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Courtney publication order #17
Courtney's War (3)
A Courtney Series novel and sequel to the global bestseller WAR CRY
Paris, 1939 -Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives.
Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.
Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself being hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster.
Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.
Courtney's War is an epic story of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war.
Paris, 1939 -Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives.
Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.
Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself being hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster.
Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.
Courtney's War is an epic story of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
1110 people are currently reading
4021 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
319 books4,386 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 236 reviews
December 21, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank You Simon and Schuster for sending me this ARC through LibraryThing. I enjoyed this historical fiction book. It a love story set during WWII. Gerhard von Meerbach and Saffron Courtney meet and fall in love in 1939. When the war starts, he becomes a pilot in the German Luftwaffe and she becomes a spy for the British SOE(Special Operations Executive). The story moved slowly in the first third of the book but became a page turner halfway through. It is part of a series, but worked fine for me as a stand alone.
Two quotes:
"The sun was low in the sky, shining between the islands of Rum and Sky, turning them into soft silhouettes of purple and gray."
"Maybe that's what a ghost is- a presence of the dead in the dreams of the living."
Update 12-21-18. My wife read and enjoyed this book enough that she plans to read more of this series.
Thank You Simon and Schuster for sending me this ARC through LibraryThing. I enjoyed this historical fiction book. It a love story set during WWII. Gerhard von Meerbach and Saffron Courtney meet and fall in love in 1939. When the war starts, he becomes a pilot in the German Luftwaffe and she becomes a spy for the British SOE(Special Operations Executive). The story moved slowly in the first third of the book but became a page turner halfway through. It is part of a series, but worked fine for me as a stand alone.
Two quotes:
"The sun was low in the sky, shining between the islands of Rum and Sky, turning them into soft silhouettes of purple and gray."
"Maybe that's what a ghost is- a presence of the dead in the dreams of the living."
Update 12-21-18. My wife read and enjoyed this book enough that she plans to read more of this series.
September 17, 2018
3.5 stars
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. This is my first time reading a Wilbur Smith novel and I was fascinated to learn it is the longest running series in publishing history according to the book's back cover. And while I might not be interested in the books featuring the Courtney family all the way back in the 1600s, I wouldn't mind checking out the ones that take place during the 20th century.
It's 1939 and Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are deeply in love but they are forced to separate. He is going to fight for Germany even though he opposes the Nazi regime. Saffron is recruited as a spy working for the Allies and is sent to Belgium to see how the Nazis have infiltrated Special Operative Executive's network. War forces a person to make tough decisions and soon choices must be made just in order to survive.
What I enjoyed most was Saffron had an interesting story line and not one you typically see with female characters in historical fiction about World War 2. She wasn't a nurse or working in a factory, she was actually in the thick of things as much as Gerhard.
My only criticism is at almost 450 pages, I felt like it was slightly too long and would have benefited by trimming off at least 50 pages. Overall, it's a good story and I definitely recommend to long time fans of the series as well as those who like World War 2 historical fiction.
I won a free copy of this book from Bookish First and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. This is my first time reading a Wilbur Smith novel and I was fascinated to learn it is the longest running series in publishing history according to the book's back cover. And while I might not be interested in the books featuring the Courtney family all the way back in the 1600s, I wouldn't mind checking out the ones that take place during the 20th century.
It's 1939 and Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are deeply in love but they are forced to separate. He is going to fight for Germany even though he opposes the Nazi regime. Saffron is recruited as a spy working for the Allies and is sent to Belgium to see how the Nazis have infiltrated Special Operative Executive's network. War forces a person to make tough decisions and soon choices must be made just in order to survive.
What I enjoyed most was Saffron had an interesting story line and not one you typically see with female characters in historical fiction about World War 2. She wasn't a nurse or working in a factory, she was actually in the thick of things as much as Gerhard.
My only criticism is at almost 450 pages, I felt like it was slightly too long and would have benefited by trimming off at least 50 pages. Overall, it's a good story and I definitely recommend to long time fans of the series as well as those who like World War 2 historical fiction.
I won a free copy of this book from Bookish First and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 11, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Wilbur Smith, David Churchill, and Bonnier Zaffre USA for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After a few novels in the Courtney saga proved to be complete duds, I was pleased to see Wilbur Smith team up with David Churchill and returned things to the 20th century, where the series has flourished. In the Spring of 1939, young love is blossoming between Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach. Highly educated and politically savvy, both Saffron and Gerhard can feel the tides turning in Europe and anticipate the Nazis will begin their push through Europe, triggering another massive war. After spending time in Paris, these young lovers must part, vowing to find one another as soon as possible. Fast-forward to 1942, where Saffron Courtney is deeply embedded into ‘Baker Street’, a covert group led by a handful of British spies. Her goal will be to infiltrate the National Socialist movement in Belgium and the Netherlands, with hopes of learning Nazi news that can be fed back to the Allies. Meanwhile, Gerhard has become a valuable asset to the Germans, working in the air during the Battle of Stalingrad, shooting down any Russian plane that dares get too close. During one flyover, Gerhard sees some of the atrocities being done to large portions of the Jewish community, only later learning that it is the Final Solution ramping up. Vowing to himself to bring down the Nazis, Gerhard must carefully destroy the political machine without being caught, with a brother who is fully engaged in the Nazi movement and smells a rat. As Saffron returns to the African continent to help build her backstory, she spends some time with family and renews old acquaintances, only to be pulled away and sent to Belgium. Her actions may not be as covert as she hoped, but she can hope to remain one step ahead of the Germans hunting her down. With the War reaching its climax, both Saffron and Gerhard will have to work hard to return Europe to its proper course, though Nazis are ruthless and are happy to scrub out anyone who does not respect the Reich’s power. Brilliant in its delivery and full of wonderful storylines, Smith and Churchill show that this is one saga to which dedicated readers can return with pride. Recommended for those who love the Courtneys in all their glory.
It was a difficult decision to choose this book, having been so disheartened by some of the recent novels in this saga. That said, I had to tell myself that those novels that took things onto the high seas many generations ago were part of a sub-series that never caught my attention. With some of my favourite characters and 20th century history mixed together, I knew that Wilbur Smith (alongside his writing companion, David Churchill) should get the benefit of the doubt. This is a return to the great Courtney stories and the reader should find it easy to glide into the comfort of familiar names (had they read much of the previous novels) while finding the plot riveting and eager to comprehend. Saffron Courtney remains a strong, independent woman who, even though she is madly in love, finds little issue with remaining grounded and able to make snap decisions. She has become a powerhouse character in previous novels and only grows more likeable and independent-minded here. Her tactics will likely have the reader cheering her on as she makes her way through early 1940s Europe in an age where women were still not given their due. Gerhard von Meerbach proves to be as interesting as he is cocky, though some of that is surely a ruse as he hides within the Nazis in order to bring them down. He is strong-willed, as is seen throughout and particularly in the last segment of the book, always hoping that he will be reunited with the woman he loves. While there may be an imbalance in that love between the two characters, the reader can surely feel the connection throughout the parallel plots as they develop. The story itself is strong and uses Second World War history and some of the less familiar angles to keep things from becoming too predictable. Saffron’s seeking to penetrate the Nazis is as intriguing as it is unpredictable, while Gerhard seems more passive in his attempts to weaken the military might for which he fights. The handful of worthwhile secondary characters do well to push the story forward, particularly as to go to either support or suppress our aforementioned protagonists. I can only hope that the reader will see some of the vilification that I did throughout the book, from actual Nazi officers as well as those who support National Socialism in other domains. The narrative kept a good pace, giving the reader action throughout. However, with unnumbered, lengthy chapters, some segments seemed to stretch out without that literary breath that invigorates a stellar story. Let’s be glad the Courtneys are back in fine form.
Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Churchill, for returning the Courtney saga to its rightful place with a strong novel. I can only hope this will continue, as you boasted, Mr. Smith, in your recently published memoir that you loves this series with all your heart.
Like/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/...
After a few novels in the Courtney saga proved to be complete duds, I was pleased to see Wilbur Smith team up with David Churchill and returned things to the 20th century, where the series has flourished. In the Spring of 1939, young love is blossoming between Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach. Highly educated and politically savvy, both Saffron and Gerhard can feel the tides turning in Europe and anticipate the Nazis will begin their push through Europe, triggering another massive war. After spending time in Paris, these young lovers must part, vowing to find one another as soon as possible. Fast-forward to 1942, where Saffron Courtney is deeply embedded into ‘Baker Street’, a covert group led by a handful of British spies. Her goal will be to infiltrate the National Socialist movement in Belgium and the Netherlands, with hopes of learning Nazi news that can be fed back to the Allies. Meanwhile, Gerhard has become a valuable asset to the Germans, working in the air during the Battle of Stalingrad, shooting down any Russian plane that dares get too close. During one flyover, Gerhard sees some of the atrocities being done to large portions of the Jewish community, only later learning that it is the Final Solution ramping up. Vowing to himself to bring down the Nazis, Gerhard must carefully destroy the political machine without being caught, with a brother who is fully engaged in the Nazi movement and smells a rat. As Saffron returns to the African continent to help build her backstory, she spends some time with family and renews old acquaintances, only to be pulled away and sent to Belgium. Her actions may not be as covert as she hoped, but she can hope to remain one step ahead of the Germans hunting her down. With the War reaching its climax, both Saffron and Gerhard will have to work hard to return Europe to its proper course, though Nazis are ruthless and are happy to scrub out anyone who does not respect the Reich’s power. Brilliant in its delivery and full of wonderful storylines, Smith and Churchill show that this is one saga to which dedicated readers can return with pride. Recommended for those who love the Courtneys in all their glory.
