- Hardcover: 416 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press; First edition (3 Jun 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0593037227
- ISBN-13: 978-0593037225
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16 x 3.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 482,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Midnight Falcon (Rigante 2)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Following Sword in the Storm, Midnight Falcon is David Gemmell's second novel in the Rigante sequence. Sufficient information is provided to enjoy this volume alone, though the series will be more accessible if read in order.
Seventeen-year-old Bane, illegitimate son of King Connovar, comes to the city of Stone, a place of gladiatorial combat, corruption and religious terror. Embittered by his father's refusal to acknowledge him, Bane's wildness leads to bloodshed, before friendship and betrayal force him to accept the complexities of power and responsibility. The novel builds to an epic climax, as Bane must accept who he is in order to lead his people in a desperate battle for their very survival.
David Gemmell has created a detailed and realistic world in which the action is vividly described and often thrilling. Yet there is a melancholy tone, for the author is as concerned with the consequences of war and the nature of men of violence, as with conflict itself. There is a sense of the tragedy of war, lending the sad grandeur of history to a strongly characterised and intelligent adventure. It is something the series has in common with Stephen King's haunting fantasy western epic The Dark Tower.
David Gemmell is Britain's best selling author of Heroic Fantasy. He has written 23 previous books, finding immediate success in 1984 with the highly influential and acclaimed Legend. --Gary S. Dalkin
Product Description
Bane the Bastard is the illegitimate son of the Rigante king who men called Demonblade. Born of treachery, Bane grew up an outcast in his own land, feared by his fellow highlanders, and denied by the father whose unmistakable mark he bore-the eyes of Connavar, one tawny brown, the other emerald green.
Hounded from the country of his birth, Bane found acceptance across the seas-only to have it stripped away in an instant by a cruel and deadly swordsman. Now fighting as a gladiator in the blood-soaked arenas of the Empire, Bane lives for one thing: revenge. And he pursues his goal with the same single-minded determination that won his father a crown.
But more is at stake than a young warrior's quest for vengeance. The armies of the Stone are preparing to march on the lands of the Rigante. The fate of human and Seidh alike will be decided by the clash of swords-and by the bonds of twisted love and bitterness between a father and a son . . .
Hounded from the country of his birth, Bane found acceptance across the seas-only to have it stripped away in an instant by a cruel and deadly swordsman. Now fighting as a gladiator in the blood-soaked arenas of the Empire, Bane lives for one thing: revenge. And he pursues his goal with the same single-minded determination that won his father a crown.
But more is at stake than a young warrior's quest for vengeance. The armies of the Stone are preparing to march on the lands of the Rigante. The fate of human and Seidh alike will be decided by the clash of swords-and by the bonds of twisted love and bitterness between a father and a son . . .
"From the Paperback edition."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
THE STORY:
The bastard son of King Connavar decides to leave the Rigante, who shun him, and become a gladiator in the city of Stone. However, he will eventually be called upon to save the very people who persecuted him.
The bastard son of King Connavar decides to leave the Rigante, who shun him, and become a gladiator in the city of Stone. However, he will eventually be called upon to save the very people who persecuted him.
WHAT'S GOOD:
Everything! (I seem to end up saying that about all Gemmell's books!) Gemmell manages once again to draw us into the mind, body and soul of the main character so that we can live his life alongside him. Bane's emotional development through the book is remarkable and yet perfectly believable. The supporting characters also hold their own; Banouin's development is also a marvel, Jasaray is both charismatic and also totally amoral, Connavar continues his own development from the first book albeit on a smaller scale and Rage's climatic duel will no doubt suprise you with it's ending. Another great thing about this book is that, although it's a part of the Rigante series, it's entirely capable of standing independently. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that 'Midnight Falcon' is one of those rare sequels that is the equal (if not the better) of the first book.
WHAT'S BAD:
I found the clear historical parallels to be a bit irritating (Jasaray is Julius Caesar, the Tree Cult are Christians, Stone is Rome etc) but Gemmell does tackle this fact by having the Morrigu explain that she has seen the destructive principles of Stone on other worlds under other names (one of which happens to be Rome). Other than these small details, I absolutely loved this book.
(to David Gemmell): "Proud of you boy."
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of Gemmells best books. This is becasue he has obviously planned the story out very well, however becasue of this it does make this story highly predictable, and it is obvious that is going to culminate in a huge battle at the end. A very good and well written book which is just as good as its prequel if not better.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For any fantasy reader this book is a must. I have read this book time and time again and continue to be enthralled by the complexities and subtleties that make this book so real.
The story leads on from Sword in the Storm (another brilliant read) to the leading characters son, following his journey through a universe which is parallel to our own. The writing gives a vivid picture of the emotional torment our hero, Bane, endures and you cannot help but feel saddened by his losses and inspired by his feats of valour on the battlefield.
Obviously it makes sense to read Sword in the Storm first so you can get a feel for the emotional tension that builds up, and to get some extra insight into the world of Bane.
In my opinion, a truly amazing book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A good follow-up to 'Sword in the Storm'
As a writer of fantasy work, David Gemmell is certainly one of the best. His work is more subtle, there are no monsters, no demons, no elves, no goblins and no dragons, but what... Read more
Published 23 months ago by N. Thompson
Up there with Gemmell's very best novels
Until recently I knew what to expect when picking up a Gemmell novel for the first time. Moreover, I knew I would enjoy it. Read more
Published on 8 Jun 2009 by James Long (Speculative Horizons blog)
David Gemmell was a fantasy powerhouse, and Midnight Falcon is one of...
I am currently revisiting the Rigante novels and am struck anew by the utter quality on show. David Gemmell's writing is amongst the best the fantasy genre has on offer, and... Read more
Published on 15 April 2009 by Robbie Swale
Superb!
I tend to go through phases when reading fantasy type books, sometimes I like the easy reads and sometimes I like the really in depth ones. Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2006 by Mr. D. Peacey
My favourite Gemmell book yet
The rigante novels have really strong characters, and this book really opens them up and explores their feelings and relationships. Read more
Published on 8 May 2004 by Matthew D. Hayward
Midnight Falcon
I just thought I would say what a great book this is.The second book in the Rigante series manages to fill me with a passion for more. This is great stuff. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2002 by "madnewt"
A new legend is born....
After Sword in the Storm, I was disappointed, because it ended so quickly. I was relieved when Midnight Falcon was released, so i could finish the story. But it was not to be. Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2001
I am converted!
My wife reads millions of fantasy type books and i have always dismissed them as nonsense about elves, trolls and hobgoblins and not a lot else. I stand corrected. Read more
Published on 22 Aug 2001 by Sean Goodall (seang_emmat@onetel.net.uk)
fantastic. definately one of his best
This book is full of the action and exciting swordplay that so many people read David Gemmells brilliant books for. Read more
Published on 7 July 2001 by sheila.harrington@btinternet.com
Excellent hard to put down
I love this book, well written staying to what the reader wants to hear, he also left a lot of unanswerd questions for the to decide what happens. Read more
Published on 21 May 2001
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