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Ballantyne #1
Falkens flukt
In 1860, a man and woman approach the coast of Africa aboard a swift clipper - in the command of an American who knows no law. Robyn Ballantyne and her brother Morris have waited years for this moment: to return to Africa, to search for their missionary father who had disappeared somewhere in the wilderness.
Traveling north from Cape Town, they follow a map left by a madman - into an uncharted world of waterfalls and jungle, teeming wildlife, murderous disease, and the ghastly ruins of an astounding city.
Uncovering their father's trail, Robyn and her brother are in the midst of a slave trade that pours out of Africa like a bloody wound. Now, to survive what they have found, they must make their separate ways out - through pitched battles on land and on sea…and through the pride, passions and fury of their hearts ...
Traveling north from Cape Town, they follow a map left by a madman - into an uncharted world of waterfalls and jungle, teeming wildlife, murderous disease, and the ghastly ruins of an astounding city.
Uncovering their father's trail, Robyn and her brother are in the midst of a slave trade that pours out of Africa like a bloody wound. Now, to survive what they have found, they must make their separate ways out - through pitched battles on land and on sea…and through the pride, passions and fury of their hearts ...
460 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
847 people are currently reading
2469 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 193 reviews
January 20, 2013
Another splendid read from this author. I'm going through all of Smith's books in chronological order, and have reached up to 1980. All of his previous books were stand-alone thrillers, mostly set in the modern day, so I was looking forward to something a little wider reaching with this one.
I got it. A FALCON FLIES is an epic read, an adventure story charting the events that befall the Ballantyne siblings as they penetrate the Zambezi river and the African interior. Smith throws a little of everything into the storyline: there's seafaring, and pitched battles between ships; there's hunting, and nature; there's exploration, and the slave trade; there's romance with more than a touch of Mills and Boon to it; there's history, and one man's burning passion for a lost city.
In fact, there's so much going on that the book rarely has time to slow down, although the return of some unnecessary elephant hunting marks my least favourite aspect of the novel (I thought Smith put that behind him long ago). Smith's villains are more vicious and pronounced than ever, although a love triangle takes pride of place in the plot strands and serves as background for an extended, impossible-to-put-down climax.
The book is really about slavery, and Smith is as realistic and unblinking in his depiction of this trade as ever. You learn a lot from reading, and it's never preachy, just presenting the facts as was. It's a violent, cruel story, but not without warmth and humanity in places. I have to say that Zouga's character is difficult to warm to, but the story really belongs to Robyn and her constant ingenuity and bravery makes for fascinating reading.
As ever, I look forward to the sequel (and second in the Ballantyne series), MEN OF MEN.
I got it. A FALCON FLIES is an epic read, an adventure story charting the events that befall the Ballantyne siblings as they penetrate the Zambezi river and the African interior. Smith throws a little of everything into the storyline: there's seafaring, and pitched battles between ships; there's hunting, and nature; there's exploration, and the slave trade; there's romance with more than a touch of Mills and Boon to it; there's history, and one man's burning passion for a lost city.
In fact, there's so much going on that the book rarely has time to slow down, although the return of some unnecessary elephant hunting marks my least favourite aspect of the novel (I thought Smith put that behind him long ago). Smith's villains are more vicious and pronounced than ever, although a love triangle takes pride of place in the plot strands and serves as background for an extended, impossible-to-put-down climax.
The book is really about slavery, and Smith is as realistic and unblinking in his depiction of this trade as ever. You learn a lot from reading, and it's never preachy, just presenting the facts as was. It's a violent, cruel story, but not without warmth and humanity in places. I have to say that Zouga's character is difficult to warm to, but the story really belongs to Robyn and her constant ingenuity and bravery makes for fascinating reading.
As ever, I look forward to the sequel (and second in the Ballantyne series), MEN OF MEN.
December 19, 2015
In his other multi-novel series, Smith continues to use Africa as his central backdrop. The year is 1860 and slave trading remains a key form of commerce amongst Europeans and those in the Americas. After missionary Fuller Ballantyne has gone missing on the African sub-continent, his two children join a clipper out of England to find him. Robyn Ballantyne is a missionary like her father, but also has a medical background, both areas of education she wishes to bring to the African people. Her brother, Morris 'Zouga' has little interest in anything other than the riches that the land can bring him. While on their voyage, the Ballantynes learn that their captain is key in the slave trade and will stop at nothing to continue this prosperous form of economic advancement. Robyn does all she can to sway the captain, while she falls in love with him, to no avail. It is only when she encounters an ally in Clinton Codrington that she feels she could end slave trading on a small scale. Codrington finds himself falling for Dr. Ballantyne, who begins the arduous task of locating her father. As Smith forks the story, both siblings begin their own adventures searching for Fuller Ballantyne and discovering the riches that Africa has to offer them. Zouga finds himself involved in ivory hunting and gold exploration, but soon discovers a figurine that fulfils a long-held prophecy. Robyn does all she can to save those herded up for slavery and seeks to bring word of Christianity as she gets closer to Codrington. Fuller's discovery opens new pathways as Smith educates and entertains the reader in the first novel of the series. When Codrington puts his passions into action, he faces consequences, but is keen to win Robyn's heart no matter the cost. Contrasting nicely with the Courtney novels, Smith opens new literary options with this parallel series.
