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lmmountford's review against another edition
5.0
I've seen this book a lot over the years. It always seems to be in one charity shop or another, and to be honest, that put me off a little. Sure you can always find a Wilber Smith book in the charity shops, he's an old-school author with a lot of books, you could say the same about Stephen King or Jack Higgins, but why always this book?
Well, I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago, and I have absolutely no idea why it's given up so often because I loved it.
True I would have enjoyed more action, and the ending left much to be desired with none of the villains of the book ever really reaping the rewards of their misdeeds, but it's a great adventure book with all of that gritty south-African realism that makes Smith's books so enjoyable, even if they do tend to leave a rather nasty aftertaste.
Well, I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago, and I have absolutely no idea why it's given up so often because I loved it.
True I would have enjoyed more action, and the ending left much to be desired with none of the villains of the book ever really reaping the rewards of their misdeeds, but it's a great adventure book with all of that gritty south-African realism that makes Smith's books so enjoyable, even if they do tend to leave a rather nasty aftertaste.
jbrito's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
usbsticky's review against another edition
5.0
Probably one of the best works by Wilbur Smith, has all his signature ingredients, just incredibly well written. These ingredients include: African setting. This is set around 1935 during the 2nd Italian-Abyssinian War. The background is very well written and researched and his writing brings it to life.
Secondly, larger than life characters. Also very well done and fleshed out. 3 main characters: Rough and ready Texan, suave British rogue and beautiful American journalist. Supported by brave and high charactered Ethiopians and dastardly treasonous ones. The other supporting characters are comically inept Italians as well as professional ones. The aproportion of writing to the different characters are done just right with the 3 main characters getting most of the attention and the supporting ones getting them just right. The characters are a bit cliched but the way it's written, it seems the cliches are based on these characters. Especially Gareth Swales, the could be the original character of the cliche.
Humor: Some of it is a bit too sweet but mostly done well. And it's just extra sugar on top to have it added on. And humor is so hard to get right.
Romance: And what is a Wilbur Smith book without it? It's also just done right and amazing that he got it perfect from Sara's POV.
Action: Also very well done, perfect.
How many books can put all that together, have it fit well together and be entertaining? The book is not too long and not too short, it's easy to read and follow and brings the reader right to the place and time. I've read this book at least 10 times and like it just as much each time.
Synopsis: 3 western characters are joined by circumstances in helping 1935 Ethiopia defend against Italy at the Wells of Chaldi.
Secondly, larger than life characters. Also very well done and fleshed out. 3 main characters: Rough and ready Texan, suave British rogue and beautiful American journalist. Supported by brave and high charactered Ethiopians and dastardly treasonous ones. The other supporting characters are comically inept Italians as well as professional ones. The aproportion of writing to the different characters are done just right with the 3 main characters getting most of the attention and the supporting ones getting them just right. The characters are a bit cliched but the way it's written, it seems the cliches are based on these characters. Especially Gareth Swales, the could be the original character of the cliche.
Humor: Some of it is a bit too sweet but mostly done well. And it's just extra sugar on top to have it added on. And humor is so hard to get right.
Romance: And what is a Wilbur Smith book without it? It's also just done right and amazing that he got it perfect from Sara's POV.
Action: Also very well done, perfect.
How many books can put all that together, have it fit well together and be entertaining? The book is not too long and not too short, it's easy to read and follow and brings the reader right to the place and time. I've read this book at least 10 times and like it just as much each time.
Synopsis: 3 western characters are joined by circumstances in helping 1935 Ethiopia defend against Italy at the Wells of Chaldi.
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