Ghost King (The Stones of Power)

by David Gemmell

Paperback, 1995

Status

Available

Call number

823.914

Publication

Del Rey (1995), 304 pages

Description

The first volume of the Stones of Power sequence. Beyond WOLF IN SHADOW to an earlier layer in David Gemmell's fantasy of the Sipstrassi Stones: rebellion and invasion plunge Britannia into the Dark Ages.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Karlstar
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
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things came a little too easily for the hero.
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LibraryThing member SonicQuack
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
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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 and the emotional impact of his better works is missing here. A good story, with an interesting fantasy angle, yet missing the Gemmell magic.
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LibraryThing member jcrben
David Gemmell always injects good creativity and drama into his books. They aren't realistic or gritty, but they're entertaining. Pulp fiction.
LibraryThing member Bridgey
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
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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 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'.
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LibraryThing member librisissimo
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member librisissimo
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
Show More
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.
Show Less

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

1988

Physical description

304 p.; 4.18 inches

ISBN

0345379020 / 9780345379023
Page: 0.3252 seconds