It was a difficult decision to choose this book, having been so disheartened by some of the recent novels in this saga. That said, I had to tell myself that those novels that took things onto the high seas many generations ago were part of a sub-series that never caught my attention. With some of my favourite characters and 20th century history mixed together, I knew that Wilbur Smith (alongside his writing companion, David Churchill) should get the benefit of the doubt. This is a return to the great Courtney stories and the reader should find it easy to glide into the comfort of familiar names (had they read much of the previous novels) while finding the plot riveting and eager to comprehend. Saffron Courtney remains a strong, independent woman who, even though she is madly in love, finds little issue with remaining grounded and able to make snap decisions. She has become a powerhouse character in previous novels and only grows more likeable and independent-minded here. Her tactics will likely have the reader cheering her on as she makes her way through early 1940s Europe in an age where women were still not given their due. Gerhard von Meerbach proves to be as interesting as he is cocky, though some of that is surely a ruse as he hides within the Nazis in order to bring them down. He is strong-willed, as is seen throughout and particularly in the last segment of the book, always hoping that he will be reunited with the woman he loves. While there may be an imbalance in that love between the two characters, the reader can surely feel the connection throughout the parallel plots as they develop. The story itself is strong and uses Second World War history and some of the less familiar angles to keep things from becoming too predictable. Saffron’s seeking to penetrate the Nazis is as intriguing as it is unpredictable, while Gerhard seems more passive in his attempts to weaken the military might for which he fights. The handful of worthwhile secondary characters do well to push the story forward, particularly as to go to either support or suppress our aforementioned protagonists. I can only hope that the reader will see some of the vilification that I did throughout the book, from actual Nazi officers as well as those who support National Socialism in other domains. The narrative kept a good pace, giving the reader action throughout. However, with unnumbered, lengthy chapters, some segments seemed to stretch out without that literary breath that invigorates a stellar story. Let’s be glad the Courtneys are back in fine form.
Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Churchill, for returning the Courtney saga to its rightful place with a strong novel. I can only hope this will continue, as you boasted, Mr. Smith, in your recently published memoir that you loves this series with all your heart.
Like/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/...
October 19, 2018
Did I expect more, yes I did, but it just wasn't my cup of tea, I just could'nt get into it, I have loved all the Courtneys, just not this one.
January 20, 2019
Wilbur Smith is a well established author, with over 130 million of his novels sold worldwide and today I decided that I needed to get to know him. Courtney's War is a WWII spy thriller packed full of action, intrigue, and the horror endured in the camps of Sachsenhausen and Dachau.
The Courtney in question is Saffron Courtney, a white South African recruited by England's Special Operations Executive. Saffron does fall into a bit of a cliche that I have witnessed in spy/action thrillers. She's drop dead gorgeous and she can kick ass. But Wilbur Smith makes her so relatable that I loved reading her book parts despite the aforementioned cliche.
The other protagonist we follow is German pilot, Gerhard von Meerbach, who hates the Nazi cause and is separated from Saffron who he loves. Honestly, he was a bit of a cliche too and I felt he needed to be a bit more fleshed out as a character. Also much of his storyline was intriguing but sometimes appeared to be lacking clear execution.
What I do feel was very evident is that Smith brilliantly weaves a strong sense of what the world was like during the war years, the dangers spies and Resistance leaders faced, and how disenchanted some enlisted Germans felt with Hitler and the Nazi regime, especially after Stalingrad. That alone makes me confident I would give Wilbur Smith another chance in the future.
Are you a Wilbur Smith fan? What book(s) would you recommend? Let me know in the comments section below.
The Courtney in question is Saffron Courtney, a white South African recruited by England's Special Operations Executive. Saffron does fall into a bit of a cliche that I have witnessed in spy/action thrillers. She's drop dead gorgeous and she can kick ass. But Wilbur Smith makes her so relatable that I loved reading her book parts despite the aforementioned cliche.
The other protagonist we follow is German pilot, Gerhard von Meerbach, who hates the Nazi cause and is separated from Saffron who he loves. Honestly, he was a bit of a cliche too and I felt he needed to be a bit more fleshed out as a character. Also much of his storyline was intriguing but sometimes appeared to be lacking clear execution.
What I do feel was very evident is that Smith brilliantly weaves a strong sense of what the world was like during the war years, the dangers spies and Resistance leaders faced, and how disenchanted some enlisted Germans felt with Hitler and the Nazi regime, especially after Stalingrad. That alone makes me confident I would give Wilbur Smith another chance in the future.
Are you a Wilbur Smith fan? What book(s) would you recommend? Let me know in the comments section below.
May 28, 2019
Thank you Simon & Schuster for this Arc copy.
This is a WWII book and although I read many WWII historical novels, I found this one hard too get into. It start's in 1939 Paris with two lovers Gerhard Von Meerbach and Saffron Courtney. But when the war breaks out Gerhard is sent to fight for Nazi Germany and Saffron is recruited for the opposition as a spy. I have to say Saffron's character was very interesting and not your typical one as a female in WWII novels. This book is #16 in a series but can be read alone. I won this copy and have never read anything by Wilbur Smith before.
This is a WWII book and although I read many WWII historical novels, I found this one hard too get into. It start's in 1939 Paris with two lovers Gerhard Von Meerbach and Saffron Courtney. But when the war breaks out Gerhard is sent to fight for Nazi Germany and Saffron is recruited for the opposition as a spy. I have to say Saffron's character was very interesting and not your typical one as a female in WWII novels. This book is #16 in a series but can be read alone. I won this copy and have never read anything by Wilbur Smith before.
April 4, 2024
Wilbur Smith has been described as the 'Best Historical Fiction Author,' and I must agree.
I've read his books before (Shout at the Devil, Gold Mine), but the 'Assegai' Series is by far my favorite. This is the third in the 4 book series and centers on Saffron Courtney as she takes a greater part in WW2. The author's details and historical accuracy are mesmerizing, as are his characters. Leaves the reader to wonder if this actually happened.
I'm already on book 4 'The Legacy of War'.
I've read his books before (Shout at the Devil, Gold Mine), but the 'Assegai' Series is by far my favorite. This is the third in the 4 book series and centers on Saffron Courtney as she takes a greater part in WW2. The author's details and historical accuracy are mesmerizing, as are his characters. Leaves the reader to wonder if this actually happened.
I'm already on book 4 'The Legacy of War'.
January 29, 2022
Like one of the other books that I won on here, I had lost this one. Again, another book I wish I had not lost. But I will review it even though I will not get any points for it. This is a World War II spy/thriller with a love story all wrapped into one. It shows the good in people and the dark.
The book manly follows Saffron who is a British spy who is from South Africa. She is tasked with infiltrating the Nazi party and find out as much as she can about their plans. Mean while her anti-Nazi Nazi pilot boy friend is busy just trying yo survive the war. He sees things that he can’t unsee. He does not agree with Hitler and his only goal of the war is to simply survive.
This book is part of a huge series but I think this book can easily be read as a stand alone. Very enjoyable and well paced. The book is full of amazing beauty and dark parts that humans should learn from and never duplicate.
The book manly follows Saffron who is a British spy who is from South Africa. She is tasked with infiltrating the Nazi party and find out as much as she can about their plans. Mean while her anti-Nazi Nazi pilot boy friend is busy just trying yo survive the war. He sees things that he can’t unsee. He does not agree with Hitler and his only goal of the war is to simply survive.
This book is part of a huge series but I think this book can easily be read as a stand alone. Very enjoyable and well paced. The book is full of amazing beauty and dark parts that humans should learn from and never duplicate.
October 6, 2025
Moet bij Wilbur Smith soms echt het boek fysiek wegleggen omdat ik er zelf helemaal misselijk van wordt zo goed schrijft die vreselijke gebeurtenissen. Je wordt echt meegezogen in dit verhaal, in alle goeie en alle verschrikkelijke aspecten
April 8, 2019
Disappointed in the extreme. This is not the Wilbur Smith I so admired many yeas ago. I literally consumed his early novels on the Courtney Series, the Ballantyne Series, and several of the Standalones. I was mesmerized by the tales of Rhodesia and South Africa. His treatment of whites and blacks seemed even handed - I realize these were fiction, and so I do not have a well grounded academic understanding of the realities of the tragedies that occurred in that blood soaked corner of the world. The novels kept me engaged and I could barely put them down. Now, twenty years or more later, I was looking forward to the same experience.
I spent two rainy days here in Idaho giving the novel my best effort. I had to quit at page 115. I will respectfully shelve the book for now and not send it on its way. The characters and writing style shocked me in their sophomoric quality. It was silly and like reading something for teenagers. The word craft did not have the smooth rhythm that carried the reader along that I remembered. Character development was simple, linear and without the flaws that gave Wilbur’s previous characters their believability and humanity.
I want to be fair, and perhaps my own changing standards and the passage of time have distorted my memories and redirected my literary tastes.
Maybe I will l come back to the book in the future, but for now, it will rest quietly among companions in my library.
I spent two rainy days here in Idaho giving the novel my best effort. I had to quit at page 115. I will respectfully shelve the book for now and not send it on its way. The characters and writing style shocked me in their sophomoric quality. It was silly and like reading something for teenagers. The word craft did not have the smooth rhythm that carried the reader along that I remembered. Character development was simple, linear and without the flaws that gave Wilbur’s previous characters their believability and humanity.
I want to be fair, and perhaps my own changing standards and the passage of time have distorted my memories and redirected my literary tastes.
Maybe I will l come back to the book in the future, but for now, it will rest quietly among companions in my library.
September 26, 2018
What the what? Apparently this is the 17th, THE 17TH! book in this series. Holy NAZI Romanticization. What the hell. I DNF'd this book at the half way point. I found myself first, falling asleep mid way through into 2 pages every single night, and I have no problem with romance novels, which is what this book seemed to be billing itself as. But it was a dual narrator, some parts told by Saffron, who was born in South Africa and was being trained by the English to fight against the Nazis, one of which she's in love with (I don't freaking get it either, stay with me here), and the other Narrator is some heart of gold isn't really a Nazi is just related to a bunch of them and is fighting with them because his family threatened a bunch of the people he really loves so instead of escaping and going to fight with Saffron which is what any other self respecting fictional hero would do he puts on his Nazi uniform and is present at the gassing of thousands of....okay I literally cannot go on at this point. I have no idea what the hell the author was trying to accomplish, and I don't know who could finish this book after this. This shit is ridiculous. I couldn't finish it. Whatever the authors' motives were, they got lost in translation and your one protagonist is literally in love with a NAZI. That's not how this works guys, that's now how any of this works. Burn your book.
September 2, 2018
Although this is technically part of a series I didn’t feel as though I needed to have read any of the others.
It could easily be a standalone.
