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Courtney publication order #14
Golden Lion
In this epic African adventure, Wilbur Smith returns to his longest-running series - and the very beginnings of the Courtney family saga in the late seventeenth century - with co-author Giles Kristian.
GOLDEN LION follows Hal Courtney's adventures after the Christians have routed the Muslim invaders in Ethiopia in the mid-seventeenth century. And though conflicts still rage, Hal will face a much more personal enemy bent on revenge.
Wilbur Smith burst onto the international scene in 1964 with his debut novel, WHEN THE LION FEEDS, which introduced the Courtney family to readers around the world. Subsequent Courtney novels traced the fortunes, and misfortunes, of this sprawling, ambitious family, from the dawn of the 18th century to the late 20th century, from Natal in South Africa through Rhodesia and up through East Africa.
Henry 'Hal' Courtney has always lived at sea. He watched his own father executed during the Anglo-Dutch naval war, and spent his entire young adulthood avenging his father's death.
Now a truce has been made between the warring countries and Hal is captain of his own ship - the Golden Bough. From the slave markets of Zanzibar to the pirate-riddled waters of the Indian Ocean, Hal leads his crew in and out of the waves of danger. But he soon realizes that just because the war is over, does not mean the battle is won, and the more a man achieves, the more he has to lose.
'Best historical novelist - I say Wilbur Smith' Stephen King
'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' The Times
'No one does adventure like Wilbur Smith' Daily Mirror
'Smith is a master' Publishers Weekly
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2015
1043 people are currently reading
3477 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
319 books4,385 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 327 reviews
September 26, 2023
O Conde Fénix
Estendido na areia, atado a um mastro do que em tempos fora um navio, está um aglomerado de destroços humanos — partes dum corpo desmembrado por abutres e peixes necrófagos, pedaços dum guerreiro dos mares, dum homem que antes amara a vida e se entregara avidamente aos múltiplos prazeres que ela lhe proporcionara.
Supostamente... estaria morto! Porém, no instante em que duas crianças que passeavam na praia, se aproximaram do hipotético cadáver para o pilharem, eis que este emite um sinal de vida — uma tosse que põe os miúdos em fuga, apavorados, numa corrida desenfreada com destino às saias da mãe.
Esta, após algumas deliberações com a avó dos garotos sobre o destino a dar ao quase-cadáver, opta por transportá-lo até ao médico local, onde seremos finalmente informados sobre a sua identidade:
O guerreiro mutilado dá pelo nome de Angus Cochran, um conde escocês que fora apodado Abutre e estropiado por Hal Courtney, um inglês por quem ele nutria uma raiva incandescente, uma força transbordante que o mantinha agarrado à vida com um desejo único — aniquilar o seu imolador!...
O objectivo deste livro está longe de ser a história deste Conde-Abutre. Porém, confesso que foi antes de mais por ele, que fui virando páginas, ávida por deslindar o percurso de tão insólito personagem...
Que metamorfose milagrosa irá (ou não) suceder para que este aproximadamente-cadáver algum dia consiga (ou não) levar a sua avante?!...
Estendido na areia, atado a um mastro do que em tempos fora um navio, está um aglomerado de destroços humanos — partes dum corpo desmembrado por abutres e peixes necrófagos, pedaços dum guerreiro dos mares, dum homem que antes amara a vida e se entregara avidamente aos múltiplos prazeres que ela lhe proporcionara.
Supostamente... estaria morto! Porém, no instante em que duas crianças que passeavam na praia, se aproximaram do hipotético cadáver para o pilharem, eis que este emite um sinal de vida — uma tosse que põe os miúdos em fuga, apavorados, numa corrida desenfreada com destino às saias da mãe.
Esta, após algumas deliberações com a avó dos garotos sobre o destino a dar ao quase-cadáver, opta por transportá-lo até ao médico local, onde seremos finalmente informados sobre a sua identidade:
O guerreiro mutilado dá pelo nome de Angus Cochran, um conde escocês que fora apodado Abutre e estropiado por Hal Courtney, um inglês por quem ele nutria uma raiva incandescente, uma força transbordante que o mantinha agarrado à vida com um desejo único — aniquilar o seu imolador!...
O objectivo deste livro está longe de ser a história deste Conde-Abutre. Porém, confesso que foi antes de mais por ele, que fui virando páginas, ávida por deslindar o percurso de tão insólito personagem...
Que metamorfose milagrosa irá (ou não) suceder para que este aproximadamente-cadáver algum dia consiga (ou não) levar a sua avante?!...
March 16, 2016
The Courtney saga draws to a close (at least based on the number of published work) with author Giles Kristian taking control of the ship and returning to the high seas. Henry 'Hal' Courtney is back for another seafaring adventure, this time in the early days after the passing of his father. The novel opens with Angus Cochran (nicknamed the Buzzard), nemesis of Hal's father, Francis, washing up on land, missing a hand and eye, clinging to life. Cochran is nursed back to health and then enslaved by Maharajag Jahan, the ruler of Zanzibar. Jahan wishes to see Hal Courtney killed for his antics in the Ethiopian War, which saw the Muslims defeated and Allah displeased. Kristian returns to this sub-plot throughout the novel, but also focusses on the protagonist, young Hal. While sailing with his crew and new wife, Courtney is challenged by a Dutch vessel, seemingly unaware that England and Holland have calmed their disputes. Courtney is able to overtake the ship and its entire hold, including a prisoner, an Englishman named Pett, who is haunted by a mental apparition. Pett speaks regularly with this figment of his imagination, which directs him to murder Courtney. Working alongside an enemy of Courtney's, Pett tries to murder Hal, but is killed instead, alerting the Captain to the price on his head. When Courtney discovers that his wife, a famous Ethiopian general before her marriage, is pregnant, he is elated in hopes of having an heir to carry on the Courtney name. Working to fulfil his side of the bargain with Jahan, the Buzzard is able to capture Judith and imprison her as they sail back to Zanziabar. Courtney stops at nothing to find his wife and return her to the safety of his ship, though even doing so does not end the danger that awaits him. In a last-ditch effort to bring Courtney's head to the Maharajah, the Buzzard hopes to attack Courtney at the site of his buried treasure, gathering more rewards than he could have previously imagined. This will be a battle to the bitter end, pitting one man's honour against another. An interesting addition to the Courtney series that has enough action to keep Smith fans interested.
While the book is labeled as the fourteenth instalment in the Courtney collection, it might better be called "nine and a half", fitting nicely between Birds of Prey and Monsoon. The novel examines Hal Courtney and his connection to Judith, who receives scant mention in Monsoon. While the story follows Smith's general maritime adventure outline, complete with all the essential elements, there is a distinct flavour loss when Kristian takes up the pen and seemingly ghost writes the novel. I have read different sources on whether this was a joint venture or a new author using one with a great deal of NYT Bestseller experience to advance his cause. Either way, the idea is strong enough and does dabble into the life of Hal Courtney that was missing from Smith's earlier third series novels, though its depth and attention to detail seems a little too light for my taste. Swashbuckling and gory battles, alongside anti-Muslim sentiment and excessive description of female anatomy make the transition from Smith's own writing somewhat seamless, though Kristian ought not seek to quit his own job as a writer and continue on with the Courtneys, Ballantynes, or other series that Smith has made popular on his own. Decent enough, but surely not Wilbur Smith or the Courtney family at their best.
