Midnight Falcon (Rigante 2) [Paperback]

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 This text refers to the Hardback Edition of this book.

His new Rigante novel.

They called him Bane the Bastard - though none said it to his face. Born of treachery, his name a curse, he grew up among the warriors of the Rigante. They valued his skills in war, but they feared the violence in his heart.

And when, as a Wolfshead and Outlaw, he left Rigante lands, they breathed sighs of relief.

But Bane would return, the destiny of the Rigante in his hands, the fate of the world resting on his skills with a blade.

Midnight Falcon continues the tale of the Rigante, which began in Sword in the Storm, and tells the epic story of Bane, the bastard son of Connavar the King, and his quest for vengeance in a world of blood, honour, betrayal and love.

His new Rigante novel.

An epic story begins with a young man's avowal: 'Tell him that one day I shall cut his vile heart out.' The speaker is Bane the Bastard, a Wolfshead living outside the law. Born of treachery, his name a curse, he grew up among the warriors of the Rigante. They valued his skills in war, but they feared the violence in his heart.

Seventeen years after his birth, self-exile takes Bane to a rats' nest: the Great City of Stone. Here, where gladiators kill for a living, the Crimson Priests have created a reign of terror by breeding enough malice and hatred to last a hundred lifetimes. Yet here, too, the beleaguered Tree Cultists, led by the mysterious Veiled Lady, endeavour to practise their philosophy of love.

By now seeking the ultimate vengeance, Bane the Bastard prepares to join battle to destroy the Myth of Stone. The days of blood are drawing near, and this son of an undefeated warrior king - Connovar, the fabled Demonblade - must fight to save his world.

Midnight Falcon continues the compelling tale of the Rigante, which began in Sword in the Storm, and confirms David Gemmell as one of the most absorbing contemporary writers of heroic fantasy.

David A. Gemmell's first novel, Legend, was first published in 1984 and went on to become a classic. His most recent Drenai and Rigante novels are available as Corgi paperbacks; all are Sunday Times bestsellers.

Widely regarded as the finest writer of heroic fantasy, David Gemmell lived in Sussex until his death in July 2006.