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Jack Courtney Adventures #1
Cloudburst
Brand new Wilbur Smith series for readers of 9+ - starring fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney.
Jack Courtney has lived in London his whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference, and they've promised to take Jack and his friends with them.
When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure that it's got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it. Along with Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. Standing in his way is a member of his own family - Caleb Courtney.
There are western gorillas, forest elephants and hippos. But there are also bandits, mercenaries and hostile tribes. The three friends will need their wits about them if they are not only to save Jack's parents, but their own lives too.
Jack Courtney has lived in London his whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference, and they've promised to take Jack and his friends with them.
When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure that it's got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it. Along with Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. Standing in his way is a member of his own family - Caleb Courtney.
There are western gorillas, forest elephants and hippos. But there are also bandits, mercenaries and hostile tribes. The three friends will need their wits about them if they are not only to save Jack's parents, but their own lives too.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2020
261 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
319 books4,388 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 58 reviews
January 3, 2022
‘Cloudburst’ is a fascinating novel that fits somewhere in the genres of adventure or mystery.
It follows the story of Jack whose parents have been abducted on a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference. Jack along with his friends, Amelia and Zander, must find them before time runs out; not all is as it seems though.
The book also has a more serious side: the threat of poachers to our world. This is referenced in the ‘authors note’ and I feel this makes the book more relevant for years to come.
Dear Reader,
What would you do if you were a long way from home, in a place that felt unfamiliar and dangerous?
Would you be able to trust your instincts and survive? Well, this is the position Jack finds himself in.
But Jack’s not just trying to stay alive. He has a bigger mission to save not only himself, but his friends, his parents but also the WORLD.
Our planet is already under threat, without more bad guys trying to destroy it. But it takes only one hero to make a difference.
So get ready to go on the most explosive adventure of a lifetime…
Interesting facts are littered throughout the novel, and for someone like me who enjoys random facts this made the book more interesting.
This is certainly a page-turner, and I did enjoy the pace of the novel. I did feel that it was never rushed or drawn-on. I especially found the ending satisfying and felt that ‘Cloudburst’ was left complete.
I enjoyed the complexities of the characters, and particularly enjoyed Amelia’s matter of fact persona. I felt the world building was realistic and could clearly picture the scenery.
The plot felt enjoyable, but did not have the depth to quite make it a young adult book. Although I have not read the rest of the series yet, so maybe there is clever foreshadowing in this book I missed.
I massively enjoyed the end of the book, it felt complete and although surprising, it did not feel like it was out of nowhere.
I would recommend this for anyone who would like an easy-to-read series; although those who normally read more challenging may still enjoy it.
Solid 5/5
It follows the story of Jack whose parents have been abducted on a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference. Jack along with his friends, Amelia and Zander, must find them before time runs out; not all is as it seems though.
The book also has a more serious side: the threat of poachers to our world. This is referenced in the ‘authors note’ and I feel this makes the book more relevant for years to come.
Dear Reader,
What would you do if you were a long way from home, in a place that felt unfamiliar and dangerous?
Would you be able to trust your instincts and survive? Well, this is the position Jack finds himself in.
But Jack’s not just trying to stay alive. He has a bigger mission to save not only himself, but his friends, his parents but also the WORLD.
Our planet is already under threat, without more bad guys trying to destroy it. But it takes only one hero to make a difference.
So get ready to go on the most explosive adventure of a lifetime…
Interesting facts are littered throughout the novel, and for someone like me who enjoys random facts this made the book more interesting.
This is certainly a page-turner, and I did enjoy the pace of the novel. I did feel that it was never rushed or drawn-on. I especially found the ending satisfying and felt that ‘Cloudburst’ was left complete.
I enjoyed the complexities of the characters, and particularly enjoyed Amelia’s matter of fact persona. I felt the world building was realistic and could clearly picture the scenery.
The plot felt enjoyable, but did not have the depth to quite make it a young adult book. Although I have not read the rest of the series yet, so maybe there is clever foreshadowing in this book I missed.
I massively enjoyed the end of the book, it felt complete and although surprising, it did not feel like it was out of nowhere.
I would recommend this for anyone who would like an easy-to-read series; although those who normally read more challenging may still enjoy it.
Solid 5/5
July 27, 2020
First - I am gobsmacked about the number of people reviewing this book as "not good" unless it was read by a child. Spoiler alert - It is a intermediate/tween/young adult read and was written with this audience in mind. How someone can miss that from the cover I am not sure, but there you are...
