Warrior King

Courtney publication order #23

by Wilbur Smith

South Africa, 1820

When Ann Waite discovers a battered longboat washed ashore in Algoa Bay, she is stunned to find two a badly scarred sailor and a little boy. As the man walks away into the morning mist alone, refusing to take the child - Harry - with him, Ann is left with no choice but to raise the boy as her own.

After two years of disaster and hardship in the African interior, desperation drives Ann and Harry back into the path of the mysterious shipwrecked man. Ralph Courtney has recently escaped from Robben Island and is determined to seek his fortune in Nativity Bay, the hidden harbour that his father told him about when he was a boy.

But it isn't long before Ralph, Ann and their fellow settlers learn that Nativity Bay now lies on the borders of a mighty kingdom, where the warrior king Shaka rules. With no means of making their way back to Algoa Bay, Ralph is forced into a bargain with the Zulu king which will lead him to confront the past that he has been running from for his entire life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Africa

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2024

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

[Kathleen Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story of the Courtney family written well. However I miss Wilbur Smiths raw touch in his distinctive love of Africa it's people and animals his early books made you part of the country and felt the breath of the lion and the magnificence of it's native people this book is close but is not the same. Still loved it and will continue to read future ones

[Marylyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Alicia Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but lacking seasoning to make this meal truly delicious

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced story of the early Courtney years. Plenty of action, but believable too.

[AR Morgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read of early Africa

Well researched of Shaka and how man entered his kingdom and life. Maybe a little far fetched but it is a novel.
To WS rest in pease and hope Tom will bring a new book to life.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare I say it, that Tom Harper, as well as he writes, might get tiresome after the next 15 books he crafts out of the notes Wilbur Smith left behind?

Everything you want in a Wilbur Smith book is here. The adventure never stops. The danger is constant. Violence is everywhere. But now that we all know Wilbur Smith is dead, even if he was using ghostwriters for years, something is different. The book is still a page turner but I had to take a star off because I can see where the franchise is going. And the big book people don’t care as long as they can still put Wilbur’s name on the cover. It’ll sell.

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[Gary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

another Courtenay saga finished

I read my first Wilbur Smith adventure featuring Courtenay in about 1991, and I have read every one of them now, as well as the Egyptian series and all the one-off novels. I had the pleasure of meeting Wilbur in 2005, and having his latest hardcover autographed. Warrior King was a typical Smith adventure, and Tom has faithfully carried on the tradition in the same style. It is my hope that more such novels will arrive in the future, and I do want to discover what lies on the other side of the mountain.

[Eric Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but nothing like as good as the earlier Smith books. When I read them years ago I could not wait for the next in the series, now I won't be looking for the next episode.

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read - but lacking something from the early days , the 1970s , of Wilbur Smith’s tales of Africa .

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was supposedly written in part by the late Wilbur Smith before his death several years ago and it's possible it may have been because there are portions of it that have that Smith feel to it. But mostly, its a Tom Harper book written in the true Smith style, lots of action, a number of twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader interested and a book that reads fast.

However, the plot - despite being interesting - does get into the implausible and totally unrealistic at a certain point, before coming back to Earth and a more realistic direction. Not being an authority on African history, it's possible what seems implausible could have actually happened but I tend to doubt it. Now you have to read it to find out what I'm referring to!

Overall, it's an enjoyable read for the followers of Wilbur Smith, and he no doubt would approve of the way the plot unravels and how it all ends. Yes, it is another Courtney adventure! If you've followed the Courtney family adventures, you'll want to add this to your library.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swashbuckling novel set in SOUTH AFRICA, early 19th Century



The novel opens as Ann Waite, mourning the loss of her own baby, happens upon the infant Harry in a beached and damaged boat. Ralph Courtney, a scarred, hard man, who emerges from the vessel, is only too keen to abandon the child, and Ann, given her circumstances, is only too happy to care for the baby. She has the support of her husband, Frank.

Their life is extremely hard, they are settlers from the UK and try any which way to make a living. Meanwhile penal colonies, colonial tensions and battles for land rage around the southern tip of Africa, and Ann and Ralph are destined to meet once again. The warrior Zulu King Shaka has his own agenda which will have repercussions on Ralph and those in his orbit.

The author sets the story against the tense period of colonial history and effectively uses the landscape and weather to ratchet up the tension and atmosphere.