The differences could not be more profound between the Ballantyne and Courtney series, at least based on this opening novel. This novel does another wonderful job illustrating the wonders of Africa, from its people to the animals scattered throughout, but also tackles key issues brought about with colonization, including excessive hunting, slavery, and misunderstanding of the tribal ways of life. Smith does weave a strong social commentary into the story, sometimes bluntly offering up an opinion, but also firmly rooting his ideas in a detailed narrative. The reader should enter reading this book with both an open mind and one ready to learn, as there is much to absorb in the complex narrative. Exploring African from the eyes of settlers rather than the settled, Smith will be able to tackle a series of tales from the opposing side from those offered within the Courtney novels.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for this enlightening novel, which paves the way for what will surely be a highly entertaining series.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The differences could not be more profound between the Ballantyne and Courtney series, at least based on this opening novel. This novel does another wonderful job illustrating the wonders of Africa, from its people to the animals scattered throughout, but also tackles key issues brought about with colonization, including excessive hunting, slavery, and misunderstanding of the tribal ways of life. Smith does weave a strong social commentary into the story, sometimes bluntly offering up an opinion, but also firmly rooting his ideas in a detailed narrative. The reader should enter reading this book with both an open mind and one ready to learn, as there is much to absorb in the complex narrative. Exploring African from the eyes of settlers rather than the settled, Smith will be able to tackle a series of tales from the opposing side from those offered within the Courtney novels.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for this enlightening novel, which paves the way for what will surely be a highly entertaining series.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 10, 2021
****MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD****
A falcon flies is the first novel in the Ballantyne series and tells the story of an English woman and her brother, born to a well-renowned missionary named Fuller Ballantyne. Robyn and her brother Morriss “Zouga” Ballantyne, were born and raised in Africa but early in life migrated back to England with their parents. Having ruined his reputation Fuller has disappeared into the heart of South Africa, which is flourishing still in the dangerous slave trade (that he and his family are most ardently opposed to). Together the brother and sister duo set out on a sponsored expedition to find their father, continue his missionary agenda, report on the slave trade in South Africa, as well as hunt big game, and discover new territory.
Oh, man...
I will start by saying, this experience was exhausting. I physically destroyed this thing, and not because I enjoyed it, but because I was aggressively fidgeting out of annoyance.
There are scenes about hunting elephants and hippos that take up more than 10 full pages apiece, in excruciating, bloody, disgusting detail. I felt more compassion for the slaughtered animals than for any of the actual characters.
There are so many sailing scenes and through the bulk of these drawn-out portions nothing that caters to the one-dimensional characters and their development. The ship scenes are also really difficult to follow, which is fine as I don't know the first thing about sailing, but if you are going to include some good old 'salt speech' in an adventure book at least make it enjoyable and not all about historical accuracy. In saying this, I will also point out that the entire novel is meticulously wordy, and absent a sober editor.
The character introspection is detailed, but not great. I get that it doesn't take place in a female-friendly era, but a woman's inner dialogue doesn't need to always match the outer expectations of the times. I don't need to hear the lead female mentally agonize over how she is not a good “Christian woman” because of her unholy desires and then not find a way to remove herself from these self-deprecating thoughts eventually or learn something worthwhile about herself in the process. These thoughts are otherwise a fruitless dead end for the reader, well, at least for me they are. I felt no kinship with Robyn,
which as it turns out doesn't even matter, because while the description of this book heralds an accomplished female protagonist (who is a damn doctor in the mid 19th century) we hardly get to even see or hear from them other than small sections at the beginning and end of an epic that boasts nearly 700 pages.
None of the characters has any strong attachments. There was literally nothing heartfelt or sentimental to me about this book aside from small fragmental bonds between minor characters and the protag, that I would have liked him to build on more. Like why Does Robyn form such a strong attachment to the one little girl they rescued from a slave ship? Out of 28 others? Let's find out! ..no? She's just going to become a gimmicky sidekick?... Well, ALRIGHTY then. Any spark of sentimentality that showed itself was just as quickly snuffed out. The relationship and feelings Robyn has for Captain mungo St. John is a giant slap in the face to all women. When she Tells him they can't ever marry unless he releases his slaves I could almost taste the build-up of bile in the back of my throat.
