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Lord of the Atlas
London 1893: Two former Royal Artillery officers are offered a small fortune to go to Morocco to help the Sultan quell a rebel uprising in the south. Purely an advisory role, they are told.
Harry Delhaze is on a lonely path to self-destruction; George Marriott has promises to keep. It seems to them like the easiest money they’ll ever make.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
They are forced to battle frostbite in the Atlas Mountains and endure the baking deserts of the sub-Sahara; they are traded, kidnapped, and used as pawns in high-stakes political rivalries; they encounter women who worship cannons for fertility and magician-warlords who talk to the dead and play bloody games of chess with living slaves; and the three muzzle-loading cannon the Sultan has hired them to command are antiques that could explode in their faces at any moment.
Then there is the Lord of the Atlas himself, Amastan el-Karim, who harbors a shocking secret that could cost them both their lives – or give one of them a reason to live again.
An epic historical adventure that evokes the beautiful and the barbaric of nineteenth century Morocco that transports the reader to a now-lost world of ancient medinas, crumbling palaces, and wild mountain passes.
Harry Delhaze is on a lonely path to self-destruction; George Marriott has promises to keep. It seems to them like the easiest money they’ll ever make.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
They are forced to battle frostbite in the Atlas Mountains and endure the baking deserts of the sub-Sahara; they are traded, kidnapped, and used as pawns in high-stakes political rivalries; they encounter women who worship cannons for fertility and magician-warlords who talk to the dead and play bloody games of chess with living slaves; and the three muzzle-loading cannon the Sultan has hired them to command are antiques that could explode in their faces at any moment.
Then there is the Lord of the Atlas himself, Amastan el-Karim, who harbors a shocking secret that could cost them both their lives – or give one of them a reason to live again.
An epic historical adventure that evokes the beautiful and the barbaric of nineteenth century Morocco that transports the reader to a now-lost world of ancient medinas, crumbling palaces, and wild mountain passes.
469 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2021
800 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books730 followersColin Falconer writes fast-paced historical adventures that sweep readers across centuries and continents, from the battlefields of Rome to the intrigues of forgotten empires. His novels blend action, danger, and unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 15, 2023
Another action historical fiction tale from Colin Falconer. This one is set in the nineteenth century in Morocco. Two English soldiers accept an offer to go there to supervise the manning of cannons to defeat a rebel leader. There’s quite a lot of blood and gore but it’s a good story, although the main twist seems a little unbelievable. Not as good as ’Stigmata’, in my opinion - the other novel of his I have read.
December 13, 2023
I recently delved into Colin Falconer's "Lord of the Atlas," hoping for an immersive literary experience set against the backdrop of Morocco. Regrettably, my journey with the book was cut short as I found the plotting to be rather pedestrian.
Falconer's attempt to craft a compelling narrative in the historical richness of Morocco is evident, yet the execution fell short of expectations. The pacing, a crucial element in storytelling, seemed to lack the necessary dynamism to engage the reader fully. The plot, while attempting to navigate the intricate landscapes of the Atlas, failed to captivate my interest.
One notable aspect that deserves acknowledgment is Falconer's commitment to historical authenticity. The vivid portrayal of Morocco adds a layer of cultural richness to the narrative. However, the narrative's inability to offer compelling twists and turns left me yearning for a more intricate and captivating storyline.
In the realm of literary criticism, personal taste plays a significant role, and it's crucial to recognize that my view may not align with others who may appreciate different aspects of the novel. For those who value a meticulously woven plot and dynamic storytelling, "Lord of the Atlas" might fall short of expectations.
While I may not have completed the book, my perspective is a subjective evaluation, and others might find merit in Falconer's work that I did not. Exploring diverse reviews and analyses could provide a more comprehensive understanding of differing viewpoints on this literary venture.
Falconer's attempt to craft a compelling narrative in the historical richness of Morocco is evident, yet the execution fell short of expectations. The pacing, a crucial element in storytelling, seemed to lack the necessary dynamism to engage the reader fully. The plot, while attempting to navigate the intricate landscapes of the Atlas, failed to captivate my interest.
