a very strong character that must overcome a lot to grow into the person she must become. Besides her, the other supporting characters were very diverse, and I thought, well written as well. I felt their emotional struggles as well as their triumphs.
My reduction down to 3 stars instead of up to 4 stars was due to one aspect of the story and magic system. It really wasn't that big a deal, and I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say anything more.
I did enjoy one particular quote: "In the old days, the Highland peoples were free, independent, and unbroken. Perhaps that is what makes them seem stronger, more golden, and defiant. Their power did not derive from a hurled caber, but a vanquished enemy. They may not have been seven feet tall. Maybe they just felt as if they were." I love that respect for the past.
For a couple of terrific reviews of this book, try Great Review And Another Great Review
November 5, 2017
Buddy Read with the FBR Group.
An action-packed page turner. Easy to read but brutal at times.
Mr. Gemmell's writing is different. Short and to the point, with an economy of words that makes everything more real and natural and even quite brutal at times.
I liked both the characters and the plot.
Sigarni is wonderfully written. A strong proud woman with the mind of a whore and body to drive any man crazy. Circumstance or fate turn her into an ice cold battle queen, as beautiful and hard like a diamond. She has to struggle to make fierce men follow her into the fight for the freedom of her people. She has to fight her own inner demons to understand forgiveness and accept her own faults! She is unique. Just like Mr. Gemmell's writing.
And she is not the only character worth mentioning. There are a few more memorable ones like Ironhand himself or Bali, who already hold a place in my heart.They gave charm to the story and I hope to meet them in the sequel.
An action-packed page turner. Easy to read but brutal at times.
Mr. Gemmell's writing is different. Short and to the point, with an economy of words that makes everything more real and natural and even quite brutal at times.
I liked both the characters and the plot.
Sigarni is wonderfully written. A strong proud woman with the mind of a whore and body to drive any man crazy. Circumstance or fate turn her into an ice cold battle queen, as beautiful and hard like a diamond. She has to struggle to make fierce men follow her into the fight for the freedom of her people. She has to fight her own inner demons to understand forgiveness and accept her own faults! She is unique. Just like Mr. Gemmell's writing.
And she is not the only character worth mentioning. There are a few more memorable ones like Ironhand himself or Bali, who already hold a place in my heart.They gave charm to the story and I hope to meet them in the sequel.
October 29, 2017
3.5 stars
May 31, 2020
" بدی چطور رشد میکنه؟ چی باعث میشه پاش به قلب آدمها برسه و مثل یه دونه جوونه بزنه و رشد کنه؟ من بهتون میگم. از عصبانیت و بی انصافی. از نفرت و حسادت."
July 8, 2020
VERDICT: Passing grade, if you enjoy the genre. Keep in mind I'm no fantasy expert; about 2.67 stars for me, rounded up.
Book 1 in a series. More brutal and serious than Gemmel's Morningstar. But if extra-high fantasy is your thing, then grab some supplemental oxygen and go for it. I never cared for the heroine, but she was as capable as she was cold.
You get all this (the usual), for better or worse:
TRUTH IN COVER ART?
For fun, here are some of them, graded versus what's inside:
Book 1 in a series. More brutal and serious than Gemmel's Morningstar. But if extra-high fantasy is your thing, then grab some supplemental oxygen and go for it. I never cared for the heroine, but she was as capable as she was cold.
You get all this (the usual), for better or worse:
TRUTH IN COVER ART?
For fun, here are some of them, graded versus what's inside:
April 30, 2022
حقیقتا اینکه توی کتاب به مسائل همجنسگرایی(البته این در حد یه خطه و شاید خیلیا نفهمن)، فمنیستی و حتی سیاهپوستها اشاره شده بود برام خیلی عجیبه.
خیلی کم پرداخته شد به همه چیز. دو ستاره کاملو سر همین کم و کاستیا زدم.
پیشگوییها و افسانهها رازآلود نبودن. بعضی شخصیتا خوب پرداخت نشد بهشون. آیرون هند یکیشون.
البته شاید چون مجموعهس و جلد بعد رو نخوندم هنوز بعدا یه سر بیام نمره رو کم و زیاد کنم. اما فعلا همین ۳ رو داشته باشین.
آپدیت: اشتباه نکنینا! دوستش دارم اتفاقا ولی نمرهای که حقشه همینه
خیلی کم پرداخته شد به همه چیز. دو ستاره کاملو سر همین کم و کاستیا زدم.
پیشگوییها و افسانهها رازآلود نبودن. بعضی شخصیتا خوب پرداخت نشد بهشون. آیرون هند یکیشون.
البته شاید چون مجموعهس و جلد بعد رو نخوندم هنوز بعدا یه سر بیام نمره رو کم و زیاد کنم. اما فعلا همین ۳ رو داشته باشین.
آپدیت: اشتباه نکنینا! دوستش دارم اتفاقا ولی نمرهای که حقشه همینه
February 5, 2024
David Gemmell non delude!
(anche se probabilmente una valutazione più obbiettiva sarebbe di 3 stelle)
Lo tenevo da parte nel caso fossi incappata in una serie troppo lunga di flop e ho fatto bene: un caro vecchio Fantasy finalmente.
Magari un pò classico, forse semplice (o per meglio dire con varie tematiche trattate semplicisticamente) e con ambientazione rubata (Highland scozzesi) ma onesto, con personaggi imperfetti e sufficientemente nobili d'animo da farsi amare facilmente
TRAMA E FORSE SPOILER
una cacciatrice indomita, indipendente e autosufficiente con più sangue Reale nelle vene di quanto non sappia viene costretta dalle circostanze e dal suo stesso caratteraccio ad abbandonare egoismo, spacconate e spensieratezza per unificare e guidare gli Highlander contro gli Stranieri Invasori
(anche se probabilmente una valutazione più obbiettiva sarebbe di 3 stelle)
Lo tenevo da parte nel caso fossi incappata in una serie troppo lunga di flop e ho fatto bene: un caro vecchio Fantasy finalmente.
Magari un pò classico, forse semplice (o per meglio dire con varie tematiche trattate semplicisticamente) e con ambientazione rubata (Highland scozzesi) ma onesto, con personaggi imperfetti e sufficientemente nobili d'animo da farsi amare facilmente
TRAMA E FORSE SPOILER
una cacciatrice indomita, indipendente e autosufficiente con più sangue Reale nelle vene di quanto non sappia viene costretta dalle circostanze e dal suo stesso caratteraccio ad abbandonare egoismo, spacconate e spensieratezza per unificare e guidare gli Highlander contro gli Stranieri Invasori
December 13, 2024
I love Gemmell's work, but this was a stinker. Our protagonist, Sigarni, is indeed Ironhand's daughter, even though he died centuries ago; it seems his agents utilized some magic gate to advance through time. Anyway, she grew up as a Highlander and Gemmell here based the tale loosely on Rome's invasion of the Scot Highlands back in the day.
The Highlander's army met the Empire, but fought as barbarians (man to man) and the Empire's disciplined troops crushed them. When the story starts a few decades after that defeat, the Highlanders are few in number. Nonetheless, the Imperial ruler on the Island decided it would be good for his career to make war on the Highlanders once again, drumming up some pretext. Sigarni, meanwhile, makes her living as a huntswoman, without a care in the world. Via 'dreams', however, she meets old Ironhand and tells her of her destiny-- to unite the Highlanders once again and lead their army to defeat the Empire on the island.
So much for the plot. This was boring and slow, unlike any other Gemmell I have read. The plodding pacing gave Gemmell time to flesh out the cast of characters but you know where this was going to go almost from the get go. The various magics and so forth added a little to the story, seeming more of an afterthought than anything else. If you are new to Gemmell's work, I would not suggest you start here. Even if you are a Gemmell fan, I recommend this only for completists. 1.5 plodding stars, rounding up as I finished it.
The Highlander's army met the Empire, but fought as barbarians (man to man) and the Empire's disciplined troops crushed them. When the story starts a few decades after that defeat, the Highlanders are few in number. Nonetheless, the Imperial ruler on the Island decided it would be good for his career to make war on the Highlanders once again, drumming up some pretext. Sigarni, meanwhile, makes her living as a huntswoman, without a care in the world. Via 'dreams', however, she meets old Ironhand and tells her of her destiny-- to unite the Highlanders once again and lead their army to defeat the Empire on the island.
So much for the plot. This was boring and slow, unlike any other Gemmell I have read. The plodding pacing gave Gemmell time to flesh out the cast of characters but you know where this was going to go almost from the get go. The various magics and so forth added a little to the story, seeming more of an afterthought than anything else. If you are new to Gemmell's work, I would not suggest you start here. Even if you are a Gemmell fan, I recommend this only for completists. 1.5 plodding stars, rounding up as I finished it.
September 6, 2020
It was my week off work, I wanted comfort reading. I wanted the warm and knowing hug from my re-read, that embrace of a loved one only a book I know I enjoyed reading the first time I took hold of it and was left wanting more as I placed it down.
I want it on the record that I am a great fan of David Gemmell. Reviews that start with this line fill me with dread.
This is a book I initially read in 1996. I was 22. The world was a far different place.
The vaguely Scottish references to Clans and Outlanders with the scene setting telling me of heather and mountains with sharp, nasty weather, does give the reader the image of the Scottish Highlands and the imagery used does have that warm familiarity of this beautiful realm. These places, whilst in this fantastical novel filled with battles and magic, exist.
Ok, so I mentioned magic. Hey - there’s magic. Not explained in any great depth, but there are practitioners. Oh, and they can open portals between worlds. Oh, and in time.
I’m gonna have to move on here to the elephant in the room.
I feel that in 2020 I live in a world of hatred, division and loathing. Of jealousy and anger politics. I feel that I am more in tune with my world than I was at the tender age of 22.
After the first 20 pages I started to read this book quickly to get it over with.
Not to re-live the fun now, but to finish it and move on. You see, I have grown. This book has dated and, I am sorry to say, unmasking my love for all things Gemmell in an exposing question of “really?”.
The title “Ironhands Daughter” gives me the misogyny, Sigarni (the huntress, the untamed “barren” woman with many lovers...) can’t seemingly exist without reference to her father OR from his interference. That though of a glass ceiling for women that is only “allowed” by men.
Asmirir the black man. Sorcerer. Dammit, here’s to pointing out differences in race like a bookcase to the face. So? He has darker skin? Say that. Black man (mutters...).
Ballistar. Dwarf = deformed = unhappy in his skin and only becomes happy when he is “whole” ie tall. There are people of diminished height I am sure are happy in their skin.
I read the whole book in two sittings. I gaped at the stereotypes and aligned them with what’s going on in the world around me. The Black Lives Matter movement, Me Too, disability rights - all fighting for a recognition of wrongs that they have endured and here I am reading a book of oversimplified tropes...
I am now 46. My children live with what is going on in the world around us - as do I. I want to escape to a well written, well rounded fantasy realm that fills my mind with joy, heartache, love and wonder, hate and loathing but in a grand, controlled manner. I didn’t hate this, there are moments of glory! I was just a little taken aback at how much I had moved on.
I’m just hoping that Mr G was highlighting these with the injustice in mind rather than the lazy stereotypes it feels like. Read this book as a marker of how much we have moved on in society. Looking back at the Tolkien books I have loved and the minimal amount of female characters in his writing, at least here Sigarni is the protagonist.
This is not indicative of David Gemmells work. I think it may be a while before I revisit Waylander - possibly the book that hooked me on his writing.
I want it on the record that I am a great fan of David Gemmell. Reviews that start with this line fill me with dread.
This is a book I initially read in 1996. I was 22. The world was a far different place.
The vaguely Scottish references to Clans and Outlanders with the scene setting telling me of heather and mountains with sharp, nasty weather, does give the reader the image of the Scottish Highlands and the imagery used does have that warm familiarity of this beautiful realm. These places, whilst in this fantastical novel filled with battles and magic, exist.
Ok, so I mentioned magic. Hey - there’s magic. Not explained in any great depth, but there are practitioners. Oh, and they can open portals between worlds. Oh, and in time.
I’m gonna have to move on here to the elephant in the room.
I feel that in 2020 I live in a world of hatred, division and loathing. Of jealousy and anger politics. I feel that I am more in tune with my world than I was at the tender age of 22.
After the first 20 pages I started to read this book quickly to get it over with.
Not to re-live the fun now, but to finish it and move on. You see, I have grown. This book has dated and, I am sorry to say, unmasking my love for all things Gemmell in an exposing question of “really?”.
The title “Ironhands Daughter” gives me the misogyny, Sigarni (the huntress, the untamed “barren” woman with many lovers...) can’t seemingly exist without reference to her father OR from his interference. That though of a glass ceiling for women that is only “allowed” by men.
Asmirir the black man. Sorcerer. Dammit, here’s to pointing out differences in race like a bookcase to the face. So? He has darker skin? Say that. Black man (mutters...).
Ballistar. Dwarf = deformed = unhappy in his skin and only becomes happy when he is “whole” ie tall. There are people of diminished height I am sure are happy in their skin.
I read the whole book in two sittings. I gaped at the stereotypes and aligned them with what’s going on in the world around me. The Black Lives Matter movement, Me Too, disability rights - all fighting for a recognition of wrongs that they have endured and here I am reading a book of oversimplified tropes...
I am now 46. My children live with what is going on in the world around us - as do I. I want to escape to a well written, well rounded fantasy realm that fills my mind with joy, heartache, love and wonder, hate and loathing but in a grand, controlled manner. I didn’t hate this, there are moments of glory! I was just a little taken aback at how much I had moved on.
I’m just hoping that Mr G was highlighting these with the injustice in mind rather than the lazy stereotypes it feels like. Read this book as a marker of how much we have moved on in society. Looking back at the Tolkien books I have loved and the minimal amount of female characters in his writing, at least here Sigarni is the protagonist.
This is not indicative of David Gemmells work. I think it may be a while before I revisit Waylander - possibly the book that hooked me on his writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
Spoilers/Trigger Warning
This book has a gang-rape at the center of our character and plot development. And outside of that, just about every male in our story either wants to sleep with our main character, already has, or both. Literally every time a new male character gets introduced in the story, they have to either say or think that she is the most attractive woman they have ever seen, if they are not too coarse, and that they really want to bed her, if they are a bit more coarse. Our main character is also repeatedly called a whore for her enjoyment of sexual acts, but honestly, the way much of this was employed just *screamed* that this was a book with a female main character that HAD to have been written by a man, and I do not mean that as a compliment. Basically, all the parts of the book that didn't dwell on sex, rape, or weirdly everyone being attracted to the MC, I enjoyed, but the rest of it really brought down my enjoyment.
I give this book 3 stars because I finished it and I *rarely* give less to a book that I finished, but that should probably be rounded down to 2.5 honestly. The 'sexy stuff' was grating and got in the way of the character development, the story development, and didn't seem like it used logical progressions either. Also, rape as character development feels very overused to me, and a bit lazy. In this case, definitely lazy, as there wasn't much character development otherwise in my opinion.
This book has a gang-rape at the center of our character and plot development. And outside of that, just about every male in our story either wants to sleep with our main character, already has, or both. Literally every time a new male character gets introduced in the story, they have to either say or think that she is the most attractive woman they have ever seen, if they are not too coarse, and that they really want to bed her, if they are a bit more coarse. Our main character is also repeatedly called a whore for her enjoyment of sexual acts, but honestly, the way much of this was employed just *screamed* that this was a book with a female main character that HAD to have been written by a man, and I do not mean that as a compliment. Basically, all the parts of the book that didn't dwell on sex, rape, or weirdly everyone being attracted to the MC, I enjoyed, but the rest of it really brought down my enjoyment.
I give this book 3 stars because I finished it and I *rarely* give less to a book that I finished, but that should probably be rounded down to 2.5 honestly. The 'sexy stuff' was grating and got in the way of the character development, the story development, and didn't seem like it used logical progressions either. Also, rape as character development feels very overused to me, and a bit lazy. In this case, definitely lazy, as there wasn't much character development otherwise in my opinion.
September 21, 2016
Truly remarkable! Brutal but beautiful.
July 9, 2017
This is Gemmell and so obviously has:-
- a story that is fast moving and engrossing
- quality nuanced characters that are flawed, even the heroes. Anyone can make a wrong choice at any point.
- A proper ending to the story. Even though there are more books in the series (and I am glad there are) you could stop here happy and satisfied.
- A style of writing which is precise and flows exceptionally well. It helps make reading his books a joy.
- A back story that feels full even if they never actually tell you much about it.
I'm not going to talk about the story. Its classic fantasy fare but it has enough of its own identity and ideas to make it stand out.
Great fun from beginning to end.
- a story that is fast moving and engrossing
- quality nuanced characters that are flawed, even the heroes. Anyone can make a wrong choice at any point.
- A proper ending to the story. Even though there are more books in the series (and I am glad there are) you could stop here happy and satisfied.
- A style of writing which is precise and flows exceptionally well. It helps make reading his books a joy.
- A back story that feels full even if they never actually tell you much about it.
I'm not going to talk about the story. Its classic fantasy fare but it has enough of its own identity and ideas to make it stand out.
Great fun from beginning to end.
October 10, 2019
Simple, direct and fun, sometimes just what you need.
Some very good points and concepts, and events, but sometimes it felt some thing were just glossed over, some plot lines (like the other world city) felt hugely simplistic, but then again, also didn't needlessly drag on.
Some very good points and concepts, and events, but sometimes it felt some thing were just glossed over, some plot lines (like the other world city) felt hugely simplistic, but then again, also didn't needlessly drag on.
November 13, 2017
3.5 stars!
It was an intersting story, not original but good enough.
love the characters especially Sigarni of course, an independent woman who lived on her own and provided for herself and Had a few lovers. even though she was from blood line – she could not care less not for the throne or to rebel against her conqueror. All she wanted to do is hunt with her hawk and her dog until one brutal night…….
June 10, 2021
I was first introduced to this author DAVID GEMMELL in 2009 when I randomly chose a book named "A sword in the Storm" I didn't know at the time that it was the first book of four, in a series named the "Rigante"series. I devoured all 4 books and fell in love with the stories and in the way the author wrote. After reading the last book of that series I looked for more of his books and found that he had just passed away in 2006. I was devestated. Although he left many other books, that I have since read, none of them are as close to my heart as the Rigante series.
This book is is usual genre.(fantasy) And this author writes battles in a way that I, as a woman, can get into and appreciate.
I also love that the main character was a woman and that she was unapologetically who she was.
There seems to be many characters introduced at first and I became a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but the characters were so well fleshed out that I had no problem remembering each one.
The magic system is not a huge part of the story, but the small part it does play is easy to understand.
Anyone who likes fantasy/medieval/highlander/ flavors will enjoy this as much as I did. I would particularly like to encourage women readers who may have tendacies towards enjoying this type of book, give it a try, as many women find fantasy a little harder to get into. This book, or again, the Rigante Series would be a perfect first introduction to the fantasy genra for those who have passed on it before.
This book is is usual genre.(fantasy) And this author writes battles in a way that I, as a woman, can get into and appreciate.
I also love that the main character was a woman and that she was unapologetically who she was.
There seems to be many characters introduced at first and I became a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but the characters were so well fleshed out that I had no problem remembering each one.
The magic system is not a huge part of the story, but the small part it does play is easy to understand.
Anyone who likes fantasy/medieval/highlander/ flavors will enjoy this as much as I did. I would particularly like to encourage women readers who may have tendacies towards enjoying this type of book, give it a try, as many women find fantasy a little harder to get into. This book, or again, the Rigante Series would be a perfect first introduction to the fantasy genra for those who have passed on it before.
January 11, 2018
Ho trovato troppo poco del mio amato Gemmell in questo romanzo: una protagonista dalla fastidiosa immaturità (si passa da donna libera e appagata ad algida vendicatrice a donna nuovamente appagata in un pugno di capitoli), un mondo definito solo sommariamente e una trama con un po' troppe digressioni inutili (onestamente tutta la parte "demoniaca" e l'excursus extra-dimensionale si poteva evitare, a vantaggio di un maggiore spazio per gli antagonisti - quasi degli stereotipi)... La regina guerriera sembra quasi scritto da un altro autore, e non uno di quelli bravi. Sciatto e appena appena sufficiente.
April 4, 2018
Readable but forgettable.
This has a lot of standard Gemmell elements but nothing original or interesting.
