From Publishers WeeklySet in colonial Egypt at the end of Victoria's reign, this sweeping romantic epic reprises Smith regularsscions of the Courteneys and Ballantynes. (The two fictional British families have provided character fodder for least half of Smith's 30 novels.) Bloodthirsty legions of Arab dervish troops under the command of the Mahdi, or ruling successor to the Prophet Muhammad, have surrounded (but not taken) Khartoum, trapping comely 17-year-old Rebecca Benbrook; her consul general father, David; and her younger twin sisters, Saffron and Amber. The appearance of a cargo boat owned by the dashing, entrepreneurial Ryder Courteney, as well as the subsequent appearance of Capt. Penrod Ballantyne of Her Majesty's 10th Hussars, give hope. Nave Rebecca falls in love with Ballantyne, who deflowers her before racing off to warn the rescue force commander that the commander is outnumbered 25 to one. The dervish, led by the fearsome Emir Osman Atalan, overrun Khartoum, and Rebecca's father is brutally butchered; the saga continues with Penrod heroically leading troops against Osman. Steamy romance alternates with gore, and it's all done by-the-numbers in a good waylike a junky, absorbing miniseries. Fans will not be disappointed. (June) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.From BooklistAs popular as he is prolific, and as masterful a storyteller now as he has ever been, Smith once again visits Africa, the continent where he was born, the source of his inspiration, and the setting for his supremely adventuresome novels that make authentic and riveting use of history. He took readers to ancient Egypt in the marvelously wrought River God (1994), and now he returns there, this time in the late nineteenth century, at the apex of the British Empire. Smith bases this tightly woven narrative on an actual incident in British colonial history: the holy war conducted by a Sudanese man proclaiming himself the Mahdi, or savior, and his forces' siege of the British garrison at Khartoum, at the convergence of the White and Blue Nile in the Egyptian-held Sudan. Readers who appreciate World War II-era spy thrillers will enjoy this tale of espionage, disguise, and stabbings in the dark, as Smith deliciously elaborates on all the military and religious issues and events surrounding the siege. He marshals telling detail into a story that is--like the Nile itself--swift and powerful. Brad HooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved Praise for Wilbur Smith:"One of the world's most popular adventure writers." --The Washington Post Book World "Only a handful of 20th century writers tantalize our senses as well as Smith. A rare author who wields a razor-sharp sword of craftsmanship."--Tulsa World "[Smith] paces his tale as swiftly as he can with swordplay aplenty and killing strokes that come like lightning out of a sunny blue sky."--Kirkus s "Few novelists can write action scenes that all but leap off the page the way Smith can...." - Anniston Star (TX) "Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read-until the next one." -Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX) "Smith is a master." - Publisher's Weekly"Smith is a captivating storyteller." - Orlando Sentinel"The world's leading adventure writer." - Daily Express UK"Wilbur Smith rarely misses a trick." - Sunday Times UK are public domain books free The Triumph of the Sun (Courtney Family Adventures)
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I Am A Fan of Wilbur SmithBy Danny WrightI continue reading Wilbur Smith for one simple reason; he's very good at telling stories. Therefore, I have a hard time giving him anything less than 5 stars. Since I write as well, I also study his style. His novels are long and detailed with much historical and geographical accuracy that adds to the depth of each story. I highly recommend, for anyone wondering about this author to begin at the beginning of his work and follow the sagas from the beginning, including "The Triumph of the Sun" which is another in the Courtney Family series. -Daniel Lance Wright, author of "Phobia", "Annie's World: Jake's Legacy", "Paradise Flawed", "One Day in Lubbock", "Defining Family", "The Last Radiant Heart", "Where Are You, Anne Bonny?"0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unusual one for me!By Geraldine FarragherLove Wilbur Smith books. Found the war battles with the dervish too gruesome in detail. Sex scenes were also more detailed than previous books and as character was owned by her Arab captor did not sit well with me. Scared me to read how killings and mutilating was done in Allah name and is the same today by Arab terrorists.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy ellen o.Another great African adventure with the Courtneys, family, friends and foes.