Promotional Information

The eagerly awaited third Rigante novel. A sequel to the bestselling Midnight Falcon

About the Author

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 tragic death in July 2006.

Reviews

'In the realm of people-driven fantasy fiction, Gemmell sets the standard'
*Time Out*

'The blend of gentle humour and hard, bloody steel combine to give every fantasy fan what they most desire'
*Enigma*

'In the realm of people-driven fantasy fiction, Gemmell sets the standard' * Time Out *
'The blend of gentle humour and hard, bloody steel combine to give every fantasy fan what they most desire' * Enigma *

Adult/High School-Kaelin Ring (Ravenheart) is growing up in a society torn by hatred. The proud Rigante are subjugated by the equally proud Varlish, and neither group sees much of value in the other. A series of atrocities, graphically but not gratuitously described, sharpen Kaelin Ring's hatred. He kills two Varlish soldiers who are about to escape justice for raping a young Varlish woman who dared to associate with him. The scenario will be familiar enough to anyone who sees the news reports of ethnic strife around the globe. In Gemmell's hands, the tale evolves into something more complex, and members of each group slowly recognize the nobility present in members of the other, and come to terms with some of their own weaknesses. Kaelin's awkward relationship with a young woman he desires, Chara Jace, adds to the cauldron of emotions. Gemmell gives readers heroes with deep flaws and antagonists with surprising moments of virtue, as well as a few entertainingly black-hearted villains. The frequently bloody action is interspersed with epiphanies about the value of human life, and Kaelin's experiences are balanced with those of a Varlish boy, Gaise Macon, aka Stormrider. (A sequel to Ravenheart, Stormrider is due out in February, 2002.) This fast-moving book will appeal to fans of action and adventure. The book uses material from The Sword in the Storm and Midnight Falcon (both Ballantine, 2001) for background, but since those books were set 800 years earlier, this one doesn't seem at all like a sequel.-Paul Brink, Fairfax County Public Library System, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

British author Gemmell's books are international best sellers, and Legend, his first novel of the Rigante, has been in print since its publication in 1984. Here, the enslaved Rigante look for a daring hero who will be called Ravenheart and who will set them free. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.