What do you think?
Rate this book
Drenai Saga (Chronological Order) #2
Morningstar
Sorcery, swordplay and dark necromancy combine in this stunning novel from the author of the bestselling Drenai saga.
As the Angostin battle hordes surge over the Southern Borders of the Highlands, the bandit Jarek Mace and his friend Odell, the magicker and bard, find themselves in a country in desperate need of heroes. The invaders have no respect for persons or places, stealing and laying waste everything in their path. Behind them evil sorcery is unleashed as a mad necromancer brings back to halflife the eons-dead Vampyre king.
Only Mace has the courage to stand up to the Angostins and the Undead, and soon he is hailed as a figure of myth, the legendary Morningstar come to save his people once more. But only one person knows of Mace’s past life as a thief and philanderer.
As the final climactic battle approaches and strange manifestations occur, Odell wonders which of the Maces will triumph: the self-serving thief or the saviour of his people, the Morningstar.
As the Angostin battle hordes surge over the Southern Borders of the Highlands, the bandit Jarek Mace and his friend Odell, the magicker and bard, find themselves in a country in desperate need of heroes. The invaders have no respect for persons or places, stealing and laying waste everything in their path. Behind them evil sorcery is unleashed as a mad necromancer brings back to halflife the eons-dead Vampyre king.
Only Mace has the courage to stand up to the Angostins and the Undead, and soon he is hailed as a figure of myth, the legendary Morningstar come to save his people once more. But only one person knows of Mace’s past life as a thief and philanderer.
As the final climactic battle approaches and strange manifestations occur, Odell wonders which of the Maces will triumph: the self-serving thief or the saviour of his people, the Morningstar.
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1992
132 people are currently reading
1956 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 5, 2022
This very entertaining heroic fantasy tale is the story about Jarek Mace aka the Morningstar.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the story is beautifully crafted and executed, the characters within are brought to live in a masterful manner, but as a whole I found it somewhat less emotional captivating as the other books by David Gemmell.
The book is set, as I see it, on the Isle of Britain, but with fantasy names for people and places.
The main character of this tale is Jarek Mace, aka Morningstar, but also called the Lord of the Forest, and thus in my view as a kind of Robin Hood, portraying him with actions of bravery but also as a liar, thief from the rich and as an outlaw from the authorities.
Another main character, who will play a very important part and who is also the narrator of this fantasy story, and that is the bard and magicker, Owen Odell.
This is a heroic fantasy story that is filled with ferocious battles, with magic and the supernatural, and with myths and legends, and in this world of war and death Jarek Mace and his growing band of men are seeking and trying hard to protect the Highlanders from the cruelties and battle lust of King Edmund and his cronies, and this last is for me a symbolism of the personification of King Edward I, Hammer of the Scots, and his quest to overcome these troublesome Scots.
What is to follow is an atmospheric and magical tale of bravery and cowardice, of loyalty and betrayal, and most of all of good against evil, and all this in an attempt to show us that people has good and bad emotions when making decisions, and all this is brought to us by the author in his own unique and brilliant fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid heroic tale, although not as intense and captivating as all the other books, but still I want to call this exciting story: "An Excellent Heroic Fantasy"!
Storytelling is of a superb quality, the story is beautifully crafted and executed, the characters within are brought to live in a masterful manner, but as a whole I found it somewhat less emotional captivating as the other books by David Gemmell.
The book is set, as I see it, on the Isle of Britain, but with fantasy names for people and places.
The main character of this tale is Jarek Mace, aka Morningstar, but also called the Lord of the Forest, and thus in my view as a kind of Robin Hood, portraying him with actions of bravery but also as a liar, thief from the rich and as an outlaw from the authorities.
Another main character, who will play a very important part and who is also the narrator of this fantasy story, and that is the bard and magicker, Owen Odell.
This is a heroic fantasy story that is filled with ferocious battles, with magic and the supernatural, and with myths and legends, and in this world of war and death Jarek Mace and his growing band of men are seeking and trying hard to protect the Highlanders from the cruelties and battle lust of King Edmund and his cronies, and this last is for me a symbolism of the personification of King Edward I, Hammer of the Scots, and his quest to overcome these troublesome Scots.
What is to follow is an atmospheric and magical tale of bravery and cowardice, of loyalty and betrayal, and most of all of good against evil, and all this in an attempt to show us that people has good and bad emotions when making decisions, and all this is brought to us by the author in his own unique and brilliant fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid heroic tale, although not as intense and captivating as all the other books, but still I want to call this exciting story: "An Excellent Heroic Fantasy"!
December 2, 2024
Very nice stand alone novel by Gemmell, and if you have never read any of his work, this would be a good place to start. Morningstar is narrated by the bard/magician Owen Odell, giving the 'true' account of his old travel companion Jarek Mace, who came to be known as the Morningstar. This can be seen as loosely set in Britain before the Roman conquest and after the conquest of the South by the Anglo-Saxons, but the parallels are tenuous to say the least.
The Angostins (Anglo-Saxons?) have conquered, and after a bloody civil war between the South and the Highlanders, the South emerged victorious. Further, the new King in the South appoints a nasty piece of work over the highlanders. Owen Odell enters the story as a travelling bard, replete with magic 'parlor tricks', going from town to town, bar to tavern to earn his daily bread. One evening on the way home he hears a woman screaming and runs to help, only to be met by four ruffians set to rape. Now, Owen is a singer, a lover, not a fighter, but just as the ruffians are about to kill him, a man drops from a nearby balcony and wipes the four would-be rapists out, then runs away.
The city guards, who evidently were chasing the mysterious man, help him and the woman home (her father runs a local tavern/inn); the next morning, Owen awakes to find the mysterious man, now identified as Jarek Mace, about to rob him of the two gold pieces her father paid him for saving his daughter. A few days later, Jarek stumbles across Owen once again by his fire in the woods, and they start to travel together.
Jarek is a classic anti-hero. He is selfish and self-centered to a fault, looking only for gold and good times. Yet, after some escapades (undertaken for his own gain), he earns the name Morningstar and starts becoming a legend; a hero of the highlander resistance to their occupation. Gemmell's dry humor and astute observations on the human condition are here in spades.
Morningstar is epic fantasy as only Gemmell can do. While this may draw upon the legends of Robin and Arthur, Gemmell makes it his own. The guy was a gifted story teller for sure! 4.5 stars, rounding down because
The Angostins (Anglo-Saxons?) have conquered, and after a bloody civil war between the South and the Highlanders, the South emerged victorious. Further, the new King in the South appoints a nasty piece of work over the highlanders. Owen Odell enters the story as a travelling bard, replete with magic 'parlor tricks', going from town to town, bar to tavern to earn his daily bread. One evening on the way home he hears a woman screaming and runs to help, only to be met by four ruffians set to rape. Now, Owen is a singer, a lover, not a fighter, but just as the ruffians are about to kill him, a man drops from a nearby balcony and wipes the four would-be rapists out, then runs away.
The city guards, who evidently were chasing the mysterious man, help him and the woman home (her father runs a local tavern/inn); the next morning, Owen awakes to find the mysterious man, now identified as Jarek Mace, about to rob him of the two gold pieces her father paid him for saving his daughter. A few days later, Jarek stumbles across Owen once again by his fire in the woods, and they start to travel together.
Jarek is a classic anti-hero. He is selfish and self-centered to a fault, looking only for gold and good times. Yet, after some escapades (undertaken for his own gain), he earns the name Morningstar and starts becoming a legend; a hero of the highlander resistance to their occupation. Gemmell's dry humor and astute observations on the human condition are here in spades.
Wars are never fought for plunder or gain. Oh, no, they are always depicted as ultimate battles between good and evil. But then, looking at the nature of man, that is understandable. Can you imagine the scene, the great king gathering his troops before and epic battle. "Right, my lads," he says as he sits upon his great black stallion, "today we fight for my right to steal gold from whomever I choose. The enemy are men much the same as yourselves. A good bunch, probably, with wives and children back home. And at the end of the battle, when I have more riches than I'll ever spend in a lifetime, many of them-- and indeed, many of you-- will be worm food or crippled. Better to be dead, really, because I'll have no use for you once you can no longer wield a sword. All right, lads. Let's be at them!"
Morningstar is epic fantasy as only Gemmell can do. While this may draw upon the legends of Robin and Arthur, Gemmell makes it his own. The guy was a gifted story teller for sure! 4.5 stars, rounding down because
November 22, 2011
Heroism, action, self sacrifice...what's not to like! Gemmell at his best!