Sigarni is never likeable, Taliesen is an annoying plot device, he has no personality just and just pops up to push the plot along.
The other-world section feels childish, like a bad version of Moorcock.
The ending is dull.
It is still standard Gemmell so it is readable but only if you have nothing else.
This has a lot of standard Gemmell elements but nothing original or interesting.
Sigarni is never likeable, Taliesen is an annoying plot device, he has no personality just and just pops up to push the plot along.
The other-world section feels childish, like a bad version of Moorcock.
The ending is dull.
It is still standard Gemmell so it is readable but only if you have nothing else.
May 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
July 24, 2025
Solid read and my first Gemmell book. You can tell the story is not finished based on how this ended.
February 25, 2023
Dnf, I think I'm burned out on gemmell and I this is his worst book that ive read so far.
August 29, 2014
De Hooglanders worden verslagen door de legers van een oorlogszuchtig volk ten noorden van de Hooglanden. Terwijl het volk lijdt onder het brute bewind, voorspellen zieners dat er een opvolger van de legendarische Yzerhand, koning van de Hooglanden, zal komen. Maar de enige nog levende afstammeling van Yzerhand is Sigarni, een wilde, koppige jonge vrouw die zich alleen bekommert om zichzelf. Totdat een ontmoeting met de mysterieuze Taliesin haar aanzet tot rebellie.
Recensie(s)
In een op Schotland geente wereld van boeren en ridders zijn de verschillende Hoogland-volkeren onderworpen en verdeeld onder de heerschappij van de Zuidlanders. Alleen in het hoogste gebergte kunnen de Hooglanders nog hun eigen cultuur bewaren. De verraderlijke, ambitieuze Zuidlandse gouverneur voelt zich op een zijspoor gezet in dit achtergebleven gebied. Zijn duivels plan: macht en aanzien in de Hoofdstad terugwinnen door de Hooglanders tot opstand te provoceren en ze vervolgens te verslaan. De Hooglanders kunnen zich echter alleen weren als zij zich verenigen onder een leider van het oude koningsgeslacht, die dan eerst ook nog zijn geschiktheid moet bewijzen. Deze blijkt te bestaan en is een vrouw: Sigarni. Met behulp van geesten en tovenaars legt zij de bovenmenselijke tests af. Zij leidt de troepen en wint de eerste confrontatie met de Zuidlanders. Dit eerste deel van de tweedelige serie 'De havikkoningin' is een van de vele spannende fantasy-ridderromans die tegenwoordig uitkomen. Het stramien gelijkt sterk op dat van bijvoorbeeld R. Feists 'De boeken van de Slangenoorlog'. De vrouwelijke Krijger-Messias is wel een fascinerende extra vondst. Kleine druk.
Recensie(s)
In een op Schotland geente wereld van boeren en ridders zijn de verschillende Hoogland-volkeren onderworpen en verdeeld onder de heerschappij van de Zuidlanders. Alleen in het hoogste gebergte kunnen de Hooglanders nog hun eigen cultuur bewaren. De verraderlijke, ambitieuze Zuidlandse gouverneur voelt zich op een zijspoor gezet in dit achtergebleven gebied. Zijn duivels plan: macht en aanzien in de Hoofdstad terugwinnen door de Hooglanders tot opstand te provoceren en ze vervolgens te verslaan. De Hooglanders kunnen zich echter alleen weren als zij zich verenigen onder een leider van het oude koningsgeslacht, die dan eerst ook nog zijn geschiktheid moet bewijzen. Deze blijkt te bestaan en is een vrouw: Sigarni. Met behulp van geesten en tovenaars legt zij de bovenmenselijke tests af. Zij leidt de troepen en wint de eerste confrontatie met de Zuidlanders. Dit eerste deel van de tweedelige serie 'De havikkoningin' is een van de vele spannende fantasy-ridderromans die tegenwoordig uitkomen. Het stramien gelijkt sterk op dat van bijvoorbeeld R. Feists 'De boeken van de Slangenoorlog'. De vrouwelijke Krijger-Messias is wel een fascinerende extra vondst. Kleine druk.
