Book Review – Ravenheart
Author: David Gemmell
Publisher: Bantam
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: April 2001
I have been on a bit of David Gemmell binge of late, and my most recent read Ravenheart, the third installment in Gemmell’s Rigante series continues to add to my wonder how anyone can think of his Drenai novel Legend to be the example of Gemmell’s best work. The simple notion is ridiculous to me personally, as from the novels I have read I would say Legend is by far his poorest work. Ravenheart, as did the last novel I read by Gemmell, Ironhand’s Daughter, furthers my appreciation for Mr. Gemmell as an author. You won’t find anything to complex in Ravenheart, and yes, the Rigante novels all seem very similar thematically, and all deal with a socially oppressed, past conquered people who endure and depict the paths to regain their freedom. This novel differs slightly however in my opinion, and for the better, as it seems Gemmell gives more duty to his supporting characters, and although there is little arguing who the main character is the roles of the secondary characters have just as much, and perhaps even more impact in this novel as the principle character. Ravenheart is really an interesting read about a conquered people, the assimilation of the conquered people into a new society with new theocracy and social nuances, and touches on aspects like racism, hope, and the worth of the spirit of one man. A very nice example of heroic fantasy, with just enough extra elements to make for a enjoyable, entertaining read.
You don’t have to read the two prior novels, however, for historical references it may prove useful, and I always recommend reading novels in their published order the majority of the time, but Ravenheart can most definitely be read as a stand-alone novel, and takes place some 700 years after the events of the prior novel Midnight Falcon, in which the Rigante successfully defeated an invasion attempt by the Varlish. Throughout the course of time seemingly the Varlish culture/civilization grew and with advanced technology during this time were able to conquer the Rigante people, which is how Ravenheart begins. The Rigante are conquered and have been assimilated into Varlish society, however with many restrictions. Tribesman (the Rigante) are looked upon as something less than citizens, they are allowed to own land, but not in excess, they are not allowed to hold majority stakes in business, nor can they carry swords, and during times of festivals or public events the Rigante are permitted to only inhabit certain areas, segregated from the Varlish, the punishment for these “crimes” is final. The glorious history of the Rigante, full of heroic valor from warrior kings had been suppressed and slowly changed by the Varlish, who have taken the Rigante historical figures and either denounced them or claimed them as Varlish descendants, and teach this to the children in schools both (Varlish, and Tribesmen). A quintessential example of the term “History is written by the winners”. All this is implemented due to the simple fact the Varlish still in fact fear the Rigante, and want to deprive them of any self worth, demoralizing the Rigante population into continued peaceful subjugation. Gemmell really does an admirable job depicting the Varlish/Rigante society, and thankfully includes Varlish citizens who for the most part are not evil characters, but for the most are just as ignorant themselves, and don’t aspire to involve themselves in matters outside of the basics of their own life. Gemmell does an exceptional job handling here, and turns his depiction of the society into the books strength in my opinion.
The main character in Ravenheart is a teenage boy named Kaelin Ring, who is Rigante, and lives with his Aunt, Maev Ring, who is perhaps the most successful of the Rigante in regards to business sense and reforming herself enough to be financially successful in Varlish society – but make no mistake she is Rigante. Kaelin’s father had been killed by treachery from the Varlish overlord of the Rigante, Moidart, before he was born, but really is no different than any other Rigantte child, until one day a girl he was interested in, was raped and killed by some Varlish, presumably because she was In fact Varlish and interested in Kaelin. This starts Kaelin down the path of being a Rigante warrior, and will take him to obtaining his personal vengeance, to aiding the Black Rigante, who live north and practice their old customs in semi-autonomy, however, only due to a very tenuous agreement with the Varlish. Kaelin is an interesting character who is absolutely relentless in everything he does, his growth from a boy listening to the old glories of the Rigante from his uncle Jaim Grymauch, to a fierce Rigantte leader, is actually an interesting read no matter how cliché it sounds. Like I said earlier there is nothing complex about Gemmell’s plots, nothing that will shock you, no twists, however I must admit I am quite impressed with how well he delivers his admittedly non-complex, very linear storylines. As a reader you absolutely already know what’s going to happen to basically each character but it still delivers on entertainment value, which cannot be said about the majority of the formulaic authors one will come across in fantasy. Another character who plays a pivotal role is the aforementioned uncle of Kaelin, Jaim. Jaim, was Kalein’s father’s best friend, and was present during his death and since has become a bit of a wanderer, a bar frequenter, often having to leave them due to his penchant for tavern scuffles, steals livestock, in essence still a true Rigante, and more aptly his spirit is the very embodiment of the Rigante, which is remarked upon by just about any character whether Varlish or Rigante that he is mentioned to. His story is the most emotionally gripping of the story.
Mr. Gemmell tends to have one such character in every novel that is meant for the reader to become attached to and represent ideals and beliefs that are seemingly larger than life, and Jaim is that character in Ravenheart, and he delivers throughout the novel, never disappointing. The plight and story depicted by Gemmell of Jaim, the true Rigante, will be an absolute pleasure for any who appreciated Gemmell’s prior work, or fans of Heroic Fantasy. Some other characters of note include Alterith Shaddler, a Varlish teacher, who goes through a nice transition of being one who taught the false histories, ignorantly, and becoming someone who began to support the Rigante, and more importantly truth in the story. Also the son of the Modiart (this is not a spoiler, as it is very evident upon reading he is almost assuredly not the Moidart’s son but Kaelin’s brother) Gaise Macon who has but a small role in Ravenheart, but apparently plays a major role in the sequel entitled Stormrider.
Ravenheart delivers on many levels, first of all it’s simply entertaining; it delivers a real touching story with Jaim; involving pride, inspiration, and love, it chronicles the coming of age of Kaelin into a true Rigante and a man like his uncle Jaim and his father before him, and offers a nice cast of secondary characters, and not only delivers a very nice climactic ending but leaves a lot of interesting directions to go with for a sequel, in regards to Gaise Macon. I actually enjoyed Ravenheart, even with the drawbacks I mentioned; Gemmell’s redundancy in theme being the chief one, and the fact that nothing really surprised me during my reading, but Gemmell still pulls off an admittedly solid reading experience.
Ravenheart was a damn good read and a gratifying venture into heroic fantasy, while creating just enough subtance in his secondary characters, and keeping mindful in regards to the history of the Rigante between novels and the series just enough to appease continuity freaks like me.
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