Star of Africa / The Devil’s Kingdom

Ben Hope #13-14

by Scott Mariani

Has Ben Hope finally met his match?

The master bestseller returns with this explosive two-part sequence.

*An explosive two-part series featuring Ben Hope - this is his most exciting adventure yet*

STAR OF AFRICA

Where ex-SAS major Ben Hope goes, trouble always follows…

Ben Hope is trained to identify danger. So when he finds out that someone very important to him is working on a US container ship in the treacherous seas off the East African coast, he fears the worst.

Within days the ship is hijacked by pirates. Taking matters into his own hands, Ben embarks upon the most daring rescue mission of his career … because this is no ordinary hostage situation.

There is something on board the ship that’s more precious than life itself – and a bloodthirsty tyrant will kill to possess it.

As events spiral out of control, Ben Hope’s skill and resourcefulness will be tested like never before. Ben would die to protect those close to him, but in a hostile environment, against ruthless warriors, even the ultimate sacrifice might not be enough…

THE DEVIL’S KINGDOM

Held hostage by a despicable tyrant in the heart of Africa, it’s not looking good for Ben Hope.

General Khosa’s lust for blood is matched only by his lust for power – and he wants to use Ben’s superior military skills to turn his rabble of inexperienced boys into an army of lethal soldiers.

If Ben refuses, Khosa will kill the person he loves most. If he cooperates, he’ll bring more death and devastation to the world’s most violent, war-torn nation.

Either way, Ben will have blood on his hands – unless he can defeat Khosa. It seems an impossible task. But for Ben Hope, anything is possible…

Genres: Fiction

689 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2016

Reviews

[Jo Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully charged from beginning to end. Had to read it from behind a pillow as there were certainly some gruesome occurrences. Was a difficult few months waiting for the sequel after reading book 1, but so worth the wait.

Best Ben Hope book so far in my opinion and I have loved them all.

I have read the first 2 chapters of The Babylon Idol the next in the series, and it has already captured my avid interest.

[Trinity Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one I now consider as one of my favourites! Particularly the Star of Africa. I am one of those people that don't generally love cliffhanger endings in books, but I've gotta say, this one was done so well done. It had me feeling totally anxious and wanting to know what was going to happen from there. I couldn't wait to get my hands on The Devil's Kingdom.
Fantastic reads, the both of them!
I'm happy to know that Jude appears in a Ben Hope book later on, as I loved seeing things from his perspective. Scott Mariani does a great job at giving that limited perspective through particular characters, then shifting with ease into an omniscient POV to get a full picture of what's going on.
The only thing I will say is that it was difficult for me to read so much "sailor's mouth" although I do totally get that most of them are literally sailors. It didn't put me off or anything, I just wouldn't read it aloud to my mom who's partially blind.

[joe v phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put books down, however, knowing they were based on previous African troubles in that region, it was a true but none the less gruesome part of their history and at times the gratuitous violence sickened me.
How did Scott Mariani de-bag after writing these two books?

[damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. 2 books long but great. And edge to your seat kind of book

Great story. 2 books long but great. And edge to your seat kind of book..... Ben please find love 😍

[Chromatic Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the Ben Hope stories this is my favourite, full of action,fast paced, just brilliant

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Star of Africa was up to Mariani's normal pace. The follow up Devil's Kingdom dragged in places it shouldn't and the end seemed rushed to finally tie it all up.

[Hilary Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this two part series following the adventures of Ben Hope .
It is very easy to engage with the characters and my heart stopped a few times as the plot unfolded.
Rather gory in content this book with fairly graphic scenes of mindless violence.
Just wish Jude would learn but if he had the story would have been far shorter .
All well in the end for Ben just not in the romance area.