There is also a problem with buildup, Like when they find the magical land of Monotanapa which is a highly coveted kingdom that supposedly no white man has seen with his own eyes. I'm fully expecting Indiana Jones vibes, Atlantis, Eldorado, THE GREAT VALLEY! But because I don't have an attachment to these characters, it was unsatisfying. When Robyn is crying for her brother to come and share in her discovery of their father's signature on the cave wall leading to the opening of the land, I felt nothing. It would have been so much better if they had developed a real brother-sister bond and her tears actually moved him in some way. Instead, it felt like she was nagging him during what should have been a pivotal moment. I was so confused.
When they find their father unexpectedly ill, both siblings are disgusted by his infirmity. Even Robyn, who loves her father dearly. When Zouga burns the pages of his father's decade of journals and doesn't give Robyn the chance to look over them herself.... man, what can I say? We are 412 pages in at this point and the man hasn't learned a damn thing but how to glean pounds upon pounds of ivory. I would have liked to witness her shove those tusks up his entitled arse.
There is one impressively written scene in the book with an African witch/oracle that includes a cave and hundreds of dead skeletons and two black mambas that are docile only to the woman. (Much to Zougas horror). I really did enjoy this, It was eerie and I could really feel Zougas fear and curiosity. The parts that followed were somewhat redeeming for me as well.
I thought the description of the land was very well done. Other than that, I hated it. Truly. The most vivid and intriguing points in this book seem to be supported on shock value alone. There is one horrific scene that comes to mind of a slave ship sinking with something like 300 souls on board (Dead, sick, and alive). The descriptions of the smell, and the stripes of shit and vomit leaking from the outside of the vessel, and the fact that the inhabitants are all young girls chained and stacked like Tetris blocks, is heartbreaking. The English naval ship tries to capture this vessel as a “prize” and ends up capsizing it instead, drowning most of the slaves. Then the captain of the English vessel goes on a brutal killing spree of the territory that produced these slaves. Maybe I am just not a fan of historical fiction because I believe these parts were well written and probably very accurate. It was just awful to read, and like I was saying before, the only child that was saved from this ship was reduced to a guinea pig for the main character. I think she could have been so much more, she was literally the only survivor from that horrible scene! (28 others were retrieved but all died of illness and malnutrition).
This is the longest review I have ever written, and it had to be because something needs to be said about a book that keeps you stuck in reading limbo for two weeks.
What a cluster f***. Maybe the other books get better, I am unfortunately not brave enough to find out.
A falcon flies is the first novel in the Ballantyne series and tells the story of an English woman and her brother, born to a well-renowned missionary named Fuller Ballantyne. Robyn and her brother Morriss “Zouga” Ballantyne, were born and raised in Africa but early in life migrated back to England with their parents. Having ruined his reputation Fuller has disappeared into the heart of South Africa, which is flourishing still in the dangerous slave trade (that he and his family are most ardently opposed to). Together the brother and sister duo set out on a sponsored expedition to find their father, continue his missionary agenda, report on the slave trade in South Africa, as well as hunt big game, and discover new territory.
Oh, man...
I will start by saying, this experience was exhausting. I physically destroyed this thing, and not because I enjoyed it, but because I was aggressively fidgeting out of annoyance.
There are scenes about hunting elephants and hippos that take up more than 10 full pages apiece, in excruciating, bloody, disgusting detail. I felt more compassion for the slaughtered animals than for any of the actual characters.
There are so many sailing scenes and through the bulk of these drawn-out portions nothing that caters to the one-dimensional characters and their development. The ship scenes are also really difficult to follow, which is fine as I don't know the first thing about sailing, but if you are going to include some good old 'salt speech' in an adventure book at least make it enjoyable and not all about historical accuracy. In saying this, I will also point out that the entire novel is meticulously wordy, and absent a sober editor.
The character introspection is detailed, but not great. I get that it doesn't take place in a female-friendly era, but a woman's inner dialogue doesn't need to always match the outer expectations of the times. I don't need to hear the lead female mentally agonize over how she is not a good “Christian woman” because of her unholy desires and then not find a way to remove herself from these self-deprecating thoughts eventually or learn something worthwhile about herself in the process. These thoughts are otherwise a fruitless dead end for the reader, well, at least for me they are. I felt no kinship with Robyn,
which as it turns out doesn't even matter, because while the description of this book heralds an accomplished female protagonist (who is a damn doctor in the mid 19th century) we hardly get to even see or hear from them other than small sections at the beginning and end of an epic that boasts nearly 700 pages.
None of the characters has any strong attachments. There was literally nothing heartfelt or sentimental to me about this book aside from small fragmental bonds between minor characters and the protag, that I would have liked him to build on more. Like why Does Robyn form such a strong attachment to the one little girl they rescued from a slave ship? Out of 28 others? Let's find out! ..no? She's just going to become a gimmicky sidekick?... Well, ALRIGHTY then. Any spark of sentimentality that showed itself was just as quickly snuffed out. The relationship and feelings Robyn has for Captain mungo St. John is a giant slap in the face to all women. When she Tells him they can't ever marry unless he releases his slaves I could almost taste the build-up of bile in the back of my throat.
There is also a problem with buildup, Like when they find the magical land of Monotanapa which is a highly coveted kingdom that supposedly no white man has seen with his own eyes. I'm fully expecting Indiana Jones vibes, Atlantis, Eldorado, THE GREAT VALLEY! But because I don't have an attachment to these characters, it was unsatisfying. When Robyn is crying for her brother to come and share in her discovery of their father's signature on the cave wall leading to the opening of the land, I felt nothing. It would have been so much better if they had developed a real brother-sister bond and her tears actually moved him in some way. Instead, it felt like she was nagging him during what should have been a pivotal moment. I was so confused.
When they find their father unexpectedly ill, both siblings are disgusted by his infirmity. Even Robyn, who loves her father dearly. When Zouga burns the pages of his father's decade of journals and doesn't give Robyn the chance to look over them herself.... man, what can I say? We are 412 pages in at this point and the man hasn't learned a damn thing but how to glean pounds upon pounds of ivory. I would have liked to witness her shove those tusks up his entitled arse.
There is one impressively written scene in the book with an African witch/oracle that includes a cave and hundreds of dead skeletons and two black mambas that are docile only to the woman. (Much to Zougas horror). I really did enjoy this, It was eerie and I could really feel Zougas fear and curiosity. The parts that followed were somewhat redeeming for me as well.
I thought the description of the land was very well done. Other than that, I hated it. Truly. The most vivid and intriguing points in this book seem to be supported on shock value alone. There is one horrific scene that comes to mind of a slave ship sinking with something like 300 souls on board (Dead, sick, and alive). The descriptions of the smell, and the stripes of shit and vomit leaking from the outside of the vessel, and the fact that the inhabitants are all young girls chained and stacked like Tetris blocks, is heartbreaking. The English naval ship tries to capture this vessel as a “prize” and ends up capsizing it instead, drowning most of the slaves. Then the captain of the English vessel goes on a brutal killing spree of the territory that produced these slaves. Maybe I am just not a fan of historical fiction because I believe these parts were well written and probably very accurate. It was just awful to read, and like I was saying before, the only child that was saved from this ship was reduced to a guinea pig for the main character. I think she could have been so much more, she was literally the only survivor from that horrible scene! (28 others were retrieved but all died of illness and malnutrition).
This is the longest review I have ever written, and it had to be because something needs to be said about a book that keeps you stuck in reading limbo for two weeks.
What a cluster f***. Maybe the other books get better, I am unfortunately not brave enough to find out.
January 8, 2014
I tried this book out because I heard it was good historical fiction. At about 100 hundred pages in, one of the main characters attempts to murder a man......only to end up sleeping with him because male magnetism is more than she can resist. SERIOUSLY?! Who thinks of this crap? After this happened in the book, I couldn't bring myself to read more.
December 28, 2021
5/5⭐
"— Qué curioso eso de los tatuajes. Empezaron a tatuar a sus chicos para que a nosotros, los traficantes, nos parecieran repulsivos; otros se afilaban los dientes o se los arrancaban, como aquél de allá — Señaló a un negro musculoso, entre los que bailaban, cuyos dientes habían sido afilados hasta semejar los de un tiburón—. Algunos ensartan huesos en la nariz de las niñas o les estiran las tetas, y perdóneme la expresión, señorita. A veces les ponen aros de cobre alrededor del cuello para que parezcan jirafas, para que los dejemos en paz. Y ahora dicen que ésos son rasgos de gran belleza entre los paganos."
Éste libro es TRE-MEN-DO 👌Es lo primero (y único por el momento) que leeré de él. El autor describe como nadie África y ni hablar del África de 1860, según "guglie" luego se desató la guerra Matabele. Éstos fueron guerreros zulúes; pero volviendo al libro, Wilmur Smith aparte de ser un genio describiendo el paisaje africano, da una lección de cómo en lugares tan inhóspitos el ser humano resiste y de lo que es capaz de hacer éste para sobrevivir: lo peor de lo peor. Cómo en un lugar tan alejado de la mano de Dios el propio hombre blanco algunas veces se vuelve un animal y comete la peor de las atrocidades humanas,entre ellas la esclavitud humana que la describe...brutal. Me chocó muy fuerte todo "el mundo negrero". Era como ver con mis propios ojos y oler - sí, oler- todo lo que Smith cuenta. Inhumanidad total.
Pero el autor también nos muestra qué le ocurre al ser humano blanco que se creé amo y señor de todo, cuando va más allá de sus límites, cuando se empecina en avanzar terrenos, en ser más fuerte que los pantanos, las intensas lluvias africanas, cuando creé que podrá con un león, con un elefante o con una hiena. Las descripciones de esas escenas son...muy fuertes. Yo pasé renglones porque... ésas bestias agarran al ser humano como un zorro caza una gallina. De verdade es tremendo éste libro.
Tiene miles y miles de citas a rescatar. "Vuela el halcón"es el primero de una saga de cinco libros titulada "Ballantyne".
Lo recomiendo? Claro que sí, más para aquellos que tienen estómago fuerte. La sinopsis es traicionera, no dice NADA de todo lo que ocurre en el libro.
"— Qué curioso eso de los tatuajes. Empezaron a tatuar a sus chicos para que a nosotros, los traficantes, nos parecieran repulsivos; otros se afilaban los dientes o se los arrancaban, como aquél de allá — Señaló a un negro musculoso, entre los que bailaban, cuyos dientes habían sido afilados hasta semejar los de un tiburón—. Algunos ensartan huesos en la nariz de las niñas o les estiran las tetas, y perdóneme la expresión, señorita. A veces les ponen aros de cobre alrededor del cuello para que parezcan jirafas, para que los dejemos en paz. Y ahora dicen que ésos son rasgos de gran belleza entre los paganos."
Éste libro es TRE-MEN-DO 👌Es lo primero (y único por el momento) que leeré de él. El autor describe como nadie África y ni hablar del África de 1860, según "guglie" luego se desató la guerra Matabele. Éstos fueron guerreros zulúes; pero volviendo al libro, Wilmur Smith aparte de ser un genio describiendo el paisaje africano, da una lección de cómo en lugares tan inhóspitos el ser humano resiste y de lo que es capaz de hacer éste para sobrevivir: lo peor de lo peor. Cómo en un lugar tan alejado de la mano de Dios el propio hombre blanco algunas veces se vuelve un animal y comete la peor de las atrocidades humanas,entre ellas la esclavitud humana que la describe...brutal. Me chocó muy fuerte todo "el mundo negrero". Era como ver con mis propios ojos y oler - sí, oler- todo lo que Smith cuenta. Inhumanidad total.
Pero el autor también nos muestra qué le ocurre al ser humano blanco que se creé amo y señor de todo, cuando va más allá de sus límites, cuando se empecina en avanzar terrenos, en ser más fuerte que los pantanos, las intensas lluvias africanas, cuando creé que podrá con un león, con un elefante o con una hiena. Las descripciones de esas escenas son...muy fuertes. Yo pasé renglones porque... ésas bestias agarran al ser humano como un zorro caza una gallina. De verdade es tremendo éste libro.
Tiene miles y miles de citas a rescatar. "Vuela el halcón"es el primero de una saga de cinco libros titulada "Ballantyne".
Lo recomiendo? Claro que sí, más para aquellos que tienen estómago fuerte. La sinopsis es traicionera, no dice NADA de todo lo que ocurre en el libro.
October 1, 2012
Just arrived from Japan through BM.
An enjoyable reading after has read too many "serious" books.
This is the first book of the series The Ballantyne Novels describing the first Rhodesia historical facts when slavery was still taking place to North and South America. Every slave was sold by 20 dollars and these ships are able to transport thousands of them in very inhumane conditions.
A very touching moment can be described when Robyn Ballantyne find his father debilitated by the disease and being treated with affection by the local native.
The next book of this series is Men of Men.
So far, River God is the best book I've read of this author.
An enjoyable reading after has read too many "serious" books.
This is the first book of the series The Ballantyne Novels describing the first Rhodesia historical facts when slavery was still taking place to North and South America. Every slave was sold by 20 dollars and these ships are able to transport thousands of them in very inhumane conditions.
A very touching moment can be described when Robyn Ballantyne find his father debilitated by the disease and being treated with affection by the local native.
The next book of this series is Men of Men.
So far, River God is the best book I've read of this author.
July 18, 2018
My husband loves Wilbur Smith. I had read a few many many years ago. Then I saw that this book was available for cheap through bookbub, so I thought I would give this author another go. Having taken place in Africa in some of the places we lived and visited, I enjoyed that part of the book immensely. But when I finished it, I was dissatisfied because I felt no sympathy for either the hero or the heroine. The hero's quest was to exploit the precious natural and archeological wealth of the continent for his own gain. The heroine, while very headstrong and accomplished, was entirely too self righteous for me to like her. The only person I liked was the captain and he was a slaver. Call me soft and sentimental, but I like a book with sympathetic heroes that I can root for and a happily ever after ending.
January 16, 2015
WTF! I have read other stuff from this author. 'River Gods' was great, the 'Seventh Scroll' was good, the other two books in that series was whack-a-doo! I had read a later book in this series that was not too bad, and thought I should start at the beginning.
Started out OK, then suddenly turned into a cheap romance novel! One star is reserved for books I simply could not finish! This author shows moments of brilliance, and is not a bad writer, but is inconsistent. When I read historical fiction I do not want a romance novel, or an occult novel.
Started out OK, then suddenly turned into a cheap romance novel! One star is reserved for books I simply could not finish! This author shows moments of brilliance, and is not a bad writer, but is inconsistent. When I read historical fiction I do not want a romance novel, or an occult novel.
July 2, 2018
This is a reread for me. This time around I found it to be long and drawn out. Not nearly as interesting and enjoyable as the first time around 15 years or so ago.
As historical fiction goes, Smith does a good job telling of early Africa and the exploration and exploitation of the continent. First of his Ballantyne series.
As historical fiction goes, Smith does a good job telling of early Africa and the exploration and exploitation of the continent. First of his Ballantyne series.
September 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I love adventure, and the sense of adventure I seek is always fulfilled by Wilbur Smith and Henry Rider Haggard. While I liked the first half of the book the most, the second half wasn't as good in comparison, but the journey throughout the book as a whole was still enjoyable.
June 2, 2023
Не, не моё. Хотя обложки у книги красивые, и я чуть было даже не повелась и не купила сгоряча весь цикл. Фух, вот это обошлось. Я одну книгу еле осилила, цикл продолжать вообще не хочется.
Что же меня здесь не устроило? Да все!
Ожидала приключений, Африки, туземцев. И первую треть книги наблюдала любовные метания бешенной бабы. Эта девица мне не понравилась сразу. Вроде и такая вся правильная, но меня от нее воротит.
Братец ее эмоций у меня вообще не вызвал. Положительных так точно, но и отрицательных нет. Просто все-равно, что с ним будет.
Кто мне понравился, так это Мунго Сент-Джон. Хоть он и с гнильцой, но хотя бы не корчит из себя святошу. Но читатель смотрит на него в основном через призму взгляда героини. А взгляд у нее весьма посредственный. Поэтому тоже мимо.
Вернусь к туземцам. Таки они тут есть! И Африка есть (хоть тут обложка не обманула), но опять таки, начнись она пораньше, у меня не было бы предвзятого отношения к книге.
Вообще для меня в книге больше всего решают герои. Если они мне импонируют, я готова читать про них в любом сеттинге, в любом жанре. Но если они не вызывают у меня никаких чувств, кроме раздражения, то никакая экзотика вокруг не заставит меня про них читать. Подозреваю, что попадись мне книга намного раньше, я бы не зацикливалась на героях, а читала про Африку.
Что же меня здесь не устроило? Да все!
Ожидала приключений, Африки, туземцев. И первую треть книги наблюдала любовные метания бешенной бабы. Эта девица мне не понравилась сразу. Вроде и такая вся правильная, но меня от нее воротит.
Братец ее эмоций у меня вообще не вызвал. Положительных так точно, но и отрицательных нет. Просто все-равно, что с ним будет.
Кто мне понравился, так это Мунго Сент-Джон. Хоть он и с гнильцой, но хотя бы не корчит из себя святошу. Но читатель смотрит на него в основном через призму взгляда героини. А взгляд у нее весьма посредственный. Поэтому тоже мимо.
Вернусь к туземцам. Таки они тут есть! И Африка есть (хоть тут обложка не обманула), но опять таки, начнись она пораньше, у меня не было бы предвзятого отношения к книге.
Вообще для меня в книге больше всего решают герои. Если они мне импонируют, я готова читать про них в любом сеттинге, в любом жанре. Но если они не вызывают у меня никаких чувств, кроме раздражения, то никакая экзотика вокруг не заставит меня про них читать. Подозреваю, что попадись мне книга намного раньше, я бы не зацикливалась на героях, а читала про Африку.
May 6, 2020
Not really sure what to write about this book. Started it and couldn't get into it. Then I suddenly did get into it and couldn't stop page turning. Then about half way through it just started dragging and I wanted to reach the end. It wasn't poorly written or really anything. I think I just didn't get into the story that well
February 22, 2022
Coinvolgente ed emozionante. Quando l'ho finito, ho sentito la mancanza per giorni di Robyn e Mungo. Consigliatissimo.
Alla seconda lettura dopo vent'anni, si conferma un capolavoro del genere storico - avventuroso.
Pieno di personaggi indimenticabili come Mungo St. John, Robyn, Zouga.
Alla seconda lettura dopo vent'anni, si conferma un capolavoro del genere storico - avventuroso.
Pieno di personaggi indimenticabili come Mungo St. John, Robyn, Zouga.
March 6, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
Wilbur Smith is one of my favorite authors. You know exactly what you are going to get from one of his novels - action, drama, romance, history, and a true love of Africa. His novels are pure fun and I have never been disappointed. I didn't love this one as much as others because there was no central character who was purely a good guy to root for but the rest of his magic formula was in full effect.
December 30, 2020
A disappointing read as I was so looking forward to reading my 1st Wilbur Smith novel. It was long and drawn out.
I struggled with the storyline but found myself drawn to the horrors of slavery in Robyn's story more then the relentless killing of animals by Zouga.
On a nostalgic note the sounds and tones of Africa, Zululand, Afrikaans, the veld and the animals (until they were shot!) warming.
Will struggle to read another Smith unfortunately.
I struggled with the storyline but found myself drawn to the horrors of slavery in Robyn's story more then the relentless killing of animals by Zouga.
On a nostalgic note the sounds and tones of Africa, Zululand, Afrikaans, the veld and the animals (until they were shot!) warming.
Will struggle to read another Smith unfortunately.
March 9, 2021
This is the first Winer Smith book I have read . I was not sure at the beginning, if I would love this . A lot of information to process. As I read on, I was pulled into it. There are so many perspectives and views from all of the characters. It is mind provoking . I highly recommend this and am looking forward to reading the prequel to this
January 13, 2024
Very long, but amazing description of landscapes and scenery.
Not really my general type of book, but I can appreciate the effort and knowledge to write a book like this.
Not really my general type of book, but I can appreciate the effort and knowledge to write a book like this.
March 9, 2025
Reading this book felt like looking at one of those soap dispenser bottles with the fish inside.
Quite honestly, the book is a 2.5, the plot is not great, and the characters are difficult to like. I don't know if it was intentionally done, but the 'villains' of the story are the most interesting, Zouga included. The 'good guys' are as two-dimensional as the fish in the soap bottle.
Side note, but the quote "Clinton was afraid, afraid of death and afraid of failing in his duty and afraid of being seen to be afraid..." is how I currently feel, preparing to perform what would be the first dental extraction of my career.
Quite honestly, the book is a 2.5, the plot is not great, and the characters are difficult to like. I don't know if it was intentionally done, but the 'villains' of the story are the most interesting, Zouga included. The 'good guys' are as two-dimensional as the fish in the soap bottle.
Side note, but the quote "Clinton was afraid, afraid of death and afraid of failing in his duty and afraid of being seen to be afraid..." is how I currently feel, preparing to perform what would be the first dental extraction of my career.
April 1, 2020
A remarkable adventure book of the African wild.
Dr Robyn Ballantyne, daughter of a famous missionary and explorer, returns on a joint expedition with her brother Zouga to southern Africa, the land of her birth, fired with the desire to bring the Africans medicine, Christianity and an end to the slave trade, still flourishing in 1860. Both are also looking for their lost father, who disappeared on a missionary mission years before.
She discovers that the clipper ship she and her brother are taking passage on from England is in reality a slave ship and the debonair American captain, Mungo St John, a slaver himself. Irresistibly attracted to this man but at the same time repelled by his ruthlessness, Robyn resolves to fight him to the last – a course she is supported in by the fanatical anti-slave trader and English naval captain, Clinton Codrington, with whom she makes contact in Cape Town.
When she and her brother then take passage on Clinton's ship to their destination in Portuguese East Africa, her resolve is further reinforced by their encounter with a slave dhow whose cargo of human misery they try to save from wreck on a reef while the Arab slaver flees to safety.
On arrival at the mouth of the Zambesi, Robyn and Zouga leave Clinton, who is by now deeply in love with Robyn. Together they plunge into the uncharted African interior, experiencing the beauty of an undiscovered land, and the terrors of a treacherous guide and hostile tribesman. But the simmering conflict between them soon makes it clear that further travel together is impossible. Zouga's desire to seek his fortune and Robyn's obsessions with tracing their legendary father and investigating the slave trade are incompatible.
Dr Robyn Ballantyne, daughter of a famous missionary and explorer, returns on a joint expedition with her brother Zouga to southern Africa, the land of her birth, fired with the desire to bring the Africans medicine, Christianity and an end to the slave trade, still flourishing in 1860. Both are also looking for their lost father, who disappeared on a missionary mission years before.
She discovers that the clipper ship she and her brother are taking passage on from England is in reality a slave ship and the debonair American captain, Mungo St John, a slaver himself. Irresistibly attracted to this man but at the same time repelled by his ruthlessness, Robyn resolves to fight him to the last – a course she is supported in by the fanatical anti-slave trader and English naval captain, Clinton Codrington, with whom she makes contact in Cape Town.
When she and her brother then take passage on Clinton's ship to their destination in Portuguese East Africa, her resolve is further reinforced by their encounter with a slave dhow whose cargo of human misery they try to save from wreck on a reef while the Arab slaver flees to safety.
On arrival at the mouth of the Zambesi, Robyn and Zouga leave Clinton, who is by now deeply in love with Robyn. Together they plunge into the uncharted African interior, experiencing the beauty of an undiscovered land, and the terrors of a treacherous guide and hostile tribesman. But the simmering conflict between them soon makes it clear that further travel together is impossible. Zouga's desire to seek his fortune and Robyn's obsessions with tracing their legendary father and investigating the slave trade are incompatible.
July 1, 2021
Found this amongst the books that were present at the holiday cottage we stayed at. Thought the author's name was familiar but not aware that I'd read any of her novels and realise it might be explained by her books having been read by my mother.
It seems that Ursula Bloom's output at 560 novels was prodigious (she also wrote historical novels under the pseudonym Lozania Prole and medical romances as Sheila Burns and Mary Essex) and one suspects some of it, of Mills and Boon quality. However the standard of writing in this particular novel I would class as decidedly 'middlebrow' and aspects of it such as the unhappy marriage between Lucy and James (an Army officer), strong physical attraction as opposed to something deeper and more enduring are probably biographical. The novel does deal with a surprising range of issues such as unhappy marriage, sibling dislike, relationships between children and older people, love found in late life, realising the true character of a lover etc but with a remarkable clarity, honesty and at times humour. It's made all the more interesting in that in some respects it could almost be considered a crime novel.
An unexpected interesting and worthwhile read.
It seems that Ursula Bloom's output at 560 novels was prodigious (she also wrote historical novels under the pseudonym Lozania Prole and medical romances as Sheila Burns and Mary Essex) and one suspects some of it, of Mills and Boon quality. However the standard of writing in this particular novel I would class as decidedly 'middlebrow' and aspects of it such as the unhappy marriage between Lucy and James (an Army officer), strong physical attraction as opposed to something deeper and more enduring are probably biographical. The novel does deal with a surprising range of issues such as unhappy marriage, sibling dislike, relationships between children and older people, love found in late life, realising the true character of a lover etc but with a remarkable clarity, honesty and at times humour. It's made all the more interesting in that in some respects it could almost be considered a crime novel.
An unexpected interesting and worthwhile read.
September 27, 2014
This was the second Ballantyne novel I read, although its first in the series. It steps back several generations to trace the originations of the Ballantyne family's fascination with Africa. Captain Mungo St. John, who is a rapscallion you want to love, despite his unsavory profession as a slaver. Britain's fight against slavery, while the recently independent United States is left to slave unmolested due to treaty. Great moments of naval action. Robyn Ballantyne's place as a strong female character, a doctor when that was unheard of and willing to fight to the death. The conflicts of morality and passion. The details of the operation of a slave ship and the slave trade. The contrast between Zouga Ballantyne and his sister Robyn in how the deal with finding their father, long thought lost to the dark continent, only to witness his last days. Powerful, details, engrossing stuff. Elephant hunting. Becoming a trusted friend of the Zulus. And of course, the mysticism surrounding the recovery of the falcon statue, and inexplicable risk taken to retrieve it.
June 2, 2020
An epic taking the reader through Africa as Dr Robyn Ballantine and her brother sail to look for their missing father.
The first half of the book is really good with lots of information about the slave trade, the British empire and their presence in Africa. There are interesting descriptions of the medical procedures of the time--1860 .
However later the book degenerates with long descriptions of animals hunting, the tribal politics which didn't interest me.
Still an interesting book from a very talented author.
The first half of the book is really good with lots of information about the slave trade, the British empire and their presence in Africa. There are interesting descriptions of the medical procedures of the time--1860 .
However later the book degenerates with long descriptions of animals hunting, the tribal politics which didn't interest me.
Still an interesting book from a very talented author.
December 28, 2011
Wilbur Addison Smith is the best known author on stories based in Africa. All his books are based on some country of the mystic African continent! It has lot to do with his birth place which is Zambia also in Africa! This book is based on the slave trade which was flourishing in 18th century in entire Africa and I must say that it has been researched really well. I can definitely connect with his writing after spending 2 years in Africa...a real good read.
June 26, 2009
Really enjoyed getting back to 19th Century Africa with the first of the Ballantyne novels. A mixture of hunting elephants (again), missionary work, the slave trade, imperial ambition and passionate affairs (by the female missionary no less). Looking forward to reading on from the various story lines established in part one!
January 5, 2008
In another Smith serious that follows the "Ballantyne" Family... They go to Africa... and they start a life trying to make money from diamonds/gold... by exploiting the locals... but it's pretty historical (though fictional) it includes Cecil Rhodes the man(as in Rhodesia)... The whole series is good... i have one more to read in the series...
March 18, 2019
I almost didn't finish this book. It is rather like a soap opera and I didn't like either of the main characters. Wilbur Smith is a good writer, but I don't plan on reading other books in this series.
December 20, 2007
Really paints a picture
March 28, 2009
Wonderfully interesting.
Read
July 29, 2009Excellent book.
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