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Ravenheart (Rigante #3)
Ravenheart (Rigante #3)
David Gemmell | 2001 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book 3 (of 4) in the Rigante series, moving the events on some centuries after those of "Sword in the Storm" and "Midnight Falcon".

I think it's generally accepted that the Rigante are Gemmell's equivalent of the Scots, and that this book and its subsequent sequel are his interpretation of the wars fought by the Scottish Highlanders against the invading English (whereas the earlier two books were more like their wars against Rome).

As in most of his works, the novel deals with the notions of redemption and the nature of both good and evil, and has a strong central protagonist plagued by doubt. Worth reading? Assuredly yes (though I'd say that about nearly all his novels)
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Highlander (1986) in Movies

Feb 12, 2018 (Updated Feb 12, 2018)  
Highlander (1986)
Highlander (1986)
1986 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Cult fantasy movie which kind of flopped on its initial release but spawned a franchise which seemed to go on forever (and may not in fact be completely defunct). Scottish highlander (played by a Frenchman) discovers he is immortal; is mentored by ancient Egyptian immortal (played by a Scotsman); must do battle with rival Russian immortal (played by an American) to decide the destiny of the world.

Pretty much as goofy as it sounds, but very likeable - strives for a sort of mythic grandeur, doesn't quite manage it. None of the battles in the story are quite as brutal as the one between Christopher Lambert and the English language, but Sean Connery is having fun; some decent fight choreography too. Benefits immensely from the Queen soundtrack.
  
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Ross (3284 KP) rated Bottleneck in Books

Jul 16, 2018  
Bottleneck
Bottleneck
Ed James | 2015 | Crime
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent pacing to the next Cullen adventure. A body is discovered in the hidden streets underneath Edinburgh's old town and the ensuing investigation leads them to investigate members of the Scottish music scene and venture North to Cullen's hometown of Dalhousie (loosely based on my own hometown of Carnoustie), and West to Glasgow.
The story also continues the ups and downs of Cullen's relationship with Sharon McNeill and his career aspirations, building on the previous books in the series.
This is quite a short and very pacey book that is a genuine page-turner (as the chapters are quite short it's always "one more chapter", until the cleaner gets angry at me spending too long on the toilet at work).