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Ancient Egypt #3
Warlock: A Novel of Ancient Egypt
Hidden away in the vast and forbidding deserts of North Africa, Taita has passed the years since the death of his beloved Queen Lostris in prayer and study. He has become the Warlock, wise in the lore of the ancient Gods, an adept of magic and the supernatural. Now Taita answers the summons from the beyond. He leaves the desert vastness and returns to the world of men, to find himself plunged into a terrible conflict against the forces of evil which threaten to overwhelm the throne and the realm of Egypt, and to destroy the young prince Nefer who is the grandson of Queen Lostris. With vivid depictions of battle and intrigue, of love and passion, with fascinating characters both good and evil, Wilbur Smith brings to life in colourful detail the world of ancient Egypt. Warlock is a masterful feat of story telling by one of the world's best selling authors.
708 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
872 people are currently reading
7320 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
320 books4,405 followersWilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 508 reviews
August 12, 2024
The unusual life of Taita over 200 years old hence the title Warlock of the book is amazing , he can see the future, destroy by his spells enemies with little help from the gods, nature or through magic, all fear his power yet they by invidious actions cause their ultimate destruction. Set long ago in ancient Egypt the illustrious desert kingdom on the River Nile and greatest civilization in history, circa 1550 B.C.
during the end of the Hyksos rule, foreign immigrants in Lower Egypt (the north) for over a century dominated. Yes for not the only time Egypt is a divided land two nations of three to six million, its old capital Memphis now a new one Avaris, the delta country, and Thebes in Upper Egypt (the south). Confusing just think of the Nile flowing up to the Sea, and you looking down where it started. Politics brings death and chaos as it always does, the Pharaohs of both territories are eliminated and usurpers, cousins take the thrones. However this cannot last with Taita the eunuch, former slave around. The son of the late king in the south Nefer too young to govern at 14, has a family adviser Taita, which doesn't make Lord Taja who illegally seized power happy. The northern monarch Trok, is even more ruthless than his relative, killing the entire royal family except a pretty Princess Mintaka ( she loves Nefer) in order to give him legal status. You can see a mile away the trouble in the air. Taja is more audacious marries two royal Princesses Marykara and Heseret, who strangely falls in love with him, some people are very ambitious, which creates complications not to mention breathing difficulties for many victims. Now the wizard must keep the boy king alive to reach maturity and ascend the throne while regent Taja tries to thwart that. In literature as in life some will fall others rise to the top. The false pharaohs or the legitimate king, the winner is, but not until great battles decide. The writer was a magnificent chronicler of historical fiction none better in the modern era, as a person very interested in old Egypt can attest. If you want to feel the hot wind striking your face, the Sun scorching the desert's golden sands, the cool waters of the mighty river leisurely rolling by, the exotic, colorful boats on the blue stream , the towering white pyramids reaching for the shining stars, this is a joy to behold and gives the world beauty.
during the end of the Hyksos rule, foreign immigrants in Lower Egypt (the north) for over a century dominated. Yes for not the only time Egypt is a divided land two nations of three to six million, its old capital Memphis now a new one Avaris, the delta country, and Thebes in Upper Egypt (the south). Confusing just think of the Nile flowing up to the Sea, and you looking down where it started. Politics brings death and chaos as it always does, the Pharaohs of both territories are eliminated and usurpers, cousins take the thrones. However this cannot last with Taita the eunuch, former slave around. The son of the late king in the south Nefer too young to govern at 14, has a family adviser Taita, which doesn't make Lord Taja who illegally seized power happy. The northern monarch Trok, is even more ruthless than his relative, killing the entire royal family except a pretty Princess Mintaka ( she loves Nefer) in order to give him legal status. You can see a mile away the trouble in the air. Taja is more audacious marries two royal Princesses Marykara and Heseret, who strangely falls in love with him, some people are very ambitious, which creates complications not to mention breathing difficulties for many victims. Now the wizard must keep the boy king alive to reach maturity and ascend the throne while regent Taja tries to thwart that. In literature as in life some will fall others rise to the top. The false pharaohs or the legitimate king, the winner is, but not until great battles decide. The writer was a magnificent chronicler of historical fiction none better in the modern era, as a person very interested in old Egypt can attest. If you want to feel the hot wind striking your face, the Sun scorching the desert's golden sands, the cool waters of the mighty river leisurely rolling by, the exotic, colorful boats on the blue stream , the towering white pyramids reaching for the shining stars, this is a joy to behold and gives the world beauty.
February 2, 2021
Ancient Egypt. As usual, Wilbur Smith's description of Ancient Egypt is fascinating, and his story compelling. Educational and suspenseful. Once you get involved in the story, you have to keep reading.
It's a Historical fiction. More fiction since the history of this time is short on detail, and the author filled in the blanks with great imagination. The character Taita, the warlock of the title, is one of a series that starts with ''River God" and finishes with ''The Quest". I love these books, and recommend them to anyone.
It's a Historical fiction. More fiction since the history of this time is short on detail, and the author filled in the blanks with great imagination. The character Taita, the warlock of the title, is one of a series that starts with ''River God" and finishes with ''The Quest". I love these books, and recommend them to anyone.
July 9, 2009
This book is a cross between an ancient Egyptian bodice-ripper and "The Return of the Jedi," with a little Marquis de Sade thrown in for good measure. I had read the first two books in the series, "River God" and "The Seventh Scroll," and had found them interesting enough to carry on to the third, but as far as I am concerned Smith went completely off the track with this one.
Taita, the eunuch slave, was an enormously talented MAN in the first book. He used his knowledge in the service of his beloved mistress Lostris and her lover and his friend, Tanus. He was enormously talented but still human. In this one though, he has become a Jedi knight of the highest order. He practices mind control over the enemies of the young pharoah he now serves, Nefer, the grandson of Lostris.
Oh, and that is another thing: It appears that Taita is now immortal and ageless. He sprints around like a young man and his age is never revealed, although various characters speculate that he is at least two hundred.
So we have Taita fulfilling the role of Obi Wan Kenobi, Nefer is alternately Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, and his lady love Mintaka is a spirited Princess Leia. Give me a break! It is just a mish-mash and, at 735 pages, a very long mish-mash at that. About halfway through, I began skipping long passages of rape and mayhem and torture. Just not my cup of tea, thank you.
I love the history of ancient Egypt and I love historical fiction - especially mysteries - based on the true history of that remarkable civilization. But this series, as far as I can tell, is pure fantasy, designed perhaps to appeal to the wet dreams of 14 year old boys. I'm not a boy and I'm certainly not 14 years old, so it's not for me. I won't be returning here.
Taita, the eunuch slave, was an enormously talented MAN in the first book. He used his knowledge in the service of his beloved mistress Lostris and her lover and his friend, Tanus. He was enormously talented but still human. In this one though, he has become a Jedi knight of the highest order. He practices mind control over the enemies of the young pharoah he now serves, Nefer, the grandson of Lostris.
Oh, and that is another thing: It appears that Taita is now immortal and ageless. He sprints around like a young man and his age is never revealed, although various characters speculate that he is at least two hundred.
So we have Taita fulfilling the role of Obi Wan Kenobi, Nefer is alternately Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, and his lady love Mintaka is a spirited Princess Leia. Give me a break! It is just a mish-mash and, at 735 pages, a very long mish-mash at that. About halfway through, I began skipping long passages of rape and mayhem and torture. Just not my cup of tea, thank you.
I love the history of ancient Egypt and I love historical fiction - especially mysteries - based on the true history of that remarkable civilization. But this series, as far as I can tell, is pure fantasy, designed perhaps to appeal to the wet dreams of 14 year old boys. I'm not a boy and I'm certainly not 14 years old, so it's not for me. I won't be returning here.
January 24, 2012
My God, this is hilariously bad writing. How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.
Obi wan Taita is so ridiculously overpowered I never felt like the "Good Guys" could fail. Yes, he did do the "These are not the droids you're looking for" scene. He also managed to call up a sandstorm, fake someone's death, and communicate telepathically. Since he can also control people as well, I view the whole story as his fucking about with the world for a sense of amusement. It certainly explains away a lot to me. :D
The sex scenes were so hilariously ludicrous I'm convinced that Mr Smith has never bedded a woman, esp a virgin. Seriously, I want to hear from any woman that had three orgasms the first time she had sex. Everyone seemed to fall in love with the first person they so much as noticed; shockingly, these matches were also pretty much arranged by the Deux Ex Taita. I really got tired of reading about everyone's round buttocks. Seriously, that might be one of Amazon's unique phrases for this book with how many times he mentions it.
There are other issues also, like the ridiculous cartoony villains and the severe lack of editing, but I don't really feel like bothering.
Obi wan Taita is so ridiculously overpowered I never felt like the "Good Guys" could fail. Yes, he did do the "These are not the droids you're looking for" scene. He also managed to call up a sandstorm, fake someone's death, and communicate telepathically. Since he can also control people as well, I view the whole story as his fucking about with the world for a sense of amusement. It certainly explains away a lot to me. :D
The sex scenes were so hilariously ludicrous I'm convinced that Mr Smith has never bedded a woman, esp a virgin. Seriously, I want to hear from any woman that had three orgasms the first time she had sex. Everyone seemed to fall in love with the first person they so much as noticed; shockingly, these matches were also pretty much arranged by the Deux Ex Taita. I really got tired of reading about everyone's round buttocks. Seriously, that might be one of Amazon's unique phrases for this book with how many times he mentions it.
There are other issues also, like the ridiculous cartoony villains and the severe lack of editing, but I don't really feel like bothering.
September 17, 2021
Book 3 in the Egyptian series. Stupendous. Our main character Taita (Warlock) is once again helping the pharoahs' children. Now it is Queen Lostris' grandson Prince Nefer - whose father was murdered. Two evil beings declare themselves Pharoah's of North and South Egypt. Prince Nefer must regain his rightful throne.
Luckily he has Taita. A brilliant war strategist, with intense loyalty, amazing medical skills and formidable wizard talents.
Can not wait for book 4.
Luckily he has Taita. A brilliant war strategist, with intense loyalty, amazing medical skills and formidable wizard talents.
Can not wait for book 4.
February 16, 2024
So
Book 1 of this series was an incredible Historical Fiction story that blew me away.
Book 2 was a naff Indiana Jones knock-off, which went on forever and ever.
and then, as for book 3, this one is wild. This is closer to Historical Fantasy
The story itself is kind of insane. it's messy as hell, and the structure is all just a bit bizarre.
BUTTTT I loved it. It was impossible to stop listening, too, and i couldn’t help myself cheering for the good guys and distaining the bad.
I have no idea if the book club will want to continue, but this was fun
Book 1 of this series was an incredible Historical Fiction story that blew me away.
Book 2 was a naff Indiana Jones knock-off, which went on forever and ever.
and then, as for book 3, this one is wild. This is closer to Historical Fantasy
The story itself is kind of insane. it's messy as hell, and the structure is all just a bit bizarre.
BUTTTT I loved it. It was impossible to stop listening, too, and i couldn’t help myself cheering for the good guys and distaining the bad.
I have no idea if the book club will want to continue, but this was fun
August 26, 2010
Well, damn...All of you guys are saying you read the first two books, and that this one was horrible, basically. But i haven't read the other two book, this is my first time reading a book by Wilbur Smith, and i LOVED it. As far as I'm concerned, this was a well-written thought out book, couldn't have been better.
I realize you might not agree with me, and in order to see where you guys are coming from, I'll go read his other books.
I realize you might not agree with me, and in order to see where you guys are coming from, I'll go read his other books.
February 20, 2021
স্মিথ মামারে রেটিং দিলাম ৪.৫ আর অনুবাদকরে দিলাম ৩।
বইটা শুরু করার সময়ই বুঝেছিলাম যে এপিক কিছু পড়তে যাচ্ছি। তাই ভেবেছিলাম হয়ত এক-দেড়শ পৃষ্ঠা পর্যন্ত প্লট বিল্ডআপেই কাটাবে। কিন্তু না, একদম কাহিনীর শুরুতেই একটা ধাক্কা খেলাম। যখনই কাহিনীতে উত্তেজনার সৃষ্টি হয়, ঠিক সেই সময়েই হাজির হয় ট্র্যাজেডি। রিভার গডের সাথে এই বইয়ের অনেক দিক দিয়েই অমিল ছিলো। রিভার গডে টাইটা যেখানে ছিলো অসহায়-ভাগ্যান্বেষী দাস, সে এই বইয়ে ছিলো অসীম ক্ষমতার অধিকারী। বিশ্বাসঘাতক নাজা, এমনকি হিকস্ সম্রাট অ্যাপোপি পর্যন্ত তাকে সমীহ করে চলছে। আরেকটা বৈসাদৃশ্য হল, ফারাও রাজ বংশ। রিভার গড বইয়ে যেখানে মিশরকে দেখানো হয়েছে স্বর্গভূমি, সেখানে এই বইয়ে দেখানো হয়েছে অসহায়, হতোদ্যম হিসেবে। শুরুটা দারুণ হলেও মাঝখানে কিছু জায়গায় অযথাই বড় করা হয়েছে। নেফার, নাজা, টর্ক, মেরিকারা, মিনটাকা, চরিত্রগুলোকে জীবন্ত লেগেছে। তো বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, প্রেম, যুদ্ধ, আনুগত্য মিলিয়ে বইটা বেশ। না পড়লে অনেক কিছুই মিস।
অনুবাদক তার অনুবাদের ধারাবাহিকতা বজায় রাখতে পারেন নাই। এক জায়গায় ভালো তো আরেক জায়গায় অখাদ্য। এমন পৃষ্ঠাও পেয়েছি, যে জায়গায় এক ধাঁচের শব্দে ভর্তি ছিলো সব বাক্যের শেষে (নিলো, ফেললো, তুললো, খাইলো, দিলো ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি)। তাছাড়া দেবতা হোরাস এর নাম লিখেছে হুরাস, দেবী আইসিস, হাপি, ওরিসিস উৎসবের বানান ভূল। ইমপ্রুভ করার মত অনেক জায়গা ছিলো। আর বইয়ে সম্পাদনারও ঘাটতি রয়েছে।
বইটা শুরু করার সময়ই বুঝেছিলাম যে এপিক কিছু পড়তে যাচ্ছি। তাই ভেবেছিলাম হয়ত এক-দেড়শ পৃষ্ঠা পর্যন্ত প্লট বিল্ডআপেই কাটাবে। কিন্তু না, একদম কাহিনীর শুরুতেই একটা ধাক্কা খেলাম। যখনই কাহিনীতে উত্তেজনার সৃষ্টি হয়, ঠিক সেই সময়েই হাজির হয় ট্র্যাজেডি। রিভার গডের সাথে এই বইয়ের অনেক দিক দিয়েই অমিল ছিলো। রিভার গডে টাইটা যেখানে ছিলো অসহায়-ভাগ্যান্বেষী দাস, সে এই বইয়ে ছিলো অসীম ক্ষমতার অধিকারী। বিশ্বাসঘাতক নাজা, এমনকি হিকস্ সম্রাট অ্যাপোপি পর্যন্ত তাকে সমীহ করে চলছে। আরেকটা বৈসাদৃশ্য হল, ফারাও রাজ বংশ। রিভার গড বইয়ে যেখানে মিশরকে দেখানো হয়েছে স্বর্গভূমি, সেখানে এই বইয়ে দেখানো হয়েছে অসহায়, হতোদ্যম হিসেবে। শুরুটা দারুণ হলেও মাঝখানে কিছু জায়গায় অযথাই বড় করা হয়েছে। নেফার, নাজা, টর্ক, মেরিকারা, মিনটাকা, চরিত্রগুলোকে জীবন্ত লেগেছে। তো বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, প্রেম, যুদ্ধ, আনুগত্য মিলিয়ে বইটা বেশ। না পড়লে অনেক কিছুই মিস।
অনুবাদক তার অনুবাদের ধারাবাহিকতা বজায় রাখতে পারেন নাই। এক জায়গায় ভালো তো আরেক জায়গায় অখাদ্য। এমন পৃষ্ঠাও পেয়েছি, যে জায়গায় এক ধাঁচের শব্দে ভর্তি ছিলো সব বাক্যের শেষে (নিলো, ফেললো, তুললো, খাইলো, দিলো ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি)। তাছাড়া দেবতা হোরাস এর নাম লিখেছে হুরাস, দেবী আইসিস, হাপি, ওরিসিস উৎসবের বানান ভূল। ইমপ্রুভ করার মত অনেক জায়গা ছিলো। আর বইয়ে সম্পাদনারও ঘাটতি রয়েছে।
March 6, 2014
If my memory serves me right, this return to ancient Egypt is rather a let down after the adventure of The Seventh Scroll. We shall see...
Later: yes, Taita is just too capable to bear. Solid 3* adventuring though, and so onto the 4th book
Summer 2013 Egyptian Encounters:
Cleopatra (1963)
3* The Mummy Curse
2* Alexandria: The Last Nights of Cleopatra
4* The Complete Valley of the Kings
1* Ancient Egypt by George Rawlinson
4* Tutankhamen: Life and death of a Pharoah
2* The Luxor Museum
3* Tutankhamen's Treasure
3* The Black Pharaoh\
3* Nubian Twilight.../ complimentary reading!
4* River God
4* House of Eternity
The Egyptian (1954)
Agora (2009)
TR Justine
Death on the Nile (1978)
2* Nefer the Silent
5* The Seventh Scroll
5* The White Nile
CR An Evil Spirit out of the West
Nefertiti Resurrected
3* Warlock
Queen Pharaoh - Hatshepsut
03-07-2013: Egyptian army suspends constitution and removes President Morsi.
Later: yes, Taita is just too capable to bear. Solid 3* adventuring though, and so onto the 4th book
Summer 2013 Egyptian Encounters:
Cleopatra (1963)
3* The Mummy Curse
2* Alexandria: The Last Nights of Cleopatra
4* The Complete Valley of the Kings
1* Ancient Egypt by George Rawlinson
4* Tutankhamen: Life and death of a Pharoah
2* The Luxor Museum
3* Tutankhamen's Treasure
3* The Black Pharaoh\
3* Nubian Twilight.../ complimentary reading!
4* River God
4* House of Eternity
The Egyptian (1954)
Agora (2009)
TR Justine
Death on the Nile (1978)
2* Nefer the Silent
5* The Seventh Scroll
5* The White Nile
CR An Evil Spirit out of the West
Nefertiti Resurrected
3* Warlock
Queen Pharaoh - Hatshepsut
03-07-2013: Egyptian army suspends constitution and removes President Morsi.
March 9, 2010
I really enjoyed the first book, 'River God'...couldn't put it down, and and was excited to read the next book which I think is 'Warlock' (which I can tell you in hindsight you should skip ...in fact you can go straight to what I think is book three).
Warlock is the sequel to River God that details the later life of Taita 60 years on from the death of Lostris - Taita drops all scientific ways and becomes more supernatural. Don't get me wrong...I'm all over the supernatural, but Taita in this book is a *totally* different character. Warlock is a painful, painful, painful read. Frankly - jus skip it and move on to 'The Seventh Scroll (A Novel of Ancient Egypt)'.
Warlock is the sequel to River God that details the later life of Taita 60 years on from the death of Lostris - Taita drops all scientific ways and becomes more supernatural. Don't get me wrong...I'm all over the supernatural, but Taita in this book is a *totally* different character. Warlock is a painful, painful, painful read. Frankly - jus skip it and move on to 'The Seventh Scroll (A Novel of Ancient Egypt)'.
May 15, 2010
The third in a series of books about ancient Egypt, WARLOCK returns to Taita, an eunuch slave who has served several pharaohs. Readers who met Taita in the first books of this series will love being able to read about him again in his latest mission. After getting a vision from the deceased Lostris, the queen Taita faithfully served and loved, he returns from his solitary life in the desert to help her grandson, Nefer Seti. Taita protects Nefer as he is thrust into a dangerous position at the young age of fourteen. He aids Nefer in honing his natural warrior and intellectual abilities, all the while helping Nefer reclaim the throne from Naja, a traitor who killed pharaoh and assumed leadership of Egypt.
This book is exciting from the very beginning, opening with a scene of the Pharaohs fighting chariots racing towards battle. The plot keeps up its breakneck pace from there to the very end, filled with battles, tests of courage and endurance, as well as some magic and mystery. Wilbur Smith does a great job of adding extra twists to the story, which makes it all the more interesting. Smiths vivid language also draws the reader in, though in some scenes the action described is nauseatingly gruesome. Though this book is thick, the pages fly by in no time at all. Those who enjoyed RIVER GOD and SEVENTH SCROLL will love Warlock.
This book is exciting from the very beginning, opening with a scene of the Pharaohs fighting chariots racing towards battle. The plot keeps up its breakneck pace from there to the very end, filled with battles, tests of courage and endurance, as well as some magic and mystery. Wilbur Smith does a great job of adding extra twists to the story, which makes it all the more interesting. Smiths vivid language also draws the reader in, though in some scenes the action described is nauseatingly gruesome. Though this book is thick, the pages fly by in no time at all. Those who enjoyed RIVER GOD and SEVENTH SCROLL will love Warlock.
September 8, 2011
I love Wilbur Smith. He manages to write a book that espouses adventure, history, friendship and romance all at once.
The central character Taita; though a eunuch, is a dashing “romantic” lead with his on-going love for Queen Lostris. In this world and time, it is refreshing to read of love beyond the physical.
The story of ancient Egypt unfolds colourfully and the other lead characters are so relatable in their contrasts - Light and dark, love and hate, arrogance and compassion and the character development is relatable and realistic.
The book is over a couple of hundred pages, but I got through it quickly as there is a plot behind every desert dune and it is very diffcult to put down. The only parts that I skimmed over were the Red Race and the last chariot fight – though intriguing, I found these too detailed and perhaps one chariot fight (detailed) too many.
I have been reading Wilbur Smith since I was 13 years old. Whereas I have found that as an adult, I do not enjoy the style of writing of the other great story-telling authors that I read as a teenager, Wilbur Smith's style of writing is elegant and complements his story telling ability.
The central character Taita; though a eunuch, is a dashing “romantic” lead with his on-going love for Queen Lostris. In this world and time, it is refreshing to read of love beyond the physical.
The story of ancient Egypt unfolds colourfully and the other lead characters are so relatable in their contrasts - Light and dark, love and hate, arrogance and compassion and the character development is relatable and realistic.
The book is over a couple of hundred pages, but I got through it quickly as there is a plot behind every desert dune and it is very diffcult to put down. The only parts that I skimmed over were the Red Race and the last chariot fight – though intriguing, I found these too detailed and perhaps one chariot fight (detailed) too many.
I have been reading Wilbur Smith since I was 13 years old. Whereas I have found that as an adult, I do not enjoy the style of writing of the other great story-telling authors that I read as a teenager, Wilbur Smith's style of writing is elegant and complements his story telling ability.
August 6, 2012
Very disappointed with this novel. I read there for God, and really enjoyed it. However the great parts about that book, the character of taita, a man of science who uses his wit and knowledge to solve problems, is gone. Instead, he's back as a pseudo-Obi-Wan Kenobi and solves all the problem by supernatural magic. It's so bad there's even a scene that if you added the theme music to the Empire strikes back you can just hear Obi-Wan Kenobi saying these aren't the droids, no wait, egyptians, sorry, that you're looking for.
He completely ruins the novelty of the character. And it's just so ridiculous that the story, while it may have some good parts Of a plot,, just can't make up for. There's also long drawnout masses of paragraphs that are completely unnecessary and definitely should've been edited out. This novel is way too long.
Also, I find it frustrating that every female character they come across are all described as the most beautiful they'd ever seen. Lostiris was incredibly beautiful, Mintaka is incredibly beautiful, the daughters of Pharoh are all beautiful, just too much. And the descriptions of everybody's breasts every few pages is just way too much. I got very tired of reading Smith's fantasies of Egyptian women and their booby every few pages.
Overall a major let down.
He completely ruins the novelty of the character. And it's just so ridiculous that the story, while it may have some good parts Of a plot,, just can't make up for. There's also long drawnout masses of paragraphs that are completely unnecessary and definitely should've been edited out. This novel is way too long.
Also, I find it frustrating that every female character they come across are all described as the most beautiful they'd ever seen. Lostiris was incredibly beautiful, Mintaka is incredibly beautiful, the daughters of Pharoh are all beautiful, just too much. And the descriptions of everybody's breasts every few pages is just way too much. I got very tired of reading Smith's fantasies of Egyptian women and their booby every few pages.
Overall a major let down.
January 1, 2008
I wish this could be made into a movie!!!
October 4, 2007
THE WONDERFUL TAITA HAS LOST HIS CHARM
I've read Wilbur Smith's novels, "River God" and "The Seventh Scroll", and although I thought both went on too long and tried to do too much, I loved them for their originality and the excellent drawing of the principal character and narrator, the eunuch Taita.
In Warlock, as in the two "Taita" novels mentioned above, Smith again tries to bite off a smidge too much scope but where the earlier stories were so strong I found myself able to overlook this flaw, now the novelty of the setting has worn off and this time the plot is less satisfying - much like Hollywood sequels that fail to measure up to the original films because they slavishly try to mimic the elements that made the original a success.
Additionally (regrettably), Warlock grants POV's (points of view) to a veritable slew of characters, and the resulting stew ends up as a jumble of mid-paragraph POV swaps, pat dialogue, and thin characters. There's Taita, of course, but I much preferred him as the egotistical, lustful-but-incapable, boasting genius of River God and Seventh Scroll. There, his flaws glared but you'd roll your eyes and keep on loving him. Here, he is boringly perfect no matter who or what the opposition.
Of the others, Young pharaoh Nefer is perhaps the most rounded. He experiences setbacks and tries harder the next time. Although we never really know him well enough to make the transfer into his skin, his character arc rings true as he grows toward manhood. Less convincing are the shallowly drawn love interests and the two bad guys. Between the antagonists they don't do a single redeeming thing in the entire story. Sorry, but I've come to like characters with a little depth, and here there isn't much to enjoy.
To his credit, what Smith does give is a strongly imagined story painted in broad, colorful strokes. Smith is expert at setting the scene and Warlock holds the reader while trying hard to exploit the presumed familiarity of the reader with Taita. Sorry, it just doesn't convince. The plot is convoluted enough, but each "homestretch" is easily predictable, and I guess the broad strokes are to be expected when the writer is cranking out 650 page novels on a pace of one per year.
In my experience with his works, Wilbur Smith is best when he uses his rich imagination to tackle an entirely new theme with fresh characters and an exciting original hook. The Courtney's come to mind. The initial novel was by far the best of the lot. Of course, as an author myself, I know starting fresh is also the most difficult way to write, and not the kind of thing that lends itself to the one-a-year pace this author has been keeping of late.
In the end, I'm still a fan. I'll be reading the next one, and the one after that.
If Wilbur Smith lived on the great lakes, he'd have written "The Secret Ever Keeps". He lives in Africa, so I had to do it for him. If you like Wilbur Smith, you'll love "The Secret Ever Keeps". Here's the Amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601...
I've read Wilbur Smith's novels, "River God" and "The Seventh Scroll", and although I thought both went on too long and tried to do too much, I loved them for their originality and the excellent drawing of the principal character and narrator, the eunuch Taita.
In Warlock, as in the two "Taita" novels mentioned above, Smith again tries to bite off a smidge too much scope but where the earlier stories were so strong I found myself able to overlook this flaw, now the novelty of the setting has worn off and this time the plot is less satisfying - much like Hollywood sequels that fail to measure up to the original films because they slavishly try to mimic the elements that made the original a success.
Additionally (regrettably), Warlock grants POV's (points of view) to a veritable slew of characters, and the resulting stew ends up as a jumble of mid-paragraph POV swaps, pat dialogue, and thin characters. There's Taita, of course, but I much preferred him as the egotistical, lustful-but-incapable, boasting genius of River God and Seventh Scroll. There, his flaws glared but you'd roll your eyes and keep on loving him. Here, he is boringly perfect no matter who or what the opposition.
Of the others, Young pharaoh Nefer is perhaps the most rounded. He experiences setbacks and tries harder the next time. Although we never really know him well enough to make the transfer into his skin, his character arc rings true as he grows toward manhood. Less convincing are the shallowly drawn love interests and the two bad guys. Between the antagonists they don't do a single redeeming thing in the entire story. Sorry, but I've come to like characters with a little depth, and here there isn't much to enjoy.
To his credit, what Smith does give is a strongly imagined story painted in broad, colorful strokes. Smith is expert at setting the scene and Warlock holds the reader while trying hard to exploit the presumed familiarity of the reader with Taita. Sorry, it just doesn't convince. The plot is convoluted enough, but each "homestretch" is easily predictable, and I guess the broad strokes are to be expected when the writer is cranking out 650 page novels on a pace of one per year.
In my experience with his works, Wilbur Smith is best when he uses his rich imagination to tackle an entirely new theme with fresh characters and an exciting original hook. The Courtney's come to mind. The initial novel was by far the best of the lot. Of course, as an author myself, I know starting fresh is also the most difficult way to write, and not the kind of thing that lends itself to the one-a-year pace this author has been keeping of late.
In the end, I'm still a fan. I'll be reading the next one, and the one after that.
If Wilbur Smith lived on the great lakes, he'd have written "The Secret Ever Keeps". He lives in Africa, so I had to do it for him. If you like Wilbur Smith, you'll love "The Secret Ever Keeps". Here's the Amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601...
June 16, 2016
Took me 2 years to get through this book.
It was slow to start. Rather dull. Then when things finally got a bit exciting, it took a turn for the worse. Disturbing to read how one sister kills another by stabbing a knife into her private parts.
Sure, things like that may have happened at one time or another, by some sick individual, but it is uncomfortable to read it. And seemingly perverse to write it.
Not a book I felt comfortable keeping, donating, or selling to anyone else. I destroyed my copy.
I won't be reading anything from this author ever again. Big turn off.
It was slow to start. Rather dull. Then when things finally got a bit exciting, it took a turn for the worse. Disturbing to read how one sister kills another by stabbing a knife into her private parts.
Sure, things like that may have happened at one time or another, by some sick individual, but it is uncomfortable to read it. And seemingly perverse to write it.
Not a book I felt comfortable keeping, donating, or selling to anyone else. I destroyed my copy.
I won't be reading anything from this author ever again. Big turn off.
July 6, 2010
Third installment of the ancient Egyptian series by this author. I really liked this book. Mr. Smith writes with the depth and attention to detail that I think other authors should take into consideration. The continuing tale of the warlock Taita and his life through yet another Egyptian dynasty is just as attention holding as the first book "River God". Didn't want it to end but there is more out there to read.
August 25, 2007
Sigh...this was just not as good as the first book in the series. All the cool characters, save one, are dead. It's told in the third person, as opposed to the first. Didn't finish it.
August 8, 2015
I loved it, everything he writes mesmerizes me!
January 12, 2024
2.5
J'ai commencé cette lecture avec beaucoup d'enthousiasme mais, dès la moitié du livre, l'histoire perd son rythme et son originalité. On passe un temps infini à dresser des chevaux quand on sait très bien que le héros va réussir et le reste du livre suit le même pattern. Si un obstacle se dresse, on sait que le magicien trouvera une solution. Si un combat a lieu, on devine quand un personnage sera blessé ou tué. La seule question qui reste est de savoir si l'auteur osera tuer notre favori ou bien tuera l'autre qu'on aime un peu moins. La violence est omniprésente et devient donc banale, mais je dois dire que l'auteur aborde ces scènes avec un talent pour en écrire juste assez, sans tomber dans le piège de toujours en rajouter pour nous dégoûter. On a juste assez d'informations pour savoir ce qui se passe et s'imaginer les souffrances et les horreurs.
J'ai commencé cette lecture avec beaucoup d'enthousiasme mais, dès la moitié du livre, l'histoire perd son rythme et son originalité. On passe un temps infini à dresser des chevaux quand on sait très bien que le héros va réussir et le reste du livre suit le même pattern. Si un obstacle se dresse, on sait que le magicien trouvera une solution. Si un combat a lieu, on devine quand un personnage sera blessé ou tué. La seule question qui reste est de savoir si l'auteur osera tuer notre favori ou bien tuera l'autre qu'on aime un peu moins. La violence est omniprésente et devient donc banale, mais je dois dire que l'auteur aborde ces scènes avec un talent pour en écrire juste assez, sans tomber dans le piège de toujours en rajouter pour nous dégoûter. On a juste assez d'informations pour savoir ce qui se passe et s'imaginer les souffrances et les horreurs.
March 21, 2022
I usually really enjoy Wilbur Smith books, but this one was a bit of a slog. First off it's WAY to long. Second, I don't like books where the heroes are just smarter and better at everything than everybody else. It really takes away most of the suspense and excitement as it's just completely predictable the way things will turn out. Right from the start we know who the bad guys are here, but Smith labors the point making them commit all kinds of atrocities. After a while this became tiresome to read.
What started out as a reasonable historical drama in 'River God', morphed into a fantasy novel here, a couple of the characters having substantial magical powers way beyond the bounds of mysticism.
Very disappointed with this one but I will continue the series after a much needed break.
What started out as a reasonable historical drama in 'River God', morphed into a fantasy novel here, a couple of the characters having substantial magical powers way beyond the bounds of mysticism.
Very disappointed with this one but I will continue the series after a much needed break.
February 18, 2016
Figli del Nilo, in originale "Warlock" è un romanzo d'avventura di Wilbur Smith pubblicato in Italia nel 2001 per le Edizioni Longanesi. Questo è il terzo di cinque romanzi che lo scrittore ha ambientato in Egitto nella terra dei faraoni. Gli altri romanzi della serie sono:
Il settimo papiro
Il dio del fiume
Alle fonti del Nilo
Il dio del deserto
La trama è presto scritta: Morto il glorioso faraone Tamose, il paese è senza guida e il trono vacante. Se lo contendono il crudele reggente Naja e Trok, comandante dei temibili invasori hyksos, ma l'imperscrutabile volontà degli dei manifesta un altro progetto. Il loro favore ricade su Nefer, giovane figlio del defunto Tamose, la cui formazione è affidata a Taita detentore dell'immensa sapienza umana e di immensi poteri sovrannaturali. I due dovranno unire le loro forze per adempiere un glorioso compito e lottare, ognuno con le proprie armi, contro potenti nemici. Taita il mago diventerà terra, acqua, aria e fuoco affrontando le ombre del male con riti arcani; Nefer il principe diventerà un guerriero, imparando che nulla è più potente di un animo fedele alla giustizia e nulla più prezioso dell'amore di una donna.
Wilbur Smith ha scelto di ambientare i romanzi di questa saga tra le sabbie del grande paese africano, nell'antico Egitto dove i suoi misteri affascinano da sempre intere generazioni, creando un'avventura che, in bilico tra passato e presente, spazia dai campi archeologici alle magie, dagli amori appassionati alle lotte dinastiche. Tra prove di forza, intrighi di corte e battaglie nel deserto si sviluppa un’avventura mozzafiato che diverte ed emoziona.
Credo in ogni caso che il punto di forza sia la capacità dell'autore di descrivere con maestria e perizia di dettagli gli usi e costumi del popolo egizio e di quello hyksos, alimentando quell'atmosfera di magia, fascino e mistero che contraddistingue le civiltà antiche. Un punto di forza che può anche essere uno scoglio per il lettore poco interessato alla storia egizia in quanto può risultare un po' stancante la presenza di lunghe descrizioni.
Per me un grande romanzo storico, degno seguito della saga dei faraoni di Wilbur Smith.
Il settimo papiro
Il dio del fiume
Alle fonti del Nilo
Il dio del deserto
La trama è presto scritta: Morto il glorioso faraone Tamose, il paese è senza guida e il trono vacante. Se lo contendono il crudele reggente Naja e Trok, comandante dei temibili invasori hyksos, ma l'imperscrutabile volontà degli dei manifesta un altro progetto. Il loro favore ricade su Nefer, giovane figlio del defunto Tamose, la cui formazione è affidata a Taita detentore dell'immensa sapienza umana e di immensi poteri sovrannaturali. I due dovranno unire le loro forze per adempiere un glorioso compito e lottare, ognuno con le proprie armi, contro potenti nemici. Taita il mago diventerà terra, acqua, aria e fuoco affrontando le ombre del male con riti arcani; Nefer il principe diventerà un guerriero, imparando che nulla è più potente di un animo fedele alla giustizia e nulla più prezioso dell'amore di una donna.
Wilbur Smith ha scelto di ambientare i romanzi di questa saga tra le sabbie del grande paese africano, nell'antico Egitto dove i suoi misteri affascinano da sempre intere generazioni, creando un'avventura che, in bilico tra passato e presente, spazia dai campi archeologici alle magie, dagli amori appassionati alle lotte dinastiche. Tra prove di forza, intrighi di corte e battaglie nel deserto si sviluppa un’avventura mozzafiato che diverte ed emoziona.
Credo in ogni caso che il punto di forza sia la capacità dell'autore di descrivere con maestria e perizia di dettagli gli usi e costumi del popolo egizio e di quello hyksos, alimentando quell'atmosfera di magia, fascino e mistero che contraddistingue le civiltà antiche. Un punto di forza che può anche essere uno scoglio per il lettore poco interessato alla storia egizia in quanto può risultare un po' stancante la presenza di lunghe descrizioni.
Per me un grande romanzo storico, degno seguito della saga dei faraoni di Wilbur Smith.
January 11, 2017
Warlocks have held great sway in ancient civilizations and this book shows why. The show of miracle and authority as displayed by a slave turned magus Taita is simply astounding. In the first installation of this book, Taita is seen as an underwhelming character and he has transformed into a legend who invokes awe and respect among the ancient kingdoms of lower and upper Eygpt. As the story plot turns, Taita is known to be more than 200 years old and is a master adept at magic. The two warring kingdoms come to a peace only to see murder,betrayal and the rise of 2 pharaohs. Taita is a king maker and he has his personal battle with another magus and this story flows from the ancient city of Thebes to the fabled lands of Babylonia and the final battle fought near the ruins of an ancient city of Gellala. The Bedouins,Assyrians,Sumerians,Babylonians and all the ancient races are seen to be vassals of the mighty egyptians. Chariot warfare is at its best and the battles are typical David Goliath affairs with the wiles of David in full display. An amazing book and the author is a master weaver of words and magic.
October 5, 2012
There is no getting away with the fact that Wilbur Smith is a great wordsmith and story teller, but this book fell short of the mark for me.
The characters are all well formed to a point where you cheer the heroes on and the plot is woven well to maintain pace, in what is a lengthy novel (over 500 pages) and at times the imagery conjured up by smith is second to none, but it still left me feeling underwhelmed.
For me smith at times seemed to go too far with areas of gratuitous and sexual violence, seaming to dwell too long over the detail of the event and thus distracting from the impact that the event would have had otherwise. Yes there are times when something needs to have more time spent over its telling and there are times when enough is enough and, in my opinion, Smith crossed that line to many times in Warlock
I can see why this book has, generally, such a high rating, but for me – it misses the mark.
The characters are all well formed to a point where you cheer the heroes on and the plot is woven well to maintain pace, in what is a lengthy novel (over 500 pages) and at times the imagery conjured up by smith is second to none, but it still left me feeling underwhelmed.
For me smith at times seemed to go too far with areas of gratuitous and sexual violence, seaming to dwell too long over the detail of the event and thus distracting from the impact that the event would have had otherwise. Yes there are times when something needs to have more time spent over its telling and there are times when enough is enough and, in my opinion, Smith crossed that line to many times in Warlock
I can see why this book has, generally, such a high rating, but for me – it misses the mark.
March 17, 2018
No wonder Wilbur Smith was my mother's favorite writer, he is just awesome! Once you start reading any of his books, you can't put it down. And that is what happened to me with this book.
I read the two previous books of this saga long ago, and because one of my nephew gave me as a present, wonderful present!, the last book fo the saga, I decided to read it all over again. The funny thing is, I couldn't find the first book. Bookstores that sells new books didn't have all his books, since he is not in fashion now.
About the book, I totally love the story. Of course Taita is the star here, helping his beloved Lotris's grandson, Nefer, after his father was kill... I can't get into details, I might fall into unwanted spoilers and this book definately needs to be read without spoilers. because even when some twist and turns might be predictable, you just enjoy the story reading it. So, if you like adventure, be my guess, read this wonderful book, you really won't regret it.
I read the two previous books of this saga long ago, and because one of my nephew gave me as a present, wonderful present!, the last book fo the saga, I decided to read it all over again. The funny thing is, I couldn't find the first book. Bookstores that sells new books didn't have all his books, since he is not in fashion now.
About the book, I totally love the story. Of course Taita is the star here, helping his beloved Lotris's grandson, Nefer, after his father was kill... I can't get into details, I might fall into unwanted spoilers and this book definately needs to be read without spoilers. because even when some twist and turns might be predictable, you just enjoy the story reading it. So, if you like adventure, be my guess, read this wonderful book, you really won't regret it.
August 7, 2012
Reread because I simply don't remember most of the story. I would strongly advise people to read this serial now in reverse order so that you can still enjoy this book without comparing this with the first or second book.
This book is like the second season of Spartacus, more blood, more gore, more sex and with another guy playing Spartacus. I watched the first season and fell in love with the first Spartacus and was most grieved when I realised towards the end of season one that the actor died. I tried to watch the second season, which has just more of everything except the heart of the show, the original actor. All the sex, gore and blood just couldn't make me respond enough to continue watching.
So if you wanna enjoy this book, read the series in this sequence : Warlock, Seventh Scroll, River God.
This way, you can enjoy all the books in increasing flavor without losing any joy.
This book is like the second season of Spartacus, more blood, more gore, more sex and with another guy playing Spartacus. I watched the first season and fell in love with the first Spartacus and was most grieved when I realised towards the end of season one that the actor died. I tried to watch the second season, which has just more of everything except the heart of the show, the original actor. All the sex, gore and blood just couldn't make me respond enough to continue watching.
So if you wanna enjoy this book, read the series in this sequence : Warlock, Seventh Scroll, River God.
This way, you can enjoy all the books in increasing flavor without losing any joy.
February 8, 2022
Considering the fact that I am a die hard fan of Wilbur Smith, my views regarding the book can come across as extremely biased. Having said that, there were chapters that gave me goosebumps, instances that made my ovaries explode, episodes that unabashedly summoned tears and pages that gave me pure adrenaline rush. The unpredictability of the course of the narrative, a few gory morbid scenes and the vast canvas of the plot along with myriad characters can leave you with a mild Game of Thrones-ish feel. The diction is exceptional. Definitely worth the read.
August 2, 2012
As usual, Smith makes you feel as if you are right there along with the characters. I've read some reviews saying that he strays too much into the supernatural but he has done this before - the Umlimo in the Ballantyne books, for example. I have read this book three times now and still found it a page-turner every time. Taita has developed as a character in this book; he is still as wise as ever but has added magic to his repertoire. Ignore the sneerers; this is a great adventure story.
February 14, 2008
Once again, Wilber Smith shows great skill and craftman ship in tying together storyline with historical context and human inter-relations. Seemless! A long read but well worth it. The tension is raised in all the right places and the characters come alive. You are drawn into this ancient way of life and so colourful is Smiths writing that you can't help but get emotionally involved! Stunning!
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