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kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible writing! There are just no words to describe... but here are a few that might. Hearty adventures, moving scenes, surprising plot twists, detailed world-scapes, delightful characters, and that indescribable "je ne sais quoi" that makes for great reading.
vayeate's review against another edition
4.0
The book starts off on a grim note and the first quarter of the book is dark tones. But never the less I enjoyed the adventures the heroes of the book went on. By the middle the book is brighter than in the beginning, but by the end it is quite sad. A full spectrum of emotions.
birdmanseven's review against another edition
3.0
I like a good adventure and this had plenty of it. While I wouldn't rate it as highly as King Solomon's Mines, I enjoyed it and found the ending to be quite moving.
We discuss this series further on this episode of Howe's Things: https://youtu.be/kCkGJh4Pp8I
We discuss this series further on this episode of Howe's Things: https://youtu.be/kCkGJh4Pp8I
bookworm42's review against another edition
3.0
I read this one first since I didn't realize it was a sequel. I have read quite a few books recently that occur in the time period and area of the world. I like the voice of this one quite a bit.
kirstypotter's review against another edition
1.0
1 star for some vaguely exciting action near the end. Minus all the stars for a hoard of racism, sexism, boring conversations and an extreme overdose of testosterone.
traveller1's review against another edition
4.0
The death of the great hunter.
Allan Quatermain, whose life has taken him all over the dark continent of Africa, who now lives in his large and classy house in England, is approaching the end of his years. With the pain of his recently deceased son, and a desire to escape the restrictions of 'civilized' English life, Quatermain and two companions depart Britain for the last time, to once again find adventure in Africa.
This novel is filled with the usual signs of daring do, all to be found in Haggard's works. Quatermain battles vicious African tribes, flows along an underground river where he is near burnt to death by lava, he is hated by tribal priests, he races on horseback to save a queen—arriving just in the nick of time! All great stuff.
The one difference in this novel, is the conclusion. Quatermain dies. He is an old man at the start of the novel, worn by his years. After one more adventure, in which he is mortally wounded in battle, he slowly succumbs to his injuries.
Quatermain's thoughts on life and death add a sizable element of pathos to the novel, not found in the other adventures.
Interesting are the critical comments made of western civilization: devotion to money, a limited and limiting existence, curtailed by technology, all are Haggard's opinions on western life. He even goes so far as to suggest that the life of a native in Africa is better! Haggard lived in Africa for part of his life.
Allan Quatermain, whose life has taken him all over the dark continent of Africa, who now lives in his large and classy house in England, is approaching the end of his years. With the pain of his recently deceased son, and a desire to escape the restrictions of 'civilized' English life, Quatermain and two companions depart Britain for the last time, to once again find adventure in Africa.
This novel is filled with the usual signs of daring do, all to be found in Haggard's works. Quatermain battles vicious African tribes, flows along an underground river where he is near burnt to death by lava, he is hated by tribal priests, he races on horseback to save a queen—arriving just in the nick of time! All great stuff.
The one difference in this novel, is the conclusion. Quatermain dies. He is an old man at the start of the novel, worn by his years. After one more adventure, in which he is mortally wounded in battle, he slowly succumbs to his injuries.
Quatermain's thoughts on life and death add a sizable element of pathos to the novel, not found in the other adventures.
Interesting are the critical comments made of western civilization: devotion to money, a limited and limiting existence, curtailed by technology, all are Haggard's opinions on western life. He even goes so far as to suggest that the life of a native in Africa is better! Haggard lived in Africa for part of his life.
dickh's review against another edition
4.0
First, you must remember that this book was written in the late 1800's so you may find some of the descriptions objectionable if you look at it through the lens of today. However, if you read this book for what it is - a fine sequel to King Solomon's Mines - your time will be well repaid by a very well written adventure story with plenty of action, great descriptions, and fine characters. One thing that struck me was the difference in the writing in this book versus more current fiction - this is more well written and the vocabulary will require you to use a dictionary! I highly recommend both this and the original.
leeg's review against another edition
2.0
Having enjoyed King Solomon's Mines and She, this was a bit of a disappointing adventure by three white guys lording it over the noble savages.
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