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Βρετανική Ανατολική Αφρική, 1913.
Ο νεαρός ανθυπολοχαγός Λίον Κόρτνεϊ έχει εγκαταλείψει το βρετανικό στρατό κι έχει γίνει κυνηγός μεγάλων ζώων. Τώρα, οδηγεί πλούσιους και ισχυρούς Ευρωπαίους και Αμερικανούς σε σαφάρι στις περιοχές των Μασάι. Ανάμεσα στους πιο σημαντικούς πελάτες του είναι κι ο Γερμανός κόμης Ότο φον Μέερμπαχ, ένας βαθύπλουτος βιομήχανος που προμηθεύει αεροπλάνα και οχήματα στο στρατό του Κάιζερ.
Όμως ο Λίον έχει και μια άλλη, κρυφή ιδιότητα. Ο θείος του Πένροντ Μπαλαντάιν, διοικητής των βρετανικών δυνάμεων της Ανατολικής Αφρικής, τον έχει στρατολογήσει ως κατάσκοπο του Στέμματος. Αποστολή του είναι να αποσπάσει από τον κόμη πληροφορίες που ίσως αποδειχθούν πολύτιμες στη μεγάλη σύγκρουση που πλησιάζει.
Δεν αργεί να διαφανεί ότι μια συνωμοσία εξυφαίνεται ενάντια στους Βρετανούς στη Νότια Αφρική, στην οποία εμπλέκονται οι δυσαρεστημένοι επιζήσαντες του πολέμου των Μπόερς. Ο Λίον μπορεί να βοηθήσει αποφασιστικά στην εξουδετέρωσή της. Αλλά μια απρόβλεπτη εμπλοκή θέτει σε κίνδυνο την αποστολή, ίσως και την ίδια τη ζωή του: το παράφορο, ανεξέλεγκτο πάθος που γεννιέται μέσα του για την Εύα, την όμορφη και αινιγματική ερωμένη του κόμη...
Ο νεαρός ανθυπολοχαγός Λίον Κόρτνεϊ έχει εγκαταλείψει το βρετανικό στρατό κι έχει γίνει κυνηγός μεγάλων ζώων. Τώρα, οδηγεί πλούσιους και ισχυρούς Ευρωπαίους και Αμερικανούς σε σαφάρι στις περιοχές των Μασάι. Ανάμεσα στους πιο σημαντικούς πελάτες του είναι κι ο Γερμανός κόμης Ότο φον Μέερμπαχ, ένας βαθύπλουτος βιομήχανος που προμηθεύει αεροπλάνα και οχήματα στο στρατό του Κάιζερ.
Όμως ο Λίον έχει και μια άλλη, κρυφή ιδιότητα. Ο θείος του Πένροντ Μπαλαντάιν, διοικητής των βρετανικών δυνάμεων της Ανατολικής Αφρικής, τον έχει στρατολογήσει ως κατάσκοπο του Στέμματος. Αποστολή του είναι να αποσπάσει από τον κόμη πληροφορίες που ίσως αποδειχθούν πολύτιμες στη μεγάλη σύγκρουση που πλησιάζει.
Δεν αργεί να διαφανεί ότι μια συνωμοσία εξυφαίνεται ενάντια στους Βρετανούς στη Νότια Αφρική, στην οποία εμπλέκονται οι δυσαρεστημένοι επιζήσαντες του πολέμου των Μπόερς. Ο Λίον μπορεί να βοηθήσει αποφασιστικά στην εξουδετέρωσή της. Αλλά μια απρόβλεπτη εμπλοκή θέτει σε κίνδυνο την αποστολή, ίσως και την ίδια τη ζωή του: το παράφορο, ανεξέλεγκτο πάθος που γεννιέται μέσα του για την Εύα, την όμορφη και αινιγματική ερωμένη του κόμη...
548 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
707 people are currently reading
2801 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 376 reviews
February 22, 2017
Assegai is a consummate feast of a story that is rich in vivid description. The author takes the reader into British East Africa of a 100 years ago. The wildlife, the people, and landscapes all come to life as we follow Leon Courtney's adventures leading up to World War I. I listened to the audio book and Simon Vance does an outstanding job with this story.
Assegai references the spear used by the Maasai tribesmen of Nairobi. It has 3 foot long razor sharp metal blade attached to a hardwood shaft to form a deadly spear. It is not only a weapon but a symbol of bravery. In order for a Maasai warrior to become a man, he must face and kill an African lion with his spear.
The story starts out with Lieutenant Leon Courtney on patrol with Sergeant Manyoro, a Maasai warrior, when they find an British couple brutally tortured and murdered by another nearby tribe. They are attacked by the tribal warriors and Manyoro is shot in the thigh. Courtney carries Manyoro for 3 days to a mountain fortress where Manyoro's mother lives. Manyoro's mother is a rather "unique" person among the Maasai. After this incident, Leon is not a regular part of the KAR (Kings African Rifles). Leon learns to become a big game hunter. He also becomes a spy of sorts.
There is a larger story of intrigue that involves a German industrialist who hires Leon to take him on safari. The larger story is interesting. It's the details of the hunt and wildlife that is truly entrancing about the book. The author writes in great detail about various animals and then describes the vast landscapes of Africa itself. The relationship between Leon and Manyoro is both humorous at times and deeply moving at others. The other characters in the story are also well crafted to keep things interesting. The story itself is well crafted as it lays down each layer to bring the main plot to the forefront. In short, the story, plot, characters and Africa itself is reader's delight.
Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators. He seems to be able to breath life into all the characters of the story as to immerse the listener into this expansive story. I found myself visualizing this story as if I was sitting in an IMAX theater.
I found Assegai a sumptuous read and recommend to those who like to read epic stories. I will be definitely looking into the other books of this series by this author.
Assegai references the spear used by the Maasai tribesmen of Nairobi. It has 3 foot long razor sharp metal blade attached to a hardwood shaft to form a deadly spear. It is not only a weapon but a symbol of bravery. In order for a Maasai warrior to become a man, he must face and kill an African lion with his spear.
The story starts out with Lieutenant Leon Courtney on patrol with Sergeant Manyoro, a Maasai warrior, when they find an British couple brutally tortured and murdered by another nearby tribe. They are attacked by the tribal warriors and Manyoro is shot in the thigh. Courtney carries Manyoro for 3 days to a mountain fortress where Manyoro's mother lives. Manyoro's mother is a rather "unique" person among the Maasai. After this incident, Leon is not a regular part of the KAR (Kings African Rifles). Leon learns to become a big game hunter. He also becomes a spy of sorts.
There is a larger story of intrigue that involves a German industrialist who hires Leon to take him on safari. The larger story is interesting. It's the details of the hunt and wildlife that is truly entrancing about the book. The author writes in great detail about various animals and then describes the vast landscapes of Africa itself. The relationship between Leon and Manyoro is both humorous at times and deeply moving at others. The other characters in the story are also well crafted to keep things interesting. The story itself is well crafted as it lays down each layer to bring the main plot to the forefront. In short, the story, plot, characters and Africa itself is reader's delight.
Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators. He seems to be able to breath life into all the characters of the story as to immerse the listener into this expansive story. I found myself visualizing this story as if I was sitting in an IMAX theater.
I found Assegai a sumptuous read and recommend to those who like to read epic stories. I will be definitely looking into the other books of this series by this author.
September 27, 2017
I had forgotten how much fun a Wilbur Smith book can be. He truly is a grand master of adventure writing and historical novels. So what if his mind is stuck in the 19th centuty and he is prone to wild hyperboles? His fiction has a very peculiar, inimitable voice, made of strong, simple traits, a fast, always-exciting pace, a rich prose, and a good amount of poetry - especially about African nature and habitat.
The "Big Five game" animals - African lion, African elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo and African leopard - are all featured in this wonderful novel, based in 1913 British East Africa (Kenya), that offers very convincing descriptions of that world, and a lot of extremely realistic hunting scenes.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a great job, coming up with at least 10 different voices and accents to help the story come to life.
The plot revolves around Leon Courtney, 19 y.o. British army boy who ends up working as a hunting-safari guide for rich white folks. As the novel moves closer and closer to the beginning of WWI, the hunting gives space to a historic spy-novel plot that is just as interesting and well crafted as the portion that focuses on the hunting.
In the first part of the book, together with the hunting scenes the reader is presented with many details of the Maasai people's life: their habits, language, traditions (the "Assegai" is their famous long spear). Clearly Wilbur Smith is fascinated by their culture as he portrays them with great accuracy. This sparked my curiosity about these people, and I found out a little diamond on Youtube: a russian documentary on a group of Maasai traveling to Moscow (if you are crazy enough, check it out here: http://youtu.be/0EFioK2Rmgg).
As for the hunting... On one hand, I was disgusted by the cruelty and stupidity of Western colonists hunting animals for pure fun (maybe that's my 2016 sensitivity. In 1913 lions and buffaloes were considered "vermin" by the local government). On the other hand, I can't deny that more than once my heartbeat actually increased while listening to these scenes, as narrated in the audiobook. Yes, hunting with big rifles was kind of cowardly even back then, but a big lion running at you is still a big lion running at you, whether you're armed with a rifle or not, and after you miss a couple of shots, my guess is your adrenaline kicks in (have you seen the movie "The revenant"? The bear scene is like a gentle pat on your cheek compared to the man-to-animal scenes in Assegai).
I also loved to hear about the techniques used by local people like the Maasai to hunt lions and elephants for centuries, simply using their spears, with respect for the animals. Until of course white people with big rifles arrived.
All in all, a genuine, stylish, well written historic novel with lots of adventure, incredibly well-researched details, and an exciting plot to hold on to until the end.
The "Big Five game" animals - African lion, African elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo and African leopard - are all featured in this wonderful novel, based in 1913 British East Africa (Kenya), that offers very convincing descriptions of that world, and a lot of extremely realistic hunting scenes.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a great job, coming up with at least 10 different voices and accents to help the story come to life.
The plot revolves around Leon Courtney, 19 y.o. British army boy who ends up working as a hunting-safari guide for rich white folks. As the novel moves closer and closer to the beginning of WWI, the hunting gives space to a historic spy-novel plot that is just as interesting and well crafted as the portion that focuses on the hunting.
In the first part of the book, together with the hunting scenes the reader is presented with many details of the Maasai people's life: their habits, language, traditions (the "Assegai" is their famous long spear). Clearly Wilbur Smith is fascinated by their culture as he portrays them with great accuracy. This sparked my curiosity about these people, and I found out a little diamond on Youtube: a russian documentary on a group of Maasai traveling to Moscow (if you are crazy enough, check it out here: http://youtu.be/0EFioK2Rmgg).
As for the hunting... On one hand, I was disgusted by the cruelty and stupidity of Western colonists hunting animals for pure fun (maybe that's my 2016 sensitivity. In 1913 lions and buffaloes were considered "vermin" by the local government). On the other hand, I can't deny that more than once my heartbeat actually increased while listening to these scenes, as narrated in the audiobook. Yes, hunting with big rifles was kind of cowardly even back then, but a big lion running at you is still a big lion running at you, whether you're armed with a rifle or not, and after you miss a couple of shots, my guess is your adrenaline kicks in (have you seen the movie "The revenant"? The bear scene is like a gentle pat on your cheek compared to the man-to-animal scenes in Assegai).
I also loved to hear about the techniques used by local people like the Maasai to hunt lions and elephants for centuries, simply using their spears, with respect for the animals. Until of course white people with big rifles arrived.
All in all, a genuine, stylish, well written historic novel with lots of adventure, incredibly well-researched details, and an exciting plot to hold on to until the end.
November 1, 2023
I've read a handful of books and even few where I wish they had no ending. 'Assegai' is that type of book. Although it's part of the Courtney family which the author writes about, this book can also be read as a standalone. It's rich with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and historical fiction.
Turn of the 20th century Africa
Leon Courtney is a low-ranking officer in the King's African Rifles stationed in British East Africa. While visiting a post his patrol is ambushed by a tribe of warriors. Leon barely survives and with the help of one of his men who happens to be a Massai warrior, is taken to Lonsonyo Mountain where Lusima, the village leader, gives him his blessing and tells him a bit of his future.
When Leon returns to his unit, he is given an extended leave and mission from his Uncle Penrod, a senior officer. Leon takes this time to learn how to be a big-game hunter. Under the tutelage of Percy Phillips, Leon proves he has the making of a fine safari guide. However, his mission is to also get close to an important client who happens to represent the Kaiser's government in Berlin, Germany. With the threat of war looming over Europe, the British hope to glean as much information from Count Graf Otto von Meerbach in order to thwart potential German encroachment on the Dark Continent.
Leon manages to work as safari guide for the count and also becomes close with his mistress, Eva Wellberg, a young beautiful courtesan whom he soon develops feelings for. However, before Leon can fully embrace the young Eva, he must first complete his mission by learning what Meerbach is really doing in Africa in order to prevent German influence from spreading throughout the territory.
The author certainly knows his history and I was glued to the pages. I felt like I was right there in Africa along with his characters. I've no doubt adventure lovers will enjoy this book and I've already begun Book 2 of the 'Assegai Trilogy'.
Enjoy!
Turn of the 20th century Africa
Leon Courtney is a low-ranking officer in the King's African Rifles stationed in British East Africa. While visiting a post his patrol is ambushed by a tribe of warriors. Leon barely survives and with the help of one of his men who happens to be a Massai warrior, is taken to Lonsonyo Mountain where Lusima, the village leader, gives him his blessing and tells him a bit of his future.
When Leon returns to his unit, he is given an extended leave and mission from his Uncle Penrod, a senior officer. Leon takes this time to learn how to be a big-game hunter. Under the tutelage of Percy Phillips, Leon proves he has the making of a fine safari guide. However, his mission is to also get close to an important client who happens to represent the Kaiser's government in Berlin, Germany. With the threat of war looming over Europe, the British hope to glean as much information from Count Graf Otto von Meerbach in order to thwart potential German encroachment on the Dark Continent.
Leon manages to work as safari guide for the count and also becomes close with his mistress, Eva Wellberg, a young beautiful courtesan whom he soon develops feelings for. However, before Leon can fully embrace the young Eva, he must first complete his mission by learning what Meerbach is really doing in Africa in order to prevent German influence from spreading throughout the territory.
The author certainly knows his history and I was glued to the pages. I felt like I was right there in Africa along with his characters. I've no doubt adventure lovers will enjoy this book and I've already begun Book 2 of the 'Assegai Trilogy'.
Enjoy!
July 8, 2017
This exciting adventure set in Africa is thrilling to the last word. There is danger lurking from humans and animals throughout which kept my attention rapt. Although I found the approach to hunting animals by the foreigners visiting to join safari trips reckless and cruel, this was offset by those running the safaris shaming the foreigners about their behaviour.
Wilbur Smith has once again presented a masterpiece of drama with magnificent descriptions of the splendour of African scenery juxtaposed with the German and Boer war plans against the British and the spies within. The Masai customs and rituals added extra colour to this story as did their support of Leon Courtney, the main character and his love, Eva.
Wilbur Smith has once again presented a masterpiece of drama with magnificent descriptions of the splendour of African scenery juxtaposed with the German and Boer war plans against the British and the spies within. The Masai customs and rituals added extra colour to this story as did their support of Leon Courtney, the main character and his love, Eva.
July 8, 2009
WHAT is happening to Wilbur Smith?! Did he die and is someone, possibly his grandmother, writing on his behalf? Because this book was such a let down. Where are the complicated and heart wrenching story lines of his River God series, where's the excitement of Africa that was in his early Courtney books (i.e. Sean Courtney)?
As far as a recount of hunting wild animals in Africa go this book was ok but even then it wasn't so great. The characters were weak and unloveable, unhateable as well but then I couldn't muster up any emotions at all. I found mysefl for the first time ever hoping that the 'baddies' would kill everyone just so I could finish the book.
Sorry Wilbur, if your out there somewhere, I think you can do better.
As far as a recount of hunting wild animals in Africa go this book was ok but even then it wasn't so great. The characters were weak and unloveable, unhateable as well but then I couldn't muster up any emotions at all. I found mysefl for the first time ever hoping that the 'baddies' would kill everyone just so I could finish the book.
Sorry Wilbur, if your out there somewhere, I think you can do better.
April 6, 2017
One of the best ways I’ve found to learn history is through historical fiction. Though I’ve studied African history and read a fair amount of nonfiction about the continent, I may have learned just as much from Assegai, a popular novel set in British East Africa (now Kenya) in the period 1906-1918. (The title means “sword” in the language of the Masai.)
As a novel, Assegai is far from perfect. It tells the adventurous tale of a young white African man, just 18 at the outset, who displays his seemingly superhuman prowess as a soldier, a wild game hunter, a fighter pilot, and a lover. To say the least, Leon Courtney is hard to believe, as is his love, the extraordinary young woman whom we first meet as Eva von Wellberg. She is, of course, a paragon of beauty, grace, intelligence, cunning, and athletic ability both in and out of bed. And the two aristocratic Germans who play large roles in the book as antagonists could easily fit nicely into the role of villains in early silent films, twisting moustaches and evil eyes included.
