Fire on the Horizon

by Wilbur Smith, Imogen Robertson

A BATTLE FOR THE HEART OF A COUNTRY AT WAR WITH ITSELF

Praise for Wilbur Smith

'A master storyteller' Sunday Times

'No one does adventure quite like Smith' Daily Mirror

'Best historical novelist' Stephen King

South Africa, 1899 - the smouldering hostility between the Boers of the Transvaal and Orange Free State and the British colonies of the Cape and Natal is about to burst into flame. War is coming and no one can prevent it. Colonel Penrod Ballantyne, hero of Abu Klea and Omdurman, is sent to Mafeking, 'the place of stones', to recruit and train men for the fighting ahead. Amber, his wife, the successful novelist, accompanies him - eager to see more of the country her husband is about to risk his life for. But when war is declared, Amber must flee with their baby son and pray for her husband's survival against impossible odds.

Eight hundred miles to the south, in Cape Town, Ryder Courtney - adventurer, maverick, industrialist - is using his wealth and connections to bankroll the British war effort. His artist wife Saffron, frustrated by stuffy Cairo society, has joined him with their three children. There is peace in the Courtney household, or so Saffron believes, until their eldest son, Leon, stows away on a train to the front line, determined to join his distinguished uncle, Penrod Ballantyne, in changing the course of history. Saffron and Ryder have no choice but to leave the safety of the Cape Colony and follow. Leon is convinced that his parents are without honour and courage. Little does he realise that he has no chance of escaping the people they used to be.

Two families torn apart, caught up in a battle for the heart of a country at war with itself.

A NEW BOOK IN THE LONG-RUNNING EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY FROM WILBUR SMITH IN WHICH THE COURTNEYS AND THE BALLANTYNES COME TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN IN THE SEQUEL TO WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS THE TRIUMPH OF THE SUN AND KING OF KINGS.

Readers are loving FIRE ON THE

'Gripping, thrilling and heartwarming' ***** Reader review

'Great book, hard to put down' ***** Reader review

'Nobody knew the history of Africa like Wilbur did' ***** Reader review

'Absolutely brilliant from beginning to end with a nice twist' ***** Reader review

DON'T MISS THE BRAND-NEW NOVEL FROM WILBUR SMITH, CROSSFIRE. AVAILABLE NOW.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Thriller, Adventure, Africa, Novels

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 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

[Gary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

the epic continues

A great read with lots of adventure, set around a moment in history. Strong characters, lots of adventure, and a pleasing outcome. Well written, continuing the style of Wilbur, whom I met in Australia in 2005, and I have a signed hardback of Triumph of the Sun as a treasured memory.

[Les Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by a master story teller

[Richard West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one of those books supposedly partially written by Wilbur Smith before his death. After reading this I have to ask "really?" because it doesn't have that certain Smith style to it. Every writer has a certain style and you could read a grocery list and say "yes, that was written by so-and-so." While this book is entertaining, it just doesn't have that Wilbur Smith touch to it.

Having said that, what we have here is a Courtney/Ballantyne adventure set at the beginning of the Boer War featuring characters that were introduced to us a number of years ago while Wilbur Smith was still alive and writing. And, while the book does move along well and keeps the action moving, it just doesn't seem.....well, Smithy, for lack of a better word.

Not for the faint of heart - there's a great deal of blood, gore and human devastation in these pages. Those might have been written at least in part, by the late Mr. Smith.

And if you don't remember the characters, you might want to go back and read Triumph of the Sun and King of Kings to re-acquaint yourself with Penrod Ballantyne so this one will make a little more sense.

It would appear there will be another sequel coming up sometime in the future and if so, let's hope it reads more like a Wilbur Smith novel and not one written by someone who is supposedly a co-author.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilbur Smith’s novels of Africa are exciting adventures that are intertwined with the history of the continent. This particular story happens in 1899 and follows two families, the Courtneys and the Ballantynes, who have been at the heart of several Smith’s novels. This time the plot centers on the efforts by the British to slow down the advances of the Boers by enticing them to lay siege to the small town of Mafeking. Several plot lines make this a fast moving and interesting read. There are times when it’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. If you are a fan of Wilbur Smith you will enjoy this one.

[Kit Findlay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read every one of the Courtney family saga in Wilbur Smith series and love every single one, where I struggle to put them down they are so exciting and engaging. Unfortunately, I struggled to pick up this book every time, as it was just so boring, with two-dimensional characters and no depth to the story. Its such a shame that the co author Imogen let Wilber and the series down with this absolute drivel of a book. Especially after she did so well with CO Authoring the other Wilbur Smith King of Kings, assuming Wilbur had a lot more input and guidance with that one. Honestly i would recommend not picking up this book as it tarnishes the whole Courtney series.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilbur Smith (and his coauthor) return to the (Second) Boer War, particularly the siege of Mafeking (yes, Baden-Powell does appear). I enjoyed the novel, though honestly I wondered if I was reading parts written for children. I don't mind youth protagonists, but their subplots were too uninvolved. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the work, even if it is probably too pro-British (but if it weren't, we'd know Wilbur Smith was not involved!).

[Sophy Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Courtney and Ballantyne adventure lovers This posthumous book written by Wilbur Smith and Imogen Robertson is a must read. Robertson caught the tone of Smith exactly right and more. As an avid reader of Wilbur Smith's books, I think Robertson surpassed the master. She added a special touch that gave deep insight into the characters. Lovely.

[Ursula Liechti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read C Wilburn Smith years ago and I am excited to come across him again I love the stories about South Africa and will look for more of his books this book is about the bite war in South Africa It showed brace and onors keeen on both side abd dishonest people on each way of living fe. Exciting , brutal , cruel.and love as well. Educational as well. Read it b

[marilou kiessig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing Africa…..always Wilbur Smith

True to Wilbur Smith in story but missing Wilbur’s unique literary “voice”.
I admire the colossal effort to complete the Wilbur Smith manuscripts and will always anticipate release of the next!!
Good job in a colossal undertaking!

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is set in South Africa in 1899 at the beginning of the Boer War. It features Penrod Ballantyne and his wife, Amber. It also features Ryder Courtney and his wife, Saffron. The two wives are twin sisters. There is death, war and everyday living. The book was an easy read.

[Kathleen Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wilbur Smith books this is a good story but feels as if something is missing and the story lacks the feeling of Africa and it's people ( tooth and claw) that Wilbur Smith's earlier books transported the reader to. Still would recommend

[SKBrody · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about historical fiction books is that it can remind one of the past. If one is curious enough, as I was for this book, I spent quite a bit of time researching the Boer Wars of the late 1890's.

[Harold Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting tale of the start of the Boers’ War I South Africa for which little knowledge.

The veld of the characters and story provide introductory material for future episodes in the Courtney saga.

[Gordon Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Co-authorship is not always successful

I thought when I saw this Wilbur Smith book of 484 pages, “great, his books are worthwhile”. Not this time. It took 400 pages to get past the “boys own adventures” type of writing then finished on page 430.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A terrific Boer War novel. Imogen Robertson brings the bitter South African conflict alive perfectly.

[mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read every Wilbur Smith book over the years , I found this one to be by far the most disappointing.

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a poor example of smiths work

Slow start middle then a bit of action at the end. Poor.The ghost writing is bellow standard.
Not a good read.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stiff upper lip novel about Africa in the last years of the 19th century, told through the eyes of Penrod Ballentyne, Ryder Courtney and their families.

This book covers the early stages of the Boer War, in particular the siege of Mafeking.

Although I’m fairly familiar with the history of the period, this seemed to be too much of a melodramatic story. Nowhere near the standard of Wilbur Smiths earlier novels, of which I was fond of.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fast-paced and exciting. It had great character development.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robertson has the 'Smith' touch. Good work.

[Barbara Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did learn from this book. But the predictable non war parts, while tolerable, were still predictable.

[Kent Dallmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read, I knew nothing about the siege of Mafeking apart from the fact that it existed so it was interesting to read a book and learn more about it. Great characters.

[Billy Forbes]

another great book from Wilbur.

[Julie Chidgey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book telling part of the story about the Boer War starting in 1899. This book deals with the siege of Mafeking. A fast paced action book in Wilbur Smith style.

[M.R.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Another great entry into the series. A complete story all the usual twists, thrills and Wilbur Smith Flair!

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical

[Mark Pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty tale

A story of heroics and betrayal during the boar war which was both plausible and gripping at the same time.

[Roger Pfaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting and parts, but not nearly as good as his earlier Egypt novels

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant Wilbur smith adventure great characters and descriptions of the siege - loved it