Stormrider (Stormrider)

Rating:
Summary: One of the worst
Review: After the huge disappointment of Ravenheart, I expected Gemmell to do what he did in The Hawk Eternal - create a sequel that would make the first book something great and more importantly, tie up all its loose ends.

Stormrider (and Ravenheart) had many great ideas and concepts, it laid similar foundations to Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon, and had the seeds of greatness within it.

Whilst the book was heroic, it went from nowhere, to someplace worse and became lost in the void. I am one of the biggest fans of David Gemmell, and it disappoints me to state that this book is by far, the worst David Gemmell book, I have ever read.

It is almost as if he ran out of ideas and gave up half way and tried to end the book as quickly as possible.

Avoid this book, don't even borrow it from the library.

However, I gave it 2 stars as I cannot bear the thought of david gemmell receiving the lowest rating available.

Rating:
Summary: David Gemmell fans lets be honest here
Review: Same basic story every time right? Flawed hero overcomes big odds and eventually wins the day. Does that mean the story is not good? Of course not but the approach does get old at times.

This particular installment shifts focus from Calin Ring ward or Jam Grimothe to Gaise Macon son of the "evil" Moidart. Some people have not liked this book because of the transformation of this charecter from a bad guy to a good guy. Now I was fine with what almost ruined the experiance for me was the supposed conflict between good and evil it just came across to me as rushed and unfinished like something Gemmell thought of at the last minute.

Overall-A tad weak but still very solid all round a good read

Rating:
Summary: great characterisation and gripping storyline
Review: Stormrider focuses on Gaise Macon and Kaelin Ring who face an impending war against Winter Kay and the armies of a dead king. The enemy is fueled by an ancient evil, embodied in a skull known only as the Orb of Kranos, bent on the destruction of all mankind. The Black Rigante joins with the forces of the Moidart in a twist of fate against their common foe. Although a conquered people and against insurmountable odds, the Rigante fight with courage and integrity, serving as shining examples in a war that will bring bloodshed, death and destruction to the people.

Gemmell in Stormrider has done it again. He has an amazing talent for developing his characters and unfolding a storyline that is exciting, sad and gripping at the same time. He describes the events through the eyes of his main characters and offers contrasting viewpoints as events unfold. His characters are very real and their reactions are believable.

From the very first page to the last, Stormrider fails to disappoint. Gemmell has shown his mastery over the heroic fantasy genre. I can't wait for his next installment.

Rating:
Summary: SFReader.com Review - Stormrider
Review: Stormrider is the fourth book in Gemmell's Rigante series (and I think there's also one that has yet to make it across the Atlantic). It, along with Ravenheart, continues the story of the Rigante some 800 years after the conclusion of the previous novel, Midnight Falcon. Althought it can stand alone, Stormrider is the conclusion of the story that began in book three, Ravenheart.

Gaise Macon is a young nobleman of undetermined parentage because of his mother's infidelity with a local clansman. A General in the King's army, he's been striving all his life to win the approval of his father (or at least the man who raised him) the cruel Lord Moidart. What is initially a struggle against rebel forces suddenly becomes much more critical as Macon's nemesis, Winter Kay, acting on a prophecy, turns against Macon in an attempt to kill him. Macon and his father abruptly find themselves branded as enemies by the forces they've been fighting alongside and are forced to aline with rebels and local clansmen. There's much more to Winter Kay than simple ambition, however, as a secret relic the knight possesses begins to exert more and more influence over him. Macon ultimately finds himself to be the lynchpin in a battle that could save or condemn humanity.

Gemmell's strong style and fast-paced books are definitely more appealing to fans of 'action' fantasy as opposed to fans of fantasy like Lord of the Rings or Wheel of Time. The majority of major characters in his books are men, and in this case it's even more true. In Stormrider women are no more than motivating factors for male behavior, usually by way of the death of an unrequited love that drives one of the male characters on a revenge spree. It's unfortunate the female characters are so shallowly developed. The book's an enjoyable read, but it could have been more appealing and more enjoyable with some stronger female charcters.

Despite the level of violence in the narrative, Gemmell actually puts forth a fairly apparent antiwar and pro-ecology platform, that, fortunately, never interferes with the story (though it does come across as heavy-handed sometimes). I also like how he plays with the concept of history, that circumstances can redeem even the most condemned. History, after all, is written by the victor.

Gemmell characters are drawn with a broad stroke, but they typify the myth of the hero--they posses strength, courage and hardiness as well as a willingness to sacrifice all for the greater good. They are good at heart and true to themselves and the world around them. Don't confuse this with nobility, however. The characters are common men, drinkers and brawlers, seemingly selfish and boorish, but who never fail to rise to the occasion when required.

I've talked before about Gemmell's books and this one stays true to the type. I like the anti-war, pro-environment, redemption message, but don't get the impression that this is a book that inspires deep thought or introspection. It's fast-paced, male-oriented, action fantasy to the core.

If you've read any of Gemmell's other books and liked them, you'll like this too. If you're a fan of action-style fantasy (a la Cook's The Black Company or Duncan's King's Blades) and haven't tried Gemmell before, you ought to. Although this book can easily stand alone, I recommend reading Ravenheart first as a minimum (and Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon too if you're prepared for a four book commitment). I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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