Hyperbolic characterizations aside, though, Assegai opens up a window on a time and place about which I know so little. The author’s portrayal of the Masai people with whom Leon Courtney works, while idealized, projects the pride and dignity of an historically important ethnic community. As the action unfolds in the years before and during the First World War, Assegai throws light on the historical sideshow that was the struggle between German and British colonial forces in that theater so many thousands of miles from the Somme and the Argonne.
Assegai is one of the 13 novels in the saga of the Courtney family, which spans the five hundred years beginning in the 1600s.
Wilbur Smith, with more than 30 historical novels to his credit, is probably one of the world’s best-selling writers. His books loom large on the shelves of bookshops in many parts of the world outside the U.S., but they are less extensively read here , because his subject matter is his beloved native Africa.
Smith’s writing style is full of color and imagery. Hyperbole aside, it’s a pleasure to read.
(From www.malwarwickonbooks.com)
As a novel, Assegai is far from perfect. It tells the adventurous tale of a young white African man, just 18 at the outset, who displays his seemingly superhuman prowess as a soldier, a wild game hunter, a fighter pilot, and a lover. To say the least, Leon Courtney is hard to believe, as is his love, the extraordinary young woman whom we first meet as Eva von Wellberg. She is, of course, a paragon of beauty, grace, intelligence, cunning, and athletic ability both in and out of bed. And the two aristocratic Germans who play large roles in the book as antagonists could easily fit nicely into the role of villains in early silent films, twisting moustaches and evil eyes included.
Hyperbolic characterizations aside, though, Assegai opens up a window on a time and place about which I know so little. The author’s portrayal of the Masai people with whom Leon Courtney works, while idealized, projects the pride and dignity of an historically important ethnic community. As the action unfolds in the years before and during the First World War, Assegai throws light on the historical sideshow that was the struggle between German and British colonial forces in that theater so many thousands of miles from the Somme and the Argonne.
Assegai is one of the 13 novels in the saga of the Courtney family, which spans the five hundred years beginning in the 1600s.
Wilbur Smith, with more than 30 historical novels to his credit, is probably one of the world’s best-selling writers. His books loom large on the shelves of bookshops in many parts of the world outside the U.S., but they are less extensively read here , because his subject matter is his beloved native Africa.
Smith’s writing style is full of color and imagery. Hyperbole aside, it’s a pleasure to read.
(From www.malwarwickonbooks.com)
March 14, 2016
Smith ups the ante in this Courtney novel, lucky number thirteen, which has very fluid ties to its predecessor. Set in British East Africa (subsequently Kenya), the story centres around the life of Leon Courtney, son of Ryder Courtney. After a court-martial finds Leon removed from the British military, he becomes a professional hunter, taking many important men on big game safaris through the tribal lands. Approached by his uncle, Penrod Ballantyne, Leon agrees to help keep his eyes and ears open as it relates to news regarding German East Africa, after rumblings in the European theatre indicate that military build-ups have commenced. After leading former US President Teddy Roosevelt and his son on a large safari, Leon's reputation grows and he is visited by two distinct visitors, Otto von Meerbach and his beautiful mistress, Eva von Wellberg. Meerbach is a businessman, whose company builds aircraft and vehicles for the Kaiser's ever-expanding military. Tasked with learning all about Meerbach's plans, Leon finds himself distracted by von Wellberg, who tries to keep her distance, but is equally enthralled. When von Wellberg admits a dark secret to Leon, he must process the news as he continues 'befriending' von Meerbach. A rash decision finds Leon chastised by his uncle and von Wellberg sent back to Europe with an injured von Meerbach. As the Great War begins, Leon learns an important piece of information that could save British territories in Africa, but when Eva Von Wellberg returns to Africa, all bets are off. With his typical highly-detailed narrative of the African way of life, Smith does not disappoint while placing everything in context of historical goings-on within the region and around the world.
Smith has created another wonderful piece of fiction, which works well as a continuation of the Courtney saga or as a standalone novel. Smith provides the reader with some excellent storytelling as the Courtney saga returns to its roots, at least where the second series began. With the intricacies of the Courtney backstory, Smith has a great deal on which to build and does so effective, which still injecting a newness to the story and unique angles to build on the rich foundation. This tale moves effortlessly between history, geography, and character development, while staying true to the formula for literary success. The series reader will enjoy the dusting of returning characters who make their own cameos throughout the story while new readers are sure to be sucked in and scramble to read as much of Smith' work as they can, which one can hope includes the entire Courtney/Ballantyne sagas, as I have done.
Kudos, Mr. Smith on another successful novel. I can only hope the last (to date) novel in the Courtney series, which awaits me, is as detailed and enjoyable as this.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Smith has created another wonderful piece of fiction, which works well as a continuation of the Courtney saga or as a standalone novel. Smith provides the reader with some excellent storytelling as the Courtney saga returns to its roots, at least where the second series began. With the intricacies of the Courtney backstory, Smith has a great deal on which to build and does so effective, which still injecting a newness to the story and unique angles to build on the rich foundation. This tale moves effortlessly between history, geography, and character development, while staying true to the formula for literary success. The series reader will enjoy the dusting of returning characters who make their own cameos throughout the story while new readers are sure to be sucked in and scramble to read as much of Smith' work as they can, which one can hope includes the entire Courtney/Ballantyne sagas, as I have done.
Kudos, Mr. Smith on another successful novel. I can only hope the last (to date) novel in the Courtney series, which awaits me, is as detailed and enjoyable as this.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 24, 2010
Assegai (as'-uh-guy) is by far my favorite Wilbur Smith book. Often times he includes graphic scenes of boy meets girl, which I personally don't care to read. I am a mother of three - so obviously I know how it all works. I just don't need to read about it smack in the middle of a great adventure. The skin scenes are kept to a minimum, but the action is hot!
I love Africa and adventures in the bush. This one is set pre-WWI in British East Africa. Smith beautifully describes the landscapes, the wildlife, and the Masai and their culture.
Excellent book!
I love Africa and adventures in the bush. This one is set pre-WWI in British East Africa. Smith beautifully describes the landscapes, the wildlife, and the Masai and their culture.
Excellent book!
September 22, 2015
Read my full review.
Assegai sounded like a great adventure/spy drama with some romance thrown in, so I was very surprised to get 300+ pages about how the protagonist became a hunter, then hunted, then visited the Masai prophetess, then hunted some more, then visited the prophetess, then hunted...
Courtney is a cardboard cutout character – sexy, tall, hunky, blonde, brave, rebellious and strong-willed. At least we are told he is. In the beginning I almost believed it, because he seemed to have an arc. He wanted to be a hunter. He was drawn to the wilderness. He wanted to prove himself to his dad and the world. He had principles and scruples to breach them. Oh, and he was fun. Enter Eva. Leon gets a lobotomy.
Assegai is conflict-timid. A lot can turn rotten, but somehow it never quite does. More than a few times our Courtney boy gets so damn lucky one has to wonder why Smith even bothered to include the scene at all.
I had quite a problem with the hunting. I know the glorification is historically correct but I wish there had been a moment when the book agrees on what a cruel and awful thing it is in reality, instead of, well, completely forgetting about it at some point.
Assegai sounded like a great adventure/spy drama with some romance thrown in, so I was very surprised to get 300+ pages about how the protagonist became a hunter, then hunted, then visited the Masai prophetess, then hunted some more, then visited the prophetess, then hunted...
Courtney is a cardboard cutout character – sexy, tall, hunky, blonde, brave, rebellious and strong-willed. At least we are told he is. In the beginning I almost believed it, because he seemed to have an arc. He wanted to be a hunter. He was drawn to the wilderness. He wanted to prove himself to his dad and the world. He had principles and scruples to breach them. Oh, and he was fun. Enter Eva. Leon gets a lobotomy.
Assegai is conflict-timid. A lot can turn rotten, but somehow it never quite does. More than a few times our Courtney boy gets so damn lucky one has to wonder why Smith even bothered to include the scene at all.
I had quite a problem with the hunting. I know the glorification is historically correct but I wish there had been a moment when the book agrees on what a cruel and awful thing it is in reality, instead of, well, completely forgetting about it at some point.
February 23, 2011
Set against the backdrop of big game hunting from 1913 to World War One in Africa, this book has something for everyone. Adventure, action, romance, dastardly villains and rousing heroes. Part of the book is based on Teddy Roosevelt's real life African safari, something I had never heard of before and which I subsequently read up on.
I used to read a lot of this type of book and this is the first one in a long time that I thoroughly enjoyed. Wilbur Smith has never disappointed me and it's nice to know that some authors maintain their quality over the years.
This is the first audio book that I have heard read by Simon Vance and I have to agree with everyone's opinion of him. Wow.. this guy should get a special award. In this book his use of accents was phenomenal, English (several dialects), German, Afrikaans, Masai and Indian. Even though I got this at the bargain book store this is a keeper that I look forward to listening to again.
I used to read a lot of this type of book and this is the first one in a long time that I thoroughly enjoyed. Wilbur Smith has never disappointed me and it's nice to know that some authors maintain their quality over the years.
This is the first audio book that I have heard read by Simon Vance and I have to agree with everyone's opinion of him. Wow.. this guy should get a special award. In this book his use of accents was phenomenal, English (several dialects), German, Afrikaans, Masai and Indian. Even though I got this at the bargain book store this is a keeper that I look forward to listening to again.
September 27, 2014
What can I say? Obviously well done by the master storyteller, however, this plays out too much like a Hollywood nazi-spy epic.
Evil German mastermind with a bloodthirsty appetite and (spoiler alert) a fake hand that is a mace, flying to cause havoc in a zeppelin.
I found it bizarre that Leon has no problem killing animals and committing adultery, but when given an opportunity to kill (or let the lion do the job) the main antagonist he suddenly has a conscience the size of Africa.
The period is caught nicely in the beginning, but as I say, from the middle to end it seems kitsch and Hollywood.
June 18, 2014
I need a new shelf titled "I can't believe I finished this crappy book". This would be on it for sure.
September 16, 2017
totally romanticizes colonialism and reeks of the white man's burden. most frequent descriptors of women are "mysterious," "motherly," and "tiny-waisted." for heaven's sake.
April 9, 2024
Great reading
September 24, 2014
I should have stuck with my TO READ list. This book was a chore, a bothersome pain in the ass. So why keep on reading it?
Because I wanted to find out mamma Lucima’s prophecies (which ended up lame so beloved readers don’t expect much) and I wanna complete my 300 books challenge for this year (silly me).
The characters
Liked none of them. I felt there were chosen just for the benefit of the story (pointless might I say). No depth whatsoever and the way the two main characters fell in love …
“She was so beautiful I felt my heart squeeze.” (Shallow much! How can you love someone you never talked to?!)
Oh and that cheesy line
“Even her little footsteps were beautiful”. (Oh Lord, how pathetic)
Half of this book was about hunting.
“Bang, they killed the boar, Bam Bam Bam, they killed the elephant and took his teeth, Bam Bam wait….Fap Fap Fap, they stabbed the lion with the Assegai arrow. (Reminding the reader here how dear Otto killed with ONE DUCKING ATHLETIC MOVE the most powerful twin lion in a blink of a paragraph. Cut the crap Wilbur, this is historical fiction not Marvel)
The prose was bland, no climax (I assume the author included the last two pages as its peak), and not much information narrated like Mr. Smith’s other pieces. I was waiting for some incredible descriptions of Africa’s wilderness, Massai’s tribe cultures, assegai’s true power but I got dull dialogues, dreary characters and neuron-killing plot.
People slaughtered animals so easily just for the heck of it and none of them had an itsy bitsy remorse for what they had done, this way molding them into ugly disgusting heartless caricatures.
My mom says I’m very critical of books and I should simply enjoy what they write because authors at least are trying (not like me).
Well mom, you weren't reading this piece of crap.
I still love you.
Two stars because I learned what a safari is and what a badger looks like.
Because I wanted to find out mamma Lucima’s prophecies (which ended up lame so beloved readers don’t expect much) and I wanna complete my 300 books challenge for this year (silly me).
The characters
Liked none of them. I felt there were chosen just for the benefit of the story (pointless might I say). No depth whatsoever and the way the two main characters fell in love …
“She was so beautiful I felt my heart squeeze.” (Shallow much! How can you love someone you never talked to?!)
Oh and that cheesy line
“Even her little footsteps were beautiful”. (Oh Lord, how pathetic)
Half of this book was about hunting.
“Bang, they killed the boar, Bam Bam Bam, they killed the elephant and took his teeth, Bam Bam wait….Fap Fap Fap, they stabbed the lion with the Assegai arrow. (Reminding the reader here how dear Otto killed with ONE DUCKING ATHLETIC MOVE the most powerful twin lion in a blink of a paragraph. Cut the crap Wilbur, this is historical fiction not Marvel)
The prose was bland, no climax (I assume the author included the last two pages as its peak), and not much information narrated like Mr. Smith’s other pieces. I was waiting for some incredible descriptions of Africa’s wilderness, Massai’s tribe cultures, assegai’s true power but I got dull dialogues, dreary characters and neuron-killing plot.
People slaughtered animals so easily just for the heck of it and none of them had an itsy bitsy remorse for what they had done, this way molding them into ugly disgusting heartless caricatures.
My mom says I’m very critical of books and I should simply enjoy what they write because authors at least are trying (not like me).
Well mom, you weren't reading this piece of crap.
I still love you.
Two stars because I learned what a safari is and what a badger looks like.
January 29, 2020
I loved this book from start to finish, it's a tad predictible if you've read Smith's works before with his usual style and rythum, but a thrilling story with all the feel of colonial africa that only Smith brings to the table.
February 25, 2022
Ανατολική Βρετανική Αφρική ( σημερινή Κένυα) στις αρχές του 20ου αιώνα. Ο Λίον Κόρτνει ( της γνωστής πλέον οικογενείας που δημιούργησε ο Σμιθ) αποστρατεύεται και εργάζεται ως κυνηγός άγριων ζώων, οργανώνοντας σαφάρι για πλούσιους πελάτες που θέλουν να σκοτώσουν λιοντάρια και ελέφαντες. Και ξεσπάει ο Πρώτος Παγκόσμιος Πόλεμος και ενώ στο πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου έχουμε πολλές βίαιες περιγραφές άσκοπης εξόντωσης ζώων ( που δυστυχώς όντως έγιναν και συνεχίζουν ακόμα και σήμερα να γίνονται στην Αφρική σε πολύ μικρότερο βέβαια βαθμό) στο δεύτερο μισό το ύφος αλλάζει: ο Λίον ερωτεύεται μια βρετανίδα κατάσκοπο και μαζί πολεμούν τους κακούς Γερμανούς.
Πλούσια περιπέτεια που δεν φτάνει όμως σε αναγνωστική ευχαρίστηση και μαεστρία τις παλαιότερες περιπέτειες της σειράς των Κόρτνει.
Πλούσια περιπέτεια που δεν φτάνει όμως σε αναγνωστική ευχαρίστηση και μαεστρία τις παλαιότερες περιπέτειες της σειράς των Κόρτνει.
October 14, 2018
Ah, Wilbur Smith is one of those writers I have avoided for some reason. This fell in to my hands and I devoured it. A fabulous tale set in Kenya and Nyasaland before the first World War, when shooting animals was a thing.
The descriptions of the scenery and the animals are extremely good and the author evokes the spirit of paternal colonialism in all its refulgent glory. The action is continuous and the plot complicated enough to retain interest. Something to look out for in the second hand book shops.
The descriptions of the scenery and the animals are extremely good and the author evokes the spirit of paternal colonialism in all its refulgent glory. The action is continuous and the plot complicated enough to retain interest. Something to look out for in the second hand book shops.
December 27, 2024
Smith has a tendency to rewrite the same story. This is mostly fine as the true star of his work is always the continent of Africa and how it looks in the times it belongs to in each novel. Here, it doesn't quite stand out, and the surface level characters and their interactions make the book a bit of a slog through the middle where other books of his keep and adventurous pace which allow one to gloss over weaker characters.
July 7, 2023
Very good read , Wilbur has done a very good job with this series.
March 13, 2016
Στην Ελλάδα εκδόθηκε από τις εκδόσεις Bell
_____________________
Τον Smith τον "γνώρισα" από το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο, που ενθουσιάστηκα πόσο εύκολα με ταξίδεψε στη μακρινή Αφρική στην πρώτη δεκαετία του 1900 και μου σύστησε τον ήρωα του.
Ο ανθυπολοχαγός Κόρτνεϊ είχε εγκαταλείψει το βρετανικό στρατό κι έχει γίνει κυνηγός μεγάλων ζώων και οδηγεί πλούσιους Ευρωπαίους και Αμερικανούς σε σαφάρι στις περιοχές των Μασάι.
Ένας από τους πελάτες του είναι ο γερμανός κόμης Ότο φον Μέερμπαχ και η ερωμένη του, Εύα.
Όμως ο Κόρτνεϊ έχει μια κρυφή ιδιότητα, ο θείος του που είναι διοικητής των βρετανικών δυνάμεων της Ανατολικής Αφρικής, τον έχει στρατολογήσει ως κατάσκοπο για να αποσπάσει από τον κόμη πληροφορίες που ίσως αποδειχθούν σημαντικές στη μεγάλη σύγκρουση που πλησιάζει...και έτσι αρχίζει μια περιπέτεια στην Αφρική με ένα απαγορευμένο αλλά και επικυνδυνο έρωτα !
Αυτό που μου άρεσε στον Smith είναι ότι δεν προσπαθεί να εντυπωσιάσει τον αναγνώστη με ε��αναλαμβανόμενες καταστάσεις. Γιατί σας ομολογώ πως όταν είδα ότι είναι 500 και βάλε σελίδες, σκέφτηκα πως ίσως με κουράσει.
Ειλικρινά, δεν αντιλήφθηκα τη λεγόμενη "κοιλιά" που παρουσιάζουν τα πολυσέλιδα μυθιστορήματα αλλά η εναλλαγή και εξέλιξη της ιστορίας είναι τόσο φυσική, λες και συμβαίνουν εκείνη τη στιγμή μπροστά μας.
Δεν ήθελα να το αφήσω από τα χέρια μου!
_____________________
Τον Smith τον "γνώρισα" από το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο, που ενθουσιάστηκα πόσο εύκολα με ταξίδεψε στη μακρινή Αφρική στην πρώτη δεκαετία του 1900 και μου σύστησε τον ήρωα του.
Ο ανθυπολοχαγός Κόρτνεϊ είχε εγκαταλείψει το βρετανικό στρατό κι έχει γίνει κυνηγός μεγάλων ζώων και οδηγεί πλούσιους Ευρωπαίους και Αμερικανούς σε σαφάρι στις περιοχές των Μασάι.
Ένας από τους πελάτες του είναι ο γερμανός κόμης Ότο φον Μέερμπαχ και η ερωμένη του, Εύα.
Όμως ο Κόρτνεϊ έχει μια κρυφή ιδιότητα, ο θείος του που είναι διοικητής των βρετανικών δυνάμεων της Ανατολικής Αφρικής, τον έχει στρατολογήσει ως κατάσκοπο για να αποσπάσει από τον κόμη πληροφορίες που ίσως αποδειχθούν σημαντικές στη μεγάλη σύγκρουση που πλησιάζει...και έτσι αρχίζει μια περιπέτεια στην Αφρική με ένα απαγορευμένο αλλά και επικυνδυνο έρωτα !
Αυτό που μου άρεσε στον Smith είναι ότι δεν προσπαθεί να εντυπωσιάσει τον αναγνώστη με ε��αναλαμβανόμενες καταστάσεις. Γιατί σας ομολογώ πως όταν είδα ότι είναι 500 και βάλε σελίδες, σκέφτηκα πως ίσως με κουράσει.
Ειλικρινά, δεν αντιλήφθηκα τη λεγόμενη "κοιλιά" που παρουσιάζουν τα πολυσέλιδα μυθιστορήματα αλλά η εναλλαγή και εξέλιξη της ιστορίας είναι τόσο φυσική, λες και συμβαίνουν εκείνη τη στιγμή μπροστά μας.
Δεν ήθελα να το αφήσω από τα χέρια μου!
March 15, 2010
I have read every single book of Wilbur Smith (to my knowledge)and I am sorry to say that he must be feeling his age as this is not one of his best by a long shot.
The period setting and idea is good (WW1 and devious goings on in darkest Africa between the Germans and some renegade south Africans).
Smith's detail on game drives is paramount, and exciting stuff (even for an ecologist)but romance and characterisation in this novel were just plain yucky.
Leon Courtney - the perfect specimen over 6 foot, hunk, fantastic lover and amazing with his gun(nopun intended honest).
Count Otto - the very worst of baddies, filthy rich, a bully and a misogonist (although he loves to bed them)
Eva - the oh so beautiful mistress of the count, too good to be true.
Ilove stories about Africa and I was so looking forward to reading this. I did enjoy it in parts, but...it was not a patch on the old Courtney stories.
The period setting and idea is good (WW1 and devious goings on in darkest Africa between the Germans and some renegade south Africans).
Smith's detail on game drives is paramount, and exciting stuff (even for an ecologist)but romance and characterisation in this novel were just plain yucky.
Leon Courtney - the perfect specimen over 6 foot, hunk, fantastic lover and amazing with his gun(nopun intended honest).
Count Otto - the very worst of baddies, filthy rich, a bully and a misogonist (although he loves to bed them)
Eva - the oh so beautiful mistress of the count, too good to be true.
Ilove stories about Africa and I was so looking forward to reading this. I did enjoy it in parts, but...it was not a patch on the old Courtney stories.
October 8, 2016
Αν μη τι άλλο, ο Smith είναι ένας πολύ ικανός αφηγητής. Αυτό ισχύει και για το "Ασεγκάι", που ξεκινάει δυναμικά την εξιστόρηση της ζωής ενός ακόμη Κόρτνεϊ στη Νότια Αφρική του 1900-κάτι. Το βιβλίο είναι καλό, οι σελίδες γυρίζουν πολύ εύκολα η μια μετά την άλλη, με τις παραστατικότατες σκηνές δράσης να κρατούν το ενδιαφέρον αμείωτο μεταφέροντας τον αναγνώστη στις σαβάνες της Κένυας. Εδώ υπάρχουν επίσης ενδιαφέροντα λαογραφικά στοιχεία για τον τρόπο ζωής και την κουλτούρα των Μασάι, αναλυτικές περιγραφές επικών κυνηγιών σαφάρι που πραγματικά θυμίζουν ντοκιμαντέρ, ενώ ο Smith προς το τέλος το γυρίζει στην κατασκοπία υφαίνοντας για ακόμη μια φορά στο μυθιστόρημα του ιστορικά στοιχεία, που αφορούν το γεωπολιτικό σκηνικό στην Ευρώπη και την Αφρική λίγο πριν την έναρξη του 1ου παγκόσμιου πόλεμου αυτή τη φορά.
Μια ευχάριστη ανάγνωση που ωστόσο λόγω της επαναληψιμότητας σε αρκετά σημεία και ενός περιττού σαπουνοπερικού love story δε με αφήνουν να δώσω 4 αστεράκια.
★★★½
Μια ευχάριστη ανάγνωση που ωστόσο λόγω της επαναληψιμότητας σε αρκετά σημεία και ενός περιττού σαπουνοπερικού love story δε με αφήνουν να δώσω 4 αστεράκια.
★★★½
January 20, 2010
A selection of my book club to be discussed next week. I have loaned it to another member but when It is returned, I will quote here some of the romance lines. The word corny is not so sophisticated but it fits. More later.
Update:
Sorry I cannot quote the lines that appalled me. The book has been returned so I cannot provide you with a good laugh. My book club generally liked the book with agreement that the historical setting, pre world war I in East Africa, was interesting -- especially the author's insight into the Masai and their knowledge of the wildlife. We also agreed that he should stick with what he knows - Africa- and leave the romantic relationships out of the story.
Evidently there are many Smith fans out there who read everyone of his books. Not me.
Update:
Sorry I cannot quote the lines that appalled me. The book has been returned so I cannot provide you with a good laugh. My book club generally liked the book with agreement that the historical setting, pre world war I in East Africa, was interesting -- especially the author's insight into the Masai and their knowledge of the wildlife. We also agreed that he should stick with what he knows - Africa- and leave the romantic relationships out of the story.
Evidently there are many Smith fans out there who read everyone of his books. Not me.
September 9, 2016
The only thing that kept me reading this disturbing book was the conviction that the hero would wake up and become aware of the travesty of safari hunting,which is outlined here in tedious and horrifying detail. Glimpses of African tribal life and African history were indeed of interest,but the paternalism and obvious glorification of Britain rather intruded.And of course the hunting details were devestating.
And instead of becoming an advocate for animal rights,the hero's focus shifts drastically when he agrees to a bit of espionage. By then I realized that the book was just a thriller,and laughed at myself for getting sucked in. But I finished it,and passed it on quickly,with a disclaimer.
And instead of becoming an advocate for animal rights,the hero's focus shifts drastically when he agrees to a bit of espionage. By then I realized that the book was just a thriller,and laughed at myself for getting sucked in. But I finished it,and passed it on quickly,with a disclaimer.
August 28, 2018
Wilbur took a Rest!
One of Smith's weaker novels. Even when I take into consideration this was the second time I read the story ( 1st time some 20 years ago+\-) it just did not have the depth, intrigue, history or action of other Smith novels. I have read all his books so know the man's talent. I just get the feel he was obligated to write a novel , possibly under contract, and coasted through this weak attempt. Even the name lacked creativity. ( Asinine would be more accurate) Even so, I read the entire book hoping a little classic Wilbur would shine through. ( it didn't) Sometimes even the best have to prostitute themselves for money or a deadline. Let's see what September's release is all about. I know it will be great!
One of Smith's weaker novels. Even when I take into consideration this was the second time I read the story ( 1st time some 20 years ago+\-) it just did not have the depth, intrigue, history or action of other Smith novels. I have read all his books so know the man's talent. I just get the feel he was obligated to write a novel , possibly under contract, and coasted through this weak attempt. Even the name lacked creativity. ( Asinine would be more accurate) Even so, I read the entire book hoping a little classic Wilbur would shine through. ( it didn't) Sometimes even the best have to prostitute themselves for money or a deadline. Let's see what September's release is all about. I know it will be great!
March 18, 2015
Leon Courtney is the protagonist in this Assegai, number thirteen in the Courtney family series. It is a love story, but not a mushy one. It's also about so much more and sheds a fascinating light on Tribal Culture in Africa. The only major drawback is that there is a lot of animal killing, which I am not a fan of reading at all. I pushed through all of this though, as I knew there was a wonderful story within. I couldn't quite lose myself in this book, but I know it was only due to the description of so many animals being killed. It was well written, the story line was original and the history entwined throughout it was very interesting.
May 16, 2009
Back to Africa with the Courteneys, and safari treks and exciting action, Smith is back to his "old form" after his blip on the good writing radar screen with Quest! As always, Smith weaves much historical information into the novel, and the sections about Teddy Roosevelt and his safaris is an eyeopener about how the "big game" hunters traveled. Extremely captivating --- I've spent nights unable to get off the Sereghetti, chasing bull elephants, and dancing around the campfire, with the chant of "just one more chapter" in the background....
June 30, 2019
Another Wilbur book I liked, an enjoyable read, some characters you love to hate, & others hoping he dies very soon and very horribly, not as brutal as the last book I read (Those in Peril) kind of rather tame compared to that. A lot I found similar stuff to his older Courtney books of which I've read. Lions, big crocodiles big white Hunters with big ass guns ...just point of difference having a white Huntress very interesting, even if she seemed a bit wooden to me, anyway enjoyed it recommend it to anyone after an action book.
June 11, 2009
Oh, Wilbur. I love your action, descriptions of Africa, and attention to detail when it comes to describing machines and whatnot. But the romance aspect of this book was too much. I ended up wishing they'd all blow up in a giant zeppelin disaster by the last few chapters.
I liked the first two-thirds of the book, just not the last part wherein the Hero Falls In Love. Barf.
I liked the first two-thirds of the book, just not the last part wherein the Hero Falls In Love. Barf.
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