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Summary: Storming Gemmell
Review: 'Sword in the Storm' is described as the 'Book one in the Rigante series' - how many times have we heard that? Oh, no not another trilogy (however we do not yet known how many books will appear in this sequence yet). Gemmell normally avoids this, most of this books are 'stand alone' or sequels to earlier works. The exception to this is 'Ironhand's Daughter', which was marketed in the UK as the '1st Book of the Hawk Queen' though only one other volume has appeared (The Hawk Eternal'). Actually it's rather good, well up to Gemmell's best. In terms of his other works, better than 'Waylander II: in the Realm of the Wolf' and 'Echoes of the Great Song' and on a par with the excellent 'Dark Moon' and 'Winter Warriors'. Fans will not be disappointed and new reader will enjoy Gemmell's rich glorious style. The main characters are typically Gemmell: passionate, resourceful and proud. Full of revenge and destiny, envy and greed. Gemmell's plots often revolve around simple passions and motivations. Not one dimensional, but just driven by basic human nature. This fits with Gemmell's often Bronze-age feel to his fantasy. His other characters are mixed and believable. Although 'Stone' is clearly late Republican Rome and the 'Rigante' probably Celts, this does not matter as it's handed well. But I did see an echo with the 'Outland' i.e. Roman Legions of 'Ironhand's Daughter' with Gemmell's new world of Rigante. And that's my one criticism of Gemmell, 'Ironhand's Daughter' was written only 3 or 4 years before the new Rigante series, but already we have a repetition of themes - he does seem to do this fairly often. This is of course just his style, and fans come to expect certain things of a writer. He would argue that basic human emotions such as revenge and lust for glory have driven great men and women throughout history and his characters are no different. I look forward, as always, to the next volume by this great British writer.
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Summary: My first encountering of David Gemmell...
Review: ...It will not be my last. The story is fast-paced, and David Gemmell has a style that permits him to span years in paragraphs and not lose the reader. The story is also like a combination of the Gauls as they were being conquered by Julius Caesar, plus the Caledonians that caused Hadrian to build his wall, crossed with the Scots under Wallace and The Bruce, with Vikings added in for good measure. The characters are proud, particularly Connavar, and they seem realistically thought out. My favorite part was how Connavar became the pupil of Banouin (I probably mispelled that)and later Jasaray, using their tutelage to learn how to defeat the "Roman" legions of the story. I read this book in less than 24 reading hours, most of that in one sitting, and I have already read the sequel. They will definitely not be the last of his books that I read.
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Summary: A great book, writen with Gemmels old spark
Review: A deffinite building Novel this book though many of the themes in it are rehashed from previous Novels comes together woderfully.
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Summary: One of his best
Review: A must read for all Gemmell fans and fantasy lovers. Gripping story and an extremely well developed characters. It is one of those books which you can't put down until you finished it.
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Summary: A Must for all lovers of "Heroic Fantasy"
Review: Another awesome book from Gemmell. This is the first in the Rigante books and Chronicle the rise to leadership of Connovar, a young warrior. While all his books are similar in style, he continues to write novels that amaze. Great characters and action. It's worth noting that with books becoming more and more expensive, Gemmell continues to be the only author I'll buy in the more expensive Trade Paperback version immediately upon release, rather than waiting for the normal paperback edition.
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Summary: What does Shannon Think?
Review: As a devoted Stephen King/ Micheal Crighton reader, I was surprised to find how great Fantasy books are. David Gemmel's 'Sword in the Storm' captured me. This book is wonderful entertainment. I felt happy, mad and sad along with Conn, the main character. This was probably the most entertaining book I have ever read. I reccommend this book to those looking for entertainment and leisure in their reading.
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Summary: Wolfsong00
Review: Folks, I warn you, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!! <G> If you do you will be immediately hooked on David Gemmell. I have read EVERY one of his books and this and the sequel, Midnight Falcon, could be the two GREATEST heroic fantasy novels of all time. I wish that I could contact him and let him know how much I appreciate his novels and ask him some questions about others!! Buy it, read it, and enjoy it!!
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Summary: Impossible to dislike
Review: Gemmel has managed to write a book which doesn't let you dislike it. It includes fantasy, romance, strategy (wars etc...), violence, heroism and friendship.
When characters die I nearly mourned for them because you enter in the story and become one of the Rigante, or of any other people. No monsters are included but many different peoples of whom you can't help in becoming to love them. Talking about love, this book is PG because of the erotism included (- it was very interesting!!) It is also too violent for small children I must say (Gemmel can't help in painting his vast imagination in our minds.)
In the final part the thoughts on the battle by the characters are pictured not written. By the way, you'll adore reading about frienship, love and hate... no love and loath; and about the fight in which a fifteen year old boy fights a gigantic bear - in which he becomes a hero known throughout the place in a few days.
To conclude: it is one of the best books you'll read, you have my word. THANK YOU GEMMEL!
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Summary: Frusteratingly Obvious
Review: Gemmell has written a very good parallel to Roman history from the perspective of the Celts. Unfortunately Connavar, the main character and hero, is horribly one dimensional. He is a fierce warrior, and that is about it. The only character I came to like, Banounin, died as he was becoming important to the growth of Connavar as a leader. Connavar ends all conflict through threats or killing, he seems to have no thought other than anger, and vengeance. Think William Wallace of Scotland without an education. I am planning on reading the entire series for the sake of it, but if you are looking for a deeper story and characters you may want to look elsewhere. All in all the story is very good for what it is, a warrior epic, and a loosely based history.
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Summary: Gemmell reaches new heights
Review: Gemmell's books have always been filled with action and bloodshed - never boring. This one reaches new levels as it operates on many levels. Gemmell imparts more of his philosophy and though one can pass it by, I found it enhanced the read. Being a big Gemmell fan and rating almost all his books with at least 4 stars if not five, this one I would give six to, I sent it to my 21 year old son hoping to impart some wisdom. If you want an action filled adventure of life and love then this is for you - if you want a romantic comedy move on.
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