Warlock (The Egyptian Novels) - Softcover

Smith, Wilbur

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1447267125 ISBN 13: 9781447267126

Publisher: Pan Books, 2014

Synopsis

Hidden away in the vast and forbidding deserts of North Africa, Taita has passed the years since the death of his beloved Queen Lostris in prayer and study. He has become the Warlock, wise in the lore of the ancient Gods, an adept of magic and the supernatural.

Now Taita answers the summons from the beyond. He leaves the desert vastness and returns to the world of men, to find himself plunged into a terrible conflict against the forces of evil which threaten to overwhelm the throne and the realm of Egypt, and to destroy the young prince Nefer who is the grandson of Queen Lostris.

With vivid depictions of battle and intrigue, of love and passion, with fascinating characters both good and evil, Wilbur Smith brings to life in colourful detail the world of ancient Egypt. Warlock is a masterful feat of story telling by one of the world's best selling authors.

About this title

Review:

Wilbur Smith (a name synonymous with the massive blockbuster thriller) has recaptured the verve and impact of his earlier work in Warlock. This Egyptian epic thriller follows on from the equally accomplished River God and The Seventh Scroll and re-establishes Smith at the top echelons of thriller writing. The customary continent-spanning canvas is here, with a key new element in an adroitly handled supernatural aspect that gives the sequence the feel of fantasy whilst still retaining the plausibility that was always Smith's strongest asset.

The reader is plunged into a vividly realised evocation of life in ancient Egypt but one presented with insights into the various characters that infuse a very contemporary feel. In the secluded deserts of North Africa, Taita has spent the years since the death of his adored Queen Lostris studying to become a Warlock, steeped in the arcane arts of the ancient Gods and a master practitioner of magic. Responding to an occult summons, Taita abandons the desert and returns to civilisation, only to find himself at the centre of a massive conflagration in which dark and sinister forces are undermining the throne of Egypt and attempting to destroy the young prince Nefer. Soon, his hard-won skills are tested to the limit.

As in the previous books in the sequence, Smith knows that a strong and passionate agenda on the part of his protagonists will allow the reader to identify with them, despite the gap of centuries. Here, it is family ties: Taita is defending the young prince who is the grandson of his lost Queen, and we are quickly engaged in a narrative that rarely flags over its considerable length. The action set pieces are as impressive as one would expect:

The instant he was within range the Cobra struck again, but Nefer caught the blow on the thick leather folds of the bag. The beast's fangs snagged in the leather and held fast. As Nefer swung back the snake was dragged with him. It was hauled cleanly out of the nest, a writhing, seething ball of coils and polished scales. It thrashed against Nefer's legs, the heavy tail lashing him, hissing fearsomely, clouds of venom spraying from its gaping jaws and dribbling down the leather bag. So great was its weight that Nefer's whole body was shaken violently.

--Barry Forshaw

Review:

"Action is Wilbur Smith's game, and he is a master."--"The Washington Post Book World"
"Fascinating...[a] magical sequel to "River God"."--"Tulsa World"
"Brilliant...irresistible and impossible to put down."--"Times Record News "(Wichita Falls, TX)
""

Praise for "Warlock"

'This is a stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.'--"Evening Standard"

"Smith brings to life every colorful detail in the world of Egypt so much so you can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to cracking pace. ...["Warlock"] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story."- "Irish News"

"Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt between false pharaohs and a true royal heir, evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale." - "Publishers Weekly"

"Smith is an excellent storyteller, and the fast-moving action and the exciting plot will hook even those who normally don't appreciate historical fiction. ... Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one."--"Booklist"

"This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world."- "Library Journal"

"When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers."--"Tulsa"" World"

""

"Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones, Wilbur Smith's new novel "Warlock" is a rousing and worthy sequel to "River God.""--"The Plain Dealer"

""

"This summer's most entertaining read...another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt."--"Flint"" Journal"

""

"Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one."--"Booklist"

"Smith illuminates all the cruelty and magnificence of a time lost in history, and what is truly amazing is that he does it with apparent ease. He has produced a totally credible story in a period that is shrouded in mystery and brings it flawlessly to life. ... Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one."--"Times Record News" (Wichita Falls, TX)

"Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended. ... This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world."- "Library Journal"""

"Epic struggle told in epic fashion. Expect more of his signature brand of pulse-pounding, 'Perils of Pauline'-style of adventure and excitement."--"Tampa"" Tribune Times"

Praise for Wilbur Smith

"Smith is a master." "--Publishers Weekly
""One of the world's most popular adventure writers." "--The Washington Post Book World
""A rare author who wields a razor-sharp sword of craftsmanship." "--Tulsa World"

"Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared." "--The Times" (UK)
"Best Historical Novelist--I say Wilbur Smith, with his swashbuckling novels of Africa. The bodices of rip and the blood flows. You can get lost in Wilbur Smith and misplace all of August."--Stephen King
"Action is Wilur Smith's game, and he is a master."--"The Washington Post Book World"

"The world's leading adventure writer." "--Daily Express" (UK)

"Wilbur Smith rarely misses a trick."--"Sunday Times"

