Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39298 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-06
• Released on: 2007-04-05
• Binding: Hardcover
• 624 pages

Synopsis
Wilbur Smith returns with the eagerly awaited sequel to his thrilling Egyptian series. Following on from "River God", "The Seventh Scroll" and "Warlock, "The Quest" continues the story of the Warlock, Taita, wise in the lore of the ancient Gods and a master of magic and the supernatural. Egypt is struck by a series of terrible plagues that cripple the Kingdom, and then the ultimate disaster follows. The Nile fails. The waters that nourish and sustain the land dry up. Something catastrophic is taking place in the distant and totally unexplored depths of Africa from where the mighty river springs. In desperation Pharoah sends for Taita, the only man who might be able to win through to the source of the Nile and discover the cause of all their woes. None of them can have any idea of what a terrible enemy lies in ambush for "The Warlock" in those mysterious lands at the end of their world.

Customer Reviews

Really not that bad!
I can see that most reviewers haven't enjoyed this book. From my point of view I feel that some of the comments about Mr Smith hanging up his hat now a little unfair! Maybe this wasn't up to the standard of River God, (well.. definately not actually) but it's a blummin' good yarn! I found myself deeply engrossed in the fantasy of it all. Sure, if one is going to analyse fantasy against fact the two will never find a common ground. Some of it is a bit far fetched, but allowing oneself to get lost in the impossible can make for a thoroughly good bit of entertainment.

I found it engrossing and I'd say don't be put off. Read it for yourself, especially if you do like wizards, witches and spells all set with a backdrop of ancient Egypt and deepest, darkest Africa. It's an adult book, some of the content does require a broad mind (personally found it difficult to get to grips with his relationship with Fenn which didn't sit well with me). WS has strayed from his norm, perhaps a bit self-indulgent, but not that bad!

Another famous writer bits the dust!
I agree with the others, I too am a great Smith fan, some wonderful books! but this isn't one of them. The first 100 pages or so are childish rubbisn, but it does improve. However it often descends into the absolute ridiculous!

The Quest
I am a great Wilbur Smith fan, but he has failed in this one to grab the reader's attention. I ploughed my way laboriously through, but it was a struggle. It is not in any way believable. Many of his others are pure fantasy, but at least they have a thread of believability and are very gripping. Such a disappointment.