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The Rigante #3
ریونهارت
«تاریخ رو همیشه فاتحین نوشتهان. چیزی از حقیقت و عدالت درش نیست. نژاد کلتوئی یه نژاد از جنگجویان مغرور بوده. به ضرر ماست که اونها همونطوری بمونن پس فرهنگشون رو بدنام میکنیم و هر چیزی رو که نتونیم آلوده کنیم، مال خود میکنیم.»
بزرگترین وحشت کاناوار به واقعیت انجامیده است. دشمن بیگانه، سرزمین کلتوئی را تصرف کرده و قصد تاراج فرهنگ ریگانتی را دارد. اما این دشمن نه از شهر استون که نژاد جنگجو و خونریز «وار» است. وارها به سرزمین کلتوئی یورش آورده و با آتش زدن روستاها و کشتن زنان و کودکان ایلیاتی، موفق به درهم شکستن مقاومت این قوم و فتح سرزمینشان شدهاند.
کتاب سوم ریگانت به شرح حال ریگانتیها در زمانی میپردازد که سالها از سلطهی دشمن میگذرد اما روح قهرمانی و پهلوانی هنوز از میان مردم رخت برنبسته است.
بزرگترین وحشت کاناوار به واقعیت انجامیده است. دشمن بیگانه، سرزمین کلتوئی را تصرف کرده و قصد تاراج فرهنگ ریگانتی را دارد. اما این دشمن نه از شهر استون که نژاد جنگجو و خونریز «وار» است. وارها به سرزمین کلتوئی یورش آورده و با آتش زدن روستاها و کشتن زنان و کودکان ایلیاتی، موفق به درهم شکستن مقاومت این قوم و فتح سرزمینشان شدهاند.
کتاب سوم ریگانت به شرح حال ریگانتیها در زمانی میپردازد که سالها از سلطهی دشمن میگذرد اما روح قهرمانی و پهلوانی هنوز از میان مردم رخت برنبسته است.
503 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
230 people are currently reading
2411 people want to read
About the author
David Gemmell
199 books3,818 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 190 reviews
September 29, 2024
I can't believe I'm saying this ...
This is the best Gemmell book I've read.
I would die for Jaim Grimauch. No one writes real-heroes with genuine flaws and admirable qualities like Gemmell.
I cried twice in this. Why did Gemmell torture us with the pain that is wrought within The Rigante?
This is the best Gemmell book I've read.
I would die for Jaim Grimauch. No one writes real-heroes with genuine flaws and admirable qualities like Gemmell.
I cried twice in this. Why did Gemmell torture us with the pain that is wrought within The Rigante?
February 14, 2020
Glad I started reading David Gemmel, especially this series. Great series and hooked on David Gemmel now.
January 15, 2009
‘Ravenheart is ostensibly the third book of the Rigante saga (The Sword in the Storm, Midnight Falcon, Ravenheart, Stormrider), although given the way the history is woven throughout the books, Ravenheart could easily be read on its own merits.
As someone who is a craven fan of David Gemmell in all his humours, I cannot explain the glorious thrill of reading a book where he gets every aspect right – the pace, the detail, the characters, every thread of plot – and still takes every opportunity to have large men with swords batter the hell out of each other. That this doesn’t get old is testament to sheer force of storytelling.
The Rigante tribe are reduced to small townships and ‘Black Rigante’ rebels under oppressive Varlish law and rule… banned from carrying swords, muskets, owning businesses or horses more than fifteen hands high, they are the despised underclass and it is this thread that gives the book its richness, its adversaries and injustices to be fought, and its moments of triumph and sadness.
The character of Ravenheart is held apart from young warriors in other Gemmell tales by the expertly drawn journey of character and spirit… with room to play, Gemmell’s characters take on more depth and become more than mighty sword-wielding heroes (although much fun is to be had with those, too). The same goes for other principle characters in this book; they are all alive within their own stories, and engaged in one another’s.
I have yet to read the concluding book in the Rigante saga, but Ravenheart raised the bar, and I will now be holding it to high standards.
As someone who is a craven fan of David Gemmell in all his humours, I cannot explain the glorious thrill of reading a book where he gets every aspect right – the pace, the detail, the characters, every thread of plot – and still takes every opportunity to have large men with swords batter the hell out of each other. That this doesn’t get old is testament to sheer force of storytelling.
The Rigante tribe are reduced to small townships and ‘Black Rigante’ rebels under oppressive Varlish law and rule… banned from carrying swords, muskets, owning businesses or horses more than fifteen hands high, they are the despised underclass and it is this thread that gives the book its richness, its adversaries and injustices to be fought, and its moments of triumph and sadness.
The character of Ravenheart is held apart from young warriors in other Gemmell tales by the expertly drawn journey of character and spirit… with room to play, Gemmell’s characters take on more depth and become more than mighty sword-wielding heroes (although much fun is to be had with those, too). The same goes for other principle characters in this book; they are all alive within their own stories, and engaged in one another’s.
I have yet to read the concluding book in the Rigante saga, but Ravenheart raised the bar, and I will now be holding it to high standards.
November 24, 2018
Loved it!
The third instalment in the Rigante series is set a quite a few centuries after the book before. The Rigante are no longer flourishing in their golden age, but are now oppressed by the Varlish conquerers. It is now a crime punishable by death to wear the Rigante colours, or own a weapon. They have become despised by the Varlish and are constantly pressured by persecution.
The main character is called Kaelin and he has an increasingly growing hatred for the Varlish and is nearing the point where he wants to act, but any defiance will likely end in death. Luckily he has the great Rigante warrior Jaim Grymauch (my favourite character of the book) watching over him. Jaim is over six feet tall and is the living embodiment of the Rigante. Honourable, trustworthy, kind, fearless and is considered a hero by his clan.
Once again I have fallen in love with another of David Gemmell’s books. The main characters are brilliant and you love them throughout the entire story. You see Kaelin grow to be a man and watch as he struggles to survive some of the perilous events that will change his life forever.
A great read that I would recommend to all.
Now onto the last book of the series, Stormrider… :)
The third instalment in the Rigante series is set a quite a few centuries after the book before. The Rigante are no longer flourishing in their golden age, but are now oppressed by the Varlish conquerers. It is now a crime punishable by death to wear the Rigante colours, or own a weapon. They have become despised by the Varlish and are constantly pressured by persecution.
The main character is called Kaelin and he has an increasingly growing hatred for the Varlish and is nearing the point where he wants to act, but any defiance will likely end in death. Luckily he has the great Rigante warrior Jaim Grymauch (my favourite character of the book) watching over him. Jaim is over six feet tall and is the living embodiment of the Rigante. Honourable, trustworthy, kind, fearless and is considered a hero by his clan.
Once again I have fallen in love with another of David Gemmell’s books. The main characters are brilliant and you love them throughout the entire story. You see Kaelin grow to be a man and watch as he struggles to survive some of the perilous events that will change his life forever.
A great read that I would recommend to all.
Now onto the last book of the series, Stormrider… :)
September 7, 2020
نمره ۵ به دلیل لذتی که از خوندن کتاب بردم، نه الزاما به دلیل بدون نقص بودنش.
August 4, 2017
I'm really sorry this took me so long to read since it is fantastic & enthralling, but life came up so I got to read this occasionally in small doses. NOT the way to read this & yet it was still excellent. While it is the third book in a series, it stands alone just fine. A long time (800 years!) has passed since the last book, so the few references to them are just legends. Magic is waning, so I'm not sure this should be on my S&S shelf.
This story is about the characters & there are some great ones. They're not perfect, but they change & grow until I had to love some that I didn't even like at first while I grew to hate others. Some were easy to hate from the start, but some... Well, read it. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get around to reading Gemmell's books. He's an excellent writer.
I really hope that the next book picks up shortly after this one. If I have any complaints it's that there are many things that aren't resolved. It's almost like real life!
;)
This story is about the characters & there are some great ones. They're not perfect, but they change & grow until I had to love some that I didn't even like at first while I grew to hate others. Some were easy to hate from the start, but some... Well, read it. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get around to reading Gemmell's books. He's an excellent writer.
I really hope that the next book picks up shortly after this one. If I have any complaints it's that there are many things that aren't resolved. It's almost like real life!
;)
March 21, 2017
First off, let me express my complete surprise that none of my many fantasy reading friends have this shelved.
Second, the site is broken, I can't find the option for six stars.
Ravenheart works for me on two separate levels. The first is as a standard heroic fantasy story, the tale of men and women working through their trials and tribulations in order to find the strength to stand as a hero, defiant against hopeless odds. Although its not quite standard. It's in an age of gunpowder, there are no demons or sorcerers to overcome, and arguably the biggest damn hero in the book is a skinny schoolteacher who offers no violence to anyone. Its certainly not standard in the strength of the characterisation and the sureness of the plot, which are about as pitch perfect as I've seen in any book, and lead me to feeling a wee bit emotional when it comes to the end.
The second level is that, behind the action, its quite a vivid statement on privilege and oppression, family and machismo, particularly when taken in conjunection with its sequel Stormrider. I don't know whether the theme was intentional but it gives the book a real cohesion and sense of momentum. It also adds a sense of inspiration to it. I don't often come away from books thinking "man, I want to base my life on them", or rethinking how I view the world, but with Ravenheart I do.
And I also come away thoroughly entertained. Seriously, where's the 6 out of 5 rating around here?
Second, the site is broken, I can't find the option for six stars.
Ravenheart works for me on two separate levels. The first is as a standard heroic fantasy story, the tale of men and women working through their trials and tribulations in order to find the strength to stand as a hero, defiant against hopeless odds. Although its not quite standard. It's in an age of gunpowder, there are no demons or sorcerers to overcome, and arguably the biggest damn hero in the book is a skinny schoolteacher who offers no violence to anyone. Its certainly not standard in the strength of the characterisation and the sureness of the plot, which are about as pitch perfect as I've seen in any book, and lead me to feeling a wee bit emotional when it comes to the end.
The second level is that, behind the action, its quite a vivid statement on privilege and oppression, family and machismo, particularly when taken in conjunection with its sequel Stormrider. I don't know whether the theme was intentional but it gives the book a real cohesion and sense of momentum. It also adds a sense of inspiration to it. I don't often come away from books thinking "man, I want to base my life on them", or rethinking how I view the world, but with Ravenheart I do.
And I also come away thoroughly entertained. Seriously, where's the 6 out of 5 rating around here?
December 21, 2014
The third instalment in Gemmell's Rigante series propels the setting forward 800 years, a time that roughly parallels the English Civil War period. The Rigante have been reduced to a marginalised highland clan under the boot-heel of zealously religious southern invaders. As the embers of rebellion begin to smoulder, Orphan Kaelin Ring grows to manhood under the tutelage of his surrogate father Jaim Grymauch. This book marked something of a departure for Gemmell with its restricted setting and a plot that is more family drama than fantasy saga, but the pace and attention to character are as sharp as ever. Probably best read back-to-back with the sequel Stormrider.
April 22, 2010
It is a rare thing to find oneself emotionally attached to the characters on the printed page. We enjoy them, certainly. They entertain us or amuse us or frighten us, but seldom do they truly move us. David Gemmell’s characters in this installment of the Rigante saga did generate that emotional response in me. I am fully aware it is fantasy which the author presented here, but isn’t it a sad fact that the notions of honor and truth and loyalty are labeled fantasy while the notions of greed and bigotry and lies in our everyday world constitute reality?
March 9, 2021
عجیبه من اینو کمتر از بقیه دوست داشتم؟
شاید به خاطر اینه که چند صد سال بعدتره و خبری از کان و بن نیست:\
سورپرایز شدم وقتی دیدم چند قرن گذشته
کل کتاب یه طرف جیم گریماچ و مائیو هم یک طرف
چقدر خندیدم
و چقدرم گریه کردم(به مراتب کمتر از کاناوار و بن البته)
#گمل_بخوانیم
شاید به خاطر اینه که چند صد سال بعدتره و خبری از کان و بن نیست:\
سورپرایز شدم وقتی دیدم چند قرن گذشته
کل کتاب یه طرف جیم گریماچ و مائیو هم یک طرف
چقدر خندیدم
و چقدرم گریه کردم(به مراتب کمتر از کاناوار و بن البته)
#گمل_بخوانیم
February 1, 2016
Reading this made me want to be better, a better writer, a better daughter, a better person.
And it did things to my heart, sad wonderful things.
I can't see anything else one could ask of a book, but if there is , I assure you this book will have it, Because this, like many of Gemmell's works, is one of the ones. The books that remind you why you started reading in the first place. The books that remind you why you should never stop.
November 27, 2020
This wonderful heroic fantasy story is the 3rd volume of the amazing "Rigante Series", from the author, the late David Gemmell.
Story-telling has been once again of a top-notch quality, the story once more beautifully structured and executed, while all the characters come vividly to life within this exciting adventure.
This book is set eight-hundred years after King Connavar's great victory against the armies of Stone, with the immense and most valuable help from his bastard son, Bane, and at first we find our two friends, Lanovar and Grymauch, beginning this new adventure.
The story starts off with a prologue in which the Rigante, Lanovar, is tricked into an ambush by the noble Moidart, and although his giant of a friend, Jaim Grymauch, comes into the scene to try to save him, Lanovar will finally die from the wounds inflicted on him by the soldiers from the Moidart, without being able to give his baby by his heavily pregnant wife, Gian, a soul-name.
The main two protagonists of this adventure is about on the one hand Kaelin Ring, from the Keltoi tribe of the Rigante, and son of Lanovar and Gian, also called, Ravenheart, but brought up by his aunt, Maeve Ring, after the murder of his mother, and its about his uncle and great friend, Jaim Grymauch.
Also very importantly is the role of, Gais Macon of the Varlish, who's the bastard son of the Moidart and his late murdered mother, Rayena, but in time we will find out that due to the fact that his eyes are the same as his real father, he really is the son of Lanovar and Rayena, and because of that fact he's hated and treated brutally and badly by his (step)father, the Moidart.
What is to come is a gripping and thrilling adventure, which can be compared to the 13th and 14th Centuries where the Knights and their Crusades have been the shining light of Christendom and where the Church is all powerful and corrupt, and in this environment of loyalty, love, passion and togetherness, against treachery, hate, oppression and personal greed, Kaelin Ring and Jaim Grymauch will do anything to keep the old ways alive while being oppressed and persecuted by the Varlish, and that will end with the unconditional love and spirit of all things Keltoi coming to the forefront in a most fascinating and loving fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is heroic fantasy at its very best, look very much forward to the final instalment of this magnificent series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Superb Heroic Fantasy Tale"!
Story-telling has been once again of a top-notch quality, the story once more beautifully structured and executed, while all the characters come vividly to life within this exciting adventure.
This book is set eight-hundred years after King Connavar's great victory against the armies of Stone, with the immense and most valuable help from his bastard son, Bane, and at first we find our two friends, Lanovar and Grymauch, beginning this new adventure.
The story starts off with a prologue in which the Rigante, Lanovar, is tricked into an ambush by the noble Moidart, and although his giant of a friend, Jaim Grymauch, comes into the scene to try to save him, Lanovar will finally die from the wounds inflicted on him by the soldiers from the Moidart, without being able to give his baby by his heavily pregnant wife, Gian, a soul-name.
The main two protagonists of this adventure is about on the one hand Kaelin Ring, from the Keltoi tribe of the Rigante, and son of Lanovar and Gian, also called, Ravenheart, but brought up by his aunt, Maeve Ring, after the murder of his mother, and its about his uncle and great friend, Jaim Grymauch.
Also very importantly is the role of, Gais Macon of the Varlish, who's the bastard son of the Moidart and his late murdered mother, Rayena, but in time we will find out that due to the fact that his eyes are the same as his real father, he really is the son of Lanovar and Rayena, and because of that fact he's hated and treated brutally and badly by his (step)father, the Moidart.
What is to come is a gripping and thrilling adventure, which can be compared to the 13th and 14th Centuries where the Knights and their Crusades have been the shining light of Christendom and where the Church is all powerful and corrupt, and in this environment of loyalty, love, passion and togetherness, against treachery, hate, oppression and personal greed, Kaelin Ring and Jaim Grymauch will do anything to keep the old ways alive while being oppressed and persecuted by the Varlish, and that will end with the unconditional love and spirit of all things Keltoi coming to the forefront in a most fascinating and loving fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is heroic fantasy at its very best, look very much forward to the final instalment of this magnificent series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Superb Heroic Fantasy Tale"!
September 3, 2018
It was better than expected after the weak start of the book.
I was disappointed after finding that the story of the third book, taking place 800 years after the original story.
But after reading the first few chapters the book managed to keep me on my toes.
Unfortunately the forth book of the series is not translated to Persian yet and i have to wait for a few more month to read the final book of the series.
I was disappointed after finding that the story of the third book, taking place 800 years after the original story.
But after reading the first few chapters the book managed to keep me on my toes.
Unfortunately the forth book of the series is not translated to Persian yet and i have to wait for a few more month to read the final book of the series.
December 14, 2018
Outstanding ! Set 800years after the first two Rigante books Ravenheart may have a totally new cast but all the characters have a welcome familiarity. I would say that this is epic fantasy by way of Rob Roy and the Western. Highly recommended and my favourite of the series so far.
June 8, 2024
I’ve never looked forward to reading this second pair of books in the Rigante series… until I start them, then I can barely put them down. Simply wonderful.
December 3, 2024
«Ricorda bene le mie parole: non si dimentica un uomo come Grymauch. Ne sentiranno ancora parlare tra cento anni. Diranno che era un eroe. Diranno che era una leggenda. Ma la cosa migliore che diranno, ragazzo, sarà che era un Rigante!»
4,5 - Giunta al terzo volume, posso tranquillamente dire che all'inizio mi sono ritrovata più che spiazzata; non avendo letto la trama, pensavo di proseguire le avventure di Flagello o di uno dei suoi discendenti, non di fare un salto di ottocento anni secchi e di ritrovarmi tra paesaggi e facce totalmente diverse.
Invece, e qui sta lo straordinario potere affabulatore di Gemmell, scopriamo a poco a poco che i gli eredi dei Rigante, i vecchi Celti, si sono trasformati negli attuali Highlander (di natura sfacciatamente scozzese) che vedono le loro terre occupate e sfruttate dalla gente Varlish (somiglianze con gli inglesi ne abbiamo?). Tra tutti, poi, i più ribelli, indomiti e fieri, confinati nell'estremo lembo tra le montagne sono rimasti i Riganti Neri, decisi a non farsi cancellare, come sangue e come tradizioni, nonostante l'incessante politica di apartheid, tasse e repressione posta in atto dal crudele governatore locale, il Moidart.
Dopo i barbari/romani, lo scontro di civilità passa dunque a scozzesi/inglesi, con in sottofondo il richiamo dell'antica magia della natura destinata a scomparire di fronte all'avanzare dell'industria, della deforestazione e delle città aride dove ai bambini non viene più imposto il nome spirituale.
Kaelin Ring perde il padre alla nascita, coinvolto in una faida e ucciso proprio dal Moidart, e la sua è una crescita avvelenata dai sentimenti di rabbia e vendetta, sebbene temperati dal senso di giustizia e dagli insegnamento dello zio Jaim Grymauch, un gigante possente con cuore grande, in grado di influenzare le vite di molti.
Ma il destino è scritto: Kaelin, Cuore di corvo, è destinato a raccogliere un'eredità che sembrava perduta.
Questo passaggio di Gemmell a una diversa epoca storica, con meno atmosfere medievali e più cannoni e moschetti poteva essere straniante; invece ho adorato questo terzo volume e questa evoluzione; le pagine si giravano senza fatica, le storie e i colpi di scena si rincorrevano frenetici, i rimandi a Connovar e agli antichi eroi mi hanno deliziato. Bello e ancora bello.
4,5 - Giunta al terzo volume, posso tranquillamente dire che all'inizio mi sono ritrovata più che spiazzata; non avendo letto la trama, pensavo di proseguire le avventure di Flagello o di uno dei suoi discendenti, non di fare un salto di ottocento anni secchi e di ritrovarmi tra paesaggi e facce totalmente diverse.
Invece, e qui sta lo straordinario potere affabulatore di Gemmell, scopriamo a poco a poco che i gli eredi dei Rigante, i vecchi Celti, si sono trasformati negli attuali Highlander (di natura sfacciatamente scozzese) che vedono le loro terre occupate e sfruttate dalla gente Varlish (somiglianze con gli inglesi ne abbiamo?). Tra tutti, poi, i più ribelli, indomiti e fieri, confinati nell'estremo lembo tra le montagne sono rimasti i Riganti Neri, decisi a non farsi cancellare, come sangue e come tradizioni, nonostante l'incessante politica di apartheid, tasse e repressione posta in atto dal crudele governatore locale, il Moidart.
Dopo i barbari/romani, lo scontro di civilità passa dunque a scozzesi/inglesi, con in sottofondo il richiamo dell'antica magia della natura destinata a scomparire di fronte all'avanzare dell'industria, della deforestazione e delle città aride dove ai bambini non viene più imposto il nome spirituale.
Kaelin Ring perde il padre alla nascita, coinvolto in una faida e ucciso proprio dal Moidart, e la sua è una crescita avvelenata dai sentimenti di rabbia e vendetta, sebbene temperati dal senso di giustizia e dagli insegnamento dello zio Jaim Grymauch, un gigante possente con cuore grande, in grado di influenzare le vite di molti.
Ma il destino è scritto: Kaelin, Cuore di corvo, è destinato a raccogliere un'eredità che sembrava perduta.
Questo passaggio di Gemmell a una diversa epoca storica, con meno atmosfere medievali e più cannoni e moschetti poteva essere straniante; invece ho adorato questo terzo volume e questa evoluzione; le pagine si giravano senza fatica, le storie e i colpi di scena si rincorrevano frenetici, i rimandi a Connovar e agli antichi eroi mi hanno deliziato. Bello e ancora bello.
May 14, 2018
simply amazing... gemmel always has a way of reaching to your deapest senses and make you feel for the hero of his stories.
November 11, 2010
I've read this book more than 5 times over the years already. Though I hadn't read it for a year and required some Gemmell inspiration for a chapter in one of my own books.
If you're looking for inspiration, look to the best.
There are four novels in the Rigante series. Each is a book within itself, requiring no need to get the next if you don't wish to. But Sword In The Storm (Rigante #1) and Midnight Falcon (Rigante #2) do follow on. It's the same with Ravenheart (Rigante #3) and Stormrider (Rigante #4).
Ravenheart is Kaelin Ring's tribal soul name, and it essentially tells the story of his growth to manhood living under the yoke of Varlish rule. But it is so much more than that. His father and mother killed by the Varlish, Kaelin is raised by his Aunt Maev and the lovable rogue that is Jaim Grymauch. Jaim Grymauch is a story of greatness within a flawed man, a mountain of a man. Then there is the Moidart, a ruthless Earl who is rightfully feared, yet is never purely evil. And his son Gaise Macon who grows without any fatherly affection, other than his sword master and friend Mulgrave.
This book also covers treachery and rape, vengeance and honour. I won't spoil the read for you, but I will say this; it may not be Gemmells' greatest book, but it's one of them. I don't give 4 stars easily ;)
I've now started to re-read Stormrider, which I've also read more than 5 times already ;)
If you're looking for inspiration, look to the best.
There are four novels in the Rigante series. Each is a book within itself, requiring no need to get the next if you don't wish to. But Sword In The Storm (Rigante #1) and Midnight Falcon (Rigante #2) do follow on. It's the same with Ravenheart (Rigante #3) and Stormrider (Rigante #4).
Ravenheart is Kaelin Ring's tribal soul name, and it essentially tells the story of his growth to manhood living under the yoke of Varlish rule. But it is so much more than that. His father and mother killed by the Varlish, Kaelin is raised by his Aunt Maev and the lovable rogue that is Jaim Grymauch. Jaim Grymauch is a story of greatness within a flawed man, a mountain of a man. Then there is the Moidart, a ruthless Earl who is rightfully feared, yet is never purely evil. And his son Gaise Macon who grows without any fatherly affection, other than his sword master and friend Mulgrave.
This book also covers treachery and rape, vengeance and honour. I won't spoil the read for you, but I will say this; it may not be Gemmells' greatest book, but it's one of them. I don't give 4 stars easily ;)
I've now started to re-read Stormrider, which I've also read more than 5 times already ;)
October 21, 2010
I've read at least some of the writings from the major and minor fantasy writers and while I know Gemmell's writing style may not be the most polished, he is still my favorite author in this genre. While some things can be repetitive in some of his books, it never seems to get old. Also, I have to admit that while I'm not really a crier when it comes to books, especially ones that were written with the intent to make the reader cry, some sections of Gemmell's books (especially Ravenheart) just choke me up. It's not that the scenes are "sad" either, it's that they speak to me in ways other books don't. He makes me feel shame, courage, pride and hope all at the same time, and that's a lot for a reader to bear.
Jaim is one of the finest 'flawed' heroes I have ever read and men you hate in the beginning evolve into characters that become so courageous in their own way (not all "heroes" are fighters), that it is really amazing to read. This is the best of the series, with Stormrider in behind. The first two are great as well, but no other book in this series conjure up so much emotion in me when I read them, though other books of his do.
Jaim is one of the finest 'flawed' heroes I have ever read and men you hate in the beginning evolve into characters that become so courageous in their own way (not all "heroes" are fighters), that it is really amazing to read. This is the best of the series, with Stormrider in behind. The first two are great as well, but no other book in this series conjure up so much emotion in me when I read them, though other books of his do.
December 28, 2021
This book started off sad and ended even sadder...I totally cried my eyes out.
So over 800 years have gone by since the previous book. At first I was a bit confused and I also missed the characters. But, I soon came to love these new characters. Kaylin is so obviously from Connavar's line, with his barely controled anger, and his darker side. But, even with his flaws, he becomes a great man. I loved Gyme, he was as the Wyrd said, truly the best of the Rigante. Even though the Varlish had all but conquered the Rigante, they still clung on to their culture and brilliance. One of my favourite character development arcs was that of the Varlish teacher, who at first despises the Rigante, but later stands up to protect Kaylin's aunt, even though he knew it would be dangerous for him. I really enjoyed so much of this book, it would take me ages to write out all my feelings. So just trust me when I say it was freaking amazing.
So over 800 years have gone by since the previous book. At first I was a bit confused and I also missed the characters. But, I soon came to love these new characters. Kaylin is so obviously from Connavar's line, with his barely controled anger, and his darker side. But, even with his flaws, he becomes a great man. I loved Gyme, he was as the Wyrd said, truly the best of the Rigante. Even though the Varlish had all but conquered the Rigante, they still clung on to their culture and brilliance. One of my favourite character development arcs was that of the Varlish teacher, who at first despises the Rigante, but later stands up to protect Kaylin's aunt, even though he knew it would be dangerous for him. I really enjoyed so much of this book, it would take me ages to write out all my feelings. So just trust me when I say it was freaking amazing.
September 29, 2010
Where is the 6 stars button? My God, Gemmell really knew how to write. This was the third in the Rigante series and by far my favorite so far.
Gemmell really knows how to pull you into a story and really feel for the characters. I don't want to spoil anything but I was pretty choked up at the end of the book. And that does not happen often.
What's nice about the Rigante books is that they can each stand on their own. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it!
Gemmell really knows how to pull you into a story and really feel for the characters. I don't want to spoil anything but I was pretty choked up at the end of the book. And that does not happen often.
What's nice about the Rigante books is that they can each stand on their own. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it!
August 26, 2020
3rd in the series. Jaim. That is all!
April 10, 2024
Book 3 in the Rigante series is my favorite so far. At the 25% mark, I was really enjoying it, but I also thought I knew exactly how the remainder of the book would go. But then the story took some unexpected turns and some extra emotion from Gemmell's personal life seeped in to enhance the ending.
Some warning though, Gemmell is fond of using fridging in his stories, and there are several cases of that in this book.
Some warning though, Gemmell is fond of using fridging in his stories, and there are several cases of that in this book.
May 2, 2021
I think this series is just getting better and better. Like the previous books, the story arc isn't predictable or simple, having multiple threads and characters. And though it is about fantasy heroes and villains, it's never quite as simple as just good and bad. This is a recurring theme in Gemmel's books though there is no doubt where our allegiances lie. Largely this book is about actions and consequences. The book maybe starts a bit slowly, but soon picks up and the finale is fantastic.
September 1, 2023
این مجموعه باید با همون دو تا کتاب اول تموم میشد ، بیخود طولانی شده و از عظمت داستان کم شد😑
March 4, 2021
Ja hoor, ook een mooi verhaal. Paar bekende elementen die eerder zijn gebruikt, maar niet al te storend.
Macht en corruptie... tsk tsk, waar hebben we dergelijks vaker gezien?
Gauw door met deel 4
Macht en corruptie... tsk tsk, waar hebben we dergelijks vaker gezien?
Gauw door met deel 4
November 5, 2025
Stunning. Breaks my heart every time and yet I’ll happily reread it over and over again. This whole series is Gemmell at his best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
Another magnificent book by David Gemmell.
I love the way he can tell a character's life story within just a few pages, and get you to love or loathe them. Each character's story is a thread in a rich tapestry, and their struggles are more important than their triumphs.
The part I loved the most was the romance between . One of David Gemmell's better love stories. They suffer a heavy amount of pain before the end, but it ultimately serves to strengthen them both, which is what I love about Gemmell's books.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that this is very clearly a setup for the fourth book, and as such the main storyline is left unresolved. That said, this book does have its own distinct arc with a powerful, bittersweet ending. I'm eager to read the next one!
I love the way he can tell a character's life story within just a few pages, and get you to love or loathe them. Each character's story is a thread in a rich tapestry, and their struggles are more important than their triumphs.
The part I loved the most was the romance between . One of David Gemmell's better love stories. They suffer a heavy amount of pain before the end, but it ultimately serves to strengthen them both, which is what I love about Gemmell's books.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that this is very clearly a setup for the fourth book, and as such the main storyline is left unresolved. That said, this book does have its own distinct arc with a powerful, bittersweet ending. I'm eager to read the next one!
July 13, 2010
this is my favourite book out of the rigante series and quite possibly my favourite book by gemmell. the protagonist is so gutsy and without fear. he attacks problems head on and with full force and is all around a pretty strong, capable guy. i enjoyed reading about him. something about how the story is told gives it this epic feel. i’m not too sure how to describe it, but i guess that the story has always existed and will always exist. i don’t like how sometimes he substitutes swear words for mock swear words, it kind of ruins what the guy is saying, either put in an actual swear word or attack the problem a different way, but to go half way like that when the character is so full force on everything else is out of place and borderline annoying. but, this would still be one of my favourite historical fictions and i’ve read it more than once.
January 18, 2008
I was loaned the Ravenheart series by a good friend and read it during a summer camping trip to a state forest; one of those trips that the extended family goes on and spends a week at a 4 campsites with tents and picnic tables. I was surprised that I'd never heard of Gemmell at the time, but really loved his storytelling! For the past 4 years, I bring the four Rigante books (Ravenheart, Midnight Falcon, Stormrider and Sword in the Storm) with me for this annual trip and have a great time rereading them. I was sad to hear that he had passed away last year, but happy knowing he was a prolific writer, and there's quite a number of his books that I haven't read yet!
Fantasy storytelling at it's best.
Fantasy storytelling at it's best.
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