And so I have come to the end of my epic read-a-thon of the Courtney saga's fourteen novels and the Ballantyne tetralogy, over 105 days of pure enjoyment. Throughout, I have been able to garner a wonderful idea of life in Africa, as well as the historical happenings throughout the continent. Unlike other authors, whose focus has been on a certain area or country, Smith expands his stories across much of Africa, while using the Courtneys and Ballantynes to hash out the wonders of colonial growth and tossing of said shackles to promote independence. Smith does offer a wonderfully exciting view of 19th and 20th century politics, especially as it relates to South Africa and Rhodesia (eventually Zimbabwe) as well as the grip the English, Germans, and Dutch had on the region, perhaps the most transformative of the novels in the entire series (see Courtney books 1-8, 12-13) and all four Ballantyne novels. Powerfully written and told from a variety of perspectives, so as not to label everything as Eurocentric in its narrative. Well worth my many days of invested time and I can only hope a few readers have followed my reviews and found great interest in what I have to say, as well as wanting to see what Smith says on the continent, its people, and most importantly, its development. WONDERFUL COLLECTION.
Well done, Mr. Kristian for this final novel in the series. I can hope you realise that this series is untouchable and should not be picked up by another, seeking to fill in the gaps left by Smith, even if the pre-eminent author has given you carte blanche to do so.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While the book is labeled as the fourteenth instalment in the Courtney collection, it might better be called "nine and a half", fitting nicely between Birds of Prey and Monsoon. The novel examines Hal Courtney and his connection to Judith, who receives scant mention in Monsoon. While the story follows Smith's general maritime adventure outline, complete with all the essential elements, there is a distinct flavour loss when Kristian takes up the pen and seemingly ghost writes the novel. I have read different sources on whether this was a joint venture or a new author using one with a great deal of NYT Bestseller experience to advance his cause. Either way, the idea is strong enough and does dabble into the life of Hal Courtney that was missing from Smith's earlier third series novels, though its depth and attention to detail seems a little too light for my taste. Swashbuckling and gory battles, alongside anti-Muslim sentiment and excessive description of female anatomy make the transition from Smith's own writing somewhat seamless, though Kristian ought not seek to quit his own job as a writer and continue on with the Courtneys, Ballantynes, or other series that Smith has made popular on his own. Decent enough, but surely not Wilbur Smith or the Courtney family at their best.
And so I have come to the end of my epic read-a-thon of the Courtney saga's fourteen novels and the Ballantyne tetralogy, over 105 days of pure enjoyment. Throughout, I have been able to garner a wonderful idea of life in Africa, as well as the historical happenings throughout the continent. Unlike other authors, whose focus has been on a certain area or country, Smith expands his stories across much of Africa, while using the Courtneys and Ballantynes to hash out the wonders of colonial growth and tossing of said shackles to promote independence. Smith does offer a wonderfully exciting view of 19th and 20th century politics, especially as it relates to South Africa and Rhodesia (eventually Zimbabwe) as well as the grip the English, Germans, and Dutch had on the region, perhaps the most transformative of the novels in the entire series (see Courtney books 1-8, 12-13) and all four Ballantyne novels. Powerfully written and told from a variety of perspectives, so as not to label everything as Eurocentric in its narrative. Well worth my many days of invested time and I can only hope a few readers have followed my reviews and found great interest in what I have to say, as well as wanting to see what Smith says on the continent, its people, and most importantly, its development. WONDERFUL COLLECTION.
Well done, Mr. Kristian for this final novel in the series. I can hope you realise that this series is untouchable and should not be picked up by another, seeking to fill in the gaps left by Smith, even if the pre-eminent author has given you carte blanche to do so.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 5, 2017
Με τον Γουίλμπορα έχω μια σχέση που έχει ξεκινήσει πολλά μα πάρα πολλά χρόνια πριν… όταν ακόμα φλέρταρα με την Εύα, να Εύα ένα μήλο…
Η πρώτη μου επαφή ξεκίνησε ένα άνυδρο ελληνικό καλοκαίρι σε κάποιο ξεχασμένο νησί… Παραλία, πετσέτα και μπόλικη αμμουδιά… Ήταν η εποχή που κουλτουριαζόμουν ασυστόλως και τα μόνα βιβλία με τα οποία κατέβαινα στην παραλία ήταν οι δερματόδετοι τόμοι του Τολστόη και μια χιλιοδιαβασμένη έκδοση του «Ζεν και της τέχνης της συντήρησης της μοτοσικλέτας»… Κάποτε όμως τα βιβλία μου τελείωσαν, οι διακοπές όμως όχι και η μόνη λύση για διάβασμα ήταν τα Bell που είχε το μοναδικό μίνι μάρκετ της περιοχής… Έτσι ξεκίνησε το φλερτ με τον Wilbur Smith και κατέληξε μάλλον σε εμμονή αφού έχω διαβάσει ό,τι δικό του έχει κυκλοφορήσει εις την ελληνικήν…
Ο «Χρυσός Λέων» είναι το τελευταίο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα (με τον Giles Kristian) και ανήκει στην κατηγορία των Κόρτνει… Ο Smith έχει συγκεκριμένη μανιέρα και θεματολογία στο γράψιμο του, οπότε ξέρεις και τι θα βρεις… Αφρική, Άγγλους πειρατές, κακούς συνήθως Ολλανδούς, σαφάρι, άγρια ζώα, ζούγκλες, δουλεμπόρια κι όλες τις φυλές της Μαύρης Ηπείρου…
Τα ίδια υπάρχουν και εδώ… Το βιβλίο διαδραματίζεται στα 1670 όπου ο Χαλ Κόρτνει ετοιμάζεται να παντρευτεί με την Ιουδήθ (τη στρατηγό Ναζέτ), όμως συμβαίνουν πολλά και μέχρι να βρεθούν ο ένας με τον άλλον, διαβάζουμε διάφορα…
Χολιγουντιανό στόρι, γρήγορη πλοκή (αυτά δεν με ενοχλούν όταν επιλέγω Γουίλμπορα ξέρω τι θα διαβάσω…), όμως λυπάμαι αλλά αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είχε τη μαγεία των προηγούμενων… το εξέλαβα ως μια ασθμαίνουσα προσπάθεια να δώσει κάτι από τη μαγεία των Κόρτνει, όμως πέρασε και δεν άγγιξε… Χώρια που σε κάποια σημεία θύμιζε τέτοιο Άρλεκιν που εντάξει θα ξεράσω…
Λυπάμαι Γουίλμπορα αλλά με απογοήτευσες… Πρέπει να έχεις κι ένα θέμα με τα ‘πουλιά’ τώρα τελευταία… Μετά το ‘πουλί’ που φύτρωσε στον ευνούχο Τάιτα στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο σου, ένα μισερό ‘πουλί’ και στο Γύπα…
5.5/10 (για χάρη των παλιών καλών ημερών)…
Υ.Γ. Και μια και είπα να πάρω και μέρος στο Readathon 2017 (αν δεν βαρεθώ γιατί ως σκορόφιδο βαριέμαι κι εύκολα…), ο «Χρυσός Λέων» κατατάσσεται στην κατηγορία ‘Ένα βιβλίο που διαδραματίζεται πριν το 1800’.
http://skorofido.blogspot.gr/2017/01/...
