Synopses & Reviews
Wilbur Smith has won acclaim worldwide as the master of the historical novel. Now, in Assegai he takes readers on an unforgettable African adventure set against the gathering clouds of war. It is 1913 and Leon Courtney, an ex-soldier turned professional hunter in British East Africa, guides the rich and powerful from America and Europe on big-game safaris. Leon had never sought fame, but an expedition alongside U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt has made him one of the most sought-after hunters on the continent. Soon, he finds that with celebrity comes not just wealth--but also danger. Leon is recruited by his uncle Penrod Ballantyne, commander of the British forces in East Africa, to gather information on one of his clients: Count Otto von Meerbach, a German industrialist whose company builds aircraft and vehicles for the Kaiser's burgeoning army. While spying, Leon falls desperately in love with von Meerbach's beautiful and enigmatic mistress, Eva von Wellberg. On the eve of the World War, Leon stumbles on a plot by Count von Meerbach that could wipe out the British forces in Africa. He finds himself left alone to frustrate von Meerbach's plan, and in grave peril as he learns more about the enigmatic Eva. Set amidst the tensions that will spark a war across continents, Assegai delivers the fast-paced action and vivid history that has made Wilbur Smith an internationally bestselling author.
Review
OUTSTANDING PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF WILBUR SMITH
ASSEGAI
“One thrilling package that will be eagerly devoured by fans.”—Publishers Weekly
“There is a reason Smith is a hugely popular writer of historical novels: his remarkable talent for re-creating historical periods and crafting characters we care about is virtually unmatched in the genre. Smith [has] been entertaining readers for nearly five decades, and if this novel is any indication, he is showing no signs of slowing down.”—Booklist
TRIUMPH OF THE SUN
“Everything [Smiths] fans have come to expect: masterful storytelling and breathtaking adventure…chalk up another winner.”—Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)
“Espionage, disguise, stabbings in the dark…a story that is—like the Nile itself—swift and powerful.” —Booklist
“Wildly entertaining, compulsively readable.”—Sunday Telegraph (UK)
BLUE HORIZON
“The eleventh volume in Smiths saga of the Courtney clan is every bit as riveting as its predecessors. Brimming with bravado, greed, and romance.”—Booklist
“Really big retro-fun.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Adventure and danger at every turn.”—New York Daily News
“Gripping. The writers fans will enjoy the ride.”—Publishers Weekly
“Master storyteller Smith takes his story into another generation of adventurers battling on the sea and on land in the settling of South Africa.”—Tulsa World
“Everything Smiths fans have come to expect from his epic adventure novels. His consummate skill at crafting vast battle scenes, passionate and wildly romantic characters, cruel and bloodthirsty villains, and larger-than-life heroes make Blue Horizon irresistible.”—Journal (Flint, MI)
WARLOCK
“When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers.”—Tulsa World
“Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals, and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones…rousing.”—The Plain Dealer
“Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt …evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smiths tale.” —Publishers Weekly
“Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read—until the next one. Its the same with Warlock. Brilliant…irresistible and impossible to put down.”—Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)
“Pulse-pounding…adventure and excitement, with more blood and guts than a slaughterhouse.”—Tampa Tribune Times
“This summers most entertaining read…another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt.”—Flint Journal
“Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended.”—Library Journal
“Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one.”—Booklist
“A stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.”—Evening Standard (UK)
“You can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to a cracking pace...[Warlock] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story.”—Irish News
RIVER GOD
“A grand tale of intrigue, deception, true love and exile.”—The Denver Post
"Vivid and fascinating...packed with passion, war, intrigue and revenge...sprawling and absorbing...gripping.…A racy rampage through ancient Egypt that puts the reader right there with details that are intimate, inspiring, horrifying….The author makes you see it, hear it—even smell it...Fans will be happy to know Smith hasnt lost his touch for the dramatic, exotic adventure story.”—The Orlando Sentinel
Review
“One thrilling package that will be eagerly devoured by fans.”—Publishers Weekly
“There is a reason Smith is a hugely popular writer of historical novels: his remarkable talent for re-creating historical periods and crafting characters we care about is virtually unmatched in the genre. Smith [has] been entertaining readers for nearly five decades, and if this novel is any indication, he is showing no signs of slowing down.”—Booklist
‘A Rider Haggard for our times - Financial Times
‘The unflagging career of Wilbur Smith is remarkable. Smith, 76, began publishing in the mid 1960s. He is not only the only author from that era to endure: John le Carre, P D James, Ruth Rendell and Dick Francis are also stars still. But he, unlike them, remains popular in a genre - gung-ho adventure… Defying another trend, Smiths hardback novel Assegai has, albeit at heavy discounting, outsold every novel in paperback. - The Times
‘Smith writes with passion and close observation about the sights and sounds of Africa…once youve started reading it you will certainly keep turning the pages."--The Daily Express
“Smith manages to serve up adventure, history and melodrama in one thrilling package that will be eagerly devoured by series fans”—Publishers Weekly
'Wilbur Smith is an adept at thrilling and harrowing scenes, researches his facts, gets it all too horribly spot-on. Terribly competent ...' - The Sunday Times
'A thundering good read is virtually the only way of describing Wilbur Smith`s books.' - The Irish Times
Praise for Wilbur Smith
“Smith is a master.” —Publishers Weekly
“One of the worlds most popular adventure writers.” —The Washington Post Book World
“A rare author who wields a razor-sharp sword of craftsmanship.” —Tulsa World
“Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared.” —The Times (UK)
"Best Historical Novelist--I say Wilbur Smith, with his swashbuckling novels of Africa. The bodices of rip and the blood flows. You can get lost in Wilbur Smith and misplace all of August."--Stephen King
"Action is Wilur Smith's game, and he is a master."--The Washington Post Book World
“The worlds leading adventure writer.” —Daily Express (UK)
"Wilbur Smith rarely misses a trick."--Sunday Times
“Smith is a captivating storyteller.” —The Orlando Sentinel
“No one does adventure quite like Smith.” —Daily Mirror (UK)
"A thundering good read is virtually the only way of describing Wilbur Smiths books.” —The Irish Times
Synopsis
The eagerly awaited sequel to Smith's thrilling Egyptian series, "Assegai"--set in 1913 British East Africa--is a stunning, heart-pounding, journey into the lost world of the Pharaohs.
