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Cry Wolf
The year is 1935, shortly before World War II. The "Wolf of Rome", Italy's army under Mussolini, is poised to invade Ethiopia, whose army is not only ill-equipped, but also severely outnumbered. Desperate to save his troubled land, Emperor Haile Selassie enlists American Jake Barton and Englishman Gareth Swales, two risk-takers who both share a taste for danger and the thrill of adventure.
The mission seems simple: Deliver four ancient refurbished armored cars and Vicky Camberwell, an American journalist, in exchange for a hefty weight of gold. But soon Jake and Gareth realize that this is just the beginning of a long, harrowing journey that will take them from the sea to the scorching deserts of Africa to the peaks of its treacherous mountains, where a dramatic struggle to stay alive awaits them...
The mission seems simple: Deliver four ancient refurbished armored cars and Vicky Camberwell, an American journalist, in exchange for a hefty weight of gold. But soon Jake and Gareth realize that this is just the beginning of a long, harrowing journey that will take them from the sea to the scorching deserts of Africa to the peaks of its treacherous mountains, where a dramatic struggle to stay alive awaits them...
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
300 people are currently reading
1113 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
320 books4,405 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 114 reviews
April 10, 2023
Apr 10, 11am ~~ One little project for 2023 is to read five of Wilbur Smith's stand alone titles, books that were not part of any series he had written. So far I have read just one, Hungry As The Sea. When I was finished with Chaim Potok's Davita's Harp, I decided to visit Ethiopia with Smith since one of the characters in Davita's Harp spent time as a nurse in Ethiopia. I thought I would be able to read a bit of historical fiction about the chaos that Italy caused in the country when they invaded just before WWII.
Smith usually starts his action right from the first sentence, dropping the reader into the middle of some adventure and then slowly showing us what we are doing there. In a way he did the same here, when he introduced the two alpha male characters who at first are rivals and then join forces. One is an engineer who can make any piece of machinery hum; the other is a presumed gentleman with a habit of living very much past the edge of the law.
The world was waiting for Italy to invade and no one was helping the Ethiopians. There were embargoes against any guns being imported to the country since they would have to go through either French or British land territory to get there and neither of those countries wanted to appear to be against Italy at that point in history.
Our two overgrown teenagers have a plan to supply guns and armored vehicles, but they won't get paid until they deliver the equipment and part of the deal imposed by the man they are in contact with is that a reporter must go along on their journey in order to tell the world what the country faces.
And of course the reporter is a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?
I was okay with all of this while our two semi-heroes were rivals for the armored cars each wanted to buy at auction. But once they became business partners some fairly idiotic things began to take place, changing the feel of the story into something much less appealing to me. I decided not to finish the book. Maybe the grand adventure turns around later and morphs into something as heroic as its possibilities, but I didn't like any of the main characters enough to follow along.
DNF around page 100.
Smith usually starts his action right from the first sentence, dropping the reader into the middle of some adventure and then slowly showing us what we are doing there. In a way he did the same here, when he introduced the two alpha male characters who at first are rivals and then join forces. One is an engineer who can make any piece of machinery hum; the other is a presumed gentleman with a habit of living very much past the edge of the law.
The world was waiting for Italy to invade and no one was helping the Ethiopians. There were embargoes against any guns being imported to the country since they would have to go through either French or British land territory to get there and neither of those countries wanted to appear to be against Italy at that point in history.
Our two overgrown teenagers have a plan to supply guns and armored vehicles, but they won't get paid until they deliver the equipment and part of the deal imposed by the man they are in contact with is that a reporter must go along on their journey in order to tell the world what the country faces.
And of course the reporter is a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?
I was okay with all of this while our two semi-heroes were rivals for the armored cars each wanted to buy at auction. But once they became business partners some fairly idiotic things began to take place, changing the feel of the story into something much less appealing to me. I decided not to finish the book. Maybe the grand adventure turns around later and morphs into something as heroic as its possibilities, but I didn't like any of the main characters enough to follow along.
DNF around page 100.
August 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this. Lots of action. Great story. I don't know if the story depicted actual events preceding WWII, but it may have. In any case it is a great adventure, well worth the read.
March 18, 2012
My latest Wilbur Smith read. I'm tackling his books in a chronological order as they were written at present, and I've now reached the mid '70s. CRY WOLF isn't as entertaining as some of his earlier works - particularly those Courtney novels - purely because of the dark, almost depressing subject matter of the story.
CRY WOLF tackles the Italian army's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. Under Mussolini, Italy sent a division incorporating infantry, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery and aircraft support, up against a tribal army armed with spears and ancient rifles. What eventually happens is something of a foregone conclusion, but the fight the Ethiopians put up is as thrilling as anything else the author's ever written.
That's the general back story of this novel, and a lot of the writing is taken up with descriptions of breakneck warfare. The fore story involves a love triangle between three figures, each of them a stock figure brought to life on the page: there's the intrepid female American journalist; the tough American mechanic and the dandy British entrepreneur. Some of these characters are hard to like - particularly the British chap - but they've certainly grown on you come the moving climax.
As always, there's a harsh, gritty level of realism to the action, and Smith pulls no punches in his depictions of death and suffering. Yet there's quite a lot of humour to offset the carnage, especially the Italian Count and his faithful photographer who bumble their way through the story. Yes, a lot of the scenarios feel a bit cliched these days, but that doesn't matter: this is a typically tough, no-frills adventure from an author at the top of his game.
CRY WOLF tackles the Italian army's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. Under Mussolini, Italy sent a division incorporating infantry, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery and aircraft support, up against a tribal army armed with spears and ancient rifles. What eventually happens is something of a foregone conclusion, but the fight the Ethiopians put up is as thrilling as anything else the author's ever written.
That's the general back story of this novel, and a lot of the writing is taken up with descriptions of breakneck warfare. The fore story involves a love triangle between three figures, each of them a stock figure brought to life on the page: there's the intrepid female American journalist; the tough American mechanic and the dandy British entrepreneur. Some of these characters are hard to like - particularly the British chap - but they've certainly grown on you come the moving climax.
As always, there's a harsh, gritty level of realism to the action, and Smith pulls no punches in his depictions of death and suffering. Yet there's quite a lot of humour to offset the carnage, especially the Italian Count and his faithful photographer who bumble their way through the story. Yes, a lot of the scenarios feel a bit cliched these days, but that doesn't matter: this is a typically tough, no-frills adventure from an author at the top of his game.
April 24, 2013
This is fairly early Wilbur Smith. It is easy to see that he has not fully developed his style or skill. The first part of the book moves quite slowly as the characters and situation are introduced. Later on the booked moved at closer to the breakneck speed he became famous for.
The book deals with the Italian fascist invasion of Ethiopia, a pretty unusual topic. Smith is well known for careful research so I assume the events and culture are fairly close to reality. The campaign described is particularly brutal which is the reality of war.
Unfortunately, the action revolves around an American and a Brit and a beautiful white female they are both pursuing with as much vigor as they are engaging in stopping the Italians. There were Ethiopian characters that could have taken primary roles and I think Smith might have given natives greater roles if he had written this book later in his career.
It is an entertaining read about a fairly obscure topic.
The book deals with the Italian fascist invasion of Ethiopia, a pretty unusual topic. Smith is well known for careful research so I assume the events and culture are fairly close to reality. The campaign described is particularly brutal which is the reality of war.
Unfortunately, the action revolves around an American and a Brit and a beautiful white female they are both pursuing with as much vigor as they are engaging in stopping the Italians. There were Ethiopian characters that could have taken primary roles and I think Smith might have given natives greater roles if he had written this book later in his career.
It is an entertaining read about a fairly obscure topic.
June 5, 2018
I've seen this book a lot over the years. It always seems to be in one charity shop or another, and to be honest, that put me off a little. Sure you can always find a Wilber Smith book in the charity shops, he's an old-school author with a lot of books, you could say the same about Stephen King or Jack Higgins, but why always this book?
Well, I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago, and I have absolutely no idea why it's given up so often because I loved it.
True I would have enjoyed more action, and the ending left much to be desired with none of the villains of the book ever really reaping the rewards of their misdeeds, but it's a great adventure book with all of that gritty south-African realism that makes Smith's books so enjoyable, even if they do tend to leave a rather nasty aftertaste.
Well, I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago, and I have absolutely no idea why it's given up so often because I loved it.
True I would have enjoyed more action, and the ending left much to be desired with none of the villains of the book ever really reaping the rewards of their misdeeds, but it's a great adventure book with all of that gritty south-African realism that makes Smith's books so enjoyable, even if they do tend to leave a rather nasty aftertaste.
December 23, 2015
Smith takes us through the history of the Italian attack on Ethiopia with a powerful, fast-paced narrative that never slows. We see events through an American, Jake Barton, whose skill makes derelict vehicles run and through the eyes of Gareth Swales, a stylish Englishman given to conning those around him. Both vie for the attention of Vicki an award winning journalist there to cover the raping of Ethiopia.
Other supporting characters include a trio or so of Ethiopian royalty. The story reads like a newsreel from the period.
For suspense and writing the book deserves a 4 at least. I give it less because of what is to me gratuitous violence in the form of tribal barbarity and a bit too much sex.
Other supporting characters include a trio or so of Ethiopian royalty. The story reads like a newsreel from the period.
For suspense and writing the book deserves a 4 at least. I give it less because of what is to me gratuitous violence in the form of tribal barbarity and a bit too much sex.
February 24, 2017
Cry Wolf was hugely unsatisfying right up to the last 50 pages. And then the book drew its lines quickly, stuff started making sense and the heroes were defined. Gareth Swales is the character that saves the book. The book actually is not much in terms of narration. It is redeemed by the larger than life characters and the war background. It is essentially a war novel with a fair bit of spice thrown in. Read it quick, in small bursts of energy. If you sit with it, it tends to go stale. I would recommend it but only to those who can handle non-serious literature for what it is.
October 28, 2017
This was an average boy's own adventure where suspending belief was required. Having said that it was readable with good strong lead characters but the story dipped when it focused on the antagonists. I started it as a holiday read and had to finish it when I got back. Not as good as earlier Smith novels.
July 3, 2020
A heartbreaking story of tanks, artillery, bombers, and mustard gas against barefoot men wielding swords. With that backdrop, I almost felt guilty laughing over the Count's antics. Jake was the more likable than Gareth, who was annoying with his constant "old son." But at the end, Gareth pulled it out with a move recalling Sydney Carton at the end of A Tale of Two Cities.
July 2, 2021
ভালো। তবে গতানুগতিক উইলবার স্মিথের মত না।
September 18, 2019
Ethiopia… The name itself brings up certain thoughts, certain ideas. Perhaps for some, the association is with the Nile while for others it could be Haile Selassie whose name might have a far wider recognition than the country he served. This book, however, did not overly describe it’s affiliations and as such I picked it up without knowing it had to do with the country. I did not even know which period it would end up describing. All I knew was the Wilbur Smith likes writing about Africa…
So, one can wonder at my reaction when the pages turned on and I realized that indeed, we would be looking at Ethiopia and the mid-1930’s. Given I chose to review this ahead of several others that are in my list, I’d characterize it as ‘unalloyed joy’. The book did not disappoint, either. Very readable, it covers three Europeans who end up in service to the Crown Prince and their actions in getting to the country with contraband goods and then the beginning of the Italian invasion.
The Italians, in fact, also deserve a mention. While I know that some of the people — say Generals Emilio de Bono and Pietro Badoglio — were representative of their real personalities, most of the lower-ranking people were fictional. Yet, the characters were believable, if perhaps over-exaggerated, in the author’s wish (open to misinterpretation) to make the Italian Fascists look conceited. I truly enjoyed reading about the adventures of Count Aldo Belli though I often hoped karma would get him. Read the book to find out if it did!
As such, this has been one of my favourite novels of this year. However, the reduced star must be commented on: I found the author’s overt need to sexualize everything entirely unnecessary. Even scenes which should have been terrifying were turned into jokes on the main female character and her body. This took us further from the considered historical adventure to a book that I have a lot more reservations about — especially for whom this is appropriate.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
So, one can wonder at my reaction when the pages turned on and I realized that indeed, we would be looking at Ethiopia and the mid-1930’s. Given I chose to review this ahead of several others that are in my list, I’d characterize it as ‘unalloyed joy’. The book did not disappoint, either. Very readable, it covers three Europeans who end up in service to the Crown Prince and their actions in getting to the country with contraband goods and then the beginning of the Italian invasion.
The Italians, in fact, also deserve a mention. While I know that some of the people — say Generals Emilio de Bono and Pietro Badoglio — were representative of their real personalities, most of the lower-ranking people were fictional. Yet, the characters were believable, if perhaps over-exaggerated, in the author’s wish (open to misinterpretation) to make the Italian Fascists look conceited. I truly enjoyed reading about the adventures of Count Aldo Belli though I often hoped karma would get him. Read the book to find out if it did!
As such, this has been one of my favourite novels of this year. However, the reduced star must be commented on: I found the author’s overt need to sexualize everything entirely unnecessary. Even scenes which should have been terrifying were turned into jokes on the main female character and her body. This took us further from the considered historical adventure to a book that I have a lot more reservations about — especially for whom this is appropriate.
This review was originally posted on my blog.
September 29, 2015
This was a great novel, and i really liked it! Something different for me, but i really enjoyed it. The story is breathtaking and the characters so full of life that it's stunning! Maybe i will read one more novel of this author in the future, we'll see.
December 29, 2021
Αγάπησα πολύ την Αφρική διαβάζοντας τα βιβλία του Γουίλμπουρ Σμιθ στα νιάτα μου. Ο ίδιος αγαπούσε πολύ την γενέθλια ήπειρό του και γνώριζε πολύ καλά την νεώτερη ιστορία της.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο διηγείται την κατάκτηση της Αιθιοπίας από τον στρατό του Μουσολίνι το 1936. Βασισμένος στα αληθινά γεγονότα, μας παρουσιάζει τους μυθοπλαστικούς του ήρωες, που είναι αρκετά καρτουνίστικοι. Οι δύο ρωμαλέοι και γεναίοι τυχοδιώκτες, ο πρώτος Αμερικανός από το Τέξας, μηχανικός αυτοκινήτων και ο δεύτερος Άγγλος στρατιωτικός, πονηρός αλλά κατά βάθος με αξίες. Και αναμεσά τους φυσικά η πανέμορφη και ριψοκίνδυνη ανταποκρίτρια που την αγαπάνε και οι δύο. Εκτος από τους τρεις πρωταγωνιστές, έχουμε και άλλους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες καρτούν: ο γελοίος και δειλός Ιταλός κόμης, φίλος του Μουσολίνι που θέλει να περνιέται για ήρωας, ο παππούς ραζ ( πρίγκιπας ) που κυνηγάει τον τακτικό στρατό των Ιταλών με την σπάθα του, ο Έλληνας πειρατής, κομπιναδόρος κλπ. Παρόλη την απίστευτη ιστορία και όλη αυτή την εντελώς μη ρεαλιστική υπόθεση, διαβάζεται ιδιαίτερα ευχάριστα, όπως άλλωστε όλα τα βιβλία του Σμιθ.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο διηγείται την κατάκτηση της Αιθιοπίας από τον στρατό του Μουσολίνι το 1936. Βασισμένος στα αληθινά γεγονότα, μας παρουσιάζει τους μυθοπλαστικούς του ήρωες, που είναι αρκετά καρτουνίστικοι. Οι δύο ρωμαλέοι και γεναίοι τυχοδιώκτες, ο πρώτος Αμερικανός από το Τέξας, μηχανικός αυτοκινήτων και ο δεύτερος Άγγλος στρατιωτικός, πονηρός αλλά κατά βάθος με αξίες. Και αναμεσά τους φυσικά η πανέμορφη και ριψοκίνδυνη ανταποκρίτρια που την αγαπάνε και οι δύο. Εκτος από τους τρεις πρωταγωνιστές, έχουμε και άλλους δευτερεύοντες χαρακτήρες καρτούν: ο γελοίος και δειλός Ιταλός κόμης, φίλος του Μουσολίνι που θέλει να περνιέται για ήρωας, ο παππούς ραζ ( πρίγκιπας ) που κυνηγάει τον τακτικό στρατό των Ιταλών με την σπάθα του, ο Έλληνας πειρατής, κομπιναδόρος κλπ. Παρόλη την απίστευτη ιστορία και όλη αυτή την εντελώς μη ρεαλιστική υπόθεση, διαβάζεται ιδιαίτερα ευχάριστα, όπως άλλωστε όλα τα βιβλία του Σμιθ.
April 21, 2024
A book of two halves. Nearly abandoned the read due to not being engaged enough, but at a certain tipping point it came into its own a bit more.
Fantastically written, but story wise - just okay. Certainly a couple of really well written characters.
Fantastically written, but story wise - just okay. Certainly a couple of really well written characters.
January 27, 2014
Fanfiction #3 Un gruppo di avventurieri deve portare armi alle truppe legittimiste contro l'invasione dei baluba (o bingobongo o bulabula). Gli avventurieri sono una coppia anglosassone tipo "Attenti a quei due" Tony Curtis/Danny Wilde e Roger Moore/Lord Brett Sinclair. Per buona misura ci aggiungono la bella giornalista. Vicky: essenziale per dissipare la fondamentale attrazione omoerotica diffusissima in questo genere d'avventure da omacci. Un po' come il curry in certe preparazioni culinarie tropicali. La parte divertente � quando si scopre che i mau-mau (baluba o bingobongo o bulabula) di turno sono... le truppe italiane in Etiopia! Gli italiani vengono descritti da una tale rutilante sovrabbondante, cornucopiesca massa ridondante dei pi� vieti stereotipi, da far sembrare un discorso autonomista padano un esercizio di alta retorica tribunizia. Purtroppo il Wilbur � talmente esagerato da trapassare l'immediata autoassoluzione a scatto italiota (il libro parla dei militari fascisti, io non sono fascista, nemmeno militare, per cui non mi riguarda) e francamente il Macaronismo continuo, il Pizza Spaghetti Mandolino Brillantina e via cialtroneggiando, sono cos� insistenti da far sospettare al lettore che secondo Wilbur Smith, il creato sia ordinato secondo la piramide: Sudafricani, Anglosassoni, Americani, (solo alcuni Americani sono anglosassoni) altri Europei, Neri nobili e docili, Ispanici, Negri cattivi e orgogliosi, Felini, Pachidermi e Ungulati, Rettili, Sterco dei pachidermi e deiezioni feline e ungulate assortite, Italiani. ...e che quindi, aver contribuito con diciotto milioni di copie delle cento vendute nel mondo non sia stato un gran che intelligente. In compenso la lettura dei tre libri mostra come abusare della credulit� popolare, di impossibili imprese e amori altrettanto potabili, non sia un ostacolo al successo ma il suo presupposto. Copritevi dal lato tecnico, geografico o legislativo che non venga in mente a un lettore pignolo di scrivere all'editore, e sarete tranquilli.
November 14, 2021
Good story, some parts very amusing and some parts very brutal. Book starts off very light hearted and I thought it was going to be a comedy but it becomes deadly serious as the story progresses. A thoroughly enjoyable read, would recommend to all Wilbur Smith fans. Did drag on a little at parts and I was glad when it was finished. The game hunting scenes are usually always in Wilbur Smith books and they do get a bit repetative for my liking. Emotional and a strong ending to the novel though.
Vicky, Jake and Gareth are the three main protagonist in the story. Their mission is to deliver four armoured vehicals to Ethiopia in a bid to stop the Italian invassion from the fascist movement of Mussolini. All three characters are great, however both men fall in love with Vicky and are caught in a rather awkward love triangle. I disliked Garath to begin with as he was a toffee nosed English entrepreneur, dishonest and a bandit. By the end of the book though I loved him for his heroism and compassion.
The Italian Colonel, Count Aldo Belli is a man you can't help hate! He's a coward who hides behind his uniform and takes all the credit from winning battles, so he can be rewarded and crowned a hero.
Overall, good book. David (Ethiopians, primitive culture with spears and no war machines) v Goliath (Italians, state of the art weapons and machines), story. Set in 1935 and gave me a wee history lesson on our brutal past.
3.5 Stars 😃
Vicky, Jake and Gareth are the three main protagonist in the story. Their mission is to deliver four armoured vehicals to Ethiopia in a bid to stop the Italian invassion from the fascist movement of Mussolini. All three characters are great, however both men fall in love with Vicky and are caught in a rather awkward love triangle. I disliked Garath to begin with as he was a toffee nosed English entrepreneur, dishonest and a bandit. By the end of the book though I loved him for his heroism and compassion.
The Italian Colonel, Count Aldo Belli is a man you can't help hate! He's a coward who hides behind his uniform and takes all the credit from winning battles, so he can be rewarded and crowned a hero.
Overall, good book. David (Ethiopians, primitive culture with spears and no war machines) v Goliath (Italians, state of the art weapons and machines), story. Set in 1935 and gave me a wee history lesson on our brutal past.
3.5 Stars 😃
December 29, 2016
This was a difficult book for me to get into. It is set in Africa in the 1930s, and focuses on the conflict between Ethiopians and the Italians. The protagonists are Jake Barton, a former American soldier, now mechanic who loves machines and dreams of inventing his own engine; Vicky Camberwell, a journalist for the Associated Press; and Gareth Swales, a former English soldier who fancies himself a dandy but is truly a user of people. It was very informative about a conflict I never even knew existed. There is quite a bit of description about the African desert and the tribal peoples who inhabit that area, which bogged me down a bit. There is obviously a love triangle between the protagonists. The historical information was very enlightening and caused me to really feel for the African peoples and their struggles, which seem to be never ending. Recommended for history buffs of mostly adult ages.
February 4, 2018
Heart wrenching when you read of man's inhumanity to others. Italy wanted Ethiopia and sent a modern army to get it. Even with an incompetent fool, full of his own importance, the local tribes had little chance of withstanding them. They fought on valiantly while the rest of the world looked the other way and there was no help coming and they were systematically slaughtered, men, women and children no quarter was given. Two adventurers sold them some arms and armoured cars and were tricked into delivering them. A woman reporter also went with them and once there they became embroiled in the fight. They did their best but when a supposed ally sold out to the Italians they knew they had no chance. They had betrayed their own for money, power, blood sport and revenge. It was really the saddest of stories always hoping for a miracle that never came. Filled with high octane action, a little romance and lots of heroics. It was raw grim and felt very real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
It's stating the obvious but Wilbur Smith is a master storyteller. I'm lucky that I picked the book up when I had forgotten to bring any books on a weekend to the Mabula Game reserve. And what a find it turned out to be.
Jake Barton, the engineer from Texas, Gareth Swales the old Etonian English rogue and the beautiful generic reporter lady Vicky.
Ancient armoured cars in Ethiopia vs the Italian Military machine. Going to be fun. The Old Ras's "How Do You Do" was a treat and the Gallas were a bunch of slimy backstabbing bastards if ever I saw any but they all got what was coming to them. All except the Count, I was waiting for his hubris to cut him down. Maybe a Lion or a Leopard, come back for revenge. Apart from that it was a jolly good read.
Jake Barton, the engineer from Texas, Gareth Swales the old Etonian English rogue and the beautiful generic reporter lady Vicky.
Ancient armoured cars in Ethiopia vs the Italian Military machine. Going to be fun. The Old Ras's "How Do You Do" was a treat and the Gallas were a bunch of slimy backstabbing bastards if ever I saw any but they all got what was coming to them. All except the Count, I was waiting for his hubris to cut him down. Maybe a Lion or a Leopard, come back for revenge. Apart from that it was a jolly good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2013
Smith's talent for detailed description is as vivid as always. He never shies away from realism and violence. Jake and Gareth are the two heroes in this story set in Ethiopia during the Italian invasion. A feisty, sexy reporter who is determined to inform the world of the desperate situation in which the Ethiopians find themselves joins up with Jake and Gareth in their attempt to aid the Ethiopians against the onslaught of the Italians. There is no lack of action in this harsh, but often compassionate story. So, 3 or 4 stars? I can't decide.
September 3, 2017
I really dig Wilbur Smith's books for the most part, but the one thing I cannot stand is that in all of his African novels, he feels the need for pages-long descriptions of animals being shot. I openly admit to feeling nauseated at the mere mention of animal abuse, so to read all about a pride of lions being wiped out was awful.
That being said, this still wasn't one of his best. Nothing on The Leopard Hunts in Darkness etc.
That being said, this still wasn't one of his best. Nothing on The Leopard Hunts in Darkness etc.
September 16, 2019
I first read this book many years ago but only remembered part of the story. I found it refreshing, a little long perhaps for the modern reader but an excellent story with great overtones of Africa. I particularly enjoyed his use of adverbs which in the modern formats are strictly frowned on. I now realize how much I have missed them.
May 26, 2022
Slightly obsolete aestheticly adventure by the master of the genre* Wilbur Smith. All the fuzz is about some (5?) of the WW1 armored vehiles that the Ethiopians are buying very expensively to resist the hordes of Mussolini's "fascisti fratelli". A little love, a little sex, a little drama, a knor cube and it's ready.
*the gerne of aesthetically obsolete adventure
*the gerne of aesthetically obsolete adventure
April 7, 2013
Never having read Wilbur Smith before I picked this off the shelves when faced with War/Revolution for a Genre Challenge read. Well written, well paced adventure with the backdrop of Mussolini's "empire building" in East Africa.
July 19, 2015
Amusing at times, serious at others. This is the first time I have read a Wilbur Smith novel and I wonder why it has taken me so long? It was a thoroughly good read and I look forward to reading another of his works in the future.
November 10, 2015
From the sexist representation of women to the dragging action, this book just failed to please. Far and away my least favourite of the books by Wilbur Smith that I've read.
January 19, 2020
I liked the topic of the book, but I didn't really enjoy the storytelling. Couldn't really feel the pressure and didn't care to much about the characters.
May 1, 2022
So much going on and too much of that is development of the excellent characters rather than the story. First Wilbur Smith and would read another.
November 21, 2020
Probably one of the best works by Wilbur Smith, has all his signature ingredients, just incredibly well written. These ingredients include: African setting. This is set around 1935 during the 2nd Italian-Abyssinian War. The background is very well written and researched and his writing brings it to life.
Secondly, larger than life characters. Also very well done and fleshed out. 3 main characters: Rough and ready Texan, suave British rogue and beautiful American journalist. Supported by brave and high charactered Ethiopians and dastardly treasonous ones. The other supporting characters are comically inept Italians as well as professional ones. The aproportion of writing to the different characters are done just right with the 3 main characters getting most of the attention and the supporting ones getting them just right. The characters are a bit cliched but the way it's written, it seems the cliches are based on these characters. Especially Gareth Swales, the could be the original character of the cliche.
Humor: Some of it is a bit too sweet but mostly done well. And it's just extra sugar on top to have it added on. And humor is so hard to get right.
Romance: And what is a Wilbur Smith book without it? It's also just done right and amazing that he got it perfect from Sara's POV.
Action: Also very well done, perfect.
How many books can put all that together, have it fit well together and be entertaining? The book is not too long and not too short, it's easy to read and follow and brings the reader right to the place and time. I've read this book at least 10 times and like it just as much each time.
Synopsis: 3 western characters are joined by circumstances in helping 1935 Ethiopia defend against Italy at the Wells of Chaldi.
Secondly, larger than life characters. Also very well done and fleshed out. 3 main characters: Rough and ready Texan, suave British rogue and beautiful American journalist. Supported by brave and high charactered Ethiopians and dastardly treasonous ones. The other supporting characters are comically inept Italians as well as professional ones. The aproportion of writing to the different characters are done just right with the 3 main characters getting most of the attention and the supporting ones getting them just right. The characters are a bit cliched but the way it's written, it seems the cliches are based on these characters. Especially Gareth Swales, the could be the original character of the cliche.
Humor: Some of it is a bit too sweet but mostly done well. And it's just extra sugar on top to have it added on. And humor is so hard to get right.
Romance: And what is a Wilbur Smith book without it? It's also just done right and amazing that he got it perfect from Sara's POV.
Action: Also very well done, perfect.
How many books can put all that together, have it fit well together and be entertaining? The book is not too long and not too short, it's easy to read and follow and brings the reader right to the place and time. I've read this book at least 10 times and like it just as much each time.
Synopsis: 3 western characters are joined by circumstances in helping 1935 Ethiopia defend against Italy at the Wells of Chaldi.
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