Η πρώτη μου επαφή ξεκίνησε ένα άνυδρο ελληνικό καλοκαίρι σε κάποιο ξεχασμένο νησί… Παραλία, πετσέτα και μπόλικη αμμουδιά… Ήταν η εποχή που κουλτουριαζόμουν ασυστόλως και τα μόνα βιβλία με τα οποία κατέβαινα στην παραλία ήταν οι δερματόδετοι τόμοι του Τολστόη και μια χιλιοδιαβασμένη έκδοση του «Ζεν και της τέχνης της συντήρησης της μοτοσικλέτας»… Κάποτε όμως τα βιβλία μου τελείωσαν, οι διακοπές όμως όχι και η μόνη λύση για διάβασμα ήταν τα Bell που είχε το μοναδικό μίνι μάρκετ της περιοχής… Έτσι ξεκίνησε το φλερτ με τον Wilbur Smith και κατέληξε μάλλον σε εμμονή αφού έχω διαβάσει ό,τι δικό του έχει κυκλοφορήσει εις την ελληνικήν…
Ο «Χρυσός Λέων» είναι το τελευταίο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα (με τον Giles Kristian) και ανήκει στην κατηγορία των Κόρτνει… Ο Smith έχει συγκεκριμένη μανιέρα και θεματολογία στο γράψιμο του, οπότε ξέρεις και τι θα βρεις… Αφρική, Άγγλους πειρατές, κακούς συνήθως Ολλανδούς, σαφάρι, άγρια ζώα, ζούγκλες, δουλεμπόρια κι όλες τις φυλές της Μαύρης Ηπείρου…
Τα ίδια υπάρχουν και εδώ… Το βιβλίο διαδραματίζεται στα 1670 όπου ο Χαλ Κόρτνει ετοιμάζεται να παντρευτεί με την Ιουδήθ (τη στρατηγό Ναζέτ), όμως συμβαίνουν πολλά και μέχρι να βρεθούν ο ένας με τον άλλον, διαβάζουμε διάφορα…
Χολιγουντιανό στόρι, γρήγορη πλοκή (αυτά δεν με ενοχλούν όταν επιλέγω Γουίλμπορα ξέρω τι θα διαβάσω…), όμως λυπάμαι αλλά αυτό το βιβλίο δεν είχε τη μαγεία των προηγούμενων… το εξέλαβα ως μια ασθμαίνουσα προσπάθεια να δώσει κάτι από τη μαγεία των Κόρτνει, όμως πέρασε και δεν άγγιξε… Χώρια που σε κάποια σημεία θύμιζε τέτοιο Άρλεκιν που εντάξει θα ξεράσω…
Λυπάμαι Γουίλμπορα αλλά με απογοήτευσες… Πρέπει να έχεις κι ένα θέμα με τα ‘πουλιά’ τώρα τελευταία… Μετά το ‘πουλί’ που φύτρωσε στον ευνούχο Τάιτα στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο σου, ένα μισερό ‘πουλί’ και στο Γύπα…
5.5/10 (για χάρη των παλιών καλών ημερών)…
Υ.Γ. Και μια και είπα να πάρω και μέρος στο Readathon 2017 (αν δεν βαρεθώ γιατί ως σκορόφιδο βαριέμαι κι εύκολα…), ο «Χρυσός Λέων» κατατάσσεται στην κατηγορία ‘Ένα βιβλίο που διαδραματίζεται πριν το 1800’.
http://skorofido.blogspot.gr/2017/01/...
November 6, 2015
Now this one sounds like the old Wilbur Smith. Dated back in the time of Birds of Prey, this one has great heroes, heroines, and gross villains willing to put their enemies through all kinds of inhuman torment. Wooden sailing ships, buried treasure, African fighters protecting their European masters...good stuff.
November 4, 2015
The first thing I have to say is the cover of this book is beautiful. It just looks like an epic book and it is. Reading this book was like being drawn into an amazing adventure with the two main characters Captain Hal Courtney and his love Judith Nazet. They are the heroes of this story and the love story between these two was so sweet. I also loved that Judith was just as tough of a fighter as the men. This is the first book I've read in the Courtney series and I definitely want to read more because I enjoyed escaping into this action filled book so much. This book was kind of Game of Thrones meets Pirates of the Caribbean with a dash of Man in the Iron Mask. The villain in this story is a man called the Buzzard and he certainly was a scary opponent. I absolutely recommend this book. Thank you to the Goodreads giveaway and William Morrow and HarperCollins publishers for this book.
October 1, 2015
A fascinating book and one I was looking forward to reading. I’ve read a few of Smith’s novels in the past and he’s a recognised master of the pen and I’ve read everything Giles has written and have yet to be disappointed by him. So something written by both of them? Well it had to be a win.
The book is the latest in the Courtney series of which I had thus far read only one. Since Smith books tend to leap about a bit era-wise and the Courtney series more than most I didn’t know what exactly to expect.
The book is set in the reign of Charles II with characters who remember the civil war all too well. It takes place on the Indian Ocean and the shore of Africa around Zanzibar. It involves an earlier villain previously presume dead and a series of revenge plots. It is as action packed and evocative as you would expect from either writer.
There are echoes of pirate era tales and of Napoleonic naval books, of African adventure and of British Empire colonialism. There are aspects of religious conflict, of slave trading, of piracy and hunting of snares and rescues, of sea battles and duels. Essentially it should have something for every reader of action adventure.
Having recently involved myself in several different collaborations I am intrigued as to how this one was carried out. I have experienced alternating chapters, separate parts to one novel and even multiple viewpoints. This one bears the hallmarks of none of them.
The writing to me feels more like a Smith book, as though Smith has essentially written the prose right through. But most aspects of the plot feel very Giles Kristin to me, from the superb and chilling array of villains to the hairpin plot twists to the camaraderie of the sailors right down to the locations.
The combination has produced an excellent tale whatever the case, though I couldn’t help but feel that Giles’ part was somewhat downplayed in the novel’s paperwork, with his name in relatively small print, a scant mention and no picture on the flyleaf etc.
So the upshot… would I recommend it? Yes I would. I suspect that readers of both writers will enjoy it. I think readers will get most from it if they have at least some familiarity with the Courtney novels and in particular the one that comes chronologically immediately before this but that being said I had not read that one and the book still worked for me. A hearty slice of adventure in an unusual milieu I would say and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The book is the latest in the Courtney series of which I had thus far read only one. Since Smith books tend to leap about a bit era-wise and the Courtney series more than most I didn’t know what exactly to expect.
The book is set in the reign of Charles II with characters who remember the civil war all too well. It takes place on the Indian Ocean and the shore of Africa around Zanzibar. It involves an earlier villain previously presume dead and a series of revenge plots. It is as action packed and evocative as you would expect from either writer.
There are echoes of pirate era tales and of Napoleonic naval books, of African adventure and of British Empire colonialism. There are aspects of religious conflict, of slave trading, of piracy and hunting of snares and rescues, of sea battles and duels. Essentially it should have something for every reader of action adventure.
Having recently involved myself in several different collaborations I am intrigued as to how this one was carried out. I have experienced alternating chapters, separate parts to one novel and even multiple viewpoints. This one bears the hallmarks of none of them.
The writing to me feels more like a Smith book, as though Smith has essentially written the prose right through. But most aspects of the plot feel very Giles Kristin to me, from the superb and chilling array of villains to the hairpin plot twists to the camaraderie of the sailors right down to the locations.
The combination has produced an excellent tale whatever the case, though I couldn’t help but feel that Giles’ part was somewhat downplayed in the novel’s paperwork, with his name in relatively small print, a scant mention and no picture on the flyleaf etc.
So the upshot… would I recommend it? Yes I would. I suspect that readers of both writers will enjoy it. I think readers will get most from it if they have at least some familiarity with the Courtney novels and in particular the one that comes chronologically immediately before this but that being said I had not read that one and the book still worked for me. A hearty slice of adventure in an unusual milieu I would say and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
February 3, 2021
উইলবার স্মিথের লেখার অভিনবত্ব হল, উনি যেই সময়-সমাজ-পরিস্থিতি নিয়ে লেখেন, সেটা পুরোপুরি তুলে ধরতে পারেন। ডাচ-ইংরেজদের যুদ্ধ, ভূমধ্যসাগরীয় পাড়ের মানুষের নিঃস্বতা, দাসবৃত্তি, দস্যুপ্রবৃত্তি, বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, চাতুরতা, প্রেম, আনুগত্যের এক অসাধারণ আখ্যান। হাল-জুডিথের প্রণয়, তাদের বীরত্ব, বুজার্ডের হিংস্রতা, পেটের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, অ্যাবোলি-স্ট্যানলি-ডেনিয়েলের হালের প্রতি আনুগত্য, ওমান সম্রাট জাহানের চাতুর্য বইটাকে আরোও নিবেদনময় করে তুলেছে। (বুজার্ড চরিত্র নিয়ে একটা ফিচার লেখা ফরজ হয়ে গেছে)
এটা অনুবাদিকার প্রথম অনুবাদ। সে হিসাবে বেশ ভালো অনুবাদ হয়েছে। কিছু ইংরেজির অনুবাদ না করে, সেটাকে ইংরেজি স্পেলিং্যেই রাখাটা বেশ লেগেছে। তবে প্রথমদিকে অনুবাদ খুব একটা জুইতের হয় নি। লাইন বাই লাইন সিকুয়েন্স ধরে রাখতে অনেকটাই ব্যার্থ। তবে একশ পৃষ্ঠার পর মাখনের গতিতে এগিয়েছে।
দীর্ঘদিনের রক্তক্ষয়ী যুদ্ধের পর ডাচ আর ইংরেজ সৈন্যরা শান্তিচুক্তিতে আবদ্ধ হয়। কিন্তু কিছু কিছু যুদ্ধ কোনো শান্তিচুক্তিতেও দমানো যায় না। হাল কার্টনি যাকে সাগরে পুড়ে মারা যেতে দেখেছে সে আবার ফিরে এসেছে, প্রতিশোধ নিতে, আরোও শক্তিশালী হয়ে।
এটা অনুবাদিকার প্রথম অনুবাদ। সে হিসাবে বেশ ভালো অনুবাদ হয়েছে। কিছু ইংরেজির অনুবাদ না করে, সেটাকে ইংরেজি স্পেলিং্যেই রাখাটা বেশ লেগেছে। তবে প্রথমদিকে অনুবাদ খুব একটা জুইতের হয় নি। লাইন বাই লাইন সিকুয়েন্স ধরে রাখতে অনেকটাই ব্যার্থ। তবে একশ পৃষ্ঠার পর মাখনের গতিতে এগিয়েছে।
দীর্ঘদিনের রক্তক্ষয়ী যুদ্ধের পর ডাচ আর ইংরেজ সৈন্যরা শান্তিচুক্তিতে আবদ্ধ হয়। কিন্তু কিছু কিছু যুদ্ধ কোনো শান্তিচুক্তিতেও দমানো যায় না। হাল কার্টনি যাকে সাগরে পুড়ে মারা যেতে দেখেছে সে আবার ফিরে এসেছে, প্রতিশোধ নিতে, আরোও শক্তিশালী হয়ে।
January 29, 2022
I can imagine Johnny Depp as the lead character if this was a film. Pirates and pirates and dishonorable characters in West Coast Africa. Say 300 years ago. With Halle Berry as the chief pirates live interest. Not what I would call a historical fiction. Too light hearted for that. More a beach read.
January 31, 2020
Wilbur Smith's name kept popping up on my radar. I guess the Big Brother powers that be thought I'd enjoy his brand of action-adventure historical fiction. Well, they were right, he said begrudgingly. The Golden Lion was a fun read. Very solid historical details. There were points when I thought plot devices could be utilized better to make the story more tense and thrilling, instead of predictable and slightly anticlimactic, but all in all, this was good stuff. I'll definitely be reading more Smith in the future!
September 24, 2023
“El león de oro” es una novela escrita por Wilbur Smith con la colaboración de Giles Kristian. Se trata de una novela de aventuras, ubicada hacia el siglo XVII en Africa y con una historia de amor por medio pero, básicamente, una novela de aventuras de la modalidad de novela de piratas.
Wilbur Smith (1933-2021) ha sido un prolífico escritor de novelas de aventuras. Algunos de sus relatos incluyen hechos ambientados en los siglos XVI y XVII sobre los procesos fundacionales de los estados del sur de África y aventuras e intrigas internacionales relacionadas con estos acontecimientos. También cuenta en su haber con diversas novelas ubicadas en el tiempo presente pero siempre, mayormente, en Africa.
Giles Kristian (nacido en 1975) es otro novelista, también conocido por sus novelas de aventuras basadas en el género histórico. Mayormente es conocido por su serie “Raven”, sobre un hombre en el seno de una banda de guerreros Vikingos.
Como hemos dicho, “El león de oro” se ubica en el siglo XVII, más concretamente hacia 1670 en la costa oriental de África. El capitán Henry Courtney parte a bordo de su barco, La Rama Dorada. A lo lejos, se distingue otra embarcación. Cuando es abordada, la tripulación debe defender la suerte del barco y sus propias vidas.
De esta forma arranca una narración cuya acción y emoción no decae hasta el final de la novela ya que otros peligros esperan al capitán Henry: la venganza de un enemigo insaciable. Por tierra y por mar, Courtney ha de rescatar aquello que le han arrebatado, aquello que ama más que su vida.
Está és la segunda novela que leo de Wilbur Smith, segunda también en la secuencia de los “Courtney”, una saga que llega hasta los 17 títulos. Una vez más, Wilbur Smith demuestra ser un gran conocedor del continente africano. Los escenarios se describen con gran precisión y todo lujo de detalles, lo mismo que las gentes que pueblan dichos escenarios, así como la forma de vivir. Las batallas entre naciones, los jefes tribales, los mercados de esclavos, los bajeles, los palacios, etc… dan mucha veracidad a la narración. Como siempre, el autor (autores en este caso), incluye algunos hechos históricos que sirven para dotar de mayor riqueza y veracidad a la lectura.
En cuanto a los personajes, hay todo un abanico de personajes en esta novela. Los protagonistas son Hal (Henry) y Judith. Hal es un inglés, hijo de un pirata inglés y pirata él mismo por mucho que, como herencia de su padre, luzca un título nobiliario y tenga “patente de corso” de Su Graciosa Majestad para ejercer el “noble” acto de la piratería. Es un joven apuesto, valiente y aguerrido, el típico “héroe” de la narración. Algunos de sus actos deben ser contextualizados, posiblemente sean reprobables desde una perspectiva actual. Pero, su actuación, en general, es mayormente loable y heroica.
En cuanto a la “heroína” Judith Nazet, se trata de una mujer que lideró el ejército de su país, Etiopía. Judith es una mujer muy valiente e inteligente, considerada una heroína en su país pero, al mismo tiempo resulta tan femenina como valiente. Aquí cabe reseñar también que los autores dan a la mujer un papel un tanto machista desde un punto de vista actual, la mujer como objeto de deseo masculino, pero, como hemos dicho, ha de contextualizarse en la época en que transcurren los hechos.
Luego tenemos también al típico “malo” de la historia, el “buitre”, el personaje más oscuro de toda la historia y que tiene una venganza pendiente con los Courtney, padre e hijo. No obstante, no es el “buitre” el único enemigo de Courtney y sus hombres, también encontramos al poderoso “maharaja” que puede permitirse hacer lo que quiera con cuanto posee, incluyendo seres humanos, o también, William Pett, más odioso, si cabe, que el “buitre” ya que Pett es un auténtico psicópata en nombre de la fe cristiana.
De otro lado está Aboni, el fiel amigo y oficial de Henry Courtney, cuya fidelidad está fuera de toda duda, daría la vida por su capitán. En definitiva, en cuanto al elenco de personajes, los autores, sin ahondar demasiado en sus personalidades, dan las suficientes notas para que resulten sobradamente creíbles y veraces.
En conclusión, la novela está repleta de aventuras. Hay amores, amistades, fidelidades, traiciones, luchas, abordajes, crímenes, rescates desesperados… Lo cierto es que la novela llega a ser muy emocionante y no da descanso en toda la narración. Muy recomendable para los amantes del género.
Wilbur Smith (1933-2021) ha sido un prolífico escritor de novelas de aventuras. Algunos de sus relatos incluyen hechos ambientados en los siglos XVI y XVII sobre los procesos fundacionales de los estados del sur de África y aventuras e intrigas internacionales relacionadas con estos acontecimientos. También cuenta en su haber con diversas novelas ubicadas en el tiempo presente pero siempre, mayormente, en Africa.
Giles Kristian (nacido en 1975) es otro novelista, también conocido por sus novelas de aventuras basadas en el género histórico. Mayormente es conocido por su serie “Raven”, sobre un hombre en el seno de una banda de guerreros Vikingos.
Como hemos dicho, “El león de oro” se ubica en el siglo XVII, más concretamente hacia 1670 en la costa oriental de África. El capitán Henry Courtney parte a bordo de su barco, La Rama Dorada. A lo lejos, se distingue otra embarcación. Cuando es abordada, la tripulación debe defender la suerte del barco y sus propias vidas.
De esta forma arranca una narración cuya acción y emoción no decae hasta el final de la novela ya que otros peligros esperan al capitán Henry: la venganza de un enemigo insaciable. Por tierra y por mar, Courtney ha de rescatar aquello que le han arrebatado, aquello que ama más que su vida.
Está és la segunda novela que leo de Wilbur Smith, segunda también en la secuencia de los “Courtney”, una saga que llega hasta los 17 títulos. Una vez más, Wilbur Smith demuestra ser un gran conocedor del continente africano. Los escenarios se describen con gran precisión y todo lujo de detalles, lo mismo que las gentes que pueblan dichos escenarios, así como la forma de vivir. Las batallas entre naciones, los jefes tribales, los mercados de esclavos, los bajeles, los palacios, etc… dan mucha veracidad a la narración. Como siempre, el autor (autores en este caso), incluye algunos hechos históricos que sirven para dotar de mayor riqueza y veracidad a la lectura.
En cuanto a los personajes, hay todo un abanico de personajes en esta novela. Los protagonistas son Hal (Henry) y Judith. Hal es un inglés, hijo de un pirata inglés y pirata él mismo por mucho que, como herencia de su padre, luzca un título nobiliario y tenga “patente de corso” de Su Graciosa Majestad para ejercer el “noble” acto de la piratería. Es un joven apuesto, valiente y aguerrido, el típico “héroe” de la narración. Algunos de sus actos deben ser contextualizados, posiblemente sean reprobables desde una perspectiva actual. Pero, su actuación, en general, es mayormente loable y heroica.
En cuanto a la “heroína” Judith Nazet, se trata de una mujer que lideró el ejército de su país, Etiopía. Judith es una mujer muy valiente e inteligente, considerada una heroína en su país pero, al mismo tiempo resulta tan femenina como valiente. Aquí cabe reseñar también que los autores dan a la mujer un papel un tanto machista desde un punto de vista actual, la mujer como objeto de deseo masculino, pero, como hemos dicho, ha de contextualizarse en la época en que transcurren los hechos.
Luego tenemos también al típico “malo” de la historia, el “buitre”, el personaje más oscuro de toda la historia y que tiene una venganza pendiente con los Courtney, padre e hijo. No obstante, no es el “buitre” el único enemigo de Courtney y sus hombres, también encontramos al poderoso “maharaja” que puede permitirse hacer lo que quiera con cuanto posee, incluyendo seres humanos, o también, William Pett, más odioso, si cabe, que el “buitre” ya que Pett es un auténtico psicópata en nombre de la fe cristiana.
De otro lado está Aboni, el fiel amigo y oficial de Henry Courtney, cuya fidelidad está fuera de toda duda, daría la vida por su capitán. En definitiva, en cuanto al elenco de personajes, los autores, sin ahondar demasiado en sus personalidades, dan las suficientes notas para que resulten sobradamente creíbles y veraces.
En conclusión, la novela está repleta de aventuras. Hay amores, amistades, fidelidades, traiciones, luchas, abordajes, crímenes, rescates desesperados… Lo cierto es que la novela llega a ser muy emocionante y no da descanso en toda la narración. Muy recomendable para los amantes del género.
January 28, 2016
It was with a little scepticism that I decided to read Wilbur Smith’s latest book, Golden Lion. Being a big fan of Wilbur Smith, his last two books were really disappointing and his latest book is the first one that has been co-written with Giles Kristian.
