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Far Horizon
A bloody and tragic run-in with ivory hunters in Mozambique left Mike Williams, former Australian Army officer, in despair. A year on, the authorities are on the poachers' trail and need his help to catch them. Now, as an overland tour guide, he must choose between his duty to keep the young tourists in his care safe, and his hunger for retribution. Thrown into the mix is tenacious English journalist Sarah Thatcher, who is determined to cover the story. She'll risk anything and anyone for a scoop, but little does she realize the danger that lies ahead. The murderous hunters and the innocent travellers are on a parallel journey through Africa's most spectacular locations. Eventually their paths will cross and Mike will have his shot at revenge. But at what cost?
560 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2016
64 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books301 followersTony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 28, 2014
I can’t believe that I haven’t ever read a Tony Park before. I’m not sure how I missed out, but I will certainly be continuing. Having spent several months in Africa (albeit a different part of the continent), I loved the references to some of the African ways and it made the story come alive for me.
I could do with less graphic detail of the sex scenes - I generally think going into minute detail in this area is unnecessary, and that was the case here as well.
The storyline could also be said to be predictable, at least to a certain extent, but this didn’t really worry me. All in all, a good read, and I will look forward to my next Tony Park read!!
I could do with less graphic detail of the sex scenes - I generally think going into minute detail in this area is unnecessary, and that was the case here as well.
The storyline could also be said to be predictable, at least to a certain extent, but this didn’t really worry me. All in all, a good read, and I will look forward to my next Tony Park read!!
January 2, 2018
Set in Zimbabwe and Zambia, this is an action-packed adventure focussing on poaching - a major issue in Africa. While the plot was a bit thin at times, Park obviously knows Africa, it's people and its wildlife, which made this an enjoyable read.
February 11, 2026
Typical novel where the male writer creates an adventurous alter ego on the page, and of course all women in the novel are attracted to him. The plot was ok.
June 27, 2013
Loved it great read, listened to it on audio book and highly recommend listening to it this way
May 16, 2021
Far Horizon is one of the earlier Tony Park novels I discovered and all I can say is What an absolute thriller. I couldn't put it down. I noted a comment on the back of the book, by the Australian way which simply said, (Watch your back Wilbur) and I couldn't put any better review as to my thoughts on this book than that, as it was actually Wilbur Smiths novel Eagle in the Sky that I credit with getting me into reading way back in 1975 and when there are fantastic authors such as Tony Park who continue to deliver absolute smashing page turners no wonder I developed a love for reading.
When it comes to Australian authors, such as Tony Park, Peter Watt, and Michael Robotham, just to name a few. They provide the readers with some fantastic thrillers. Thank you guys keep up the fantastic work.
I'm doing catch-up on your earlier novels Tony whilst hanging in there waiting for your next release.
When it comes to Australian authors, such as Tony Park, Peter Watt, and Michael Robotham, just to name a few. They provide the readers with some fantastic thrillers. Thank you guys keep up the fantastic work.
I'm doing catch-up on your earlier novels Tony whilst hanging in there waiting for your next release.
August 13, 2022
I LOVED this book!! The book is well written and the story captured me, finished the book in just two days. But what really really got me, was all the descriptions about Africa. I’ve been to South Africa many times and want to go back for sure. Safari is something so magical and Tony Park knows just how to describe it precisely as it is. I recognized so many aspects of going on safari in South Africa and had a smile on my face so many times while reading the detailed descriptions of this country.
June 15, 2021
This was a very well written and fast moving plot. I recognise many of the places that Park mentions and I got the feel of the bush and the heat he described. I must say I found his writing compelling and his characters very real. However my only criticism was that the descriptions of violence and sex were graphic and left nothing to the imagination. Perhaps some like that, but a bit more subtlety, I think, could have enhanced the work.
March 11, 2021
Brilliant book. Right up my ally. Read this if you want action and adventure in Southern Africa to rip through your senses. I certainly helped my high rating that some of it is set in my childhood home town of Kariba.
August 22, 2021
A fantastic page turning thriller set in Southern Africa. Crime, corruption, poaching, adventure, brutality all mixed in with the beauty of the African wildlife and landscape. Another great book by the author.
October 16, 2021
Another successful book by Tony Park. Loved it and have a couple more now to read of his and looking forward to it. This was the 10th one of Tony's I've read and have enjoyed all of them. Not my usual type of read (especially at times a bit gruesome) but such wonderful storylines.
August 10, 2025
My first Tony Park book — an enjoyable read overall. At times, the story flow felt a little unrealistic, but it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. I’m looking forward to exploring more of his work.
June 18, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Well written and kept me wanting to read more. First time to read this author !
March 31, 2022
Epic travel adventure
Tony threads another tail of African adventure and murder mystery. The tourist retreats are real and as they were. Great read.
Tony threads another tail of African adventure and murder mystery. The tourist retreats are real and as they were. Great read.
July 22, 2024
Brilliant, brilliant book. And for someone who loves Africa, even more poignant.
August 21, 2025
Nice description of the area. Characters do stupid things like shouting in the lobby of a hotel where they are staying so the bad guys can find them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
Africa is definitely in my blood so it’s not surprising that I really enjoy Tony Parks. Far Horizons was his first novel set in Africa and is a stand alone. The thriller centers around an overland guide who stumbles across his fiancés muderers - a group of ruthless white poachers - while on a trek. Although not all of his overland descriptions ring true, enough hit the mark that make this a compelling, fun read.
February 20, 2017
The best part of the novel is African wildlife, as presented by Mike Williams to the participants of his guided safari. As for the bloody fight with poachers, there is so much violence and so many turns of action that after a while I wanted to shout: enough.
The crime threads are, in my view, also overdrawn in some other of Tony Park's novels. Nevertheless, he is one of my favorite authors. I always read and listen to his books simultaneously, mainly due to Richard Aspel, who can imitate various dialects of English. Among Park's heroes are Brits, Americans, South Africans including both Boers and native Africans, and often at least one Australian.
Większość czasu podczas swojej dwudziestoletniej służby w australijskich siłach zbrojnych Mike Williams, obecnie major inżynieryjnych oddziałów wojskowych, spędził w różnych krajach afrykańskich, gdzie jego jednostka była częścią kontyngentu ONZ. W 1994 byli w Rwandzie, teraz zajmują się rozminowywaniem Mozambiku. W zaminowanym buszu, gdzie przebywa patrol Mika, kłusownicy zabijają wspaniałego słonia. To dopiero początek tragedii. Kłusownicy bowiem, aby ich bogaci zamorscy fundatorzy, często osobiście uczestniczący w krwawych polowaniach, mogli zdobyć upragnione trofea, nie cofną się przed niczym. Giną będące pod ochroną zwierzęta, strażnicy buszu, policjanci, żołnierze, giną osoby cywilne, przypadkowi świadkowie rzezi. W Mozambiku mordercy doprowadzili do załamania się świata majora Williamsa.
Mike Williams rozstaje się z armią, ale opuścić Afryki nie potrafi. Rok po tragedii w Mozambiku zarabia na życie jako przewodnik pilotujący grupy turystów uczestniczących w bezkrwawych safari w afrykańskich parkach narodowych. Szlaki jednej z takich wypraw przecinają się z kolejnym przedsięwzięciem kłusowników, którzy byli sprawcami masakry w Mozambiku. Czy Mikowi uda się ochronić grupę, która znajduje się pod jego opieką, nie rezygnując jednocześnie z zemsty na bandytach? Jaką rolę w grze o życie i sprawiedliwość odegra Sara, ambitna londyńska dziennikarka, której trafia się temat życia?
Tony Park kolejny raz mnie nie zawiódł. Mimo że krwawy finał rozprawy ze zbirami na bezdrożach Zambii był, na mój gust, nieco przydługi, a zestaw okrucieństw i nagłych zwrotów akcji w tej części powieści zbyt obfity. Jednak opisy przygód w parkach narodowych RPA i Zimbabwe nie mają sobie równych. Mogą z pewnością docenić je i ci, którzy w podobnych wyprawach uczestniczyli, jak i ci, których taka przygoda dopiero czeka. Poza tym, jak zwykle u Parka bohaterowie, zarówno lokalsi, jak i przybysze nie są bynajmniej papierowymi, stereotypowymi postaciami. Fascynacja Afryką, do której australijski autor się przyznaje, jest zaraźliwa, a Tony Park świetnie pokazuje, jak infekuje ona nawet początkowo sceptycznych, zblazowanych turystów. Ważnym składnikiem afrykańskiego świata są również w ciekawy sposób opisane różnice między państwami regionu.
The crime threads are, in my view, also overdrawn in some other of Tony Park's novels. Nevertheless, he is one of my favorite authors. I always read and listen to his books simultaneously, mainly due to Richard Aspel, who can imitate various dialects of English. Among Park's heroes are Brits, Americans, South Africans including both Boers and native Africans, and often at least one Australian.
Większość czasu podczas swojej dwudziestoletniej służby w australijskich siłach zbrojnych Mike Williams, obecnie major inżynieryjnych oddziałów wojskowych, spędził w różnych krajach afrykańskich, gdzie jego jednostka była częścią kontyngentu ONZ. W 1994 byli w Rwandzie, teraz zajmują się rozminowywaniem Mozambiku. W zaminowanym buszu, gdzie przebywa patrol Mika, kłusownicy zabijają wspaniałego słonia. To dopiero początek tragedii. Kłusownicy bowiem, aby ich bogaci zamorscy fundatorzy, często osobiście uczestniczący w krwawych polowaniach, mogli zdobyć upragnione trofea, nie cofną się przed niczym. Giną będące pod ochroną zwierzęta, strażnicy buszu, policjanci, żołnierze, giną osoby cywilne, przypadkowi świadkowie rzezi. W Mozambiku mordercy doprowadzili do załamania się świata majora Williamsa.
Mike Williams rozstaje się z armią, ale opuścić Afryki nie potrafi. Rok po tragedii w Mozambiku zarabia na życie jako przewodnik pilotujący grupy turystów uczestniczących w bezkrwawych safari w afrykańskich parkach narodowych. Szlaki jednej z takich wypraw przecinają się z kolejnym przedsięwzięciem kłusowników, którzy byli sprawcami masakry w Mozambiku. Czy Mikowi uda się ochronić grupę, która znajduje się pod jego opieką, nie rezygnując jednocześnie z zemsty na bandytach? Jaką rolę w grze o życie i sprawiedliwość odegra Sara, ambitna londyńska dziennikarka, której trafia się temat życia?
Tony Park kolejny raz mnie nie zawiódł. Mimo że krwawy finał rozprawy ze zbirami na bezdrożach Zambii był, na mój gust, nieco przydługi, a zestaw okrucieństw i nagłych zwrotów akcji w tej części powieści zbyt obfity. Jednak opisy przygód w parkach narodowych RPA i Zimbabwe nie mają sobie równych. Mogą z pewnością docenić je i ci, którzy w podobnych wyprawach uczestniczyli, jak i ci, których taka przygoda dopiero czeka. Poza tym, jak zwykle u Parka bohaterowie, zarówno lokalsi, jak i przybysze nie są bynajmniej papierowymi, stereotypowymi postaciami. Fascynacja Afryką, do której australijski autor się przyznaje, jest zaraźliwa, a Tony Park świetnie pokazuje, jak infekuje ona nawet początkowo sceptycznych, zblazowanych turystów. Ważnym składnikiem afrykańskiego świata są również w ciekawy sposób opisane różnice między państwami regionu.
November 6, 2017
Given all the good reviews of this I was surprised that I didn't enjoy it as much as others did.
My main issue was I found some of the characters really annoying. Sarah in particular seemed to do some really stupid things.
There were also few parts of the book where I thought "Really?" Case in point, when the ranger got shot and Sarah insisted on staying in the boat, leaving the nurse behind. Mike's reason for keeping Sarah in the boat and not taking the nurse? There was no first aid supplies in the boat. I sure that nurse would have come in handy when the man needed CPR! That was just one example but I just thought some bits were a bit contrived to keep Sarah and Mike together.
On the plus side it was really fast paced and kept moving. I lot of people did like the book but I guess the author just was not for me.
My main issue was I found some of the characters really annoying. Sarah in particular seemed to do some really stupid things.
There were also few parts of the book where I thought "Really?" Case in point, when the ranger got shot and Sarah insisted on staying in the boat, leaving the nurse behind. Mike's reason for keeping Sarah in the boat and not taking the nurse? There was no first aid supplies in the boat. I sure that nurse would have come in handy when the man needed CPR! That was just one example but I just thought some bits were a bit contrived to keep Sarah and Mike together.
On the plus side it was really fast paced and kept moving. I lot of people did like the book but I guess the author just was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2013
A bloody and tragic run-in with ivory hunters in Mozambique left Mike Williams, former Australian Army officer, in despair. A year on, the authorities are on the poachers' trail and need his help to catch them. Now, as an overland tour guide, he must choose between his duty to keep the young tourists in his care safe, and his hunger for retribution. Thrown into the mix is tenacious English journalist Sarah Thatcher, who is determined to cover the story. She’ll risk anything and anyone for a scoop, but little does she realize the danger that lies ahead.
The murderous hunters and the innocent travellers are on a parallel journey through Africa's most spectacular locations. Eventually their paths will cross and Mike will have his shot at revenge.
The murderous hunters and the innocent travellers are on a parallel journey through Africa's most spectacular locations. Eventually their paths will cross and Mike will have his shot at revenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 16, 2013I can't rate this book because I didn't get past half way with this book and chose not to renew it at the library. I found the story line to be cheesy, predictable and tedious. The author was not able to bring the landscape alive for me and I have lived in Africa and toured through some of the areas the book features.
Note that this was the audio book version and perhaps my lack of enjoyment arose as a result of the narrators performance.
Note that this was the audio book version and perhaps my lack of enjoyment arose as a result of the narrators performance.
December 4, 2016
Having recently visited part of the area in which this story was set only made it more enjoyable. I think it is well worth reading or listening to, as I did. The novel revolves the hero and one or two heroines and all is interwoven with one Africa's major problems at he moment.....poaching. No it is not boring or tedious. Far Horizons is a good adventure story. While it does include one or two "Mature Adult" scenes it is suitable for teens up. At least that's what I think.
March 22, 2016
Really enjoyed the book - the setting and plot were very engaging. The writing was very easy and at times a little too explanatory which made the book feel "dated". Loved the locations in Africa and the map to follow and enjoyed the cross country plots.
January 9, 2014
This book made me relive my travel through Africa via overland tour. I loved the setting. Mike Williams was the typical hero but I liked the book for what it was - an easy read adventure set in Africa.
January 4, 2016
Probabilmente il mio giudizio è influenzato dall'aver fatto un viaggio simile (overland) ma l'ho trovato un romanzo molto scorrevole, godibile ed avvincente.
Non si tratta di un capolavoro, ma è un libro perfetto da leggere in vacanza.
Non si tratta di un capolavoro, ma è un libro perfetto da leggere in vacanza.
December 14, 2016
Audio book. Brilliantly narrated by Richard Aspel. A rambling sprawling mess of a story. Enjoyed the adventures of the tour group, which was a nice light touch, balancing the heaviness of the bad guys. One of the better Park stories. But still too long. 3.5 out of 5.
December 27, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyable book. Feel as if I've been on safari without leaving home!
It only fell short of 5 stars because there were places where the research carried out by the author was a little too obvious.
It only fell short of 5 stars because there were places where the research carried out by the author was a little too obvious.
September 8, 2018
Far Horizon was a great read, just could not put it down
Loved every minute of it
Tony Park dragged me through Africa over 3 very late nights of reading.
Looking forward to the next book. After I get some decent nights sleep.
Loved every minute of it
Tony Park dragged me through Africa over 3 very late nights of reading.
Looking forward to the next book. After I get some decent nights sleep.
February 6, 2008
Adventure any girl will love.
December 5, 2011
Enjoyable read taking me back to places I've visited in Africa.
April 2, 2012
I love reading Tony Park books. I however found Far Horizon a bit predictable. Maybe that is why I took so long to finish it. Looking forward to reading his newest novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews