King of Kings

Courtney publication order #18

by Wilbur Smith

The sequel to Wilbur Smith's worldwide bestseller, The Triumph of the Sun.

An epic story of love, betrayal, courage and war that brings together two of Wilbur Smith's greatest families in this long-awaited sequel to his worldwide bestseller, The Triumph of the Sun.

Cairo, 1888. A beautiful September day. Penrod Ballantyne and his fiancee, Amber Benbrook, stroll hand in hand. The future is theirs for the taking.

But when Penrod's jealous former lover, Lady Agatha, plants doubt about his character, Amber leaves him and travels to the wilds of Abyssinia with her twin sister, Saffron, and her adventurer husband, Ryder Courtney. On a mission to establish a silver mine, they make the dangerous journey to the new capital of Addis Ababa, where they are welcomed by Menelik, the King of Kings. But Italy has designs on Abyssinia, and there are rumours of a plan to invade...

Back in Cairo, a devastated Penrod seeks oblivion in the city's opium dens. When he is rescued by his old friend, Lorenzo De Fonseca, now in the Italian army, and offered the chance to assess the situation around the Abyssinian border, Penrod leaps at the chance of action.

With storm clouds gathering, and on opposing sides of the invasion, can Penrod and Amber find their way back to one another - against all the odds?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Africa, Adventure, Ethiopia, Audiobook, Eritrea

448 pages, Hardcover

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

Wilbur 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

In their collaborative effort, Wilbur Smith and Imogen Robertson offer readers the latest instalment of the Courtney and Ballantyne saga, taking the story back to the African continent in the latter portion of the 19th century. Situated in and around Cairo, Penrod Ballantyne has tossed away the love of his life for the wily actions of a two-bit whore, or so the story goes. He has been up to his old tricks and remains one step ahead of the law, smearing the names of anyone who crosses him, particularly when he is in the opium dens scattered throughout Egypt. Meanwhile, Ryder Courtney is hard at work trying to mine as much of the metal as he can find, having secured permits to dig around Ethiopia. However, there would seem to be someone trying to stop his progress, as the ship carrying his supplies inexplicably explodes. Convinced that there is much to be done, Courtney and his family remain committed and work with the locals to find new ways to bring about a successful venture, all while Ethiopia enters a new era of politics and tribal control. The Italians have laid claim to the land and are making the country their protectorate, while the local tribesmen are coming to terms with a new leader, the King of Kings, who has promised not to abandon the fight for autonomy. Caught on both sides of the fight, the Courtney and Ballantyne families seek to make their mark on the African continent, particularly its northern territories, while living a life their European ancestors could not have imagined. Smith and Robertson do well in this piece, even if I was not entirely captivated by the writing or plot. I’ll leave it to other fans of this extensive series to decide if they want to add this one, as I have a somewhat lukewarm reaction to it.

I remember how enthralled I was with the early novels in both the Courtney and Ballantyne series, even as they blended together at one point. Of course, that was when Wilbur Smith had full control of the writing and the plot development. Granted, he has aged much and likely cannot keep up with all the advances in the writing process, but I have seen a significant lessening in the impact of the novels since secondary writers have shared (read: controlled) the writing process. It could be that things are not as sharp or that people are just not as attuned to Smith’s nuanced style, but I will admit this was one reason that I was not fully committed to the novel. Ryder Courtney and Penrod Ballantyne each have their own backstories and have enriched the pages of this piece with their adventures. Contrasting significantly, one is a strong and powerful force while the other seems more interested in flitting from one cause to the next, without setting down roots. The reader will likely find themselves connected to one or the other, which creates an interesting banter throughout the novel and will do well as the series continues to advance. Others grace the pages of this book to offer the two protagonists some direction and personalises them, though I could not grasp onto the secondary characters enough to feel it saved the novel from being tepid. The plot was decent and Smith always uses known history as a backdrop, but I needed more to keep me fully committed. Gone are the days of the original series, where strong characters dominated the pages, though they do pop up from time to time. In a set of series that tend to take checker-like jumps in time, it is had to get the full chronological view of either family. Perhaps once Wilbur Smith and his collaborators lay down their pens for the final time, I will have to return and read the entire series in order to get the full impact of the stories being spun!

Kudos, Mr. Smith and Madam Robertson, for a valiant attempt. I may be in the minority, though I do not discount the abilities that either of you have!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable adventure set in the late 19th century. Decent backstory and plenty of developed characters in the well described atmospheric setting of Cairo, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilbur's back.

I didn't enjoy his last few books and had decided to give up on him, but my husband said this new one was up to Wilbur's historical standards. It's close, and I credit his almost-secret cowriter. If you look at the cover very very closely, down toward the bottom, in letters so faint one can barely read them, it says, "with Imogen Robertson." I don't see her credited anywhere else, so maybe Wilbur isn't thrilled about giving her credit. But he should. I assume she's the reason this book was so much fun to read. The last few seemed written by a jaded old sexist crabapple, who phoned in his 2-dimensional cartoon characters who did nothing but fight. From one battle to the next, nothing else happened. I'd lost interest.

Now, with Ms. Robertson's help, we get to read about two powerful women in addition to the men, and there are enough admirable people in this book to make you happy about humanity again, a feature lacking in the more recent Smith books. I'm actually looking forward to the next book in the series, and hopefully, Robertson will be doing most of the writing. Wilbur can smile and rake in the dough and accolades, his reputation happily restored.

[Maggie]

King is Kings is a follow up to The Triumph of the Sun which I read many years ago, you do not need to have read this book but events then are mentioned but not confusingly so. Ryder Courtney and Penrod Ballantyne take centre stage, starting in Egypt in the late 1800’s it follows Ryder’s journey into Abyssinia to build a silver mine with a great many trials and tribulations along the way.
Meanwhile in Cairo, Amber Penrod’s fiancée breaks off their engagement after being told some unsavoury facts about her future husband. Penrod’s story then goes from the depths of depravity to one of salvation.
Although two interwoven stories they are told with with gusto, featuring a host of wonderful well rounded characters, great, good and pure evil, an exciting read.
My only niggle would be that I would of preferred two of the characters to have come together a lot sooner, it was far too near the end of the book for my liking, but that’s just me!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Kennethkiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read my first Wilbur Smith book - Monsoon - maybe about 15 years ago when someone gifted it to me to see if I liked it. Ever since then, I've been a very ardent fan of Mr Smith's work, hunting for every single book from the used-book stores, or, when I could afford it, purchased new. Through his writing I have felt as if I know intimately the history and the peoples of Africa (though this is of course, an arrogance); but his love for the continent shows itself with absolute clarity and is transfered into each reader's soul.
I have to say, though, I haven't been very keen on some of the latest books that were co-written by others. Maybe at times the co-writer's style comes out more than Mr Smith's; though I applaud his effort in trying to introduce us to other, newer writers.
I love this latest instalment into the Ballantyne/Courtney saga. It seems to be somewhat of a "back to basics" of Mr Smith's usual style and tale. It reminds me very much of Blue Horizon; similar tone, similar emotions. It have filled in a few gaps that now the tale of Triumph of the Sun feels a lot more complete and alive.
Here's a bit of a spoiler, but hopefully not too much. This is a tale of redemption for Penrod Ballantyne, and a lot of growth for his character. I recall that I never really liked him in Triumph of the Sun and have always felt he did not fully deserve his happy ending with Amber; being too full of himself and despite the suffering he had during captivity, he was still the same smug arrogant ass he was before; I wondered if he would stay faithful to Amber. This tale has redeemed him not only in Amber's eyes but also in mine. As this tale happens somewhat in the middle of the Triumph of the Sun, we do know he will get his happy ending; so this book is not about the destination but very much about the journey. And it is a very good journey of growth.
I hope that there are many books from Mr Smith in the years to come, and I hope I enjoy them as much as I did this one. Here's a toast to an absolutely Masterful Writer and Tale-spinner.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea95 - per RFS
.
Fenici che dire, Wilbur Smith è il mio scrittore preferito.
Non sbaglia un colpo. Amo il suo modo di narrare, è ricco di particolari e, grazie all’immaginazione, riesce a trasportarti nei luoghi e nel tempo che fanno da scenario ai suoi libri.
È come guardare un’immagine al PC e riuscire a visualizzarla a 360°, incredibile.
Mi sono innamorata dell’Africa proprio grazie ai suoi libri.
In questo romanzo “Re dei Re”, Smith prosegue la narrazione della storia delle gemelle Benbrook, figlie dello sfortunato Console Britannico a Khartum, che, dopo l’assedio della città e la sua caduta, fanno parte dei pochi che sono sopravvissuti.
La storia scorre molto bene anche per chi non ha letto il libro precedente.
Il racconto inizia al Cairo nel 1887, dove Amber Benbrook è tornata dopo un soggiorno a Londra. Nella capitale britannica ha pubblicato il suo libro “Schiave del Mahdi”, in cui narra la sua prigionia, insieme alla sorella Rebecca, nell’harem “prima dello stesso Mahdi e poi del suo più potente signore della guerra, Osman Atalan. Penrod si era rifiutato di abbandonare le due sorelle al loro destino e si era infiltrato nell’accampamento di Osman” purtroppo però “era stato scoperto, ridotto in schiavitù. Rebecca aveva scelto di essere la concubina di Osman, convincendolo che Amber era ancora troppo giovane per il suo letto”. Tutto questo sino a quando Saffron, Courtney e gli amici arabi di Penrod organizzano il loro audace salvataggio. “Rebecca, tuttavia, aveva rifiutato di andarsene. Aspettava già un figlio da Osman e sicura che fosse maschio, aveva preferito crescerlo sotto la protezione del padre islamico invece di esporlo al disprezzo del suo stesso popolo.”
Amber, durante il ricevimento per il suo sedicesimo compleanno, che festeggia insieme alla sorella Saffron oggi sposata con il mercante Courtney, si fidanza con il Maggiore Penrod Ballantyne, che tanto aveva fatto per cercare di salvare lei e la sorella dal loro destino.
Tutto sembra andare per il meglio, ma l’ex amante di Penrod, Lady Agatha, malignamente si intromette nel suo rapporto con il maggiore, tanto che la ragazza sceglie di rompere il fidanzamento.
Amber, Saffron e Courtney decidono così di partire alla volta della miniera d’argento che hanno avuto in concessione dal Re dei Re.
Durante il cammino, rimarranno invischiati in attentati, tradimenti e omicidi, oltre a prestare aiuto ad alcuni profughi colpiti da una grande carestia dovuta a una malattia dei bovini.
Non solo. Anche in questo libro si trovano nel bel mezzo di una guerra.
I nostri protagonisti hanno caratteri forti e decisi, è bello vedere che anche in passato c’erano donne indipendenti che si sentivano realizzate all’interno di una relazione.
Il rapporto tra Saffron e Courtney è intrigante e molto moderno, si sostengono a vicenda e prendono insieme le decisioni più importanti.
Wilbur Smith descrive molto bene i paesaggi e i protagonisti, con così tanti particolari che ogni volta che leggo i suoi libri è come se stessi guardando un film.
È uno scrittore che racconta fatti storici senza risultare pedante e riesce a trasmetterti tutte le emozioni dei protagonisti.
Sento il profumo della savana, lo scorrere dell’acqua, il fruscio della sabbia del deserto; mi rapisce facendomi vivere in prima persona tutto il libro.
Un romanzo da leggere, un viaggio da compiere, un percorso letterario in cui amare, soffrire e lottare insieme ai nostri eroi.
Ora non mi resta che attendere il suo prossimo libro.
Buona avventura!.

[AndrewP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two of Wilbur Smiths most beloved families, The Ballentines and the Courtneys, are both featured in this book as it is the direct chronological sequel to The Triumph of the Sun. Ryder Courtney and his wife embark on a new enterprise, a silver mine in the mountains to the west of what is now Ethiopia. Penrod Ballentine continues his roguish ways while still working as an intelligence officer.

Ryder is a take on the 'great white hunter and explorer' in the best traditions of H. Rider Haggard and Penrod Ballentine is a bit like a heroic version of 'Flashman'. The historical background to this novel is the Italian occupancy of Ethiopia and their downfall.
For me it seems that the plot meandered a bit in the middle and didn't seem to be going anywhere. It all came together in the end although I did not enjoy this one as much as it's predecessor.

Ed. changed the reference to the previous book, it was 'The Triumph of the Sun' not 'The Sound of Thunder'.

[Barbara Senteney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want the whole series. I cannot begin to say how enjoyable this book was. I could not tare myself away. The Ballantyne and Courtney families are entwined, by so many things on so many levels. Glimpses of the first book are tossed in to explain the depth of the story. How three lovely sisters are captured, and held by a powerful man. One he beds, ending up in love with and honoring above all others. The other two tormented and tortured and the men they love as well.
Ryder Courtney saves Penrod Ballantyne , along with twin sisters Saffron and Amber from the evil man, while the sister Rebecca chooses to stay, since she has one child and one on the way from him. She became his lover to divert his attentions from her younger sisters, to save their virtue for marriage.- All this happens in the first book A Triumph In The Sun which I am sorry to say I haven't had the pleasure of reading so it's not spoilers.

In this story Ballantyne and Amber are engaged but break up after Penrod boast of his antics and the seduction of Amber's sister Rebecca who was her champion in captivity. Amber goes with her sister Saffron and Ryder Courtney to Abyssinia to start a silver mine and forget her lost love, of course he is unforgettable, rake and scoundrel that he is.

Ballantyne when faced with the loss of his one true love takes pleasure in seducing and ruining the woman who caused the rift in his life, Lady Agatha. He drags her into the deepest darkest depths of opium addiction. Her father Lord Kendle has her kidnapped with the intent of saving her and his reputation , the more important of the two task in his eyes. Ballantyne seeks revenge when Lady Agatha dies at the well meaning hands of her father, who tries to clear her of her addiction but cold turkey kills the beautiful lady. Ballantyne , had a genuine affection for her, since they spent many years as lovers both before and after his romantic interlude with Amber.
After this Ballantyne is left in a bad way, with a monkey on his own back, friends and luck entervine and he is saved by unconventional means , along the way he becomes a new and better man. Always hoping to see his one true love again, which he des from afar.

There is a great war between African nations, Italians and other surrounding peoples. All parties play a part in the war, and many people die. Amber becomes a large part of helping refugees. Amber is a very complex and interesting character, with morals, and a great love of people. She is also still pining away over Ballantyne.

This is a very small portion of an amazing story, told to make you feel as if you are a part of every life and every decision, and they become more then fictional characters, more friends, who need understanding and hope. As Amber is alway looking for hope, sometimes she finds it in odd circumstances.

I was given this book in exchange for a fair honest review, all opinions are solely my own. I will be looking for part 1 of the saga A Triumph In The Sun because I feel I need it, to fill in any gaps and know the Courtney, and Ballantyne's more in depth. I would also love to read any continuation of this family saga. I found it most interesting and compelling even in parts that would usually bore me this story is told so well there was never a dull moment. One of the best Historical Fiction I have ever read.
As good as North And South by John Jakes, which was epic.Thank you for this , I needed a grand story and I got one.

[Sangeeta Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story.

[Christian Brunton · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[Nicolás Briozzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si bien soy fan de Wilbur de la primera hora, siempre encontré bastante decepcionantes sus últimos trabajos; sobre todo aquellos que escribió "con ayuda", en colaboración con otros autores durante los últimos años de su vida.
Pero hecha la salvedad, también vale decir que este fue el que más disfruté de sus libros colaborativos.
La trama sirve como secuela directa de un libro que publicó hace ya bastante, "El triunfo del sol", retomando al matrimonio de Ryder y Saffron Courtney. Mientras buscan establecer una mina de plata en las entrañas de una convulsionada Etiopía, quedarán en medio de una guerra por el control del territorio entre el rey nativo y los colonizadores italianos.
La cuota de romance que nos tiene acostumbrados la aportarán Penrod Ballantine y Amber, la hermana melliza de Saffron, que pasarán varias vicisitudes que pondrán a prueba su amor.
Si bien está lejos de las novelas que pusieron a Wilbur Smith como el maestro de la aventura, reúne algunos de los condimentos que lo llevaron a ese lugar, como ser la acción trepidante y las vívidas descripciones del continente africano

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Penrod Ballantyne and Amber Benbrook but also the continuing story of Ryder Courtney and his wife, Saffron who is Amber's twin sister. The story takes place in Africa starting in Cairo and journey into the kingdom of Abyssinia in search of silver. The book covers the years 1887 to October, 1898. Penrod is engaged to sixteen year old Amber but has a secret which is used to split them apart. The story explains some of the history of the area in a way that is easy to understand. The book was a quick easy read.

[Andrew Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read. Typical Wilbur Smith, he has lost none of his writing skills. Look forward to the next one.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The long awaited sequel to Smith’s 2005 “Triumph of the Sun”, continuing the Courtney - Ballantyne saga in Africa.

This all sounds great to a Wilbur Smith fan like myself but, like all his work during the past decade, it’s co-authored.

I’ve now read three of his co-authored books and unfortunately the inclusion of a co-writer has diluted the content and Smith’s books no longer contain the detail, character development and intensity they once did.

I’ve been an avid fan of his Courtney novels for twenty years now and the lastest installments, although readable, just don’t live up to earlier onces where Smith had full control of the process.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Smith's novels but this one fell flat as far as I am concerned. Maybe the underlying theme of his novels is getting to me. Heroic men, women who think for the most part that men are wonderful and some additional bad guys to stir things up. I keep telling myself I'm done with this series but keep reading anyway. Go for it!

[K Saju · Rating 4 out of 5]

The master writer is back at work with one of the epics. This book brought back the images and love one felt in his earlier books on Africa. Absolutely a must read for those who loved his earlier works, Africa and her history at her best brought forth to life in this excellent narrative

[Sukanya (theemptycartridge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received the book from HarperCollins for a review.
The latest segment of the Ballentyne series, King of Kings is one hell of a book. The story revolves around the African continent during the 19th century. Penrod Ballentyne and Ryder Courtney are the main protagonists of the story. The story begins with a brave soldier, Penrod cheating his girlfriend Amber with another lady whom also he ditches like a used tissue paper.
Amber moves to her sister Saffron and her husband Ryder's place in the Courtney silver mine. The story slowly moves around the Courtney mine and the events that take place during the course of time. Meanwhile Penrod is stuck in the opium dens of Ethiopia.
Also, the Italians try to claim themselves in the area. Penrod murders the duke of Kendal as a revenge of his daughter's death. The story moves separately with two scenes - one at the Courtney mine and other around Penrod.
I haven't read the previous books in the series and therefore was in a dilemma before picking up this book. But its not compulsory to read all other books to get through this one. The book is composed with love, hate, heartbreaks, betrayal, bravery and what not. Amber is one quite strong female character who can make her own decisions regarding important situations. The events of Courtney mine were more interesting than the ones of Penrod Ballentyne. There were some twists throughout the story.
However I felt some events were unnecessarily dragged that made it boring at places. I think the story writing isn't the one to grip you through the pages. Also I didn't like the way how Amber at the end forgave Penrod for everything and moved back with him. That was one weak point of a strong character.

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐. 75

[Neale Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read The Triumph of the Sun and found Kings of Kings remarkably easy and exciting to get into and follow. A typical descriptive Smith adventure.

The book for me was a 4.5
I disliked Penrod immensely and his obvious character growth which Smith transformed throughout made it a little too predictable with the inevitable reunion of him and Amber. That's where the 4.5 came into play for me.

I bumped it to a 5 purely because the adventure, twists, pace and general storyline were Wilbur Smith at his phenomal best. The characters were well described and perfectly placed in the context of the times and the situations they were in. A great story with a great ending. I couldn't ask for much more in a read.

[Mr Jeffery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing, haven't read any of Wilbur Smiths writing for years and never really got interested in this book. Very pleased to have finished it.

Found the plot too far fetched to be believable really.

Would not recommend

[Vicki S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilbur back close to his best. Grew bored with Courtney’s War, so it was good to return to familiar writing.

[Les Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply awesome, wonderful story with great characters

[Ali McHattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this and forgot to review it immediately after... I forget details, but remember I enjoyed it!! 😁

[Rosario Altomare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendo!

[Deborah Finocchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trama: E' la storia d'amore tra Penrod e Amber, ma anche la storia del viaggio di Amber, Saffron e Ryder alla scoperta di una miniera d'argento nel Tigrai, e ancora è la storia di penrod e del suo viaggio di formazione che lo riporterà in Africa da Amber. Ed è la storia delle battaglie tra conquistati e conquistatori, in una parte del mondo dove troppo spesso i diritti dei nativi vengono calpestati e ignorati da popoli che si reputano superiori solo in virtù di una superiorità che speeso è puramente tecnologico-scientifica.
Recensione: è il primo romanzo di Wilbur Smith che leggo. Mi è oaciuto molto. Ricco di descrizioni particolareggiate di paesaggi mozzafiato. Il realismo con cui i posti vengono tratteggiati danno al lettore la sensazione di essere lì, di avere davanti agli occhi le sterminate vallate del Tigrai, le montagne dove scorrono le vene d'argento da scavare, i popoli che si affrontano in sanguinose battaglie. I personaggi sono ben delineati e anche nei loro confronti il lettore sviluppa affezione e compresione, facendo il tifo per i buoni e augurandosi che i cattivi abbiano ciò che si meritano.

[Nan Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I recall, the previous novels I’ve enjoyed so much by Wilbur Smith were strong on history and lesser known facts about the English contributions on the African continent. While thrilling to the wiles of the families depicted in the novels, I was entranced by the history of the areas covered.

This novel can’t seem to decide whether to be an explosive Steven Seagal movie or a very graphic porn movie.

It was not what I was expecting from Wilbur Smith and not my kind of book. What a disappointment. I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Tony Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best selling eighty six year old Zambian writer has written almost forty novels, mostly based in the Africa he has lived in all of his life. These adventure yarns based on the history of the continent have sold well over 120 million copies.

In "King of Kings" two dynasties are scrambling to dominate the landscape, despite the danger and risk that's ever present. Penrod Ballantyne and his fiancé Amber split up in an eruption of jealousy and misunderstandings. Meanwhile Amber's twin sister, married to the adventurer and entrepreneur Ryder Courtney are embarking on an ambitious mission to extract silver from a remote location accessed via Addis Ababa.

In the background lurks a powerful and savvy new ruler, Menelik the second, the King of Kings. The supporting cast is gathering as the story bounces around the main players. At almost every turn there's danger, bad luck, betrayal, and violence. "King of Kings" maintains the high standard that Wilbur Smith has set, a standard few others have or will ever match.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grand saga as a literary style has been virtually abandoned by modern authors, but Wilbur Smith keeps it alive in his latest epic. “King of Kings” is a sequel, but I didn’t read its predecessor and still felt comfortable with the characters, the setting, and the ongoing story. Penrod Ballantyne, the prodigal in this story, is driven to opium dens and leper colonies by the evil wiles of “Lady” Agatha and her father, the Duke. Meanwhile, in a parallel story, Penrod’s fiancé, Amber, helps her sister’s family in their enterprises and alliances while remaining true to the memory of her lost love. Disaster, wars, and betrayals dot the pathway to a good ending that promises to continue into a new generation.

[Nona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now here is a story you really have to listen to to comprehend. Wilbur SMITH has completed an amazing amount of historical information and woven it into a saga of events during the Italian/Ethiopian(Abyssinian) war 1896/8. As a consequence there is much detail to be absorbed in relation to rulers, tribes, places in both Europe and Africa.
It was rather refreshing to read of relationships alongside war details, and ones that were not detailed romantic episodes.
The book is at a story should be - entertaining, and one that you want to know how it ends. AND once again SMITH has used words and dialogue to his best advantage, without swear words. A rare feat with today's authors.
Recommended.

[Richard West · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Courtneys. The Ballantynes. Africa in the late 1880's. A super-egotistical leader who fancies himself the "King of Kings." Italians attempting to take over Abyssinia. Lots of character development. Short on action - this is not for someone who is looking for a book with a great deal of fighting and warfare.

Sadly, this book did not resonate with me the way so many of Smith's other novels have, but it's a must read for Smith followers.

[Manuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarà perchè invecchiando migliora, o perchè sceglie dei ghost (ormai non tanto ghost, visto che stanno in copertina) writer che conoscono bene Wilbur e hanno talento, ma negli ultimi romanzi, così come in questo, ho ritrovato quasi tutte le cose che mi hanno fatto innamorare di questo autore. E con la saga Courtney, che qui si incrocia con quella Ballantyne, dà sempre il meglio di sè.