Title: Ravenheart
Author: David Gemmell
First published January 1, 2001
427 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345432285 (ISBN10: 0345432282)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
For centuries, the Rigante have been fighting for their freedom and culture. But now, the Wyrd of Wishing Tree Wood is the only one left who follows the ancient ways and knows the danger that’s coming.
With hope in her heart, she relies on two men: a giant Rigante warrior, who is haunted by his past failures, and a young boy with deadly skills, who will make enemies of the Varlish. Together, they must become the Ravenheart and forge a legend that will inspire their people to fight for their rights.
Will they be able to lead their people to victory against the brutal invaders? Find out in David Gemmell’s epic adventure, Ravenheart.
About the Author
David Andrew Gemmell, a British author renowned for his heroic fantasy novels, was also a skilled journalist and editor before his debut fiction work was published in 1984. Gemmell’s impressive bibliography boasts over thirty novels, each one delving into themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption, while still maintaining a level of violence that adds depth and intensity to his storytelling.
Legend, his first and most celebrated novel, has sold over a million copies worldwide, and his other works continue to captivate readers across the globe.
Editoral Review
Ravenheart by David Gemmell is a gripping fantasy novel that delivers thrilling action, complex characters, and epic battles. Gemmell is a prolific British writer who has made a name for himself as one of the best fantasy authors of his generation.
His work is marked by vivid descriptions, dynamic action scenes, and a strong sense of moral conflict, all of which are on display in Ravenheart. The book is set in a fantasy world where magic is real and powerful, and the fate of kingdoms is decided by sword and spear.
The protagonist, Ravenheart, is a skilled warrior who is haunted by his past and seeks redemption for his past sins. Along the way, he meets a cast of intriguing characters, including a wise wizard, a fierce young woman who becomes his love interest, and a powerful king who is fighting for his throne.
The plot of Ravenheart is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Gemmell does an excellent job of keeping the story moving forward, while also providing enough exposition to make the world and characters feel fully realized.
The book’s themes of honor, loyalty, and redemption are all handled with nuance and depth, adding an emotional resonance to the action. Gemmell’s writing style is highly engaging, with a strong narrative voice and a knack for vivid imagery.
He also excels at creating memorable characters, from the heroic Ravenheart to the treacherous villains who oppose him. The book’s battle scenes are particularly well-done, with Gemmell showing a keen eye for tactics and strategy.
One potential weakness of Ravenheart is that it can feel somewhat formulaic at times, following many of the conventions of the fantasy genre. However, Gemmell’s mastery of these conventions ensures that the book still feels fresh and exciting.
Additionally, some readers may find the level of violence and gore in the book to be off-putting, although this is par for the course in the fantasy genre. Overall, Ravenheart is a highly entertaining and gripping fantasy novel that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Gemmell’s engaging writing style, memorable characters, and exciting action make for a thrilling read. While the book may not push the boundaries of the fantasy genre, it is a solid and satisfying addition to the canon.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and exciting adventure in a richly-realized fantasy world. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