One notable aspect that deserves acknowledgment is Falconer's commitment to historical authenticity. The vivid portrayal of Morocco adds a layer of cultural richness to the narrative. However, the narrative's inability to offer compelling twists and turns left me yearning for a more intricate and captivating storyline.
In the realm of literary criticism, personal taste plays a significant role, and it's crucial to recognize that my view may not align with others who may appreciate different aspects of the novel. For those who value a meticulously woven plot and dynamic storytelling, "Lord of the Atlas" might fall short of expectations.
While I may not have completed the book, my perspective is a subjective evaluation, and others might find merit in Falconer's work that I did not. Exploring diverse reviews and analyses could provide a more comprehensive understanding of differing viewpoints on this literary venture.
February 14, 2025
Another Falconer Adventure
This Novel was a great read. A story of two friends in the 1950s, one an English Military doctor and the other a Ex- Military artillery officer who’s down on his luck. George (the doctor) convinces Harry (the artillery officer) to take a job in Morocco for 2K pounds.
They set out on this journey and travel to Marrakesh to meet the Sultan who is the one who is hiring them for a job. The job itself turns out to be that the Sultan wants them to track down a rebel who claims to be a false prophet.
Along the way they attack a village and end up saving a boy whose parents are killed during the attack. George and Harry feel a sense of responsibility for the boy and seek to take him in and become his guardians.
While traveling through the mountainous terrain, the sultan and his group come into contact with “The Lord of Atlas”, a man named Amstan who is in charge of a vast area and agrees to help the sultan against the rebel.
The amount of action and twists and turns this novel has is amazing. You think you know how it’s going to go, but then it goes a completely different way. It’s really great storytelling.
This Novel was a great read. A story of two friends in the 1950s, one an English Military doctor and the other a Ex- Military artillery officer who’s down on his luck. George (the doctor) convinces Harry (the artillery officer) to take a job in Morocco for 2K pounds.
They set out on this journey and travel to Marrakesh to meet the Sultan who is the one who is hiring them for a job. The job itself turns out to be that the Sultan wants them to track down a rebel who claims to be a false prophet.
Along the way they attack a village and end up saving a boy whose parents are killed during the attack. George and Harry feel a sense of responsibility for the boy and seek to take him in and become his guardians.
While traveling through the mountainous terrain, the sultan and his group come into contact with “The Lord of Atlas”, a man named Amstan who is in charge of a vast area and agrees to help the sultan against the rebel.
The amount of action and twists and turns this novel has is amazing. You think you know how it’s going to go, but then it goes a completely different way. It’s really great storytelling.
August 31, 2021
Wonderful book
This story is about two Englishmen who go to North Africa to work for a Sultan as the head of his artillery. They are thrust into the politics of the region and are captured by enemies of the Sultan. A fast paced book.
This story is about two Englishmen who go to North Africa to work for a Sultan as the head of his artillery. They are thrust into the politics of the region and are captured by enemies of the Sultan. A fast paced book.
June 30, 2021
A page-turner that doesn't know when to stop upping the ante and gets very close to jumping the shark.
June 21, 2021
Riveting story set in Morocco
I couldn’t put this story down. I read most of last night and finished it today. Falconer doesn’t disappoint. 5 stars
I couldn’t put this story down. I read most of last night and finished it today. Falconer doesn’t disappoint. 5 stars
November 9, 2021
I have read several of Falconer's historical novels and enjoy the pace and scope of the action and the exotic settings. My niece lived in Morocco for about a year while working with the Peace Corps and saw several of the locations, including the city Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains that run down the spine of the country. The time period in the late 18th century is interesting, as well. The violence and extreme heat and cold drain the energy but make for an intense read.
January 12, 2023
Awesome
Colin Falconer writes historical novels with unforgettable characters, cinematic settings and plots that keep me burning my Kindle late into the night. Lord of the Atlas is the best I've read to date. It's an extraordinary read.
Colin Falconer writes historical novels with unforgettable characters, cinematic settings and plots that keep me burning my Kindle late into the night. Lord of the Atlas is the best I've read to date. It's an extraordinary read.
December 13, 2022
Another classic by Colin Falconer!
It's very rare to find an author who you just admire everything he writes.
I started with Robert Ludlum, many years ago, and have appreciated so many authors through the years since.
This fella, Colin Falconer, is right at the very top with Ludlum and Terry Pratchett!
Treat yourself, read one of his stories. I bet your bottom dollar you will seek out more of his books as I am doing.
It's very rare to find an author who you just admire everything he writes.
I started with Robert Ludlum, many years ago, and have appreciated so many authors through the years since.
This fella, Colin Falconer, is right at the very top with Ludlum and Terry Pratchett!
Treat yourself, read one of his stories. I bet your bottom dollar you will seek out more of his books as I am doing.
February 13, 2022
Intreguing read
A thoroughly enjoyable read,lots of twists and turns,keeps you guessing till the end. Falconer tells a brilliant tale he always seems to pick different heroes and heroines.
A thoroughly enjoyable read,lots of twists and turns,keeps you guessing till the end. Falconer tells a brilliant tale he always seems to pick different heroes and heroines.
April 11, 2022
A Lifeline in Disguise
A grand adventure story of a man who has lost his way and found himself in of all places...Morocco. A painful journey with moments of humor, an old and faithful friend and a little wisdom. I highly recommend this book as a must read. Kudos to the writer.
A grand adventure story of a man who has lost his way and found himself in of all places...Morocco. A painful journey with moments of humor, an old and faithful friend and a little wisdom. I highly recommend this book as a must read. Kudos to the writer.
April 14, 2022
Another great Falconer novel
Once more Colin Falconer takes the path less travelled in his historical setting, gives us characters we believe and invest in (not necessarily like) and produces an excellent read.
Love to know if another Harry - Flashman - was an influence at all!
Once more Colin Falconer takes the path less travelled in his historical setting, gives us characters we believe and invest in (not necessarily like) and produces an excellent read.
Love to know if another Harry - Flashman - was an influence at all!
April 28, 2022
Great read
After reading Venom this book is so different with the storyline. I froze along with Harry and George during the winter months in the mountains. Very descriptive writing. Bit brutal in parts but overall a great read. Now on to another story from Mr Falconer!
After reading Venom this book is so different with the storyline. I froze along with Harry and George during the winter months in the mountains. Very descriptive writing. Bit brutal in parts but overall a great read. Now on to another story from Mr Falconer!
February 15, 2022
great captivating read
Thanks for this great book. I read it in one run begin to end. I enjoyed reading it. This was my first book I read written by Colin Falconer
Thanks for this great book. I read it in one run begin to end. I enjoyed reading it. This was my first book I read written by Colin Falconer
March 21, 2023
Sometimes, I often wonder if I am reading the same book as other reviewers. In the beginning when George meets Harry in the gambling room and puts to him the idea of the chance to make some money by going to Morocco, I thought that the story might have some merit, but as I read on, I began to have doubts about this book and in the end, I really struggled to finish it. Firstly, I found the continuing banter between George and Harry irritating, yes, it was okay in the first lines but it went on and on into the story. Totally irrelevant. The dialogue didn’t flow, didn’t seem to match the characters. Once you have lost the connection to your characters in the dialogue then your characters fail.
I had no idea who the key character was supposed to be, Harry or George? I found out later when one of them was killed off. The only character that appealed to me was the boy, but guess what, he gets killed off as well. And then there is this great secret that is kept from everybody else in the book but revealed to the reader thus giving the reader no incentive to turn pages. I see this a lot in books and it is very annoying. It has a very poor ending, leaving the reader to wonder what the plot and story was really about. Maybe there is a connection on a follow-up novel, regardless I have no incentive to read any more of this author’s work.
