Ghost King

I like Gemmell's combination of practical cynicism and realistic idealism, although this is not the best example of his writing.
The Arthurian connection was an interesting "hook" but was such a mish-mash of traditions and original material I think it is best approached as off-earth fantasy, or alternate history.
Gemmel is usually quite savvy about weapons and warriors, but he falls into the common trap of the genre in transforming his wimpy hero into a master swordsman in only a couple of months.
Anyone who actually fences knows that can't be done; there is too much muscle-memory and technique that has to be started at an early age and practiced continually.
Swords are not guns.
NOTE: 2 episodes of mild but still graphic sex.

Ghost King - David Gemmell *****

I was first introduced to Gemmell by way of the Jon Shannow novels, but at the time I didn't realise they were part of a larger series of books that deal with Sipstrassi stomes.

Ghost King is the first in this series and is set in a version of Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. The story has been repeated many times over the years, a weak Prince is suddenly made King and must face his own fears in order to rule his people against a coming war. What really makes this book stand out from the rest is the unique way in which Gemmell has woven real history, well known myth and his own creations.

Sipstrassi enables it's user to create anything, he is only bound by his own imagination but the stones show more themselves have a limited power and change colour each time they are used. Once a stone is empty it can be repowered using blood, however these stones are no longer able to be used for a number of things (including the making of food) and are therefore more likely to be used for wrongdoing. Tied in closely with Arthurian legend this book really does have a bit of everything and although I can't say it was as good as the Shannow novels, it would still be a perfect introduction to the author.

The only point that slightly disappointed me was that whenever a character would mention something that they had seen or were warned about you could pretty much guarantee it would appear within a few pages (I hope we don't meet a vampire.... oh look here comes one now), this did take away a little bit of the surprise.

A brilliant book and I can't wait to read the next one 'Last Sword of Power'. show less

King Aurealis Maximus, and Prince Thuro are on an embassy mission visiting Lord Eldared, ruler of Deicester Castle. However, the invite is a trap - the embassy party is betrayed, the King is slain, and Prince Thuro manages to escape with the help of a young woman he has met. Thuro, a weak, young man, must train in the art of battle in order to take rule of his inherited kingdom, and take control of his own destiny.

In spite of being set in pre-medieval England, "Ghost King" is a typical Gemmell book. I don't mean that in a dismissive way (in fact, I love the formula), but there's nothing here to differentiate it from Gemmel's numerous other "heroic fantasy" novels. There are good people and bad people. The bad people occasionally do good show more things, and the good people occasionally do bad things. People overcome significant obstacles, often with a lot of bloodshed and lives lost. Oh, and everyone is extremely arrogant, and there is little in the way of character development.

The other point that needs to be made is that there are a lot of coincidences, and a lot of just-so moments. Everyone seems to be related in some way, or have known eachother in a previous era or setting. Using the idea of destiny can only work so far before the plot becomes convoluted and contrived.

Although there are some serious issues with the book, it is a fun read, but Gemmell has done this sort of story better elsewhere. show less

Just finished reading this again as I work my way through all my Gemmell novels, & though I admit it isn't his best book there is still more than enough in there to keep the pages turning. Gemmell makes no excuses for his take on the Arthurian legend & no pretence of any historical accuracy.
The bulk of the story takes place in post-Roman Britain as various native tribes fight for dominance. During peace negotiations Thuro, the main character, father is assassinated & the remainder of the book is basically his fight to stay alive initially & then regain his fathers kingdom.
This book at times goes a little farther than Gemmells usual & it does detract from the flow of the book with all the references to virtually every notable historical show more figure before & during the times of the Roman Empire. If you are new to David Gemmell this probably isn't the book to start at, if you're like me & own virtually everything Gemmell has published then this book is a good read in a long list of excellent books. show less

Ghost King falls between two of Gemmell's best cycles, emerging from the Drenai series and before the Rigante books. It is the first of a two book story and although it wraps up the storyline in this volume, a lot of character development takes place in Ghost King. It follows the path of a slight prince who must face up to his legacy, which becomes more and more complex as his journey develops. There is a broad mix of characters set against an alternate history of the British Dark Ages, with enough nods to the classic Gemmell strengths - powerful and confident heroes, artful archers, powerful warriors, diabolical enemies and a web that entangles them all. Overall though, it seems that Gemmell is going through the motions with this one show more and the emotional impact of his better works is missing here. A good story, with an interesting fantasy angle, yet missing the Gemmell magic. show less

One of the Rigante cycle, one that goes way back into the past. I found these books a bit confusing, as the world felt a little too much like Earth, as if the Rigante were supposed to be Scots or Celts, but it isn't Earth. Not bad, just a little under Gemmell's usual standards. It seemed like things came a little too easily for the hero.

David Gemmell always injects good creativity and drama into his books. They aren't realistic or gritty, but they're entertaining. Pulp fiction.