Be transported to ancient Egypt (Warlock - Wilbur Smith)

Member Name: Leolover

Product:	Warlock - Wilbur Smith
Date:	25/07/02 (183 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great story, well written, compelling characters

Disadvantages: graphically violent

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. In ancient Egypt (some 7500 BC) Pharoahs are considered to be Gods, and past Pharoahs are worshipped alongside more traditional Gods such as Seth (their version of Satan) and Osiris. Pharoah Tamose doesn't feature in the book for very long, and his son quickly becomes the focal point of the novel as he and the faithful Taita battle with an evil dictator intent on despatching the young God-Prince and seizing the throne of Egypt for himself.

The book interweaves historical fact with fantasy elements. The elaborate tombs built to house the dead Pharoahs in the afterlife are described alongside Taita's magical powers, the ability to interpret dreams and omens, and the existence of Gods and Goddesses. The weaving of fact and fantasy makes this an exciting and compelling read. The characters, particularly those of Taita and the young Pharoah Nefer, are well defined and memorable. The female characters are as powerfully drawn and significant as the male.

There is a lot of very graphic violence in the novel, which some readers might find very upsetting. Those with stronger stomachs will no doubt find that the grim realism makes the story more powerful and intense, and let's not forget that the novel is set in an age of cruelty and ignorance, when respect for human life was an u
nrecognised concept and human sacrifice and the brutal struggle for power was the order of the day.

'Warlock' is a fascinating and powerful read. It's also a good, meaty book that will last you a good few bus journeys, even if you're a speedy reader like me! The other two int he trilogy are also definitely worth reading, but 'Warlock' is, and will remain, my personal favourite.

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