Synopsis
In this explosive New York Times bestseller, acclaimed storyteller Wilbur Smith takes readers on an unforgettable adventure set against the gathering clouds of war…
HE MUST CHOOSE TO SAVE HIS COUNTRY
Ex-soldier Leon Courtney guides the rich and powerful from America and Europe on big-game safaris. After a successful expedition with U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Leon became one of the worlds most sought-after hunters. Now, he is about to find out that celebrity comes at a hazardous price.
OR FIGHT FOR THE WOMAN HE LOVES
Leon has been recruited by the British forces to gather intelligence on Count Otto von Meerbach, a German industrialist who builds aircraft for the Kaisers growing army. As his safari guide, Leon is closer to the Count than anyone—and its not long before he stumbles upon a plot that could turn the tides of the coming World War. But when he falls for the Counts beautiful mistress, Eva, all bets are off. Now Leon finds himself desperately in love, dangerously alone to stop the Counts plan…and in grave peril as he learns more about the enigmatic Eva. “SMITH IS A MASTER.”—Washington Post Book World
“THRILLING.”—Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
A "New York Times" bestseller, this eagerly awaited sequel to Smith's thrilling Egyptian series--set in 1913 British East Africa--is a stunning, heart-pounding journey into the lost world of the pharaohs. Available in a tall Premium Edition. Martin's Press.
Synopsis
In this explosive New York Times bestseller, acclaimed storyteller Wilbur Smith takes readers on an unforgettable adventure set against the gathering clouds of war…
HE MUST CHOOSE TO SAVE HIS COUNTRY
Ex-soldier Leon Courtney guides the rich and powerful from America and Europe on big-game safaris. After a successful expedition with U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Leon became one of the worlds most sought-after hunters. Now, he is about to find out that celebrity comes at a hazardous price.
OR FIGHT FOR THE WOMAN HE LOVES
Leon has been recruited by the British forces to gather intelligence on Count Otto von Meerbach, a German industrialist who builds aircraft for the Kaisers growing army. As his safari guide, Leon is closer to the Count than anyoneand its not long before he stumbles upon a plot that could turn the tides of the coming World War. But when he falls for the Counts beautiful mistress, Eva, all bets are off. Now Leon finds himself desperately in love, dangerously alone to stop the Counts plan…and in grave peril as he learns more about the enigmatic Eva. “SMITH IS A MASTER.”Washington Post Book World
“THRILLING.”Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Ex-soldier Leon Courtney guides the rich and powerful from America and Europe on big-game safaris. After a successful expedition with U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Leon became one of the worlds most sought-after hunters. Now, he is about to find out that celebrity comes at a hazardous price.
Leon has been recruited by the British forces to gather intelligence on Count Otto von Meerbach, a German industrialist who builds aircraft for the Kaisers growing army. As his safari guide, Leon is closer to the Count than anyone—and its not long before he stumbles upon a plot that could turn the tides of the coming World War. But when he falls for the Counts beautiful mistress, Eva, all bets are off. Now Leon finds himself desperately in love, dangerously alone to stop the Counts plan…and in grave peril as he learns more about the enigmatic Eva.
About the Author
Wilbur Smith is the bestselling author of many novels, each meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His bestselling Courtney series includes The Sound of Thunder, Birds of Prey, Monsoon, and Blue Horizon. His other books include Those in Peril, River God, Warlock, The Seventh Scroll, and The Sunbird. His books are now translated into twenty-six languages and have sold over 120 million copies. Smith was born to a British family in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, in Central Africa, and attended Rhodes University in South Africa. He has homes in Cape Town, London, Switzerland and Malta.