White Knight/Black Swan

I've always been a huge Gemmell fan and have searched for great authors after his death. I've found a few, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, Scott Lynch, but ran out of authors. I just stumbled across this book as have had a book drought of late. After reading the reviews I bought this book.. and read it from cover to cover non stop in one night. It's now 4.30am and I will be a wreck at work tomorrow, but a good book is always worth it. David should have written more in this style, it's a brilliant engaging story and highly recommend it to any of his fans and other searching for a great read. Oh how we miss David Gemmell, one of the greats.

Bimbo is Druss-like in his simplicity and rigid code. He also possesses tremendous generosity and despite growing up rough, he remains charitable in all his ways. The context of the story is quite different from any other Gemmell books however the narrative flows well and this is a powerhouse read. So glad I found it!The uncompromising nature of the heroes in Gemmells books are always so compelling in today's day and age. I have learned so much about manhood from his books and the traits that I'd like to see more of in myself.

I thought I had read all of David Gemmell's books some years ago...even re-read a few, so imagine my surprise when I found this whilst trawling for my next binge read....and binge I did, finished the book within 36 hours of purchase and regret nothing of the 3am finish for the book, knowing I had to be up at 6am for work; I just couldn't put it down!Gemmell had written some iconic characters in his time, does Bimbo stand up there with the best? That's a question I'd rather not answer, read the book and make your own choice

Reading this early novel from David Gemmell was a pleasure in every aspect. Not only is it a great story, but the characters are all well drawn and interesting. It also illustrates how sorely missed Gemmell is on the literary scene.

I will read any book written by Gemmel. These were earlier works before Druss was born. I this book gives the idea of where the idea of Druss came from. His writing is still superb and action flows the same way this other books have. There is a sense of magic in this book and the connections of the various characters. I enjoy this genre and have been blown away by Gemmell. He remains a master of prose.Read it, you won't be disappointed.

I have read all of David Gemmell's heroic fantasy books and loved them! This novel was in a completely different genre but the penmanship of Gemmell is still superb. An excellent read!

Great book with all the classic Gemmell elements. It's a pity he didn't have a chance to write more like this before he left us.

An unusual story for Gemmell, but it's his unmistakable style. Very good.

Originally published in 1993 under the pseudonym Ross Harding, this was legendary fantasy author Gemmell’s only known foray into a different literary genre. That was of course until the discovery of what was effectively a lost work, ‘Rhyming Rings’. Inevitably the publication of ‘Rhyming Rings’ has led to ‘White Knight / Black Swan’ being reissued under Gemmell’s own name.It’s a very welcome re-release, not only because it comes from the pen of David Gemmell, but also because the original had become quite a rare, and subsequently exceedingly expensive, novel to obtain. Now it is more accessible it can be enjoyed by a wider marketLike ‘Rhyming Rings’ this is another venture into the world of crime novels and has a similar atmosphere to it. It also has the same sort of concerns and issues forming the backdrop to the story; such as crime, poverty and prejudice in eighties London. However, whereas ‘Rhyming Rings’ was effectively a cop murder mystery type genre, ‘White Knight / Black Swan’ is concerned with protection rackets and criminal gangs.But like all Gemmell’s novels, the heart of the story is about the moral heroism of the individual, one who may be reluctant but takes a stand when someone needs to. The lead character, Bimbo, is not an obvious ‘hero’ as a heavy and enforcer for his employer’s protection racket, but it is his actions for what he believes is right that inspire a whole community. He becomes quite an endearing character as he develops and has much in common with many of Gemmell’s heroes in his fantasy novels.Gemmell is rightfully renowned as one of the world’s greatest fantasy authors. This novel, and the aforementioned ‘Rhyming Rings’, reveal that he was more than capable of tackling other genres and raise the question of why he didn’t write more crime orientated novels, and, perhaps, decided not to attempt to get ‘Rhyming Rings’ published. However, both have proved a massive bonus to fans of Gemmell’s work by coming out over a decade after his unfortunate loss. Who knows, maybe another ‘lost’ work will be found. However unlikely, let’s hope so. Hope is after all the inspiration for heroes.

After picking up a copy of Legend in an airport in the early 90's I became completely addicted to anything that Gemmell wrote and would be first in line on the day of release for each of his books. I have multiples of everything including 2 rare graphic novels, but despite trying for years could never afford a copy of this book when it was published under Ross Harding. I was devastated when he passed on my birthday and had totally given up hope of ever having the spell binding all night pleasure of reading one of his books for the first time again.I loved this book, as some others have mentioned you can see a lot of Druss being crafted in the main character Bimbo. David even from beyond you have truly made me a very happy man!I have seen Stella release a couple of her own books, Stella if you ever read this I would pay in spades if you put some of the stories together that David hints at, The war of the Twins is something I would love to read (and I am sure he must have put the frame work in place for this and many others)

Has there ever been a greater loss to the world of heroic fantasy than the untimely and sudden death of David Gemmell..?No spoilers here but suffice it to say that if you're a Gemmell fan you need to read this book and his other little previously unknown gem 'Rhyming Rings'. Not classic Gemmell as we all knew and loved but still Gemmell and therefore well worth a read. Both books were written under a pseudonym early in his writing career and are different from the usual, but what a delight to have discovered them both on the bookshelf of a shop one day a couple of years ago. I literally couldn't believe my eyes.

Since stumbling across Waylander in a school library in the early 90's, I have devoured each of Gemmell's books with a passion. I had no idea he had written a non fantasy book until hearing recently via the wonderful 'Wisdom of Gemmell' Twitter feed.I was a little uncertain about reading this - whilst Gemmell was one of the all time great fantasy writers, could that really translate over to gritty London underworld fiction?The answer is - of course - a resounding "yes" and I loved every minute of this book.How to describe it with no spoilers?The prose is tight, sparse, reminiscent of the aforementioned Waylander and in the same way conjuring up a bleak and grim world where heroes are scorned and happiness is fleeting.The themes and characters hark back to some familiar territory, brought to life in fresh ways. We have the usual big burly fighters, ageing idealists, and deeply flawed humans struggling to find the goodness within.The main character Bimmy is an absolute treasure, like a Drenai warrior transported to a run down London estate and trying to cpme to terms with the cynicism and desperation around him. Unlike most of Gemmell's books where characters like Bimmy would be part of the supporting cast, it was refreshing and fascinating to read from the point of view of a hero who lacks the usual intelligence and wit, who is not erudite, or able to understand and eloquently communicate his emotions.Whilst the book does seem a little unpolished, this actually complements the overall mood. The ending feels a little rushed and leaves many questions around many of the characters, my overall feeling is that this is a hidden gem of a tale. Losing David Gemmell was not just a loss to the world of fantasy...White Knight/Black Swan also shows he had much to offer the world of contemporary fiction. But he has left me believing once more that there is a Druss or a Morningstar buried however deeply, in the heart of all men, no matter the universe.

I thought I’d never read another David Gemmell book, his modelling of characters, his love of the story. It doesnt matter which time or place its set in, there is no replacement for the master of the story and he was the master of the story. Rest In Peace David and through your story’s you will live on.