I had no idea who the key character was supposed to be, Harry or George? I found out later when one of them was killed off. The only character that appealed to me was the boy, but guess what, he gets killed off as well. And then there is this great secret that is kept from everybody else in the book but revealed to the reader thus giving the reader no incentive to turn pages. I see this a lot in books and it is very annoying. It has a very poor ending, leaving the reader to wonder what the plot and story was really about. Maybe there is a connection on a follow-up novel, regardless I have no incentive to read any more of this author’s work.
March 30, 2025
recommend, but
If you’re looking for a historical adventure that just doesn’t stop, you may like this book. I read it because it was recommended to me by our tour guide in Marrakech as the best historical fiction about the area. However, I can’t say I actually enjoyed the book. First, the Big Secret was obvious from the first. Second, after visiting many of the places described in the book, I didn’t think the descriptions were quite right. Vivid, yes. But something was just a bit off. I’m having a hard time finding the right way to describe what. Finally, I really don’t care for the gratuitous killing off of characters, particularly main characters, in grizzly ways. It may have been historically accurate, but it’s fiction, which I’m reading for escape and to learn, and there is such a thing as too much. Word of advice: if you decide to read this, don’t get attached to anyone.
If you’re someone who likes high adventure and literal heaps of gore and death, this may be for you. But I really cannot recommend for anyone simply looking for history or a good story.
If you’re looking for a historical adventure that just doesn’t stop, you may like this book. I read it because it was recommended to me by our tour guide in Marrakech as the best historical fiction about the area. However, I can’t say I actually enjoyed the book. First, the Big Secret was obvious from the first. Second, after visiting many of the places described in the book, I didn’t think the descriptions were quite right. Vivid, yes. But something was just a bit off. I’m having a hard time finding the right way to describe what. Finally, I really don’t care for the gratuitous killing off of characters, particularly main characters, in grizzly ways. It may have been historically accurate, but it’s fiction, which I’m reading for escape and to learn, and there is such a thing as too much. Word of advice: if you decide to read this, don’t get attached to anyone.
If you’re someone who likes high adventure and literal heaps of gore and death, this may be for you. But I really cannot recommend for anyone simply looking for history or a good story.
July 2, 2021
Good Read
I will re-read this book in the future, because I missed something important. I did not get long stretches of time to read, so the book was a mite choppy. Since the read was choppy, my review will be choppy, too. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.
The read opens in London in 1893, but it read like it was set in some earlier decade. The book is loosely based on a true story.
Harry and George were not new to war. They were asked to teach Moroccan soldiers how to use war machines left in that country after the cessation of a previous war. At least three Moroccans were seeking the same prize. Harry and George were not meant to be in the battles, but that is where they found themselves. In battle, good men get killed. George and Harry both struggle with the savagry of the battles and skirmishes, but there is much more to their characters. Reader, you will love these two men and all that happens to them throughout the book. The expected never happens, and I worried throughout the book about the money they were promised at the beginning of the book. It is a worry of great magnitude, so FOLLOW the MONEY!
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read!
I will re-read this book in the future, because I missed something important. I did not get long stretches of time to read, so the book was a mite choppy. Since the read was choppy, my review will be choppy, too. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.
The read opens in London in 1893, but it read like it was set in some earlier decade. The book is loosely based on a true story.
Harry and George were not new to war. They were asked to teach Moroccan soldiers how to use war machines left in that country after the cessation of a previous war. At least three Moroccans were seeking the same prize. Harry and George were not meant to be in the battles, but that is where they found themselves. In battle, good men get killed. George and Harry both struggle with the savagry of the battles and skirmishes, but there is much more to their characters. Reader, you will love these two men and all that happens to them throughout the book. The expected never happens, and I worried throughout the book about the money they were promised at the beginning of the book. It is a worry of great magnitude, so FOLLOW the MONEY!
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read!
June 9, 2022
The last 100 pages were fantastic!! the rest of the book was very good. I have to admit I didnt like this book as much as I liked some of Falconer's other books . Not because of the writing but because I didnt really like the time or place of this story. 1893 Morocco just doesnt hold much interest for me. I dont like the army uniforms from that time. they look so uncomfortable. Nor am in interested in the backward ways of morocco in this time period . I hate the heat and Morocco just seems so ridiculously hot.
That being said, I really loved the characters . It felt like I had come to know Harry, George and even Amastan so well. I wont spoil anything but these characters experience great loss and pain. They have to make choices that I am not even sure I could make. They got a raw deal from day one.
I guessed how it would end but Falconer's writing is so good that it still shocked me and made me sad.
Another great book by Colin Falconer !
That being said, I really loved the characters . It felt like I had come to know Harry, George and even Amastan so well. I wont spoil anything but these characters experience great loss and pain. They have to make choices that I am not even sure I could make. They got a raw deal from day one.
I guessed how it would end but Falconer's writing is so good that it still shocked me and made me sad.
Another great book by Colin Falconer !
November 5, 2024
I can't make my mind up about this book - on one hand the story is fast paced and you can get into it right from the offset due to action and quick, witty dialogue. On the other hand, I found myself wondering throughout multiple parts of the book where the story was going. It often felt like the author wrote this book without too much prior planing and just let the story develop as he wrote it. Events just seem to happen to the main character, without it really linking back or having relevance to the later plot - the main character also just seems to be knocked about from 1 event to the next, with things either just turning out good for him or horribly bad.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book - if you're looking for an entertaining read and you're not sure where to go, this is worth a look, but I did leave the book feeling slightly disappointed with how events transpired.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book - if you're looking for an entertaining read and you're not sure where to go, this is worth a look, but I did leave the book feeling slightly disappointed with how events transpired.
November 21, 2024
I read this as I was in Marrakesh (as a bit of light but loosely relevant relief). It was my first Falconer Epic Adventure and it certainly won’t be my last.
Although a rip-roaring adventure in the best tradition of Wilbur Smith et al, it was also tragic, poignant, uplifting and exciting in equal measure.
When I want a mix of “modern minded” Boys Own adventure, with a smattering of history and travel, this is now where I’ll go.
Especially as these aren’t part of a chronological series (such as Cromwell’s excellent Last Kingdom, or Smith’s Courtneys) and can be read I think in any order subject to your current mood and interest.
A bit of learning along the way is also a bonus of course and this seems to have been written with an eye on accuracy, research and authenticity.
So I recommend this book and if the others are as satisfying, would suggest they’d suite too. *****
Although a rip-roaring adventure in the best tradition of Wilbur Smith et al, it was also tragic, poignant, uplifting and exciting in equal measure.
When I want a mix of “modern minded” Boys Own adventure, with a smattering of history and travel, this is now where I’ll go.
Especially as these aren’t part of a chronological series (such as Cromwell’s excellent Last Kingdom, or Smith’s Courtneys) and can be read I think in any order subject to your current mood and interest.
A bit of learning along the way is also a bonus of course and this seems to have been written with an eye on accuracy, research and authenticity.
So I recommend this book and if the others are as satisfying, would suggest they’d suite too. *****
October 31, 2023
Ok,so you’ve come this far into Falconer’s mind to be able to try and grasp his delight in the Atlas Mountains. Well, maybe. I did! I wanted to forage my way through every page, looking for adventure with a dark-haired Lass holding my hand in hers, not ever letting go. If you’re me, skip this book. No hand-holding here. Just Big Stakes Living…in the sand of the Sahara. You will definitely turn pink in the sun and blister with the characters who will laugh at you regardless of skin coloration. You’re an “outsider.” Remember that! It’s key to your survival of which you will endure heat, exhaustion, extreme cold and filth everywhere. So, where’s the beauty in the story? The answer is easy…it’s inside you.
August 30, 2024
This is the third Falconer book I have read, and it is decidedly the weakest of the three. At this point, Falconer has established a formula -- outsider faces and overcomes imnpossible obstacles in exotic times and places to emerge victorious -- that can still be compelling, but only if the details are engaging and informative. Here, the culture and mores of 19th c. Morocco quickly devolve into little more than gory descriptions of brutality, torture, bloody battles, and generaly boorish behaviour. Intermixed is a lot of traipsing through desolate landscapes, poorly developed characters and motivation, and a plot that zigzags enough to give the reader vertigo. Too bad.
January 17, 2025
Love this author, I have read many of his books and they do not disappoint. With a prolific author it is easy to rate one work against another; however each work has a life of its own despite predispositions of the author. This book ‘Lord of the Atlas’ is a really good read, it has the elements of previous books with the strong female ‘Silk Road’ and the hero and anti heroes, who are particularly gory (love it)
This book, like some of his other works, leaves me wanting ‘Part 2’
I started this book while on vacation and was itching to complete which I did on a 3.5 hr flight home.
This book, like some of his other works, leaves me wanting ‘Part 2’
I started this book while on vacation and was itching to complete which I did on a 3.5 hr flight home.
February 17, 2023
This is my second foray into the adventure stories by Colin Falconer. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I head out into Hareem.
It's really great to discover an author that one has not read before and find out that his stories compare greatly with other great period adventure story writers.
Thoroughly recommend this author and his series of books to anyone looking to lose themselves in historical fiction
It's really great to discover an author that one has not read before and find out that his stories compare greatly with other great period adventure story writers.
Thoroughly recommend this author and his series of books to anyone looking to lose themselves in historical fiction
January 13, 2025
Lord of the Atlas
I am a prolific reader and, sometimes, struggle to find a story that really grabs me by the scruff and holds my attention from start to finish but then, again sometimes, a book like this one comes along which does just that. I enjoyed every bit of this story, a well scripted tale in an exotic setting and a storyline out of the ordinary. Great characters and with its own surprises. Very much worth reading.
I am a prolific reader and, sometimes, struggle to find a story that really grabs me by the scruff and holds my attention from start to finish but then, again sometimes, a book like this one comes along which does just that. I enjoyed every bit of this story, a well scripted tale in an exotic setting and a storyline out of the ordinary. Great characters and with its own surprises. Very much worth reading.
September 7, 2022
Is it prize-winning fiction? No. Is that fine? Absolutely. Falconer shines with this sort of near-to-pulp page-turning historical adventure novel. This is the sort of book I'd guiltily buy before a trip somewhere back when trips (and somewheres) existed. With the advent of e-books, the only folks aware of my less-than-just-Jonathan-Franzen reading habits are those folks on Goodreads.
February 12, 2023
This starts out as a great buddy adventure but then has some surprising twists, especially in the third act. The characters and their motivations feel real. Falconer does a great job of taking you there and making you feel the texture of late 19th-century Morrocco. I really enjoyed it. I read the last third of it in one day.
June 7, 2023
Great Adventure of a different world.
This is a great burtal adventure into a different world. In some instance's it made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your skin crawl. From start to finish the book always keeps you interested and the story is interesting and easy to follow.
This is a great burtal adventure into a different world. In some instance's it made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your skin crawl. From start to finish the book always keeps you interested and the story is interesting and easy to follow.
July 7, 2023
It’s a fun story set in an exciting location and time. But it’s let down for me by weak writing. Some of the dialog in the early parts of the book especially felt like cheesy banter, and later on when stuck in the Atlas Mountains with winter closing in the description of the cold and suffering went on and on and on, belaboring the point.
September 15, 2021
Great read
This is a very complex and fascinating story that grips you from start to finish. The characters are well developed and believable and the plot is tightly constructed with several surprising twists. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a very complex and fascinating story that grips you from start to finish. The characters are well developed and believable and the plot is tightly constructed with several surprising twists. I definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews