Warlock - Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith is one of those authors whose books I have often seen at airports and train stations, but never actually read. Having read Warlock, I now understand why his books are seen in such places! Make no mistake about it, Warlock is a brick of a book. The paperback version which I read comes in at just under 700 pages long. Such size may be a little daunting for some, but given that I was going on a long journey and needed something substantial, Warlock was my ideal companion. Plot-wise, Warlock is never going to win any prizes for originality. It follows the adventures of young deposed Pharoah Nefer Seti, as he tries to regain his kingdom from ...  Read the complete review

A yarn from ancient Egypt. Not everyones cup of tea. Quite honestly I wouldn't have picked this up if it hadn't been recommended. The size of the book was enough to put me off on first sight. Small font, lots of text, many pages. I won't enjoy this. I couldn't have been more wrong, let me tell you why. First thing reader, you should really read this series in order, this is a story in its own right and will still bring plenty of enjoyment, but reading them in order will give you character and storyline background. There are currently 4 books in this series, this being the 3rd. The others are 'River God', 'The Seventh Scroll' and the more recent 'The ...  Read the complete review

This book was my first introduction to Wilbur Smith, and I was very impressed. A work colleague lent me the book, and informed me that although it is the third part of a trilogy, the two earlier novels being 'River God' and 'The Seventh Scroll,' it is the kind of novel that can be read on its own, and it would not spoil my enjoyment of the earlier books if I did so. He was right. I have since read the other two, but found neither as fascinating or enjoyable to read as 'Warlock'. The warlock of the title is an ancient Egyptian magi called Taita, a slave and a eunuch, and a highly respected friend to the Pharoah Tamose and his son Nefer. ...  Read the complete review

Warlock is the third book in the series written by Wilbur Smith set in ancient Egypt. I read the first book River God some 2 years ago after a trip to Egypt & seizing on anything Egyptian, found the book to be riveting. The second book of the series The Seventh Scroll, was missed as I had no idea it existed, but is on the to buy list! About to depart on another holiday found me scouring the bookshops for a suitable holiday read. Big displays of Wilbur Smiths latest offering Warlock jumped out at me. Priced at £18.99 for a very large tome made me think twice, but I was fortunate enough to find a copy in a discount bookshop at half price, ...  Read the complete review

I am not usually a Wilbur Smith fan but the Trilogy started by Rivergod, followed by The seventh Scroll and finished (?) with this book are breathtaking. The trilogy focuses on the life and times of Egyptian Pharoes and their Hyskos neighbours. Wars, marriages, peace and witchcraft . . truly broad themes and characters. The Only character that has survived all three books becomes the focus for this one, Taita. This character is a eunuch who has been the policymaker for a succession of Pharoes and has done it all from inventing the wheel to building pyramids to now . . . . magic! The readability of a fast paced 'page turner' combined ...  Read the complete review