This book is heartbreaking and emotional and fast paced but it was such a good read.
The characters were instantly likeable and I was routing for Saffron and Gerhard from the start.
I was nearly crying at the end and my heart aches a little at some of the situations and horrors that they lived through and saw.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read any books based in the war and this was a good one to delve back into it with. It’s written in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end.
I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the war.
It could easily be a standalone.
This book is heartbreaking and emotional and fast paced but it was such a good read.
The characters were instantly likeable and I was routing for Saffron and Gerhard from the start.
I was nearly crying at the end and my heart aches a little at some of the situations and horrors that they lived through and saw.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read any books based in the war and this was a good one to delve back into it with. It’s written in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end.
I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the war.
September 11, 2020
This is a badly written, nonsensical ramble. So much of this is blatant rubbish. If you are even remotely educated about the history of the second World War this read will be like a child comic. The Company behind Wilbur Smith's Legacy name really need to find a better author than this David Churchill person. His work is not even close to the prose written by the master Wilbur Smith. If you are a fan of W.S. then stay away from this rubbish.
April 11, 2019
Con questo romanzo, Smith sembra essere tornato quello dei tempi migliori di questa saga. Magari è anche merito del ghost writer (mica tanto ghost, visto che lo affianca in copertina), ma sicuramente anche lui ha ancora tanto da dire, almeno sui Courtney.
E' bello rivedere Centaine, Shasa, Blaine, Tara, ma è l'ambientazione nella II Guerra mondiale a dare quel tocco in più alla saga, oltre ai personaggi ben caratterizzati di Gerhard e Saffron, che, con la loro parabola, così diversa ma anche così simile, nello scacchiere della guerra e dei propri sentimenti, emozionano come non succedeva da tempo con Smith.
E' bello rivedere Centaine, Shasa, Blaine, Tara, ma è l'ambientazione nella II Guerra mondiale a dare quel tocco in più alla saga, oltre ai personaggi ben caratterizzati di Gerhard e Saffron, che, con la loro parabola, così diversa ma anche così simile, nello scacchiere della guerra e dei propri sentimenti, emozionano come non succedeva da tempo con Smith.
December 22, 2020
Ο Πόλεμος των Κόρτνεϊ είναι το δεύτερο βιβλίο του Wilbur Smith που διαβάζω και πραγματικά δεν μπορώ να τα συγκρίνω αφού και τα δύο είναι εκπληκτικά και όσον αφορά την ιστορία και στον τρόπο γραφής τους. Το συγκεκριμένο βιβλιο είναι μια εξαιρετική ιστορική κατασκοπική περιπέτεια που διαδραματίζεται στην περίοδο του 1940 όταν ο Χίτλερ προσπαθεί να αυξήσει τα εδάφη της αυτοκρατορίας που οραματίζεται. Πρωταγωνηστές της ιστορίας η Σάφρον και ο Γκέρχαρντ που αυτή την φορά η ζωή τους χωρίζει και ο καθένας περνάει τα δικά του βασανιστήρια ενώ γύρω τους επικρατεί ένα χάος.
Ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο, με γρήγορη πλοκή που σου αφήνει ανάμεικτα αλλά και έντονα συναισθήματα και διαβάζεται με μια ανάσα.
Ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο, με γρήγορη πλοκή που σου αφήνει ανάμεικτα αλλά και έντονα συναισθήματα και διαβάζεται με μια ανάσα.
August 23, 2019
I love really thick, meandering novels set during some dramatic period of history, with larger than life protagonists and cast of thousands (think Leon Uris or MM Kaye.) Sadly, this is a genre that seems to have largely died out.
Except for Wilbur Smith.
This wonderfully larger-than-life tale is set during WW2 and follows our heroine, Saffron, a daughter of a wealthy Englishman living in Kenya and Gerhard, the younger son of an evil German industrialist.
They fall in love at first sight in the 1930s, but alas, history has other plans. Eventually, war comes and Saffron becomes a British spy in the captured territories, Gerhard secretly is against Nazis despite being a Luftwaffe pilot, and their love appears as doomed as my free time reading this behemoth of a book.
Our protagonists are amazingly gorgeous, brave and talented. The events the author places them into are often delightfully improbable. But sometimes, the trend of dour books about miserable people in sordid circumstances spending hours introspectively staring at their navels is too much. Sometimes, one wants a book about amazing heroic people engaging in somewhat improbable and wonderful adventures (with severe side of misery, it is true.) Sometimes, one just wants to be swept away into an epic. If you do - this one is for you!
Note that despite the fact that this book is listed as n17 in the series, it's pretty much a stand-alone, though reading the previous book, War Cry, also about Saffron and Gerhard, would probably be a good idea.
Except for Wilbur Smith.
This wonderfully larger-than-life tale is set during WW2 and follows our heroine, Saffron, a daughter of a wealthy Englishman living in Kenya and Gerhard, the younger son of an evil German industrialist.
They fall in love at first sight in the 1930s, but alas, history has other plans. Eventually, war comes and Saffron becomes a British spy in the captured territories, Gerhard secretly is against Nazis despite being a Luftwaffe pilot, and their love appears as doomed as my free time reading this behemoth of a book.
Our protagonists are amazingly gorgeous, brave and talented. The events the author places them into are often delightfully improbable. But sometimes, the trend of dour books about miserable people in sordid circumstances spending hours introspectively staring at their navels is too much. Sometimes, one wants a book about amazing heroic people engaging in somewhat improbable and wonderful adventures (with severe side of misery, it is true.) Sometimes, one just wants to be swept away into an epic. If you do - this one is for you!
Note that despite the fact that this book is listed as n17 in the series, it's pretty much a stand-alone, though reading the previous book, War Cry, also about Saffron and Gerhard, would probably be a good idea.
September 4, 2018
Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard despite his objections to the Nazi regime is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day. Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself being hunted.
I’ve loved the author’s books ever since I read When the Lion Feeds & I eagerly awaited his next book each year or so. However recently his books have lost their way but I’m glad to say this is back to his best. We first met Saffy & Gerhard in War Cry & the story of their fathers was in Assegai, I’m so glad they are now centre stage. This is a harrowing book at times & really brings home the horrors of the Second World War, I cringed, I gasped, I felt sick, I cried & I couldn't put it down. There are quite a few things that are left unresolved so desperately need the next book in the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I’ve loved the author’s books ever since I read When the Lion Feeds & I eagerly awaited his next book each year or so. However recently his books have lost their way but I’m glad to say this is back to his best. We first met Saffy & Gerhard in War Cry & the story of their fathers was in Assegai, I’m so glad they are now centre stage. This is a harrowing book at times & really brings home the horrors of the Second World War, I cringed, I gasped, I felt sick, I cried & I couldn't put it down. There are quite a few things that are left unresolved so desperately need the next book in the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 5, 2018
Wilbur Smith is one of the best living epic saga novelists and has yet again written another 5/5 book. Although he is now in his mid 80s and has a co-writer (I understand so he can produce books to keep up with the demand from his loyal readers) his books continue to keep up the same standard and I cannot differentiate between those written by Wilbur himself and these later books.
This book follows Saffron Courtney and her love, Gerhard von Meerbach. Happily together before the outbreak of WWII they are soon torn apart. Will they ever see each other again?
Saffron shows she is a true Courtney and quickly proves her worth. Gerhard has to go against everything he believes in and fight alongside the Nazis.
Although this is a work of fiction the events of WWII are portrayed accurately and it makes for heart wrenching read at times. Gerhard faces some dreadful scenes, and as usual Wilbur evokes a very graphic picture of what it must have been like.
The journey takes us across Europe via Wilbur’s favourite South Africa.
A great read which I could not put down. Highly recommend to all fans and also suitable for those new to Wilbur’s works.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Saffron Courtney and her love, Gerhard von Meerbach. Happily together before the outbreak of WWII they are soon torn apart. Will they ever see each other again?
Saffron shows she is a true Courtney and quickly proves her worth. Gerhard has to go against everything he believes in and fight alongside the Nazis.
Although this is a work of fiction the events of WWII are portrayed accurately and it makes for heart wrenching read at times. Gerhard faces some dreadful scenes, and as usual Wilbur evokes a very graphic picture of what it must have been like.
The journey takes us across Europe via Wilbur’s favourite South Africa.
A great read which I could not put down. Highly recommend to all fans and also suitable for those new to Wilbur’s works.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
"Bisogna rendersi conto che, quando si ha a che fare con un nemico spietato che ha manifestato l'intenzione di annientare questa nazione, non c'è spazio per nessuna remora o esitazione sui metodi da impiegare per impedirglielo".
Bel romanzo che, a conti fatti (visti i continui rimandi e citazioni), è la prosecuzione naturale del precedente "Grido di guerra"... e con l'ultima pagina che lascia aperto un piccolo spiraglio per un eventuale prosieguo delle vicende.
In "La guerra dei Cortney", sedicesimo volume de "Il ciclo dei Courtney", ancora una volta seguiremo le peripezie di Saffron Courtney e Gerhard von Meerbach e della loro travagliata e dolorosa storia d'amore ma, soprattutto, rivivremo gli orrori della Seconda guerra mondiale e l'incubo che il terrore nazista ha portato nel mondo. Romanzo, perciò, molto crudo e forte.
[https://lastanzadiantonio.blogspot.co...]
Bel romanzo che, a conti fatti (visti i continui rimandi e citazioni), è la prosecuzione naturale del precedente "Grido di guerra"... e con l'ultima pagina che lascia aperto un piccolo spiraglio per un eventuale prosieguo delle vicende.
In "La guerra dei Cortney", sedicesimo volume de "Il ciclo dei Courtney", ancora una volta seguiremo le peripezie di Saffron Courtney e Gerhard von Meerbach e della loro travagliata e dolorosa storia d'amore ma, soprattutto, rivivremo gli orrori della Seconda guerra mondiale e l'incubo che il terrore nazista ha portato nel mondo. Romanzo, perciò, molto crudo e forte.
[https://lastanzadiantonio.blogspot.co...]
June 9, 2019
Historical fiction set in WWII times. Author Wilbur Smith does so much justice to this genre. Superb writing style, great characters, intense story building. I don't know if I find the topic of anything "Nazi" appealing but it comes with the time this story takes place and well...it must be incorporated and I don't know if the romance is something that I am really all that interested in but again..the characters and the story building make these books interesting and so I come back for more until I find a reason otherwise.
Courtney's War is an intense read with dual perspectives. The characters are memorable and the writing style is easy to follow. A heartbreaking read. Author Wilbur Smith is an author that if you read one of his books...you give the others a chance.
Thanks to the good people of goodreads and to author Wilbur Smith for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
Courtney's War is an intense read with dual perspectives. The characters are memorable and the writing style is easy to follow. A heartbreaking read. Author Wilbur Smith is an author that if you read one of his books...you give the others a chance.
Thanks to the good people of goodreads and to author Wilbur Smith for my free copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.
October 19, 2018
I hope the story of Saffron & Gerhard continues.
January 22, 2019
Brilliant read, well up there as one of his best
June 23, 2024
Saffron Courtney viene addestrata come spia inglese da inviare tra i nazisti, mentre Gerard finge di essere un sostenitore di Hitler per non incorrere nell'ira delle alte sfere naziste e del fratello. Le loro vicende si svolgeranno durante la seconda guerra mondiale e forse il destino li farà incontrare nuovamente.
Di tutti i libri che ho letto delle varie saghe dei Courtney (e li ho letti quasi tutti) questo è a mio avviso quello più debole. Poca azione (nelle prime 200 pagine diventa quasi noioso e l'azione inizia solamente quando Saffron inizia la missione di infiltrazione nel Belgio). Anche la storia di Gerard è narrata in modo quasi superficiale e non mi ha appassionato particolarmente. Anche nel momento più basso non ho sentito quel trasporto al quale invece Wilbur Smith mi aveva abituato nei volumi precedenti.
Il voto è comunque positivo perchè la saga dei Courtney resta sempre una delle mie preferite e il solo sapere come si dipana nella storia dell'umanità la storia di questa grande famiglia mi tiene incollato alle pagine. Da qui gli aspetti positivi che ho trovato nel libro:
1) gli eventi dei libri precedenti vengono "riassunti" in modo che un lettore che non ricorda nel dettaglio cosa era successo nel volume precedente può facilmente rinfrescarsi la memoria
2) vengono inseriti collegamenti con i personaggi dell'altro ciclo dei Courtney (quindi Centaine e Shasa), anche se in modo fugace.
Insomma, Wilbur Smith ha creato una saga spettacolare, ma negli ultimi libri ho sempre più l'impressione che oltre a mettere l'idea ci abbia messo ben poco e che i libri siano stati scritti quasi in autonomia dai suoi coautori.
Di tutti i libri che ho letto delle varie saghe dei Courtney (e li ho letti quasi tutti) questo è a mio avviso quello più debole. Poca azione (nelle prime 200 pagine diventa quasi noioso e l'azione inizia solamente quando Saffron inizia la missione di infiltrazione nel Belgio). Anche la storia di Gerard è narrata in modo quasi superficiale e non mi ha appassionato particolarmente. Anche nel momento più basso non ho sentito quel trasporto al quale invece Wilbur Smith mi aveva abituato nei volumi precedenti.
Il voto è comunque positivo perchè la saga dei Courtney resta sempre una delle mie preferite e il solo sapere come si dipana nella storia dell'umanità la storia di questa grande famiglia mi tiene incollato alle pagine. Da qui gli aspetti positivi che ho trovato nel libro:
1) gli eventi dei libri precedenti vengono "riassunti" in modo che un lettore che non ricorda nel dettaglio cosa era successo nel volume precedente può facilmente rinfrescarsi la memoria
2) vengono inseriti collegamenti con i personaggi dell'altro ciclo dei Courtney (quindi Centaine e Shasa), anche se in modo fugace.
Insomma, Wilbur Smith ha creato una saga spettacolare, ma negli ultimi libri ho sempre più l'impressione che oltre a mettere l'idea ci abbia messo ben poco e che i libri siano stati scritti quasi in autonomia dai suoi coautori.
December 11, 2021
Este libro, recién llegado a la Argentina, donde vamos atrasados varias publicaciones del autor, es el primero que leo tras conocerse la triste noticia de la muerte de Wilbur Smith.
Conocedor del continente africano como nadie, maestro de las novelas de aventuras, es una estrella que se apaga en el firmamento de los escritores best sellers y se lo extrañará profundamente.
De todos modos, y es de suponer que con motivo de su avanzada edad, hace rato que sus novelas están coescritas con algún colega. Algo que habla de su honestidad e integridad, ya que alguien de su talla de megaescritor bien podría recurrir al auxilio de un escritor fantasma, y nunca lo hizo. En esta novela en particular, su coequiper es David Churchill, y ambos continúan la historia de amor de Saffron y Gerhard que iniciaron en "Grito de guerra". En aquella oportunidad, la 2da Guerra Mundial estaba a punto de desatarse. En esta novela, un tiempo después, las lealtades encontradas de los amantes (ella británica y él alemán) los separarán y pondrán a prueba la fortaleza de su amor.
La historia es interesante, y hay mucha investigación volcada sobre aquellos funestos años: el horror de los campos de concentración, el espionaje cruzado, los avances y retrocesos de cada facción, el poderío de la Luftwaffe a la que pertenece el protagonista, etc...
Si bien tiene lo que puede llamarse un final, varios cabos quedan sueltos, y es que esta suerte de "trilogía de guerra" aún tiene un libro más: "Legacy of War".
Yo particularmente disfruto más las aventuras que Wilbur narra en el continente africano. La Europa de los años '40 está bien, pero espero ansioso un próximo libro en la espesura de la jungla con los masai o navegando un barco pirata en el siglo XVIII.
Conocedor del continente africano como nadie, maestro de las novelas de aventuras, es una estrella que se apaga en el firmamento de los escritores best sellers y se lo extrañará profundamente.
De todos modos, y es de suponer que con motivo de su avanzada edad, hace rato que sus novelas están coescritas con algún colega. Algo que habla de su honestidad e integridad, ya que alguien de su talla de megaescritor bien podría recurrir al auxilio de un escritor fantasma, y nunca lo hizo. En esta novela en particular, su coequiper es David Churchill, y ambos continúan la historia de amor de Saffron y Gerhard que iniciaron en "Grito de guerra". En aquella oportunidad, la 2da Guerra Mundial estaba a punto de desatarse. En esta novela, un tiempo después, las lealtades encontradas de los amantes (ella británica y él alemán) los separarán y pondrán a prueba la fortaleza de su amor.
La historia es interesante, y hay mucha investigación volcada sobre aquellos funestos años: el horror de los campos de concentración, el espionaje cruzado, los avances y retrocesos de cada facción, el poderío de la Luftwaffe a la que pertenece el protagonista, etc...
Si bien tiene lo que puede llamarse un final, varios cabos quedan sueltos, y es que esta suerte de "trilogía de guerra" aún tiene un libro más: "Legacy of War".
Yo particularmente disfruto más las aventuras que Wilbur narra en el continente africano. La Europa de los años '40 está bien, pero espero ansioso un próximo libro en la espesura de la jungla con los masai o navegando un barco pirata en el siglo XVIII.
September 18, 2018
I didn't realize this was a part of a series but I definitely think you can read this on its own! The Courtney family definitely has some history and some stories! All the way back to the 1600s!
This one takes place in the late 1930's and Saffron Courtney is in a Romeo and Juliet type situation with Gerhard von Meerbach. The side of the war they are on and the people that they works for is tearing them apart. It's a really awesome point of few from a female's perspective during the war and not just as a nurse or a wife - but as someone fully entrenched in the war. I really liked how engaging her story was and it kept me riveted from beginning to end - thanks goodness so, because this one is a commitment at 450 pages!
This one takes place in the late 1930's and Saffron Courtney is in a Romeo and Juliet type situation with Gerhard von Meerbach. The side of the war they are on and the people that they works for is tearing them apart. It's a really awesome point of few from a female's perspective during the war and not just as a nurse or a wife - but as someone fully entrenched in the war. I really liked how engaging her story was and it kept me riveted from beginning to end - thanks goodness so, because this one is a commitment at 450 pages!
November 27, 2022
Having read a few of the Courtney series, I had an idea of what to expect from this book and it did not disappoint on that front. The story was action packed from start to finish and well written with a good balance between Saffron and Gerhard's point of views, I particularly liked how Gerhard was torn throughout the story by his hatred of the regime and the need to keep up appearances and survive. My favourite aspect of the whole book though was Saffron as, unlike previous Courtney books (albeit much earlier set ones) that I've read, she was a strong woman in her own right and had her in a role not often portrayed by wartime fiction as a member of special ops deeply involved behind enemy lines rather than a nurse, factory worker etc.
January 7, 2022
I read my first Wilbur Smith book at the age of 12. Feverishly. I couldn't put it down. It was the best stuff I'd ever read. A few decades later (yes, I'm giving away my age) I still can't resist a bit of Smith for my light reading. Rollicking good stories, that are surprisingly well researched, with just the right amount of tension. This one's not his best. But it's not bad either, if you love the genre.
April 3, 2023
Fantastic book brilliant engrossing especially in the life of Saffron really captivated both the unique and untold story of her work as well as the personal issues she faced RE romance, career and family. Felt that maybe the timing and nature of GVM’s actions RE the Nazis was perhaps odd to me but it had a logical story arc but overall brilliantly told of the horrors of the war from different sides and perspectives.
July 7, 2025
Oh dear - I used to enjoy Wilbur Smith books but this was terrible with one dimensional characters, poorly written and ridiculously far fetched.
It is unusual for me to not finish a book but I got 20% in and couldn’t read anymore- poor Wilbur must be turning in his grave having his name associated with this garbage.
The only saving grace is that I bought the book for 50p from a charity shop and it will be heading back there soon.
It is unusual for me to not finish a book but I got 20% in and couldn’t read anymore- poor Wilbur must be turning in his grave having his name associated with this garbage.
The only saving grace is that I bought the book for 50p from a charity shop and it will be heading back there soon.
August 11, 2022
Best of the Wilbur Smith books I have read. The others seemed to follow a predictable recipe, Courtney's War - not as much.
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