Walk like an Egyptian... (Warlock - Wilbur Smith)

Member Name: Jonny_Two_Times

Product:	Warlock - Wilbur Smith
Date:	07/08/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Epic storyline, strong plot, deep characters

Disadvantages: None

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 Quest'.

You follow the character 'Taita', a Warlock and wise man of ancient Egypt. The nation of Egypt is in trouble, under the cloud of the evil Regent who forces his way into the seat of power. Taita has long been at the beck and call of the ruling Pharoah but now his loyalty lies with the young boy, Prince Nefer, rightful ruler of Egypt whose family has been pushed aside with brutal force. Nefer's life is in danger and he is too young to pose a real threat to the Regent. Taita takes him under his wing, teaching and training him. The story follows these two through decades of their lives, seeing the struggles, the war for power, the loyalties of the nation struggling to survive. Will they prevail?

No more on the story, that is for you too find out. Having read many of Wilbur smith's books, one of the things that fascinates me most is that he is not worried about losing characters or going against the readers wishes. There have been a number of occasions where a huge twist or death of a favoured character has blown me away. Horrified you can't help but read on. This is truly an author whose books I can't put down.

I have read this book 3 or 4 times and could honestly read it again. It is truly epic, as you travel through a time period with the characters, experiencing emotions as they experience them. Willing them on in battle and adventure.

He is a very descriptive author, I know some people find this kind of detail irritating, but I love it. You create the image in your mind as he wants you too, each scene of the book unfolds as pictures in your mind. It really is incredible, I have never enjoyed another author in quite the same way. Many have tried to imitate his style, with stories of Egypt or Rome but without his storytelling abilities.

This series is phenomonal - as are the African based novels that Wilbur Smith normally produces, usually following a family called the Courtney's, through the generations.

Absolutely brilliant, put down the crime thriller or romantic novel and try one of these, a huge immersive storyline with strong characters. You'll wonder where the hours have gone...

Summary: Superb, again.