Wednesday 17 May 2017

FICTION REVIEW: Rhyming Rings - David Gemmell

Release Date: 18/05/17
Publisher:  Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

David Gemmell was the UK's number one fantasy and historical novelist until his death in 2006. A regular Sunday Times bestseller, and international sensation, his legacy lives on through his novels, his influence on the genre, and through the David Gemmell Legend awards.

Rhyming Rings is a never-before-seen Gemmell novel, discovered in his papers by his widow, Stella Gemmell. Merging autobiographical details of Gemmell's life as a journalist in South London with a serial killer and a tinge of the supernatural, this is perfect for fans of David's work, as well as readers of gritty crime novels. Set against the backdrop of a London simmering with poverty, change and racial tension, this taut thriller is a fitting legacy for the great writer.

This book includes a brand new introduction from massive Gemmell fan Conn Iggulden, and an afterword by Gemmell's friend Stan Nicholls.

An ambidextrous killer is murdering women, leaving virtually no evidence behind, and struggling journalist Jeremy Miller wishes he was covering the case. Instead, he's stuck with heart-warming local stories about paraplegic teenagers and elderly psychic ladies.

So when his stories and the murder case start to converge no one is more surprised than Jeremy.

Or, it turns out, more at risk.


REVIEW:

Many readers know I've been a fan of David's work for a number of years and whilst a lot of people remember key parts of thier life through music, I've always been one to remember them by books with David's forming a huge chunk of my own history.

So when he passed back in 2006 it felt tha tI'd had a huge part of my reading world pulled out from under me leaving me lost and bereft mourning characters I'd never gotten to know and stories that were lost yet to be told.

Upon learning of Stella had found an unpublished title that wouldn't to quote David himself "curdle milk" I was more than interested to see what would be presented. A new Fantasy, an epic historical release or perhaps even a new fictional title in much the same way that the fans Holy Grail novel "White Knight Black Swan" was. (Incidently being rereleased on the 21st September 2017 by Gollancz.)

What is presented within is a story that will be devoured appealing to crime readers alongside fans of his fantasy titles. The principle character is delightfully familiar to those who know David's work as well as those who've had a glimpse at the man himself and brings the magic that he was known for into a modern fiction setting. Its well written, the prose is sharp and all round the story is developed with the usual Gemmell magic that leaves you lost in time, wondering what happened to the world around you as the final page turned.

Its thought provoking, its a cracking experience and as a fan I really hope that there's other hidden gems out there. I can only congratulate the estate as well as the publishers for bringing this to the fore and allowing us fans another chance to experience the magic of a new novel. Finally, to sum up, its a cracking jaunt into the murky seedier world of a London wrapped up with a delightfully crafted story that has great prose and lulls, proving that the Gemmell magic is alive and well. Cracking

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