Okay, review time...Midnight Falcon (Bane's soul name) doesn't follow on directly from Sword In The Storm. There is about a fourteen year gap, giving time for Bane to grow into his teens. The main focus of this book is Bane's life and character as the outcast bastard son of Connavar, now the tribal king and famed Demonblade...Bane has just lost his mother and after years of trying to gain his father's love, or even a kind word, seems lost of hope. He's grown to be a strong warrior, even at fifteen, but he's been outcast by his Rigante tribe, as his mother was outcast when she bore Connavar's illegitimate child. Though the resemblance between father and son is without question, right down to the odd coloured eyes...Bane's only friends are the witch Vorna and her son Banouin, whom Bane protected as they grew amongst the Rigante. Bane sets out on a journey, at Vorna's request, to protect Banoiun on his journey to Stone. Stone shows great similarity to our ancient Rome, though here the renowned general Jasaray and his armies are the enemy. As are the deadly knights, known as the Crimson Priests.In the journey to Stone alone, we see much of what Gemmell did so well; the depth of character's and the distinctly different complex personalities and hearts of people. The conversations between Bane and Banouin are a prime example of this. Bane is an outcast, a warrior, and a killer, but he relishes every day he lives and will give his life for those he loves. Banouin, well, he wants to be away from savages like his friend and The Rigante. Banouin thinks, but does not act, he moans and lives in regret and bitterness, he thinks Bane's life is savage and foolish and that the people of Stone are more civilized. Partly because Banouin's father, his namesake, was from Stone and a revered general until he left to join the peaceful Rigante. There are way too many twists and turns in this book to mention, and I wouldn't spoil that for you ;) But, Bane finds love, he also finds what it is to be loved. He finds an enemy, he hones his warrior skills, and he finds himself. Banouin is also on a journey, and the Seidh Goddess The Morrigu keeps making timely appearances. There are surprises in store for Connavar too, and many other characters.This book is a journey, and not just for one man. It's a read of characters and people not unlike many we might know. This book, in my opinion, is one of Gemmell's best. It's also the second best in the Rigante series. It can be read as a stand alone book, though if you've read Sword In The Storm prior to this book it will fill in much of the background to this one.Oh, as a side note: I've read this book at least fifteen times over the years, as I used to rotate all my really good reads. I still do with some ;)
This author is amazing. I was told to read this series by Orson Scott Card at a seminar of his. He said to read it if you want to understand strength of character. He's right. The characters in these books are faced with such heart wrenching decisions it makes you want to cry. David Gemmell writes his characters with such power. As young Bane tries to make something of his life, he must overcome not just physical obstacles, but ones of friendship and loyalty as well. The main part of the story is driven by Bane's lust for vengeance but there is an underlying moral that carries him through to the end. There is such truth in the morals presented here, such dilemma and revelation that I dare say anyone could learn a thing or two about love and forgiveness from this novel. True love, like caring for all fellow men, not romantic love, which can be found anywhere and is rarely spiritually uplifting. This book is a gem, rare indeed. The writing is amazing and the action is superb. Everyone must read this series.
What do You think about Midnight Falcon (2001)?
Gemmell, the Rigante and this book in particular hold a special place in my heart. One of the first books I got on loan from he whom would become my favourite cousin and the first Gemmell book read on release I was initially disappointed in the protagonist switch - however this book soon became a pine of my favourites and part of my favourite Gemmell series. A great character piece and one of the late greats best, this is probably the standout novel of the Rigante four as I tend to lump 3 and 4 together as one book.Advised you read this if a fan of Gemmell or Conn Iggulden.
—Stephen Mccullough
After finishing Sword in the Storm I rushed out to get this second book in the series. It has a totally different feel to the previous one, but wasn't less enjoyable. I liked the story, but as with all tales that span a generation or two, the cycle of time does bring with it heartache and sorrow and I felt it while reading the story of Bane. A big chunk of that emotion came from being reunited with familiar characters from the previous book and to see how time has carved its progress in their lives. I enjoyed Bane's evolution from hothead fighter to lethal gladiator in the Arena. That was a satisfying experience. And as with the previous book, the story is far from predictable, and as with my previous review I'm keeping it short and vague. This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in heroic fantasy. I'm on a mission to read all of David Gemmell's books, and I think my next one will be Legend.
—Woelf Dietrich
This book is without a doubt one of my top favorite books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, if not thee top. The first one was entertaining and a great read, but this one is an absolute wonder. I can't really say what it is about this book that is so fascinating, just that I love every single aspect. Bane is a wonderful character who has a lot of depth and range. I find it rare to come across such well-written characters, so that immediately drew me into the book. I have probably read this a total of four to five times in the last few years, and not once does it get old. I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone who just loves a great story regardless of genre. Kudos to David Gemmell for a most excellent book.
—Jenna Stanley