This story does not disappoint though as the style that was used was similar to his earlier books. Returning to the adventures of the Courtney family, we follow the adventures of Hal Courtney, Captain of the Golden Bough in the early 17th Century. Travelling along the East Coast of Africa, Hal sails with his pregnant lover, Judith Nazet, who is a well-known warrior known as General Nazet. Hal encounters his arch-enemy, The Buzzard, who is out for revenge after being terribly disfigured when he had been left for dead.
When Hal and Judith get caught up in the slave market, some of the scenes depicting the treatment of slaves in the Zanzibar slave markets as well as various torture scenes such as surviving in shark infested waters almost makes the reader want to squirm.
Wilbur Smith really is an amazing story teller. The way he weaves many tense and exciting scenes together makes for a very exciting read indeed. This book’s focus was much more on adventure, love and revenge which I found to be refreshing, and exciting. Some of his previous books have focused heavily on graphically described torture scenes and sordid sex scenes. This book was more “wholesome” and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to reading Wilbur Smith’s next book whenever it comes out.
This story does not disappoint though as the style that was used was similar to his earlier books. Returning to the adventures of the Courtney family, we follow the adventures of Hal Courtney, Captain of the Golden Bough in the early 17th Century. Travelling along the East Coast of Africa, Hal sails with his pregnant lover, Judith Nazet, who is a well-known warrior known as General Nazet. Hal encounters his arch-enemy, The Buzzard, who is out for revenge after being terribly disfigured when he had been left for dead.
When Hal and Judith get caught up in the slave market, some of the scenes depicting the treatment of slaves in the Zanzibar slave markets as well as various torture scenes such as surviving in shark infested waters almost makes the reader want to squirm.
Wilbur Smith really is an amazing story teller. The way he weaves many tense and exciting scenes together makes for a very exciting read indeed. This book’s focus was much more on adventure, love and revenge which I found to be refreshing, and exciting. Some of his previous books have focused heavily on graphically described torture scenes and sordid sex scenes. This book was more “wholesome” and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to reading Wilbur Smith’s next book whenever it comes out.
January 5, 2017
Riprendere una serie di cui il primo "capitolo" (Uccelli da preda - edito nel 1997) è stato letto nel 2006, è stata veramente dura! Dopo dieci anni, quindi, ho fatto fatica a ritrovare personaggi e situazioni, anche perché mi pare che lo smalto del "vecchio" Wilbur Smith si sia un po' opacizzato. E le quattro mani si avvertono, eccome se si avvertono!
Forse il caro WS sta forgiando eredi...
Ma c'era proprio bisogno di questo "tassello" per colmare un vuoto che, personalmente, a suo tempo, non ho minimamente avvertito?
Inutile... Carino (non di più!), ma inutile...
Forse il caro WS sta forgiando eredi...
Ma c'era proprio bisogno di questo "tassello" per colmare un vuoto che, personalmente, a suo tempo, non ho minimamente avvertito?
Inutile... Carino (non di più!), ma inutile...
Read
May 10, 2019DNF. But only because I realised it was a series book.
February 29, 2016
I really, really did not like this book. It was recommended to me by a regular at work, and I no longer trust their opinion. This book is why I need feminism, and why the world needs black lives matter. There is exactly one female character (two others show up for maybe twenty pages, so I'm not counting them), and despite being a fearsome warrior, she spends half the book waiting to be saved by the main character. She is also pregnant, a condition that quickly takes over her entire character. Judith also falls prey to being a perfect. The male characters are complex, with faults and advantages, and Judith is just a shining pillar of light who is there for the main character, Hal Courtney, to love and cherish. Ugh. Secondly, for a book SET IN AFRICA, the main protagonist and antagonist are British. The African characters are also one dimensional - from the loyal but simple sidekick, to the evil and greedy foreign Prince. Wilbur Smith treats everyone who isn't a white British man as a caricature. And even if we put that aside (which I can't), the narrative itself reads like a made for tv movie. There's a lot of sword fights, or duels to the death, masked men and harems. The end escape is really rushed and the falling action barely exists. While it was definitely an easy read, do not waste your time with this 600 page piece of trash. Okay, end/rant.
April 26, 2025
Another African adventure from Smith.
When his wife and son are kidnapped into slavery, the father pursues them to the ends of the earth.
Smith's actually a little too cynical for the story.
When his wife and son are kidnapped into slavery, the father pursues them to the ends of the earth.
Smith's actually a little too cynical for the story.
February 7, 2024
Action packed adventure thriller. There are pirates, buried treasure, Christian armies and Moslem armies, hyenas and jackals, sharks, elephants, and one pissed off rhinoceros. The story ranges from Ethiopian battlefields to palaces, harems, and slave markets in Zanzibar, and finally through the Indian Ocean to a hidden tropical lagoon. The ending was a little abrupt, but overall this was a very exciting and entertaining read.
September 17, 2015
Review:
I have thought long and hard about the best way to approach reviewing this book and as usual i have decided to fall back on my usual frank open honest feelings and hope nothing offends.
I’m not a reader of Wilbur Smiths books and im a huge fan of Giles Kristian’s, i have read both authors multiple times so feel i can comment on either style.
The book opens in dramatic style and and roared into action but very soon (for me) i felt that the book became something very much led and styled by elder statesman of thrillers, Mr Smith rather than a true collaboration and that was always my concern as i’m not his biggest fan, mainly because i feel a series should not go on for that many books (14 Courtney books now) and each book should improve on the last, and i think his stopped doing that some time ago.
read the rest here: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
I have thought long and hard about the best way to approach reviewing this book and as usual i have decided to fall back on my usual frank open honest feelings and hope nothing offends.
I’m not a reader of Wilbur Smiths books and im a huge fan of Giles Kristian’s, i have read both authors multiple times so feel i can comment on either style.
The book opens in dramatic style and and roared into action but very soon (for me) i felt that the book became something very much led and styled by elder statesman of thrillers, Mr Smith rather than a true collaboration and that was always my concern as i’m not his biggest fan, mainly because i feel a series should not go on for that many books (14 Courtney books now) and each book should improve on the last, and i think his stopped doing that some time ago.
read the rest here: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
July 1, 2016
Golden Lion by Wilbur Smith with Giles Christian
I finally finished this novel after a slow start!
I must say it did start to really pick up and I started to really enjoy it and didn't want it to end.
It was an African ship/sea adventure with tales of slavery, gold, elephants and the mention of lions.
It's the first Wilbur Smith novel I've ever read and I must say it's well-written and an excellent swashbuckling tale set in Africa.
If you love Ships and adventures set at sea you are going to love this novel.
I finally finished this novel after a slow start!
I must say it did start to really pick up and I started to really enjoy it and didn't want it to end.
It was an African ship/sea adventure with tales of slavery, gold, elephants and the mention of lions.
It's the first Wilbur Smith novel I've ever read and I must say it's well-written and an excellent swashbuckling tale set in Africa.
If you love Ships and adventures set at sea you are going to love this novel.
January 7, 2017
This presented an interesting perspective of event between Birds of Prey and Monsoon. It fills in a bit of the history between the two, mostly focusing on the time frame just after Birds of Prey. While I enjoyed it, I didn't think it quite had the impact the other two novels did. But still a worthwhile read.
February 20, 2016
This was a tough read. Mr. Smith and his writing partner tried to fit so much into the book that it seemed to just run from one scene to another without a lot of in depth meat in any one section. As a result, I felt the characters were not as well developed as Mr. Wilbur usually does. I gave it three stars more out of respect for Mr. Smith's past work than this current one. I hope he does better in his next book.
December 20, 2020
Tendo crescido a ler os clássicos de Emilio Salgari, este livro de Wilbur Smith fez-me viajar um pouco até esse imaginário de corsários e batalhas navais.
A ação desenrola-se na África Oriental, no século XVII, e consiste numa trama de honra e traição que opõe o capitão Hal Courtney a um velho rival do seu pai, "o Abutre".
Neste livro, nota-se que houve uma pesquisa histórica razoável, sendo interessantes as descrições da vida nos navios e o ambiente nas cidades costeiras daquela parte de África. Contudo, não é menos verdade que é um livro que só começa a ganhar vida depois de 150 páginas (até lá, é algo desinteressante e fastidioso) e, sobretudo, é um livro totalmente baseado em ação, ação e ação: as personagens não têm o menor interesse, com exceção do vilão, o desfigurado "Abutre".
Em suma, é uma leitura que entretém de modo satisfatório e com uma dinâmica de enredo salutar na segunda metade do livro, mas que não me conseguiu deliciar.
A ação desenrola-se na África Oriental, no século XVII, e consiste numa trama de honra e traição que opõe o capitão Hal Courtney a um velho rival do seu pai, "o Abutre".
Neste livro, nota-se que houve uma pesquisa histórica razoável, sendo interessantes as descrições da vida nos navios e o ambiente nas cidades costeiras daquela parte de África. Contudo, não é menos verdade que é um livro que só começa a ganhar vida depois de 150 páginas (até lá, é algo desinteressante e fastidioso) e, sobretudo, é um livro totalmente baseado em ação, ação e ação: as personagens não têm o menor interesse, com exceção do vilão, o desfigurado "Abutre".
Em suma, é uma leitura que entretém de modo satisfatório e com uma dinâmica de enredo salutar na segunda metade do livro, mas que não me conseguiu deliciar.
May 3, 2025
"The Golden Lion" - written by Wilbur Smith and published in 2015 by HarperCollins. I love sea adventures and Smith knows how to write them! Courtney, young but capable enough to captain The Golden Bough, gets into all sorts of jams with people he has wronged in the past, and when they put his soon-to-be wife Judith into jeopardy all bets are off. About half way through I was sure I had read this one already, but prior to my Goodreads time (I rue the hundreds of books like that). The setting in Zanzibar and along the Indian Ocean were perfect for sea chases, forced walks through hippo-filled swamps, and all sorts of adventures. I'll never catch up with all of Smith's books, but will always be glad to read one.
May 23, 2018
Wilbur Smith heeft zijn successen vooral te danken aan zijn boeken over de Courtney-familie. Deze kronieken strekken zich uit van 1860 tot 1987 en spelen zich vooral in Afrika af. Zijn nieuwste roman, Gouden leeuw, behelst een eerdere periode: 1670, een paar jaar na de beëindiging van een van de Nederlands-Engelse oorlogen. Het boek, het veertiende over de Courtney's, heeft Smith tezamen met Giles Kristian, een schrijver van vooral historische romans, geschreven.
Gouden leeuw is het verhaal van de jonge kapitein en kaper Henry 'Hal' Courtney, eigenaar van het schip de 'Golden Bough'. Zijn vader, de piraat Frances Courtney, is tijdens de oorlog tussen Engeland en Nederland door schuld van de Schot Angus Cochran, alias De Buizerd, vermoord. Hal neemt wraak op hem en is in de veronderstelling dat Cochran, samen met zijn schip, in vlammen is opgegaan. De Buizerd blijkt, hoewel zwaar gehavend, echter nog te leven en wil op zijn beurt vergelding voor wat hem is aangedaan. In opdracht van maharadja Jahan neemt hij, samen met de Grey, de koninklijke consul van Zanzibar, deel aan een complot om Hal en zijn partner, de vrouwelijke generaal Judith Nazet, om te brengen. Maar lukt het Hal om De Buizerd opnieuw te verslaan?
Zoals gezegd is dit het veertiende boek in de Courtney-serie. Het is echter geen enkel probleem dit boek los van de eerdere boeken te lezen. Het verhaal staat namelijk op zichzelf en kan als zodanig goed worden gevolgd. Het enige wat je je kunt afvragen, is de exacte toedracht van de dood van Frances Courtney. Het niet weten daarvan is echter geen gemis. Toch is het misschien wel beter om Gouden leeuw na Roofvogels te lezen. Want in het laatstgenoemde boek komen Hal Courtney, Judith Nazet en Aboli in ieder geval voor. Hun personages zullen in dat boek beter uitgewerkt zijn dan in dit.
Gouden leeuw is een bijzonder prettig geschreven boek vol actie en avontuur. Beide zijn al vanaf de eerste hoofdstukken merkbaar aanwezig. Een combinatie van deze twee zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal ook spanning heeft. Niet voortdurend, maar dat is in feite niet de aard van het boek. Behalve deze kenmerken, heeft het boek ook historische aspecten, zoals bijvoorbeeld de Nederlands-Engelse oorlog, de slavenhandel en de bezetting van Zanzibar. Aardig in het verhaal is de naam van de Nederlandse kapitein Michiel Tromp. Wellicht een verwijzing naar de zeehelden Tromp en De Ruyter?
Opvallend is dat Hal Courtney wordt neergezet als een soort superman. Natuurlijk is hij het belangrijkste personage in dit boek, overkomt hem ook wel het een en ander, maar toch blijkt hij onverslaanbaar en soms zelfs onvermoeibaar te zijn. Voor het boek is dat uiteraard interessant, maar de geloofwaardigheid wordt daardoor wel wat aangetast. Toch maakt Wilbur Smith ook in dit boek zijn naam als rasverteller waar. Want het blijft van begin tot eind boeien. Dat is mede te danken aan Smith's levendige manier van schrijven.
Na het lezen van Gouden leeuw krijg je het gevoel dat het verhaal, ondanks dat het wel degelijk een afgerond geheel is, nog niet afgelopen is. De laatste paar zinnen van het laatste hoofdstuk geven namelijk voldoende ruimte voor een vervolg.
Gouden leeuw is het verhaal van de jonge kapitein en kaper Henry 'Hal' Courtney, eigenaar van het schip de 'Golden Bough'. Zijn vader, de piraat Frances Courtney, is tijdens de oorlog tussen Engeland en Nederland door schuld van de Schot Angus Cochran, alias De Buizerd, vermoord. Hal neemt wraak op hem en is in de veronderstelling dat Cochran, samen met zijn schip, in vlammen is opgegaan. De Buizerd blijkt, hoewel zwaar gehavend, echter nog te leven en wil op zijn beurt vergelding voor wat hem is aangedaan. In opdracht van maharadja Jahan neemt hij, samen met de Grey, de koninklijke consul van Zanzibar, deel aan een complot om Hal en zijn partner, de vrouwelijke generaal Judith Nazet, om te brengen. Maar lukt het Hal om De Buizerd opnieuw te verslaan?
Zoals gezegd is dit het veertiende boek in de Courtney-serie. Het is echter geen enkel probleem dit boek los van de eerdere boeken te lezen. Het verhaal staat namelijk op zichzelf en kan als zodanig goed worden gevolgd. Het enige wat je je kunt afvragen, is de exacte toedracht van de dood van Frances Courtney. Het niet weten daarvan is echter geen gemis. Toch is het misschien wel beter om Gouden leeuw na Roofvogels te lezen. Want in het laatstgenoemde boek komen Hal Courtney, Judith Nazet en Aboli in ieder geval voor. Hun personages zullen in dat boek beter uitgewerkt zijn dan in dit.
Gouden leeuw is een bijzonder prettig geschreven boek vol actie en avontuur. Beide zijn al vanaf de eerste hoofdstukken merkbaar aanwezig. Een combinatie van deze twee zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal ook spanning heeft. Niet voortdurend, maar dat is in feite niet de aard van het boek. Behalve deze kenmerken, heeft het boek ook historische aspecten, zoals bijvoorbeeld de Nederlands-Engelse oorlog, de slavenhandel en de bezetting van Zanzibar. Aardig in het verhaal is de naam van de Nederlandse kapitein Michiel Tromp. Wellicht een verwijzing naar de zeehelden Tromp en De Ruyter?
Opvallend is dat Hal Courtney wordt neergezet als een soort superman. Natuurlijk is hij het belangrijkste personage in dit boek, overkomt hem ook wel het een en ander, maar toch blijkt hij onverslaanbaar en soms zelfs onvermoeibaar te zijn. Voor het boek is dat uiteraard interessant, maar de geloofwaardigheid wordt daardoor wel wat aangetast. Toch maakt Wilbur Smith ook in dit boek zijn naam als rasverteller waar. Want het blijft van begin tot eind boeien. Dat is mede te danken aan Smith's levendige manier van schrijven.
Na het lezen van Gouden leeuw krijg je het gevoel dat het verhaal, ondanks dat het wel degelijk een afgerond geheel is, nog niet afgelopen is. De laatste paar zinnen van het laatste hoofdstuk geven namelijk voldoende ruimte voor een vervolg.
April 8, 2016
The title of the book has little to do with the plot itself, if not a vague quote at the beginning, the book is addictive.
The style of Wilbur Smith is always light, fluent, accurate and pleasant and egregious is the characterization.
There are no unnecessary characters. Even the extras are functional to the story and really well presented. The author has done a perfect job in making these characters move in an exciting and varied history, which are themselves to enrich and make it more interesting.
We are sailing in the seas of Africa and to cross some of its lands, chasing up and down the frantic adventures of Courtney and his men.
"The Golden Lion", is the story of the captain of the vessel Golden Bough, the British commander Hal Courteney, brave soldier who distinguished himself in the battles between Muslims and Christians, the defense of sacred relics like the Grail and the Tabernacle, and the son of a another great commander (and privateer), loves Nazeth, valiant and beautiful Ethiopian warrior; important is his friendship with Aboli mighty warrior, and incredibly well-described is the battle against his worst enemy: Angus Cochran, otherwise known as the Vulture.
Populated by brave men, pirates, sultans, unscrupulous and cowardly, and animated by adventure, honor, love, friendship and revenge, The Golden Lion like to lovers of adventure novels.
"They are not slaves to smell. The stench is that of the souls of men that reduce them to slavery."
The style of Wilbur Smith is always light, fluent, accurate and pleasant and egregious is the characterization.
There are no unnecessary characters. Even the extras are functional to the story and really well presented. The author has done a perfect job in making these characters move in an exciting and varied history, which are themselves to enrich and make it more interesting.
We are sailing in the seas of Africa and to cross some of its lands, chasing up and down the frantic adventures of Courtney and his men.
"The Golden Lion", is the story of the captain of the vessel Golden Bough, the British commander Hal Courteney, brave soldier who distinguished himself in the battles between Muslims and Christians, the defense of sacred relics like the Grail and the Tabernacle, and the son of a another great commander (and privateer), loves Nazeth, valiant and beautiful Ethiopian warrior; important is his friendship with Aboli mighty warrior, and incredibly well-described is the battle against his worst enemy: Angus Cochran, otherwise known as the Vulture.
Populated by brave men, pirates, sultans, unscrupulous and cowardly, and animated by adventure, honor, love, friendship and revenge, The Golden Lion like to lovers of adventure novels.
"They are not slaves to smell. The stench is that of the souls of men that reduce them to slavery."
December 30, 2015
Wilbur finalmente torna a ciò che gli è più consono, con cui si sente più a suo agio: Africa, pirati, storia, Courteney. Finalmente si sente di nuovo l'atmosfera di casa, con Hal, Aboli, Judith; è stato fin troppo lontano da questa saga e da questa famiglia. Ci sono sempre superuomini e superdonne che non muoiono mai e che se la cavano in ogni disavventura, ma non sarebbero Courteney altrimenti! Buon ritmo per 2/3 del romanzo, poi sul finale si perde un po', e il finalissimo è fin troppo affrettato. Speriamo non ci faccia aspettare altri lustri per colmare le lacune della continuity di questa famiglia.
June 29, 2016
This new chapter in the Courtneys saga was great! Already Birds of Prey was one of my favorite hist fiction books.... and Monsoon was a stunning sequel ... Having this story that takes place in the middle of the two books was great. It brought me back to a saga I love and it was no disappointment.
Great adventure!
Great adventure!
April 3, 2016
Wilbur Smith gets back to his basics with this book, with a certain simplicity of plot, although his distinctive voice is still there. Yes, the perfect macho man gets ridiculous at times, and some hyperboles are spinning out of control, but do not make the mistake of putting Wilbur Smith in the bunch of "adventure writers" as if he was just one among many: for the richness of the descriptions, and for the great confidence about the African background that the author exudes, this is adventure writing at its very finest.
March 17, 2016
Always a rollicking tale. The Golden Lion continues the Courtney family saga, taking the reader back in time and around the world. Wilbur Smith is one of those authors you can count on to deliver a fun and engaging story every time.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book. This in no way impacted my review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book. This in no way impacted my review.
November 11, 2015
Hard to put down. Had a very abrupt ending which was unsatisfying. Overall I think that it was a good story and will be liked by most readers.
This was a go of story but the ending was very abrupt and a lot to be desired. Overall it is a book worth the time to read
This was a go of story but the ending was very abrupt and a lot to be desired. Overall it is a book worth the time to read
January 15, 2016
the book starts out really gruesome, what almost made me give up, fortunatley I didn't! After the first 30 pages we finally see the master at work once more. I have read every novel in the Courtney series and I wasn't disapointed by this one. A nice new novel in true Wilbur Smith style!
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