Okay so some of you won't like Gemmell, there's no accounting for taste. I rate him very high, one of my favorites....sometimes it's got meaning upon meaning other times it's pure brain candy. But even then it's really great brain candy.
This may have been the first Gemmell novel I ran across and it set me off on a hunt for all the others I could find.
David Gemmell, one of my favorite writers, he'll be missed.
Okay so some of you won't like Gemmell, there's no accounting for taste. I rate him very high, one of my favorites....sometimes it's got meaning upon meaning other times it's pure brain candy. But even then it's really great brain candy.
This may have been the first Gemmell novel I ran across and it set me off on a hunt for all the others I could find.
David Gemmell, one of my favorite writers, he'll be missed.
February 8, 2019
آم.. تا قبل از رسیدن به ۵۰ صفحهی آخر، نظرم این بود که ۴.۵ بدم!
این اولین کتابی بود که از گمل میخوندم و با احتساب اینکه احتمالاً کتابهای خفنتری هم نوشته و به اونا باید ۵ستاره بدم، نظرم برای این ۴.۵ بود..
اما.. اما همین ۶۰-۵۰ صفحهی آخر...
شنیده بودم که از فرط شگفتزده شدن حین خوندن یه کتاب کسی گریهش گرفته باشه... اما الان.. دیدم که واقعاً اتفاق افتاد!
و آقا! من همهی کتابهاش رو میخوااام! 😭 :))
این اولین کتابی بود که از گمل میخوندم و با احتساب اینکه احتمالاً کتابهای خفنتری هم نوشته و به اونا باید ۵ستاره بدم، نظرم برای این ۴.۵ بود..
اما.. اما همین ۶۰-۵۰ صفحهی آخر...
شنیده بودم که از فرط شگفتزده شدن حین خوندن یه کتاب کسی گریهش گرفته باشه... اما الان.. دیدم که واقعاً اتفاق افتاد!
و آقا! من همهی کتابهاش رو میخوااام! 😭 :))
October 17, 2018
4.5
دیوید گمل در میان طوفان غباری رو انتخاب میکنه و به نحوی به اون میپردازه که اون غبار تأثیر بهسزایی در از جا کندن درختان و ویرانی امپراطوریها داشته باشه. من این قدرتِ گمل رو بارها توی کتابهاش دیدم و تحسین کردم. اینجا سوالی پیش میآد که آیا این نقطه ضعف نیست که هربار توی کتابهاش این اتفاق میوفته؟ در جواب هم باید بگم آره هم نه.
هر کتاب ابعاد خاص خودش رو داره و این اتفاق طی داستانهای مختلفی رخ میده و انقدر حرفهای انجام میشه که نمیتونم بگم نقطعه ضعفش بوده حداقل نه توی این کتاب.
شخصیتها مثل چیزی که از نویسنده انتظار داشتم عالی بودن. به نظرم هیچ دیالوگ پرتوپلایی نداشتیم و همشون هدفدار و به منظور شناسوندن شخصیتها بوده و هر شخصیت لحن صحبتِ منحصر به فرد خودش رو داشت. پیرمردتوسکانیایِ لهجهدار،ولفِ بدخُلق و زودرنج،اوئنِ نکتهسنج و جارک مایسِ چند بعدی... :دی
تنها ایرادی که به این کتاب وارد بود این بود که طولانی نبود! شاید بهتره بگم این کتاب حتی میتونست یک مجموعه باشه یا یک کتاب تک جلدی خیلی حجیمتر،
با پرداختها و حوادث بیشتر...
اتفاقات خیلی سریع رخ میداد و این باعث میشد هیجان داستان بالا بره اما اگر بیشتر به اونها میپرداخت داستان گستردهتر و باورپذیرتر از چیزی که بود میشد. نیم نمره رو به این دلیل کم کردم اما این کتاب قطعا جزو ده کتاب مورد علاقم بود.
اما هدف داستان چی بود؟ به عقیده من خط اصلی داستان به جنگ با سلاطین خونآشام و آنگوستینها ختم نمیشه. گمل میخواد ماهیت قهرمانها و اسطورهها رو نشون بده. اینکه اونا چهجور انسانهایی
هستن و چطور متولد میشن. که پرونده این موضوع رو در پنجاه صفحه پایانی به شکلی حیرتانگیز بست.
یکی از عجیب و غریب ترین پایانبندیهایی بود که تا به امروز دیدم. به همین دلیله که میگم این کتاب اعجوبهای بود برای خودش.
دیوید گمل در میان طوفان غباری رو انتخاب میکنه و به نحوی به اون میپردازه که اون غبار تأثیر بهسزایی در از جا کندن درختان و ویرانی امپراطوریها داشته باشه. من این قدرتِ گمل رو بارها توی کتابهاش دیدم و تحسین کردم. اینجا سوالی پیش میآد که آیا این نقطه ضعف نیست که هربار توی کتابهاش این اتفاق میوفته؟ در جواب هم باید بگم آره هم نه.
هر کتاب ابعاد خاص خودش رو داره و این اتفاق طی داستانهای مختلفی رخ میده و انقدر حرفهای انجام میشه که نمیتونم بگم نقطعه ضعفش بوده حداقل نه توی این کتاب.
شخصیتها مثل چیزی که از نویسنده انتظار داشتم عالی بودن. به نظرم هیچ دیالوگ پرتوپلایی نداشتیم و همشون هدفدار و به منظور شناسوندن شخصیتها بوده و هر شخصیت لحن صحبتِ منحصر به فرد خودش رو داشت. پیرمردتوسکانیایِ لهجهدار،ولفِ بدخُلق و زودرنج،اوئنِ نکتهسنج و جارک مایسِ چند بعدی... :دی
تنها ایرادی که به این کتاب وارد بود این بود که طولانی نبود! شاید بهتره بگم این کتاب حتی میتونست یک مجموعه باشه یا یک کتاب تک جلدی خیلی حجیمتر،
با پرداختها و حوادث بیشتر...
اتفاقات خیلی سریع رخ میداد و این باعث میشد هیجان داستان بالا بره اما اگر بیشتر به اونها میپرداخت داستان گستردهتر و باورپذیرتر از چیزی که بود میشد. نیم نمره رو به این دلیل کم کردم اما این کتاب قطعا جزو ده کتاب مورد علاقم بود.
اما هدف داستان چی بود؟ به عقیده من خط اصلی داستان به جنگ با سلاطین خونآشام و آنگوستینها ختم نمیشه. گمل میخواد ماهیت قهرمانها و اسطورهها رو نشون بده. اینکه اونا چهجور انسانهایی
هستن و چطور متولد میشن. که پرونده این موضوع رو در پنجاه صفحه پایانی به شکلی حیرتانگیز بست.
یکی از عجیب و غریب ترین پایانبندیهایی بود که تا به امروز دیدم. به همین دلیله که میگم این کتاب اعجوبهای بود برای خودش.
December 30, 2019
[announcer]: now bow to him, David Gemmell, first of his name, king of heroic fantasy, lord of the Characterizations and protector of the epic realm. Long may he reign.
[crowd]: long may he reign….
فکر کنم فقط دیوید گمل این توانایی رو داره که یک فانتزی حماسی رو بتونه تو یک جلد بنویسه و بتونه همه انتظارتی که میره رو براورده کنه. این کتاب هم مثل شوالیه های بدنام فوق العاده بود. شخصیت پردازی، دنیا سازیش و مهم تر از همه تویست نهایی داستان که کرک و پر برای خواننده نمیذاره. نحوه شکل گیری شخصیت اسطوره ای و قهرمانی داستان هم به مراتب بهتر از شوالیه های بدنام بود.
امتیاز واقعی من به این کتاب چهار و نیمه و اون نیمی هم که کم شده بخاطر بخش حمله به سلاطین خون آشامه که کمی غیر منطقی و سرسری بود.
اما نکته دیگه ای که خارج از بحث خود کتابه، بحث اسم کتاب تو ترجمه فارسیه. عنوان اصلی کتاب در واقع همون ستاره صبح یا مورنینگ استار(خسته
ام از ادا های گودریدز برای ترکیبات فارسی و انگلیسی). که خب ترجمه شده به تولد یک قهرمان!!! اما علت این امر چی میتونه باشه؟ یه دلیل مسخره به نظرم. ستاره صبح که در واقع نام دیگر سیاره زهره هست عمدتا به لوسیفر اطلاق میشه. برای مثال شخصیت اصلی سریال لوسیفر فامیلیش مورنینگ استار بود. یا شخصیت منفی سری ابزار فانی که اون هم فامیلیش مورگنشترن بود که در واقع آلمانی همین کلمست. واقعا از وزارت شیطانی ارشاد برای اینکه اسم کتابو تغییر داد تا مبادا با اسمش تحریک بشم و دست به اعمال شرورانه بزنم متشکرم.
در رابطه با همین اسم بالا هم نکته ای که جالبه معنی دیگه اسم مورنینگ استاره که به گرز خاردار اطلاق میشه. همون سلاحی که جارک مایس در اخرین نبرد به دست میگیره.
احساس میکنم حین نوشتن ریویو روح حضرت رائفی پور در من حلول کرده.
[crowd]: long may he reign….
فکر کنم فقط دیوید گمل این توانایی رو داره که یک فانتزی حماسی رو بتونه تو یک جلد بنویسه و بتونه همه انتظارتی که میره رو براورده کنه. این کتاب هم مثل شوالیه های بدنام فوق العاده بود. شخصیت پردازی، دنیا سازیش و مهم تر از همه تویست نهایی داستان که کرک و پر برای خواننده نمیذاره. نحوه شکل گیری شخصیت اسطوره ای و قهرمانی داستان هم به مراتب بهتر از شوالیه های بدنام بود.
امتیاز واقعی من به این کتاب چهار و نیمه و اون نیمی هم که کم شده بخاطر بخش حمله به سلاطین خون آشامه که کمی غیر منطقی و سرسری بود.
اما نکته دیگه ای که خارج از بحث خود کتابه، بحث اسم کتاب تو ترجمه فارسیه. عنوان اصلی کتاب در واقع همون ستاره صبح یا مورنینگ استار(خسته
ام از ادا های گودریدز برای ترکیبات فارسی و انگلیسی). که خب ترجمه شده به تولد یک قهرمان!!! اما علت این امر چی میتونه باشه؟ یه دلیل مسخره به نظرم. ستاره صبح که در واقع نام دیگر سیاره زهره هست عمدتا به لوسیفر اطلاق میشه. برای مثال شخصیت اصلی سریال لوسیفر فامیلیش مورنینگ استار بود. یا شخصیت منفی سری ابزار فانی که اون هم فامیلیش مورگنشترن بود که در واقع آلمانی همین کلمست. واقعا از وزارت شیطانی ارشاد برای اینکه اسم کتابو تغییر داد تا مبادا با اسمش تحریک بشم و دست به اعمال شرورانه بزنم متشکرم.
در رابطه با همین اسم بالا هم نکته ای که جالبه معنی دیگه اسم مورنینگ استاره که به گرز خاردار اطلاق میشه. همون سلاحی که جارک مایس در اخرین نبرد به دست میگیره.
احساس میکنم حین نوشتن ریویو روح حضرت رائفی پور در من حلول کرده.
April 28, 2023
Un libro dove tutto ruota intorno ad un eroe che non vuole essere un eroe, anzi fa di tutto per evitare di essere un eroe, ma alla fine è destino che diventi l'eroe salvatutto. Il protagonista è senza dubbio il carattere migliore e più interessante, mentre la storia in sé procede tra alti e bassi, in molti casi facilmente prevedibile. Il finale comunque si ravviva ed è la parte più piacevole, con tutti i tasselli seminati nel corso del libro che vanno al loro posto. Non c'è una vera sorpresa finale, perchè la storia è alquanto lineare. Nel complesso è un libro piacevole, ma non un capolavoro da ricordare.
September 10, 2021
Why would you be interested in the truth? Of what use is that to a storyteller? Your listeners will not want the truth. They never do, and they never did. They want heroes, boy. Men of wonder, handsome and tall, men of honor. The Highlanders of legend.
A story of how a legend comes to be and a great look at a very morally grey character. Packed to the brim with great quotes as above. This was my first Gemmell read but it certainly won’t be my last!
A story of how a legend comes to be and a great look at a very morally grey character. Packed to the brim with great quotes as above. This was my first Gemmell read but it certainly won’t be my last!
August 27, 2015
Reviewed on my blog - Books by Proxy
4.5 Stars
David Gemmell is one of those authors that every fan of fantasy fiction should have read; unbelievably this was my first. Needless to say, I need more Gemmell in my life! Morningstar was a fantastic introduction into his writing; exciting, fast paced, and overflowing with ne’er-do-wells and reluctant heroes. If, like me, you need a starting point for the Gemmell catalogue, Morningstar will not disappoint.
-
The Angostin forces are storming the Highlands; murdering, pillaging and laying waste to everything that lies in their path. The people are deserting their towns and villages, fleeing into the bandit infested forests beyond; they have but one hope – the Morningstar.
Owen Odell is a storyteller, a worker of magic who spins his power into the tales he tells. A chance encounter in a darkened alley changes his life forever when he meets Jarek Mace – liar, thief and outlaw. With war threatening the Highlands, Odell finds himself attached to Mace and his merry band of misfits who turn their acts of banditry against the invading Angostin force – a mutually beneficial arrangement which both rallies the people and makes Mace a hell of a lot richer.
Rumour is rife, could Mace be the legendary Morningstar come to save the oppressed masses? Through skirmishes and battles, and facing darker forces than just an invading army, the ultimate question remains – will Mace run (presumably with all your gold and quite possibly with your wife) or will he stand and fight?
-
Morningstar weaves history, myth and legend into a fantasy narrative to create a rich and almost believable tale. The overriding conflict of the Angostins and the Highlanders is reminiscent of Edward I’s campaigns against Scotland and Wales, creating a vivid backdrop for a story which underlines the struggle between freedom and oppression. The clear influences from history give the story a sense of realism which may have otherwise been lost in a tale of magic and supernatural evil.
The comparisons to Robin Hood are similarly well deserved; outlaws and banditry abound, refuge is sought in the depths of the forests, and rich Angostins are relieved of their gold which, ever reluctantly, is bestowed upon the poor masses. This is a reweaving of the Robin Hood legend – a Robin Hood who despite all intentions to murder and pillage ends up, however unintentionally, helping others and fighting for the common good.
Gemmell’s writing is fast paced and fluid, describing the world and its inhabitants in vivid detail. The whole band of characters are given dimensionality; cutthroats, prostitutes and thieves alike. The first person perspective, in which the narrator is describing the life of another character, works incredibly well. Owen Odell plays the part of naïve narrator superbly; he is the moral compass of the tale caught up in a world completely alien to him, and this secondary perspective works to emphasise the complexity and duality of Jarek Mace’s character.
Mace is a wonderfully reluctant hero. His motives are always questionable, his true feelings hidden from us. There may have been more fights and battles if the narrative had been told from Mace’s perspective but we would have lost the most important and vital part of the story. The true beauty of this tale is that we never know what Mace is really thinking or what his intentions are, and despite any good or bad outcome we can never know if it was done for completely selfless or selfish reasons. Jarek Mace will always remain an enigma.
Morningstar is a short but gripping tale full of intriguing characters. The momentum is carried with excitement and humour and ultimately reaches a satisfying, if somewhat hurried, conclusion. My first foray into the work of Gemmell was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and one which had me reaching for the next Gemmell book as soon as Morningstar closed.
4.5 Stars
David Gemmell is one of those authors that every fan of fantasy fiction should have read; unbelievably this was my first. Needless to say, I need more Gemmell in my life! Morningstar was a fantastic introduction into his writing; exciting, fast paced, and overflowing with ne’er-do-wells and reluctant heroes. If, like me, you need a starting point for the Gemmell catalogue, Morningstar will not disappoint.
-
The Angostin forces are storming the Highlands; murdering, pillaging and laying waste to everything that lies in their path. The people are deserting their towns and villages, fleeing into the bandit infested forests beyond; they have but one hope – the Morningstar.
Owen Odell is a storyteller, a worker of magic who spins his power into the tales he tells. A chance encounter in a darkened alley changes his life forever when he meets Jarek Mace – liar, thief and outlaw. With war threatening the Highlands, Odell finds himself attached to Mace and his merry band of misfits who turn their acts of banditry against the invading Angostin force – a mutually beneficial arrangement which both rallies the people and makes Mace a hell of a lot richer.
Rumour is rife, could Mace be the legendary Morningstar come to save the oppressed masses? Through skirmishes and battles, and facing darker forces than just an invading army, the ultimate question remains – will Mace run (presumably with all your gold and quite possibly with your wife) or will he stand and fight?
-
Morningstar weaves history, myth and legend into a fantasy narrative to create a rich and almost believable tale. The overriding conflict of the Angostins and the Highlanders is reminiscent of Edward I’s campaigns against Scotland and Wales, creating a vivid backdrop for a story which underlines the struggle between freedom and oppression. The clear influences from history give the story a sense of realism which may have otherwise been lost in a tale of magic and supernatural evil.
The comparisons to Robin Hood are similarly well deserved; outlaws and banditry abound, refuge is sought in the depths of the forests, and rich Angostins are relieved of their gold which, ever reluctantly, is bestowed upon the poor masses. This is a reweaving of the Robin Hood legend – a Robin Hood who despite all intentions to murder and pillage ends up, however unintentionally, helping others and fighting for the common good.
Gemmell’s writing is fast paced and fluid, describing the world and its inhabitants in vivid detail. The whole band of characters are given dimensionality; cutthroats, prostitutes and thieves alike. The first person perspective, in which the narrator is describing the life of another character, works incredibly well. Owen Odell plays the part of naïve narrator superbly; he is the moral compass of the tale caught up in a world completely alien to him, and this secondary perspective works to emphasise the complexity and duality of Jarek Mace’s character.
Mace is a wonderfully reluctant hero. His motives are always questionable, his true feelings hidden from us. There may have been more fights and battles if the narrative had been told from Mace’s perspective but we would have lost the most important and vital part of the story. The true beauty of this tale is that we never know what Mace is really thinking or what his intentions are, and despite any good or bad outcome we can never know if it was done for completely selfless or selfish reasons. Jarek Mace will always remain an enigma.
Morningstar is a short but gripping tale full of intriguing characters. The momentum is carried with excitement and humour and ultimately reaches a satisfying, if somewhat hurried, conclusion. My first foray into the work of Gemmell was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and one which had me reaching for the next Gemmell book as soon as Morningstar closed.
June 30, 2025
Knights of Dark Renown 5.0 Stars
Morningstar 5.0 Stars
The feel of this book is very different from KODR. For starters, this was a tale dealing with multiple legends, many recuring prophecies, and deep timeless truths. The setup was longer, and it almost lost me when there was no mention of the main characters from KODR.
As things progressed, I felt anew the magic of David Gemmell. The character development, world building were still there, but he added so much more wisdom in this story. It was very difficult at times to distinguish between teacher and student as the people gleamed off one another. The breath of life in every person was nothing short of all encompassing.
Another great read.
Morningstar 5.0 Stars
The feel of this book is very different from KODR. For starters, this was a tale dealing with multiple legends, many recuring prophecies, and deep timeless truths. The setup was longer, and it almost lost me when there was no mention of the main characters from KODR.
As things progressed, I felt anew the magic of David Gemmell. The character development, world building were still there, but he added so much more wisdom in this story. It was very difficult at times to distinguish between teacher and student as the people gleamed off one another. The breath of life in every person was nothing short of all encompassing.
Another great read.
October 18, 2019
در تاریخ ۲۶ مهر سال ۱۳۹۸ کتاب را به اتمام رساندم و امتیازم به خود کتاب ۳.۵ ستاره و به ترجمه ۳ ستارهست.
کتاب از نظر نثر، پیچیدگی داستانی، فلشبکهای به موقع و پیامهای اخلاقی عالی عمل کرده است و در سطح بالایی قرار دارد.
از دلایل کم کردن امتیازم یک نبود تعلیق در بخشهای ابتدایی کتاب، دو نبود یک نقطهی بحران اساسی و کشمکش یا هدف در نیمهی نخست کتاب و سه خود داستان است.
خطر اسپویل:
اگر کتاب تولد یک قهرمان دو جلدی یا سه جلدی بود بدون شک امتیاز بالای ۴ ستاره را از من میگرفت اما چنین حجم عظیمی از پلات داستانی به شدت در یک کتاب فشرده شده است.
در ابتدا ما شاهد اوئن هستیم که با جارک مایس زندگی خود را جلو میبرند، پس از آن سربازان به آنها حمله میکنند، کشمکش بین آنها و نیرویهای آنگوستین به وجود امده و بعد برای مدت زیادی مورد تعقیب قرار میگیرند، با جلو رفتن داستان موضوع بازگشت سلاطین خونآشام به ناگهان وسط میآید و پس از آن یک نبرد بزرگ با پادشاه ادموند که در عرض چهار یا پنج صفحه جمع میشود و بعد سفر در زمان! موضوع این است که هر چهار موضوع، یعنی تحت تعقیب قرار گرفتن و مبارزه با جادوگر، بازگشت سلاطین خونآشام و مبارزه با آنها، نبرد با پادشاه، بازگشت به عقب صفحات بیشتری نیاز به تمرکز دارند؛ مخصوصا نبرد با پادشاه. و تک جلدی بودن کتاب باعث شده است نویسنده از بسیار بخشها سطحی بگذرد مخصوصا جنگ پایانی کتاب.
از طرف دیگر بعضی مشکلات داستانی وجود دارد که باعث ایجاد تناقص میشوند. مثلا بارها اشاره میشود اوئن جنگجو نیست و مبارز خوبی نیست اما میبینیم کمان را برمیدارد و گلگلت رو تیر میزند، در جنگ پایانی کتاب نیز زنده میماند و همینطور ادم میکشد! این همان مردی بود که هنر جنگاوری را در برابر شوالیهها و سربازان باتجربهی ادموند بلد نبود!!!
شخصیتی مثل مرد یک چشم در همان ابتدای داستان به ناگهان با جارک مایس بدون هیچ دلیلی همراه شده و چهار صفحه بعد تکه پاره میشود، گویی نویسنده تنها برای بالا بردن تنش او را اضافه کرده. شخصیتی مثل ولف در ابتدای کتاب در حال کشتن مردم و دزدی از آنهاست اما این شخصیت او فقط مخصوص همان لحظه است و دیگر این بخش منفی او را در کتاب نمیبینیم. ایلکانا که یک دختر عادی هست نیز مشخص نیست دقیقاً چطوری با ذهنش با دیگران صحبت میکند.
مشکل دیگر من پایان داستان است که بسیار سطحی و قابل پیشبینی و تا حدی بچگانه است. جارک مایس از یک پورتال وارد شده و به تنهایی تاکید میکنم به تنهایی به لشکر دشمن کوبیده، از میان چند صد صف شوالیه زبردست عبور کرده!!!! به پادشاه رسیده و او را میکشد!! در ضمن آنقدر زنده میماند که مانند کتابهای دینی دبیرستان دانه دانه با دوستانش صحبت کند و خداحافظی کند و بعد که خوب حرفهایش را زد بمیرد!! بگذریم از اینکه پایان کتاب آنقدر عجله عجله است که اوئن پیش از جنگ در مورد وجود پدر یا برادرانش در سپاه مقابل کوچکترین حرفی نمیزند و...
در مورد نیم نمرهای که بابت ترجمه کم میکنم هم اشتباهات عجیبی است که مترجم یا ناشر کردهاند. از نام کتاب که ستارهی صبح است ولی تولد یک قهرمان ترجمه شده تا نقاط ضعف مختلف ترجمهای و همچنین سانسورهای خیلی زیاد.
اگر کتاب morningstar دو جلدی بود فوقالعاده میشد اما تک جلدی بودن آن همراه یک پلات پیچیده و طولانی باعث شده است مشکلات داستانی زیادی به وجود بیاورد.
امیدوارم کتاب را بخوانید و لذت ببرید چون به شدت ارزش خواندن را دارد.
کتاب از نظر نثر، پیچیدگی داستانی، فلشبکهای به موقع و پیامهای اخلاقی عالی عمل کرده است و در سطح بالایی قرار دارد.
از دلایل کم کردن امتیازم یک نبود تعلیق در بخشهای ابتدایی کتاب، دو نبود یک نقطهی بحران اساسی و کشمکش یا هدف در نیمهی نخست کتاب و سه خود داستان است.
خطر اسپویل:
اگر کتاب تولد یک قهرمان دو جلدی یا سه جلدی بود بدون شک امتیاز بالای ۴ ستاره را از من میگرفت اما چنین حجم عظیمی از پلات داستانی به شدت در یک کتاب فشرده شده است.
در ابتدا ما شاهد اوئن هستیم که با جارک مایس زندگی خود را جلو میبرند، پس از آن سربازان به آنها حمله میکنند، کشمکش بین آنها و نیرویهای آنگوستین به وجود امده و بعد برای مدت زیادی مورد تعقیب قرار میگیرند، با جلو رفتن داستان موضوع بازگشت سلاطین خونآشام به ناگهان وسط میآید و پس از آن یک نبرد بزرگ با پادشاه ادموند که در عرض چهار یا پنج صفحه جمع میشود و بعد سفر در زمان! موضوع این است که هر چهار موضوع، یعنی تحت تعقیب قرار گرفتن و مبارزه با جادوگر، بازگشت سلاطین خونآشام و مبارزه با آنها، نبرد با پادشاه، بازگشت به عقب صفحات بیشتری نیاز به تمرکز دارند؛ مخصوصا نبرد با پادشاه. و تک جلدی بودن کتاب باعث شده است نویسنده از بسیار بخشها سطحی بگذرد مخصوصا جنگ پایانی کتاب.
از طرف دیگر بعضی مشکلات داستانی وجود دارد که باعث ایجاد تناقص میشوند. مثلا بارها اشاره میشود اوئن جنگجو نیست و مبارز خوبی نیست اما میبینیم کمان را برمیدارد و گلگلت رو تیر میزند، در جنگ پایانی کتاب نیز زنده میماند و همینطور ادم میکشد! این همان مردی بود که هنر جنگاوری را در برابر شوالیهها و سربازان باتجربهی ادموند بلد نبود!!!
شخصیتی مثل مرد یک چشم در همان ابتدای داستان به ناگهان با جارک مایس بدون هیچ دلیلی همراه شده و چهار صفحه بعد تکه پاره میشود، گویی نویسنده تنها برای بالا بردن تنش او را اضافه کرده. شخصیتی مثل ولف در ابتدای کتاب در حال کشتن مردم و دزدی از آنهاست اما این شخصیت او فقط مخصوص همان لحظه است و دیگر این بخش منفی او را در کتاب نمیبینیم. ایلکانا که یک دختر عادی هست نیز مشخص نیست دقیقاً چطوری با ذهنش با دیگران صحبت میکند.
مشکل دیگر من پایان داستان است که بسیار سطحی و قابل پیشبینی و تا حدی بچگانه است. جارک مایس از یک پورتال وارد شده و به تنهایی تاکید میکنم به تنهایی به لشکر دشمن کوبیده، از میان چند صد صف شوالیه زبردست عبور کرده!!!! به پادشاه رسیده و او را میکشد!! در ضمن آنقدر زنده میماند که مانند کتابهای دینی دبیرستان دانه دانه با دوستانش صحبت کند و خداحافظی کند و بعد که خوب حرفهایش را زد بمیرد!! بگذریم از اینکه پایان کتاب آنقدر عجله عجله است که اوئن پیش از جنگ در مورد وجود پدر یا برادرانش در سپاه مقابل کوچکترین حرفی نمیزند و...
در مورد نیم نمرهای که بابت ترجمه کم میکنم هم اشتباهات عجیبی است که مترجم یا ناشر کردهاند. از نام کتاب که ستارهی صبح است ولی تولد یک قهرمان ترجمه شده تا نقاط ضعف مختلف ترجمهای و همچنین سانسورهای خیلی زیاد.
اگر کتاب morningstar دو جلدی بود فوقالعاده میشد اما تک جلدی بودن آن همراه یک پلات پیچیده و طولانی باعث شده است مشکلات داستانی زیادی به وجود بیاورد.
امیدوارم کتاب را بخوانید و لذت ببرید چون به شدت ارزش خواندن را دارد.
March 10, 2023
Another fantastic book from Gemmell!
September 15, 2012
David Gemmell's fantasy works are all really fun to read, and I'm still at the stage with him where I can run into a book of his I've never read before in every library I sign up to. Morningstar is a stand-alone fantasy work, though it's set in the same world as Knights of Dark Renown (the Knights of the Gabala are mentioned, as a legend, anyway), with a self-contained and pretty satisfying plot.
It's partially based on Robin Hood stories, and I think you could make an argument that it's part Arthurian as well. Gemmell was pretty brave in twisting up apparently conflicting ideologies -- the amoral bandit and the great king, being the same man? -- but it worked, I think. I found it satisfying, anyway. Though the way he constructs his heroes/anti-heroes is very reminiscent of the characters' roles in Knights of Dark Renown. That could get wearing if he does it again...
Still, he still had some surprises for me in the plot, which for something that reads as fairly traditional fantasy is pretty surprising in itself.
It's partially based on Robin Hood stories, and I think you could make an argument that it's part Arthurian as well. Gemmell was pretty brave in twisting up apparently conflicting ideologies -- the amoral bandit and the great king, being the same man? -- but it worked, I think. I found it satisfying, anyway. Though the way he constructs his heroes/anti-heroes is very reminiscent of the characters' roles in Knights of Dark Renown. That could get wearing if he does it again...
Still, he still had some surprises for me in the plot, which for something that reads as fairly traditional fantasy is pretty surprising in itself.
August 29, 2021
Another enjoyable work by Gemmell. In this retelling of Robin Hood, Gemmell explores the nature of heroism and how legends are built. While the grey morality of Jarek Mace, our Robin-like figure, is commonplace in modern fantasy, it's nice to see that Gemmell was exploring these ideas decades before they became mainstream.
While most of what we find in Morningstar is fairly straightforward quest-based fantasy, his accessible writing, compelling characters, and well-crafted action scenes make this a worthy palate cleanser - and a reasonable entry-point for his work.
While most of what we find in Morningstar is fairly straightforward quest-based fantasy, his accessible writing, compelling characters, and well-crafted action scenes make this a worthy palate cleanser - and a reasonable entry-point for his work.
October 12, 2021
داستان ساده با قلم جذاب و دلنشین
با اینکه اوایل رغبتی به خوندنش نداشتم ولی کتاب رو که باز کردم غرق دنیای داستان شدم
با اینکه اوایل رغبتی به خوندنش نداشتم ولی کتاب رو که باز کردم غرق دنیای داستان شدم
February 23, 2018
Well, this was different. This second book in the chronological list of the Drenai series was told from the point of view of a bard, Owen Odell, rather than from the omniscient POV I’d become used to from David Gemmell. I have to admit I was curious what the story would be like.
Owen Odell is a bard who was one of the companions of a legendary hero, the Morningstar. Owen’s POV was interesting and witty. Though at times he was a bit naive, he told the true story of the Morningstar, the man behind the legend, without embellishing it.
Jarek Mace was an unlikely hero who despite himself ended up becoming one. What I liked best about him was that he knew he was a scoundrel and he didn’t make any apologies for it. He was fine with who he was, and then along came Owen, complicating his life.
One of the heroes Owen talked about, Rabain, intrigued me so much that I searched whether David Gemmell had written a book about him. Alas, there was none.
As I read on, so many things became clear. David Gemmell constructed a plot with fascinating revelations I sure didn’t expect and an ending that came full circle. I’d initially expected to give this book a 4-star rating but I was so impressed by the final chapters that only a 5-star rating would do.
Morningstar was a story about unlikely heroes and redemption, sorcery and the ultimate struggle of trying to do the right thing when it contradicted your wants. Highly recommended.
Posted on Blog
Owen Odell is a bard who was one of the companions of a legendary hero, the Morningstar. Owen’s POV was interesting and witty. Though at times he was a bit naive, he told the true story of the Morningstar, the man behind the legend, without embellishing it.
Jarek Mace was an unlikely hero who despite himself ended up becoming one. What I liked best about him was that he knew he was a scoundrel and he didn’t make any apologies for it. He was fine with who he was, and then along came Owen, complicating his life.
One of the heroes Owen talked about, Rabain, intrigued me so much that I searched whether David Gemmell had written a book about him. Alas, there was none.
As I read on, so many things became clear. David Gemmell constructed a plot with fascinating revelations I sure didn’t expect and an ending that came full circle. I’d initially expected to give this book a 4-star rating but I was so impressed by the final chapters that only a 5-star rating would do.
Morningstar was a story about unlikely heroes and redemption, sorcery and the ultimate struggle of trying to do the right thing when it contradicted your wants. Highly recommended.
Posted on Blog
April 10, 2018
8/10
Among the books David Gemmell wrote in his career many of them feature heroes born to become great, and others, as in this case, anti-heroes raised in the cruelty of the world.
This book nevertheless manages to stand out on its own unique way. A book so exhilarating and refreshing at the same time as none of Gemmell’s other books as it is written, for the first and last time, in the first person following the adventures of the legendary Morningstar through the eyes of, the young then, Owen Odell, in a story of friendship, bravery, heroism and all the well-known themes that made him so beloved.
Owen Odell is a bard and a magicker, living a simple life - until one day all this will change when, after an unfortunate event, he falls onto Jarek Mace. A thief, a robber, a womanizer, and sometimes, when it fits his needs, a saviour of ill-luck folk, managing through his own peculiar ways to bring so easily unrest to the city of Ziraccu and to even put himself in great adventures.
The city of Ziraccu, however, is the last one that the war hasn’t come and now, with the Ikenas King and his army approaching, the people will begin to search for a saviour to bring back the hope that they so desperately seek. But, through all this though, Owen will discover that such a saviour is much closer than anyone would have expected; seeing something deeply hidden inside him as no one else sees.
A saviour who, despite his peculiar ways, could bring the people of Ziraccu in a rebellion against the Ikenas King, and to bring back again, as it had been prophesied, a hero from the mists of the past.
But, behind this war, Count Azrek and his sorcerer plot their own schemes for the rule of the world, searching for the power of the, eons forgotten, Vampyre Kings. A power that can unleash an ancient evil, and together, Owen and Jarek, will have to find a way to stop them and face also the coming war before it is too late. Because, if they don’t, it could bring the destruction to themselves, as also to the entire world.
I have to admit that, although the first person narrative is not my favourite one, this book really took me by surprise as no other of Gemmell’s books, showing a completely different view of his skills than usual. A book that manages to combine his incredible talent into making heroes from where you would least expect it, as well as showing his wonderful humour in a story that manages also, through his amazing writing, to enchant you and bring you in a great adventure of bravery and heroism, of war and sacrifice.
Another thing that surprised me also is the magic system that, although it is simple enough, Gemmell manages to handle it very well in the story; as well as combining together and his ideas for the multiverse, as he had previously showed in The Hawk Eternal too.
Gemmell's writing, of course, has its flaws but, nevertheless, it is so enjoyable and entertaining that you cannot help but admire him as he manages to bring not only a powerful story, but also to make you love the characters from the bottom of your heart.
Lastly, I will only add that this is a powerful, and a particularly unique book that certainly, those who have read Gemmell’s other books, and want to see something different, I believe should definitely not miss it.
Ελληνική κριτική:
Among the books David Gemmell wrote in his career many of them feature heroes born to become great, and others, as in this case, anti-heroes raised in the cruelty of the world.
This book nevertheless manages to stand out on its own unique way. A book so exhilarating and refreshing at the same time as none of Gemmell’s other books as it is written, for the first and last time, in the first person following the adventures of the legendary Morningstar through the eyes of, the young then, Owen Odell, in a story of friendship, bravery, heroism and all the well-known themes that made him so beloved.
Owen Odell is a bard and a magicker, living a simple life - until one day all this will change when, after an unfortunate event, he falls onto Jarek Mace. A thief, a robber, a womanizer, and sometimes, when it fits his needs, a saviour of ill-luck folk, managing through his own peculiar ways to bring so easily unrest to the city of Ziraccu and to even put himself in great adventures.
The city of Ziraccu, however, is the last one that the war hasn’t come and now, with the Ikenas King and his army approaching, the people will begin to search for a saviour to bring back the hope that they so desperately seek. But, through all this though, Owen will discover that such a saviour is much closer than anyone would have expected; seeing something deeply hidden inside him as no one else sees.
A saviour who, despite his peculiar ways, could bring the people of Ziraccu in a rebellion against the Ikenas King, and to bring back again, as it had been prophesied, a hero from the mists of the past.
But, behind this war, Count Azrek and his sorcerer plot their own schemes for the rule of the world, searching for the power of the, eons forgotten, Vampyre Kings. A power that can unleash an ancient evil, and together, Owen and Jarek, will have to find a way to stop them and face also the coming war before it is too late. Because, if they don’t, it could bring the destruction to themselves, as also to the entire world.
I have to admit that, although the first person narrative is not my favourite one, this book really took me by surprise as no other of Gemmell’s books, showing a completely different view of his skills than usual. A book that manages to combine his incredible talent into making heroes from where you would least expect it, as well as showing his wonderful humour in a story that manages also, through his amazing writing, to enchant you and bring you in a great adventure of bravery and heroism, of war and sacrifice.
Another thing that surprised me also is the magic system that, although it is simple enough, Gemmell manages to handle it very well in the story; as well as combining together and his ideas for the multiverse, as he had previously showed in The Hawk Eternal too.
Gemmell's writing, of course, has its flaws but, nevertheless, it is so enjoyable and entertaining that you cannot help but admire him as he manages to bring not only a powerful story, but also to make you love the characters from the bottom of your heart.
Lastly, I will only add that this is a powerful, and a particularly unique book that certainly, those who have read Gemmell’s other books, and want to see something different, I believe should definitely not miss it.
Ελληνική κριτική:
May 9, 2023
Hmm... didn't I just read this?
An arrogant protagonist who doesn't hesitate to steal, swindle or murder? ✔️
Protagonist is pigeonholed into a do-gooder role he doesn't want, but grows into? ✔️
A forest full of outlaws and soldiers raping and killing the citizenry? ✔️
Vampyre kings back from the dead, leading undead hordes? ✔️ (sort of)
About the only difference from Knights of Dark Renown is that there were 9 each of the heroes and the villains; here there's just one hero. Jarek Mace, thief of nobles' purses and women's hearts, was nearby when he noticed a fellow passer-through conning his way out of trouble. Joining in for some impromptu fun, Mace and this stranger successfully pull one over on The Man. Mace's new friend turns out to be a travelling poet who sings tales of heroic deeds, and as their adventures together grow, he creates a new legend about a man called The Morningstar - lover of women, robber of the rich and hero to the poor.
He's also a bit of a treasure hunter and vampyre king slayer, as the book progresses.
You know, I liked this a little better than KoDR. This plot was tighter and there were fewer characters to keep straight. Still plenty, but fewer. I could kinda see where things were going as we headed to the finale(s), but I still found the trope satisfying, if a bit cliche by now. It worked for this book and this writer.
Onward to Waylander.
An arrogant protagonist who doesn't hesitate to steal, swindle or murder? ✔️
Protagonist is pigeonholed into a do-gooder role he doesn't want, but grows into? ✔️
A forest full of outlaws and soldiers raping and killing the citizenry? ✔️
Vampyre kings back from the dead, leading undead hordes? ✔️ (sort of)
About the only difference from Knights of Dark Renown is that there were 9 each of the heroes and the villains; here there's just one hero. Jarek Mace, thief of nobles' purses and women's hearts, was nearby when he noticed a fellow passer-through conning his way out of trouble. Joining in for some impromptu fun, Mace and this stranger successfully pull one over on The Man. Mace's new friend turns out to be a travelling poet who sings tales of heroic deeds, and as their adventures together grow, he creates a new legend about a man called The Morningstar - lover of women, robber of the rich and hero to the poor.
He's also a bit of a treasure hunter and vampyre king slayer, as the book progresses.
You know, I liked this a little better than KoDR. This plot was tighter and there were fewer characters to keep straight. Still plenty, but fewer. I could kinda see where things were going as we headed to the finale(s), but I still found the trope satisfying, if a bit cliche by now. It worked for this book and this writer.
Onward to Waylander.
November 26, 2025
3 Stars★★★☆☆ - a very varied book exploring the nature of legend
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: Morningstar follows Owen Odell's 1st person perspective as he recounts his journey alongside Jarek Mace as Mace grows to become a mythical legend that he didn't ask to be. More precisely, it is a look at the nature of perceptions behind mythical heroes and how it differs from reality.
Morningstar is exceptional at times and confusingly inconsistent just as often. For the POV character's (Owen Odell) refreshing personality and approach to the story as well as analyzing the nature of legends and heroes, this book really thrives. When Odell's character is focused on in the events taking place and is involved with his own affairs, I was fully invested and on board. Unfortunately, the plot is wildly erratic and unsatisfying while the primary protagonist the book focuses on (Jarek Mace) is extremely unlikeable. Because of these opposing forces, the nature of the reading experience as a whole is greatly hindered, albeit not completely. If I were to give advice on how to approach this book, I'd recommend reading it as a fun study on how history bends itself to romantic ideals, exploring how those behind the hero perceive the legends and stories, and focus on the scenes rather than expect the overall narrative to work perfectly and cleanly. I wish this one had been honed in and refined considerably, but it's still pretty good.
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: Morningstar follows Owen Odell's 1st person perspective as he recounts his journey alongside Jarek Mace as Mace grows to become a mythical legend that he didn't ask to be. More precisely, it is a look at the nature of perceptions behind mythical heroes and how it differs from reality.
Morningstar is exceptional at times and confusingly inconsistent just as often. For the POV character's (Owen Odell) refreshing personality and approach to the story as well as analyzing the nature of legends and heroes, this book really thrives. When Odell's character is focused on in the events taking place and is involved with his own affairs, I was fully invested and on board. Unfortunately, the plot is wildly erratic and unsatisfying while the primary protagonist the book focuses on (Jarek Mace) is extremely unlikeable. Because of these opposing forces, the nature of the reading experience as a whole is greatly hindered, albeit not completely. If I were to give advice on how to approach this book, I'd recommend reading it as a fun study on how history bends itself to romantic ideals, exploring how those behind the hero perceive the legends and stories, and focus on the scenes rather than expect the overall narrative to work perfectly and cleanly. I wish this one had been honed in and refined considerably, but it's still pretty good.
July 11, 2017
گمان کنم گمل در جایی از یکی از نامههایی میگوید که خوانندگانش برایش میفرستادند. نامهی مذکور از طرف پسر جوانی فرستاده شده بود و بابت آثارش از او قدردانی کرده بود. ظاهراً پسر جوان روزی در خیابان میبیند چند نفر مزاحم خانمی شدهاند و او را اذیت میکنند. پسر خونش به جوش میآید و در دفاع از آن زن با مزاحمین درگیر میشود و آنها را فراری میدهد. او این کار خود را متأثر از داستانهای گمل دانسته و بابت آنها در یک نامه از گمل تشکر کرده بود.
میتوانم تصور کنم وقتی آن نامه را خوانده، چقدر مسرور شده. انگار در دلش چندین تن قند آب کرده باشند. احتمالاً پیش خود گفته نازک آرای تن ساقهگلی که به جانش کشتم و به داستان دادمش آب [2]، بالاخره ثمر داد! گمل معتقد بود همیشه به قهرمان نیاز هست. همه به قهرمان نیاز دارند تا حرکتی بکنند و عمل قهرمانانه ازشان سر بزند. او معتقد بود هر لنگ و لوکی هم میتواند قهرمان باشد، هرچند باید بهایش را بپردازد.
تولد یک قهرمان را دوست دارم، چون برای هر کسی در حد وسعش قهرمان متولد میکند. تولد یک قهرمان را دوست دارم، چون به نظرم انفعال را پس میزند و ارادهی عمل یا عکسالعمل فعالانه را در خوانندهاش بر میانگیزد. چیزی که در این زمانه سخت پیدا میشود.
میتوانم تصور کنم وقتی آن نامه را خوانده، چقدر مسرور شده. انگار در دلش چندین تن قند آب کرده باشند. احتمالاً پیش خود گفته نازک آرای تن ساقهگلی که به جانش کشتم و به داستان دادمش آب [2]، بالاخره ثمر داد! گمل معتقد بود همیشه به قهرمان نیاز هست. همه به قهرمان نیاز دارند تا حرکتی بکنند و عمل قهرمانانه ازشان سر بزند. او معتقد بود هر لنگ و لوکی هم میتواند قهرمان باشد، هرچند باید بهایش را بپردازد.
تولد یک قهرمان را دوست دارم، چون برای هر کسی در حد وسعش قهرمان متولد میکند. تولد یک قهرمان را دوست دارم، چون به نظرم انفعال را پس میزند و ارادهی عمل یا عکسالعمل فعالانه را در خوانندهاش بر میانگیزد. چیزی که در این زمانه سخت پیدا میشود.
May 31, 2022
I punti di forza di questo libro sono i dialoghi, perchè Gemmell è bravissimo in questo.
Poi i personaggi, che sono più o meno tutti abbastanza realistici.
E poi basta.
La prima metà del libro è un "Robin Hood in salsa fantasy"; la seconda metà è heroic fantasy pura, con una svolta nella trama verso la fine, che è piuttosto originale e risolleva in parte tutta la storia.
Storia che però, proprio a livello di trama, fa sbadigliare, e tanto anche. Sicuramente lo stile di scrittura non aiuta, in quanto troppo didascalico ed in prima persona.
Decisamente meglio gli altri suoi romanzi.
Poi i personaggi, che sono più o meno tutti abbastanza realistici.
E poi basta.
La prima metà del libro è un "Robin Hood in salsa fantasy"; la seconda metà è heroic fantasy pura, con una svolta nella trama verso la fine, che è piuttosto originale e risolleva in parte tutta la storia.
Storia che però, proprio a livello di trama, fa sbadigliare, e tanto anche. Sicuramente lo stile di scrittura non aiuta, in quanto troppo didascalico ed in prima persona.
Decisamente meglio gli altri suoi romanzi.
June 14, 2016
3.5
Argh, it's difficult to round 3.5 stars for me lately.
I still have to clear my head a bit, so I'll probably wait a while before rating it. It's close to 4 stars, but I don't want to rush it and give it a rating now.
The good:
> The idea. If I had to describe Morningstar I'd say it's a loose, parodic retelling of Robin Hood. Our hero is, in fact, an unwilling one. Jarek Mace is everything but heroic: thief (and he doesn't steal for nothing but his own gain), murderer, adulterer, he's happy with the kind of life he leads and doesn't really have morals.
They make him a hero and by doing so the Morningstar is born: heroic, cares for the poor, fights for his lady's love and has no problems about risking his own life to help people who need him.
So yeah, not exactly a realistic portrait of Jarek Mace, whose life is viewed under a completely different life because of the Morningstar's fame.
See, the idea itself is indeed brilliant.
> The final plot twist. Holy hell, considering that the last book I rated 5 stars was focused on time being circular I couldn't help but love this plot twist. So, yep, that trick was quite cool and I really appreciated it.
The bad:
> The plot is nothing special until that plot twist. Once the novelty of that idea wears off we're left with a classic fantasy quest. Which is understandable, because this book was published in the '90s, but still, it doesn't improve in any way the fact that plot-wise this was quite average. Which is also the main reason why I don't know if I want to give this a full 4-star rating.
Anyway, if you like classic fantasy books with a twist I'd recommend you check this out.
Argh, it's difficult to round 3.5 stars for me lately.
I still have to clear my head a bit, so I'll probably wait a while before rating it. It's close to 4 stars, but I don't want to rush it and give it a rating now.
The good:
> The idea. If I had to describe Morningstar I'd say it's a loose, parodic retelling of Robin Hood. Our hero is, in fact, an unwilling one. Jarek Mace is everything but heroic: thief (and he doesn't steal for nothing but his own gain), murderer, adulterer, he's happy with the kind of life he leads and doesn't really have morals.
They make him a hero and by doing so the Morningstar is born: heroic, cares for the poor, fights for his lady's love and has no problems about risking his own life to help people who need him.
So yeah, not exactly a realistic portrait of Jarek Mace, whose life is viewed under a completely different life because of the Morningstar's fame.
See, the idea itself is indeed brilliant.
> The final plot twist. Holy hell, considering that the last book I rated 5 stars was focused on time being circular I couldn't help but love this plot twist. So, yep, that trick was quite cool and I really appreciated it.
The bad:
> The plot is nothing special until that plot twist. Once the novelty of that idea wears off we're left with a classic fantasy quest. Which is understandable, because this book was published in the '90s, but still, it doesn't improve in any way the fact that plot-wise this was quite average. Which is also the main reason why I don't know if I want to give this a full 4-star rating.
Anyway, if you like classic fantasy books with a twist I'd recommend you check this out.
May 22, 2020
I'm trying to read a bit more fantasy this year. I wasn't expecting much from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised--and even laughed out loud once. Interesting & imperfect characters, some wee romance, plenty of action, and a few moderate twists.
VERDICT: 4+ stars. It wasn't a realistic tale, and it got a bit silly towards the end--yet it provided a good escape from reality.
Would I read another book by this author? Yes.
VERDICT: 4+ stars. It wasn't a realistic tale, and it got a bit silly towards the end--yet it provided a good escape from reality.
Would I read another book by this author? Yes.
April 6, 2024
David Gemmell writes the same novel again, you know, with fantasy, fights, lessons in live (that may feel didactic for some, but that I personally like), but giving it some twists here and there that give it a new sheen and make it feel fresh. The novelties: it is written in first person by a bard (with knowledge of magic), the hero is a selfish one (you know the type) and some little things here and there. There are also some of the shortcomings that always appear in his novels and with women having the traditional spot as side characters or old woman with magic .
I liked it much more than the last I read, "Ghost King".
The best: Gemmell being Gemmell
The worst: Gemmell being Gemmell
Alternatives: within Gemmell's oeuvre, the Rigante Saga is great
8/10
(English; original)
I liked it much more than the last I read, "Ghost King".
The best: Gemmell being Gemmell
The worst: Gemmell being Gemmell
Alternatives: within Gemmell's oeuvre, the Rigante Saga is great
8/10
(English; original)
April 7, 2023
Morningstar is a one-off Fantasy title in the Drenai universe by David Gemmell. Like The Knights of Dark Renown, the book has no real attachment to the Drenai saga. Our story is told in a first-person perspective by Owen Odell. A noble who left his family to strike out on his own to become a bard and magician.
He then meets the eponymous character Jarek Mace, who will eventually use the title Morningstar, a rogue that cares for no one. Owen first encounters Jarek escaping from a cuckolded husband. As the story continues, we see that Jarek is selfish, only looking out for himself, and cares little about what happens to others.
Then Jarek lets Owen know that a southern kingdom, The Angostins, is coming to conquer the city they are in and all of the highlanders. Owen doesn't believe him but eventually finds himself fleeing the city before it is sacked. He encounters bandits that try to rob and kill him but Jarek intervenes. The unlikely duo then partner up and go to a small remote village for shelter.
Owen becomes friendly with the locals and settles amongst them. However, the village is attacked and destroyed so Jarek and Owen set off to find a new place. They bring along a hunchback from the village and a giant they encounter in the forest. Around this time Jarek establishes himself as the Morningstar, the leader of the rebel army or so everyone thinks. Jarek was simply using the title as a jest and want's no part in any rebellion but he finds himself increasingly being dragged into the war.
Later on, there will be vampires, war, magic, and time travel. The story encompasses many different elements. Jarek and his ragtag band are inspired by Robin Hood and his merry men. The king of The Angostins is also inspired by Edward I king of England, with the highlander's equivalents being the Scots. That's one of the problems I have with Gemmell's writing, most of the inspirations are worn on his sleeve and it takes me out of the story somewhat. I also wasn't a fan of Jarek Mace, I thought I would be, but he is decidedly one note. He cares for himself and no one else until much later in the story and even then he doesn't display a great deal of depth. I usually enjoy antiheroes but in this case, he was rather flat. The same could be said for the rest of the cast of characters. None of them were particularly compelling.
I will say that the end surprised me and it did come out of nowhere but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The writing was Gemmell's typical utilitarian style, not getting bogged down in flowery prose or unnecessary sentences. Morningstar is a fun romp that I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick Fantasy read.
He then meets the eponymous character Jarek Mace, who will eventually use the title Morningstar, a rogue that cares for no one. Owen first encounters Jarek escaping from a cuckolded husband. As the story continues, we see that Jarek is selfish, only looking out for himself, and cares little about what happens to others.
Then Jarek lets Owen know that a southern kingdom, The Angostins, is coming to conquer the city they are in and all of the highlanders. Owen doesn't believe him but eventually finds himself fleeing the city before it is sacked. He encounters bandits that try to rob and kill him but Jarek intervenes. The unlikely duo then partner up and go to a small remote village for shelter.
Owen becomes friendly with the locals and settles amongst them. However, the village is attacked and destroyed so Jarek and Owen set off to find a new place. They bring along a hunchback from the village and a giant they encounter in the forest. Around this time Jarek establishes himself as the Morningstar, the leader of the rebel army or so everyone thinks. Jarek was simply using the title as a jest and want's no part in any rebellion but he finds himself increasingly being dragged into the war.
Later on, there will be vampires, war, magic, and time travel. The story encompasses many different elements. Jarek and his ragtag band are inspired by Robin Hood and his merry men. The king of The Angostins is also inspired by Edward I king of England, with the highlander's equivalents being the Scots. That's one of the problems I have with Gemmell's writing, most of the inspirations are worn on his sleeve and it takes me out of the story somewhat. I also wasn't a fan of Jarek Mace, I thought I would be, but he is decidedly one note. He cares for himself and no one else until much later in the story and even then he doesn't display a great deal of depth. I usually enjoy antiheroes but in this case, he was rather flat. The same could be said for the rest of the cast of characters. None of them were particularly compelling.
I will say that the end surprised me and it did come out of nowhere but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The writing was Gemmell's typical utilitarian style, not getting bogged down in flowery prose or unnecessary sentences. Morningstar is a fun romp that I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick Fantasy read.
April 10, 2025
This was the first novel i have read from David Gemmell. It was a devouring, fantastic read! I think i may have found a new 'top 10' author!
Reread…
Was a master of his craft. Timeless. 5⭐️
Reread…
Was a master of his craft. Timeless. 5⭐️
February 6, 2022
This was recommended to me by a girl in my Year 11 class and I enjoyed it, especially the werewolf/human hybrids! Nice addition of some time travel at the end too. The protagonist is an antihero which made him far more interesting.
November 8, 2023
An incredible book that I should have read twenty years ago
November 11, 2024
That was a very different style of writing to David Gemmell's usual.
I really liked it. It took me a bit to get into, but once I was into it, I was sold.
The premise was Robin Hood meets Wheel of Time, but in typical kick ass Gemmell style.
It's sad that I now have no more stories to read in the Drenai Saga, but I'm so happy I went on this journey.
I really liked it. It took me a bit to get into, but once I was into it, I was sold.
The premise was Robin Hood meets Wheel of Time, but in typical kick ass Gemmell style.
It's sad that I now have no more stories to read in the Drenai Saga, but I'm so happy I went on this journey.
January 16, 2017
Its David Gemmell so we all know what we are going to get.
Nuanced Characters - Check
Complex but well plotted story - Check
Well realised dialogue - Check
Flawed and human hero - Check.
So far so good. I was thoroughly entertained by this book and as ever liked the way the story was told in the book. On occasion you will get tales that follow the same person for a while but these are not books where the author forces you to follow them over a series of episodes. I do not mind that style but this feels like a more honest and better value approach. Try it, if you like it buy another but you will still get an ending to your story even if it wasn't for you.
David Gemmell was a loss to us all and it makes me kind of sad to think that there are now only a finite number of books for us to read. Its lucky they are all crackers thus far.
I do have the odd quibble about the book. As ever there are all sorts of stories in this one we were not told as we followed the tale. The author could have given us more and there was a time travel element to the book that I though was handled just a little too quickly. In my opinion, unless handled VERY carefully, even the best authors can drop the ball once they introduce time travel. It can be a door to some very lazy plotting and tropes.
These in no way lessen my enjoyment of the book however. I never outstayed its welcome and once again I was fully immersed in the story throughout.
Nuanced Characters - Check
Complex but well plotted story - Check
Well realised dialogue - Check
Flawed and human hero - Check.
So far so good. I was thoroughly entertained by this book and as ever liked the way the story was told in the book. On occasion you will get tales that follow the same person for a while but these are not books where the author forces you to follow them over a series of episodes. I do not mind that style but this feels like a more honest and better value approach. Try it, if you like it buy another but you will still get an ending to your story even if it wasn't for you.
David Gemmell was a loss to us all and it makes me kind of sad to think that there are now only a finite number of books for us to read. Its lucky they are all crackers thus far.
I do have the odd quibble about the book. As ever there are all sorts of stories in this one we were not told as we followed the tale. The author could have given us more and there was a time travel element to the book that I though was handled just a little too quickly. In my opinion, unless handled VERY carefully, even the best authors can drop the ball once they introduce time travel. It can be a door to some very lazy plotting and tropes.
These in no way lessen my enjoyment of the book however. I never outstayed its welcome and once again I was fully immersed in the story throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews