Testament

Ancient Egypt #9

by Wilbur Smith

An epic new novel of Ancient Egypt, from the Master of Historical Adventure, Wilbur Smith.

FROM THE RUINS OF BATTLE
A HERO MUST RISE
FOR THE GLORY OF EGYPT

Years of Hyksos rule have seen the plunder of once-mighty Egypt. Though the two kingdoms have now been reunited by the armies of the true Pharaoh, his position is perilous, his rule under threat from those who seek to take advantage of the turmoil created by the overthrow of the Hyksos. Desperate to keep Egypt united, Taita the Magus summons his protégé, Piay, to solve a millennia-old riddle which has the power to secure Egypt's future forever.

But in the tumult of war, an evil has thrived. Malevolent followers of Seth, the god of chaos, are determined to claim this power and usher in a new age of darkness.

The fate of Egypt is at stake. Can Piay prevent their land falling into the hands of those who would see its ruin?

Don't miss Warrior King, the next action-packed adventure from Wilbur Smith. Available now.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Egypt

506 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

Wilbur 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.

Reviews

[Marion J Drage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not Wilbur Smith

Some reviewers said this was awful. I didn't find it awful, it just wasn't Wilbur Smith's voice. It lacked the connection he had with the characters which gave them life. Also the brief moment with Taita wasn't enough. Piay is okay but Taita is the driving force of the stories.

[Wayne Bilow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure. Continuing with the saga it just amazes me the imagination of Wilbur Smith that started the saga and with John who keeps it going. I hope he stills keeps it up.

[Yiota Vasileiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Η Κληρονομιά” του Wilbur Smith, το πιο πρόσφατο βιβλίο της σειράς “Νέο Βασίλειο”, κυκλοφόρησε το φθινόπωρο του 2024 και απ’ όσο μαθαίνω, έχει προκαλέσει ποικίλες αντιδράσεις στους φανατικούς αναγνώστες της σειράς.

Η ιστορία ακολουθεί τον Πιάι, μαθητή του λατρεμένου μάγου Τάιτα, καθώς προσπαθεί να λύσει έναν αρχαίο γρίφο που θα μπορούσε να εξασφαλίσει το μέλλον της Αιγύπτου. Η πλοκή συνδυάζει περιπέτεια, μυστήριο και την ατμόσφαιρα της αρχαίας Αιγύπτου, προσφέροντας σε γενικές γραμμές μια πολύ δυνατή αναγνωστική εμπειρία.

Ωστόσο, μη μπορώντας να αφήσω πίσω μου τις μνήμες από τα προηγούμενα βιβλία του αγαπημένου συγγραφέα, νιώθω ελαφρώς απογοητευμένη γιατί αισθάνομαι πως, όσο και αν προσπάθησε ο Mark Chadbourne, δεν κατόρθωσε να φτάσει το επίπεδο των προηγούμενων έργων του συγγραφέα. Και πως θα μπορούσε άλλωστε; Ορισμένα στοιχεία της πλοκής θα μπορούσαν να είναι πιο αναπτυγμένα, και οι χαρακτήρες, αν και ενδιαφέροντες, φαίνονται μερικές φορές στερεοτυπικοί.

Όπως και να έχει όμως και παρά τις μικρές αυτές αδυναμίες, το βιβλίο παραμένει μια αξιόλογη προσθήκη στη σειρά και συνιστάται σε όσους αγαπούν την ιστορική περιπέτεια και την αρχαία Αίγυπτο.

https://vivliografika.blogspot.com/

[Alex Whigham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cliche, predictable and sometimes cheesy. The plot is an Indiana Jones style treasure hunt, and in some places the traps and riddles the main character had to solve were interesting. There were moments where the plot was exciting or surprising. The villains seemed very one dimensional and their motivations a bit weak, I’d compare this book to the equivalent of a B grade action adventure film.
If I wasn’t invested in the characters from the first 4 books actually written by Wilbur Smith I wouldn’t have enjoyed this as much. If you’ve read all the previous books and you love the characters and world I’d still recommend reading this. But if you’re new to the series I wouldn’t, go and read the best one of them all ‘River God’.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately the original author passed and as the case when a well known author allows someone else to write his stories it’s never as good
So this no exception not great

[Princess Joules · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story super action packed like Indiana Jones. However I do wish that Myssa was a strong female lead someone who could fight for herself rather than Piay trying to save her against her will and in the end she died. I wish they could live a happy life together.

[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story filled with fantasy and superstition. Plot is interesting but some of the dialogue used in ancient Egypt contains 21st century thoughts and phrases. Detracts from the story. Readable but a bit drawn out. Softer, less crisp writing than usual from WS.

[David Chesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is to be the last Wilbur Smith book.
A bit Indianna Jones, but good as always.
Thank you for the adventures Mr Smith.
RIP

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adventure in ancient Egypt follows Piay of Thebes as he tries to salvage the love of his life while also trying to solve the ancient riddle of Imhotep that will bring peace and prosperity to a United Egypt. It is a non-stop adventure that gives the reader an insight into the ancient religions and the political divisions that pitted north from south as well as the foreign invaders that wanted to control the fertile Nile Valley. Just when it seems that the hero has resolved one challenge something else appears that will stretch his skills and intellect. If you are a fan of Wilbur Smith, you should enjoy this thriller.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Testament," co-authored by Wilbur Smith and Mark Chadbourne, unfortunately falls short of the high standards set by Smith's previous works. The book is riddled with numerous typos, which detract from the reading experience. The plotline feels lazy and uninspired, lacking the gripping narratives that Smith is known for. Characters are weakly developed and fail to evoke the depth and complexity seen in earlier books. The analogies used throughout are weak, adding to the overall disappointment. Sadly, "Testament" is a mere shadow of the former Wilbur Smith books and doesn't live up to the legacy he has created.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the 9th book of the Egyptian Series. It will be my last. Some of the books have been very good and some not so good or ok. This one is horrible.

I enjoy historical fiction because you get a glimpse of what an era of time was like while a good story is being told within that era. This book was not that. Fantasical dribble. I am not a fan of fantasy books and this is one.

I miss the earlier books by Wilbur Smith. Since his death, the books have become unreadable. He would be embarrassed that his name is used. Don't waste your time.

[KMC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Wilbur Smith, and I really enjoyed it. There were some points where the writing became a bit slow or repetitive, but overall he had me very invested in the adventures of Piay, Myssa, and Hannu. There were quite a few plot twists that kept the pace of the novel really interesting. I could definitely see this series becoming the adult version of The Kane Chronicles, so if you are a Rick Riordan fan definitely check this book out!

[Andrew Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a patch on a usual Wilbur Smith. Probably my second worst book, the Quest being comfortably the worst.

[K Saju · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strictly okay. Good for historical adventure but Wilbur Smith it is not.

[Ann James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book … unputdownable. Brilliant fusion of Egyptian gods and a quest x Now my dilemma is ready the remaining Smith Egyptian books or the many others I have so far ‘ unread ‘ x

[Andrea Maino · Rating 3 out of 5]

L’Egitto è allo stremo delle forze dopo le lotte incessanti e fallite con gli Hyksos. Per sperare nella salvezza dall’imminente e totale rovina, il potente mago Taita affida una missione al giovane Piay che partirà per una pericolosissima avventura con l’amata Myssa e il fedele amico Hannu.
L’ultimo dei romanzi appartenente al “secondo ciclo dell’Egitto” è ricco di azione, adrenalina e magia. Nonostante non sia di fatto scritto di Wilbur Smith, morto nel 2021, ho trovato lo stile narrativo piuttosto fedele e accurato, con descrizioni dettagliate e personaggi ben caratterizzati.
Amo sempre “tornare” nell’Antico Egitto e ho trovato questa lettura avvincente, ricca di tradimenti, intrighi, segreti e indizi che porteranno a una scoperta sensazionale. Gli elementi reali e storici e si intrecciano a quelli magici e fittizi, alla mitologia, creando suspense e mistero.
Un ottimo romanzo d’avventura in cui non mancano colpi di scena sconvolgenti.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit weird, to be honest. I think Smith always used his Egyptian series to push the limits of his style. No different here. The Egyptian gods are occasional characters, while the occult (or at least eerie) is a constant companion. The plot is simple--warring tribes chasing a thousand-year-old mystery (I kept waiting for a time-traveling Indiana Jones to show up). But the spectral characters (not to mention an un-Smithian love story) added quite a wrinkle. I guess I liked it, even if I'm in no hurry to get back to that world.

[Dorothy A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed in the Testament

Not nearly a good read as the previous Egyptian series. The depiction of the gods was very confusing and the character of Ptaly was not realistic or believable. His quest ( ? ) was confusing and parts left hanging was difficult to follow. Struggled to finish this novel and did not consider it a acceptable follow up to the previous Egyptian novels that I have enjoyed.

[Isaac Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like Ancient Egyptian Indiana Jones at times (in a good way). Reignited my interest in Ancient Egypt and made me want more in the setting. It isn't incredible but its a perfectly good piece of historical fiction that I enjoyed reading, and would recommend if it interests you at all.

At first I wasn't really feeling it, but that might have been because I had other books I was more excited to get to. Once I got into it though, it really pulled me in. Also, it's a fairly easy read.

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but there were a few parts where it was obvious that it wasn’t Wilbur Smith actually writing it, for instance, in the midst of an ancient attack, you come across a child crying Mummy, Daddy, over the bodies of her parents! It simply didn’t fit in with the time period of Ancient Egypt so really grated.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, no better than very average. Once Smith passed away the additional author has changed to new characters. Taita, hero of Smith's series, appears very little, and Piay the new hero is not to my mind smart or likeable. I am done with this series.

[Spencer Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adventure story. Lots of puzzles to solve that give Indiana Jones vibes. This was not my favourite of the 9 book series but it was an enjoyable read. My 3 favourite books in the series are:

River God
Warlock
The Quest.

[See · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Wilbur Smith book.

This book will hold your interest but it lacks a coordinated story line like the books that came before. The ending was a little stark and probably not what was expected.

[Maureen Savell]

A rollercoaster ride through Ancient Egypt

I have always enjoyed Wilbur Smith's books from the
Courtneys in Africa through to this series on Ancient Egypt. He never fails to grip you with his story telling leaving you cheering for the hero. Well done.

[Rosie Islambolipoor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Testament

What an absolute load of rubbish. All the other books on this series have been so good but this was beyond fanciful. So glad it was only 99p. I would have been really unhappy if I’d paid full price.

[William Chace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a different tone than the other Egyptian books I’ve read. I enjoyed it. The story itself grabbed you and I found it hard to put down at times. One of the other reviews mentioned the lack of Taita (which is true) but a good read nonetheless.

[mark goldner · Rating 3 out of 5]

No where near as good as an actual Wilbur Smith novel . If this is book 9 it should the last as they are clearly degrading.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a little slow in places, but picked up nicely towards the end. One thing I like about this author is his descriptive language; it shows extensive research.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Kent Dallmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!