I used to read a lot of Wilbur Smith (and Eagle in the Sky still rates as one of my favourite reads). I was surprised and interested in this venture into children's fiction. It carries all the usual Wilbur Smith action and adventure, being a slightly more advanced version of the Willard Price books I did read as a child. There is a conservation theme running throughout as well as the usual jungles, family strife, blood and corruption you would expect from an adult Courtney family title (and that does include a death). Moments of teenage humour that will be easily relatable lighten the mood.
As I was reading, I did wonder if this was actually two stories in one book but things were brought to a satisfactory, if slightly abrupt, conclusion. Hopefully this will be explored further in the next instalment.
I used to read a lot of Wilbur Smith (and Eagle in the Sky still rates as one of my favourite reads). I was surprised and interested in this venture into children's fiction. It carries all the usual Wilbur Smith action and adventure, being a slightly more advanced version of the Willard Price books I did read as a child. There is a conservation theme running throughout as well as the usual jungles, family strife, blood and corruption you would expect from an adult Courtney family title (and that does include a death). Moments of teenage humour that will be easily relatable lighten the mood.
As I was reading, I did wonder if this was actually two stories in one book but things were brought to a satisfactory, if slightly abrupt, conclusion. Hopefully this will be explored further in the next instalment.
August 31, 2020
I was interested to read Cloudburst as it was Wilbur Smith's first foray into children's fiction. The mystery, pace and adventure was great and kept this reader interested from the start. I liked the three teens - Jack, Amelia and Xander. While Jack was the main protagonist, Amelia provided some humorous moments with her social awkwardness and her incredible wealth of knowledge while Xander was the calm, stable member of the group.
I enjoyed experiencing the Congo through the eyes of the three teens with its lush jungles, colourful markets, extreme poverty and dangerous bandits. Filled with danger and intrigue, Cloudburst will appeal to tweens who are looking for an exciting read.
I enjoyed experiencing the Congo through the eyes of the three teens with its lush jungles, colourful markets, extreme poverty and dangerous bandits. Filled with danger and intrigue, Cloudburst will appeal to tweens who are looking for an exciting read.
April 3, 2021
Fairly exciting kidnap/adventure/survive the jungle for year 6+. Took me a while to get into until the middle third. Hate the front cover, is already putting off the year 7/8 audience, while the content is a bit much for under 10s. I hope the younger boys currently reading Bear Grylls will pick this up if I can grab them before they get too cool!
June 26, 2021
The book is good, the plot is nice, but it just lacks the "umph" to make it amazing.
January 5, 2022
C'è del Gregor nel mio non-fantasy
February 1, 2024
Brilliant YA action and superbly read by Toby Stephens (who, to be fair, always reads everything superbly and was the only reason I checked out this book in the first place). I would love to continue the series, but will probably have to switch to reading them myself, as the guy who reads book two has a very clipped way of narrating which I just can’t get on with.
July 12, 2020
A good mix of mystery, environmental issues, betrayal and friendship.
May 29, 2020
Ok; I'm an avid (possibly addicted) reader of his novels - have been for 20+ years - and yes, it's true, Wilbur Smith has dared a few degrees off his "usual track" here, but meticulous research, his unerring (inborn?) understanding of African ideosyncracies, combined with his uniquely brillant style of narration, made a typical Wilbur Smith nail-biter of this "expedition to a french speaking part of Africa and to ecological issues....
Though I may be a sucker for Wilbur's kind of suspense; take it from me, this book is as aplendid as each and every one of his perevious 30-odd novels.
OK, having lived 28 years in Westafrica, I admit Wilbur Smith keeps touching a nostalgic nerve in my system, but even discounting this personal bias, Cloudburst was/is a SUPERB read - in short, yet another Wilbur Smith masterpiece!
HP Bodmer
Though I may be a sucker for Wilbur's kind of suspense; take it from me, this book is as aplendid as each and every one of his perevious 30-odd novels.
OK, having lived 28 years in Westafrica, I admit Wilbur Smith keeps touching a nostalgic nerve in my system, but even discounting this personal bias, Cloudburst was/is a SUPERB read - in short, yet another Wilbur Smith masterpiece!
HP Bodmer
September 18, 2021
Hardy boys
I am surprised Wilbur Smith out his name to this book, very Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys type of writing. This book would do well in a children's library of as a school setwork examination, I certainly wouldn't recommend it for adult consumption, in my opinion this book wasn't written by Wilbur Smith, I have read most of his bold and this doesn't come close
I am surprised Wilbur Smith out his name to this book, very Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys type of writing. This book would do well in a children's library of as a school setwork examination, I certainly wouldn't recommend it for adult consumption, in my opinion this book wasn't written by Wilbur Smith, I have read most of his bold and this doesn't come close
Read
May 7, 2021Trigger & Content Warnings:
Blood depiction
Colonialism
Death of a sibling recounted
Kidnapping
Blood depiction
Colonialism
Death of a sibling recounted
Kidnapping
August 6, 2021
An enjoyable adventure story filled with action. At over 300 pages, perhaps a tad too long to hook in the target audience of upper primary/early secondary readers.