[Quinton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A distant echo of Blue Horizon, but not as spectacular. I really tried to keep track of the Courtney family tree on this one, but the earlier family tree ends here as abruptly as the book itself. As time passes after Mr. Smith's passing, you can feel his influence in the story lessen. Although this book would make a great introduction to the next period of Courtney's to connect them all. Other than that, this was a very blunt book. For race sensitive readers, this is a hard book to read with the occasional derogatory terms. Even for me, I was wincing every time I read it. The historical attributes melts seamlessly into the fiction. If you fancy a bit of history without the heavy academic influence, this will trigger curiosity.

[Scott Vout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a Wilbur Smith fan for a very long time, just over 50 years now. I really enjoy all things Courtney so this was a no brainer. I know he is dead now but Wilbur 2.0, aka Tom Harper is keeping the home fires burning.

Ralph is a good character. He presents as almost human. Conflicted with life choices and uncertainty.
We get a sprinkling of some history in here as well with Shaka and the Zulu nation.
All in all a very good read. Fast paced enough to keep you interested with a couple of acceptable villains.

Part three will be along soon I am sure and we shall see how Ralph, Harry and Ann live happily ever after or if the Courtney curse continues.

[Gordon Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting page turner about a dreadful time in history

Wilbur Smith died in 2021 and this book was published in 2024 so Tom Harper must have based it on Wilbur’s research. Although this is a story, as usual it is based on research (plus, I imagine, some poetic licence). It describes well, how power and greed go together in a garden of eden populated by tribes wanting more; whether the tribes are black or white. Neither the Dutch, the English or the Zulus males are shown in a very good light only the women are. Sounds like 2025 USA not 1878 Africa.

[DAVID BURNETT · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb read. I’ve read over 30 of Wilbur’s books, but have recently had a break from them as for me the lead character(s) are too Superman or Wonder Woman which is great for escapism but it’s gets a bit boring book after book.
These characters are a bit rough around the edges which is a nice change. A novel that has that mix of fiction laced with historical fact always gets a thumbs up from me. Very well written and you won’t go far wrong by reading it.

[Richard Marman · Rating 3 out of 5]

How much of this work is down to ghost writer (literally) Tom Harper is problematic as it was developed from notes left by Wilbur Smith after his death.
And it's not a bad old yarn either, with any number of blood-thirsty Zulus, devious Boers, mean slave traders, wild animals, storms and pretty much anything else Africa can throw at our good guys and gals.
'Warrior King' is solid 'boys' own' stuff - enjoy.

[Rose]

I’ve always loved Wilbur Smith books but this one was truly awful, it never got anywhere and what story there was was easily worked out. There were no “ oh my goodness moments”. All too predictable and pretty boring, I finished it but only because I kept hoping something would happen that you couldn’t see coming

[Judy O'Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anything with Wilbur Smith's name on is going to be a good read.
This was the usual Courtney drama where our hero wrestle lion, hippopotamus and crocodile and others. Can slay the Zulu army, march miles across uncharted African territory and remain standing and get the girl in the end.
But as least l knew what l was getting when l picked it up.

[Hayden Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping twisting turning read

A happy sad bitter sweet story of hardship and resilience
I love this book as I never expected any of the twists or turns.
This book will keep you reading and wanting to know where the characters lives are going and wishing them the best.
I enjoy every word

[Andrew Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incomprehensible

The thought that key players must overcome insurmountable odds was delivered on steroids. I can only imagine the writer has lost the plot and wanted to extend the storyline.

[PTPrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Courtney adventure

A riveting read, takes you from shock to not and back again.
Read how Ralph Courtney seeks a second fortune in East Africa with murderous comrades and a tale of suppressed love.

[Rob Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Implausible and yet immensely readable with some nods to very early Wilbur's African adventures.

Linking up with such a mighty Zulu leader in Shaka was well done. Ralph C. Reminded me of my hero Flashman at times!

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Wilbur Smith novels for over twenty years and while I have enjoyed most, I always had a fascination for the first ones I read about in pre-colonial southern Africa with its lions and elephants. This seemed to be a return to those early days so I hope Ralph is the start of a new series.

[Ernest Spoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preposterous but entertaining, and that's all I wanted. Warrior King plays a little fast and loose with history...but, hey! this is fiction after all. I assume the principals survive for further adventures.

[A.Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read as usual

Wry well written in the Smith style,believable characters and believable plots, it draws you into the African and Zulu way of life and well researched .

[travisburne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Yvonne Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding! First time reader of Wilbur Smith’s book. Beautifully written, I could see everything in my mind’s eye.

[Sylvie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping as usual and I enjoyed all the history of the Zulu's from the beginning.

[Peter Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the early 1800's Ralph Courtney must face his earlier life and the consequences while surviving in the wilds of Africa and the Zulu nation under Shaka.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read as expected