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kvinwtm_'s review against another edition
4.5
However tropey and predictable they are, I can't help myself but immensely enjoy these Gemmell books!
jobby's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great book with a big heart. A native and conquered race, the Rigante, who bear quite a resemblance to Scottish Celts, must deal with being ruled by the conquerors, the Varlish (Britons?). Whilst following a few main characters this book looks at how the conquered people are segregated and have punitive laws forced upon them.
The main story follows a young Rigante named Kaelin Ring as he avenges the rape and death of a friend and becomes a man. He must learn to live amongst his own folk and to calm his anger. He is guided and helped by his aunt, who is quite the businesswoman, and Jaim Grymauch, a man who embodies the soul and spirit of the Rigante.
Kaelin starts off badly in his relations to others but gains control of himself and eventually becomes quite the hero.
Gemmell's writing is great and flows nicely, occasionally shifting point of view depending on which character the story is following. The characters are interesting and even the heroes are flawed, making them all the more believable.
Oh, and unusually, I found myself actually crying towards the end of the book! Like I said, a book with a big heart!
Much recommended, though it's worth reading the two previous Rigante books before this one.
The main story follows a young Rigante named Kaelin Ring as he avenges the rape and death of a friend and becomes a man. He must learn to live amongst his own folk and to calm his anger. He is guided and helped by his aunt, who is quite the businesswoman, and Jaim Grymauch, a man who embodies the soul and spirit of the Rigante.
Kaelin starts off badly in his relations to others but gains control of himself and eventually becomes quite the hero.
Gemmell's writing is great and flows nicely, occasionally shifting point of view depending on which character the story is following. The characters are interesting and even the heroes are flawed, making them all the more believable.
Oh, and unusually, I found myself actually crying towards the end of the book! Like I said, a book with a big heart!
Much recommended, though it's worth reading the two previous Rigante books before this one.
bremdey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
daizan10's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful tale of a hero
I read the first Rigante book without expectations. I found it over the top in its hero and predictable in his invincibility in any situation. This helped form expectations for book 2 and 3. But book 2 was better and this, book 3 better still. The invincible type character is not the main character and so you are far enough removed to not get bored by his fears of heroism. Trying not to spoil i will just say this characters arc is unexpected when taken along side connovar from book 1 and the end of the book is genuinely moving . I worthwhile may have been put off by book 1 and not got this far and urge them to go back to the Rigante.
I read the first Rigante book without expectations. I found it over the top in its hero and predictable in his invincibility in any situation. This helped form expectations for book 2 and 3. But book 2 was better and this, book 3 better still. The invincible type character is not the main character and so you are far enough removed to not get bored by his fears of heroism. Trying not to spoil i will just say this characters arc is unexpected when taken along side connovar from book 1 and the end of the book is genuinely moving . I worthwhile may have been put off by book 1 and not got this far and urge them to go back to the Rigante.
arqune's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the third novel in the Rigante series, which just gets better with each book.
The story moves ahead 800 years from the time of Conovar and Bane, where the Rigante are now mostly a conquered and oppressed people, but events are about to happen that will reawaken the Rigante fighting spirit.
This is a tale that has everything from pulse-pounding action, to gut wrenching emotion and a finale that will leave you emotionally stunned.
The story moves ahead 800 years from the time of Conovar and Bane, where the Rigante are now mostly a conquered and oppressed people, but events are about to happen that will reawaken the Rigante fighting spirit.
This is a tale that has everything from pulse-pounding action, to gut wrenching emotion and a finale that will leave you emotionally stunned.
cat_brewsandreviews's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book when I was about 15 and this was my first reread of it. I'm so glad I returned to this book because it's now one of my favourite Gemmell books. I don't think that I realised how impactful this book was the first time I read it, but I really do now. The whole book consistently builds up to a tear-jerking finale (okay, I was sobbing), and it's so beautifully done with every character arc and story tying together perfectly. Also Jaim Grymauch; his character and everything he stands for is so beautifully written. I'll definitely be rereading this again.
shimauchiha's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this made me want to be better, a better writer, a better daughter, a better person.
And it did things to my heart, sad wonderful things.
I can't see anything else one could ask of a book, but if there is , I assure you this book will have it, Because this, like many of Gemmell's works, is one of the ones. The books that remind you why you started reading in the first place. The books that remind you why you should never stop.
cardus24's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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