July 16, 2021
A three and a half stars from me. Before I start the review, let me state that this is a young adult book (best suited from year 5 to 8 kids). It seems, from some of the other GR reviews, that a lot of people did not realise this when they started reading it and unbelievably, even when they had finished it??? Please adults, when you are reviewing a book written for younger readers, put your "intended audience" hat on before you rate/review.
Anyway, back to it. We, at our secondary school library, are always on the lookout for a book an average year 7-9 boy will enjoy. This, will hopefully, tick that box for some. This hope is based on the fact that it is an adventure story with a boy as the main protagonist and it is a fairly quick and easy read.
Jack, his parents and his good friend, Amelia, arrive in the Congo for his parents to attend a very important environment summit. His parents need to convince some of the participants to limit the mining in the Congo to protect the environment. Jack is joined by another friend, Xander, and Jack's disliked cousin, Caleb, on a Safari, where things go horribly wrong. On their return, Jack finds his parents have gone missing. It is up to Jack and his friends (with his cousin's help) to work out what has happened.
This book touches on a lot of issues; some being the loss of a sibling, environment protection, mining, corruption, betrayal and child labour.
I'm not sure how it will go down with our year 7s and 8s because I'm not sure they will connect with the characters. It has elements that should make it engaging enough (and it has some great messages about the environment) but I'm waiting on student feedback.
Anyway, back to it. We, at our secondary school library, are always on the lookout for a book an average year 7-9 boy will enjoy. This, will hopefully, tick that box for some. This hope is based on the fact that it is an adventure story with a boy as the main protagonist and it is a fairly quick and easy read.
Jack, his parents and his good friend, Amelia, arrive in the Congo for his parents to attend a very important environment summit. His parents need to convince some of the participants to limit the mining in the Congo to protect the environment. Jack is joined by another friend, Xander, and Jack's disliked cousin, Caleb, on a Safari, where things go horribly wrong. On their return, Jack finds his parents have gone missing. It is up to Jack and his friends (with his cousin's help) to work out what has happened.
This book touches on a lot of issues; some being the loss of a sibling, environment protection, mining, corruption, betrayal and child labour.
I'm not sure how it will go down with our year 7s and 8s because I'm not sure they will connect with the characters. It has elements that should make it engaging enough (and it has some great messages about the environment) but I'm waiting on student feedback.
May 13, 2022
Wilbur Smith e Chris Walking, questo binomio l' ho precedentemente scoperto leggendo per sbaglio il secondo volume al posto del primo, ahimé vi dico che ciò mia rovinato la prima avventura, TEMPESTA, proprio perché all'inizio del secondo volume spoilerano il finale del primo.
Anche in questo volume ho constatato come nonostante sia destinato a giovani lettori, tuttavia l'età consigliata da me va dai 13 in sù, proprio per le tematiche trattate che possono risultare complicate per i giovani al di sotto di tale fascia.
Ciò nonostante riconfermo la bravura degli autori nel sapere trasmettere l'atmosfera di avventura, lasciandoti coinvolgere così tanto da poter quasi sentire il caldo asfissiante sulla pelle.
Questa volta i paesaggi l'ho molto più apprezzati, sarà che il mio amore verso gli animali mi abbia maggiormente influenzato?!
Cos'altro aggiungere, è stato emozionante scoprire un altro luogo inesplorato grazie alla penna di Wilbur Smith.
Anche in questo volume ho constatato come nonostante sia destinato a giovani lettori, tuttavia l'età consigliata da me va dai 13 in sù, proprio per le tematiche trattate che possono risultare complicate per i giovani al di sotto di tale fascia.
Ciò nonostante riconfermo la bravura degli autori nel sapere trasmettere l'atmosfera di avventura, lasciandoti coinvolgere così tanto da poter quasi sentire il caldo asfissiante sulla pelle.
Questa volta i paesaggi l'ho molto più apprezzati, sarà che il mio amore verso gli animali mi abbia maggiormente influenzato?!
Cos'altro aggiungere, è stato emozionante scoprire un altro luogo inesplorato grazie alla penna di Wilbur Smith.
February 22, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this to my two eight year old grandsons over the course of a nightly read on Skype. They found it exciting and interesting and it raised talking points about conservation, corruption, greed and environmental issues. There were several cliff hanger chapter endings which kept the tension and interest up for the next session. They are eager for me to get the next book in the series as they liked the characters and are keen to follow their next adventure.
April 21, 2021
A new Courtney Novel, with the series aimed at a jounger market than the usual Courtney series, and to be honest, it is kind of a hit and miss in one. The plot is interesting, but the "dumbed down" writing could be a lot better. I have read plenty of youth/children's fiction, and it does not need to be "dumbed down" as much.
With that said, the plot does unravel quite nicely with an unexpected twist at the end.
With that said, the plot does unravel quite nicely with an unexpected twist at the end.
June 5, 2021
I wasn't aware it was aimed at the younger reader when I downloaded downloaded this book. Really can't see this appealing to todays youth,as the characters have the traits of those in my father's 1930s boy's own books. Can't say I particularly liked any of the characters in the book apart from some of the Congolese. I wonder if Jack will continue to enjoy his privileged upper middle classed life style achieved by his father's immoral wealth
June 14, 2020
Even though I have never read any of Smith's books, this rating has more to do with the genre than with the actual story. I am not familiar with Middle-Grade books; in fact, I can't remember ever reading one. The premise didn't hold my attention, as I wasn't too keen on following the adventures of a bunch of kids.
The kids had very loud and annoying personalities, and I wasn't very fond of any of them. The adults in the book did not behave at all like standard adults, which made their contribution hard to swallow. The plot was somehow exciting at the beginning, but the slow pace and the unbelievable developments of the circumstances held me from enjoying the story. It was also unexpectedly obscure, and way more intense than what I had imagined for an adventure in Central Africa.
Overall, Cloudburst was not my cup of tea, and I wouldn't recommend it for adults. I admit I'm not the best judge for the genre, but this makes me significantly curious about hearing what kids have to say about Jack Courtney's adventures.
The kids had very loud and annoying personalities, and I wasn't very fond of any of them. The adults in the book did not behave at all like standard adults, which made their contribution hard to swallow. The plot was somehow exciting at the beginning, but the slow pace and the unbelievable developments of the circumstances held me from enjoying the story. It was also unexpectedly obscure, and way more intense than what I had imagined for an adventure in Central Africa.
Overall, Cloudburst was not my cup of tea, and I wouldn't recommend it for adults. I admit I'm not the best judge for the genre, but this makes me significantly curious about hearing what kids have to say about Jack Courtney's adventures.
April 11, 2020
The good bad and ugly
A bit like the famouse 5 hence the 4 stars. The storyline was good but the who don't it came very early on but there was a twist in the tail. Could there be another Jack Courtney adventure ?
A bit like the famouse 5 hence the 4 stars. The storyline was good but the who don't it came very early on but there was a twist in the tail. Could there be another Jack Courtney adventure ?
May 16, 2020
Do not be mistaken, this is a children’s book. As a children’s book (aimed for 11-15 years old) this is a great book! It is well written and includes interesting vocabulary. It is the perfect pre-teen/early teen mystery novel. Think a mix of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys but modern.
July 30, 2020
A great action boy adventure.
A story in the first person from the greatest fiction writer on Africa. Unfortunately I was quite disappointed as it did not live up to Wilbur’s previous gripping stories.
A story in the first person from the greatest fiction writer on Africa. Unfortunately I was quite disappointed as it did not live up to Wilbur’s previous gripping stories.
December 5, 2020
Chosen in error
I chose this novel without knowing it was a novel for teenagers, however, I actually liked it as it gives an insight into the beginnings of the Courtneys in Africa.
I chose this novel without knowing it was a novel for teenagers, however, I actually liked it as it gives an insight into the beginnings of the Courtneys in Africa.
April 2, 2021
Wilbur Smith’s first foray into children’s literature. An interesting, if not particularly believable storyline of children riding motorbikes across the DRC. Well researched and lots of action. Perfect for the purpose I needed it for which was to read with a reluctant teenager.
January 9, 2020
3.5 stars - not my usual genre but a good action read.
May 28, 2020
When you think of Wilbur in his hayday he should retire gracefully. Just not got it anymore.
June 16, 2020
The only thing Wilbur Smith wrote of this book was his name on the front cover. Don’t waste your time or money on this, it’s awful, unless you’re 10.
July 28, 2020
Unexpected ending but I liked it!!!!!!
December 3, 2020
Always a good exciting read
None of his books have ever been a disappointment and this was no exception. One of the best authors of all times.
None of his books have ever been a disappointment and this was no exception. One of the best authors of all times.
January 22, 2021
Entertaining read, to be expected from Wibur Smith. Well worked mystery.
Some quite adult themes so definitely targeted for older teenagers
Some quite adult themes so definitely targeted for older teenagers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews