Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

David Gemmell has been writing popular fantasy books for years now and anyone who has read any of his previous works will have a rough idea what to expect from this one. In this first book of the “Rigante” series we follow the childhood of Connavar, a member of one of the Rigante clans. As he grows to adulthood he shows considerable natural talents and certain mystical beings take an unusual level of interest in him.

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There is nothing really new in this book. It features many of Gemmells favorite themes all mixed together with a healthy dose of tragedy. One thing I’ve noticed about Gemmell’s writing is that with each book the deaths and tragedies seem to increase.

There’s plenty to enjoy about this story. Its an easy read, well written and flows along nicely. Theres a nice range of characters most with a little bit of depth to them. It doesn’t take long before you start to care about what happens to them.

My biggest criticism would probably be that it is rather bitty. In many ways it reads like a series of short events all linked together rather than an ongoing narrative.

This book is really just a leadup to the “main event”, the invasion of the Armies of Stone. An event which is repeatedly foreshadowed throughout the story.

So another solid and entertaining read, but Gemmell isn’t really stretching himself here. He’s written better.