December 23, 2009
In Ironhand’s Daughter, David Gemmell begins a stunning new series, chronicling the lives of characters who live and die by the sword and the arrow, and introducing, in Signari, one of his most memorable figures.
Gemmell has for many years been the master of heroic fantasy/warfare epics and Ironhand’s Daughter marks an attempt to try something different: a story with a female lead. Happily, Gemmell’s novel pays off, with the author once again delivering a hugely readable (make that impossible-to-put-down-able) novel with tons of action, interesting characters and intrigue to make it a real joy to read.
The setting is some rural Highland backdrop, in an unnamed fantasy world, but it just seemed like Scotland to me. The lead character, Sigarni, undergoes a horrific ordeal which sees her taken prisoner and gang-raped by five men. After that she vows revenge on the Outlanders, a colossal army that rules the kingdom, and she must muster the forces of the Highland tribes to fight for her.
Sigarni is an engaging, flawed lead and she is supported in this book by many great friends: Fell, the forest ranger; Bellarni, the introspectful dwarf; Gwalch, the drunk with the gift of foresight, and many more. Gemmell twists and turns the plot throughout into something always unpredictable and his penchant for bloody action is clear in the murder, torture and battle listed throughout the book.
Intelligent, gripping and most importantly a lot of fun, this was followed by The Hawk Eternal.
Gemmell has for many years been the master of heroic fantasy/warfare epics and Ironhand’s Daughter marks an attempt to try something different: a story with a female lead. Happily, Gemmell’s novel pays off, with the author once again delivering a hugely readable (make that impossible-to-put-down-able) novel with tons of action, interesting characters and intrigue to make it a real joy to read.
The setting is some rural Highland backdrop, in an unnamed fantasy world, but it just seemed like Scotland to me. The lead character, Sigarni, undergoes a horrific ordeal which sees her taken prisoner and gang-raped by five men. After that she vows revenge on the Outlanders, a colossal army that rules the kingdom, and she must muster the forces of the Highland tribes to fight for her.
Sigarni is an engaging, flawed lead and she is supported in this book by many great friends: Fell, the forest ranger; Bellarni, the introspectful dwarf; Gwalch, the drunk with the gift of foresight, and many more. Gemmell twists and turns the plot throughout into something always unpredictable and his penchant for bloody action is clear in the murder, torture and battle listed throughout the book.
Intelligent, gripping and most importantly a lot of fun, this was followed by The Hawk Eternal.
August 23, 2017
Je crois que j'ai toujours fini les livres de Gemmell avec les larmes aux yeux. Que dire ? J'ai déjà lu 18 de ses livres, et à chaque fois, c'est un bonheur. On reconnaît très bien son style, il y a une "saveur" commune à tous ses livres et pourtant ce n'est jamais pareil, jamais lassant. Pour moi c'est de l'héroïc-fantasy pure, de grandes fresques avec des sentiments très forts - amour, amitié, honneur, fidélité, courage ... Les rebondissements vous prennent toujours par surprise, et les personnages s'accrochent à votre coeur et ne vous lâchent plus ! Merci Monsieur Gemmell <3
October 10, 2014
Ok read, bit of a disappointment considering it's a book by David Gemmell. First time he has a female main character. The book while being a standard medieval fantasy fiction loses its sheen as there is no surprise with the many prophecies and seers seeing the future. Also one can't enjoy adventures and masculine deeds with a female lead. The book is an easy read and a page turner but lacks the length and plotting we expect from Gemmell.
June 16, 2007
More standard Gemmell fare. Set in an alternate setting that borrows much from the Scottish Highlands, this bok features Sigarni, and is one of the only books to feature a female warrior as one of the main characters.
Sigarni is not much different than most of his male heroes, tough, aloof, and deadly. Good story, good characters, lots of action.
Sigarni is not much different than most of his male heroes, tough, aloof, and deadly. Good story, good characters, lots of action.
October 16, 2016
Have read nearly all of David Gemmell's books and this has been as enjoyable as all the others. Loved the story and the characters. Bought this as a combined book with both Hawk stories in it, having a break before I read the second but won't be for long.
June 18, 2020
Disappointing. It was too boring (for me) and I had several issues with it. It was too short for me to get attached to the characters, and I didn’t care when pretty much all of the important ones died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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