"Smith is a captivating storyteller." "--The Orlando Sentinel"

"No one does adventure quite like Smith." --"Daily Mirror "(UK)
"A thundering good' read is virtually the only way of describing Wilbur Smith's books." --"The Irish Times"

""

'This is a stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.'--"Evening Standard"

"Smith brings to life every colorful detail in the world of Egypt so much so you can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to cracking pace. ...["Warlock"] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story."- "Irish News"

"Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt between false pharaohs and a true royal heir, evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale." - "Publishers Weekly"

"Smith is an excellent storyteller, and the fast-moving action and the exciting plot will hook even those who normally don't appreciate historical fiction. ... Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one."--"Booklist"

"This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world."- "Library Journal"

"When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers."--"Tulsa"" World"

""

"Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones, Wilbur Smith's new novel "Warlock" is a rousing and worthy sequel to "River God.""--"The Plain Dealer"

""

"This summer's most entertaining read...another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt."--"Flint"" Journal"

""

"Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one."--"Booklist"

"Smith illuminates all the cruelty and magnificence of a time lost in history, and what is truly amazing is that he does it with apparent ease. He has produced a totally credible story in a period that is shrouded in mystery and brings it flawlessly to life. ... Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one."--"Times Record News" (Wichita Falls, TX)

"Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended. ... This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world."- "Library Journal"""

"Epic struggle told in epic fashion. Expect more of his signature brand of pulse-pounding, 'Perils of Pauline'-style of adventure and excitement."--"Tampa"" Tribune Times"

This is a stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.' "Evening Standard"

Smith brings to life every colorful detail in the world of Egypt so much so you can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to cracking pace. ...["Warlock"] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story. "Irish News"

Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt between false pharaohs and a true royal heir, evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale. "Publishers Weekly"

Smith is an excellent storyteller, and the fast-moving action and the exciting plot will hook even those who normally don't appreciate historical fiction. Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one. "Booklist"

This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world. "Library Journal"

When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers. "Tulsa World"

Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones, Wilbur Smith's new novel "Warlock" is a rousing and worthy sequel to "River God." "The Plain Dealer"

This summer's most entertaining read another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt. "Flint Journal"

Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one. "Booklist"

Smith illuminates all the cruelty and magnificence of a time lost in history, and what is truly amazing is that he does it with apparent ease. He has produced a totally credible story in a period that is shrouded in mystery and brings it flawlessly to life. Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one. "Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)"

Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended. This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world. "Library Journal"

Epic struggle told in epic fashion. Expect more of his signature brand of pulse-pounding, Perils of Pauline'-style of adventure and excitement. "Tampa Tribune Times""

This is a stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.' Evening Standard

Smith brings to life every colorful detail in the world of Egypt so much so you can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to cracking pace. ...[Warlock] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story. Irish News

Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt between false pharaohs and a true royal heir, evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale. Publishers Weekly

Smith is an excellent storyteller, and the fast-moving action and the exciting plot will hook even those who normally don't appreciate historical fiction. Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one. Booklist

This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world. Library Journal

When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers. Tulsa World

Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones, Wilbur Smith's new novel Warlock is a rousing and worthy sequel to River God. The Plain Dealer

This summer's most entertaining read another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt. Flint Journal

Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one. Booklist

Smith illuminates all the cruelty and magnificence of a time lost in history, and what is truly amazing is that he does it with apparent ease. He has produced a totally credible story in a period that is shrouded in mystery and brings it flawlessly to life. Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one. Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)

Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended. This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world. Library Journal

Epic struggle told in epic fashion. Expect more of his signature brand of pulse-pounding, Perils of Pauline'-style of adventure and excitement. Tampa Tribune Times

"

-'This is a stirring tale, full of chariot battles...Smith has whipped up a heady brew...and undoubtedly deserves his immense popularity far more than most of his rivals.'- --Evening Standard

-Smith brings to life every colorful detail in the world of Egypt so much so you can almost feel the heat and taste the dust as the narrative builds to cracking pace. ...[Warlock] is a ripping yarn and a classic adventure story.- --Irish News

-Seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith tracks a power struggle in ancient Egypt between false pharaohs and a true royal heir, evoking the cruel glories and terrible torments of the era. Those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale.- --Publishers Weekly

-Smith is an excellent storyteller, and the fast-moving action and the exciting plot will hook even those who normally don't appreciate historical fiction. ... Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one.- --Booklist

-This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world.- --Library Journal

-When it comes to historical fiction, Smith is without rival. He is a warlock of writers.- --Tulsa World

-Filled with enough action, adventure, battles, betrayals and actual cliffhangers to satisfy Indiana Jones, Wilbur Smith's new novel Warlock is a rousing and worthy sequel to River God.- --The Plain Dealer

-This summer's most entertaining read...another full-blown tale of war, intrigue, murder, lust, and true love set in ancient Egypt.- --Flint Journal

-Smith...returns to the genre with this epic action tale of intrigue, suspense, and adventure set in ancient Egypt. His many fans will be clamoring for copies of this one.- --Booklist

-Smith illuminates all the cruelty and magnificence of a time lost in history, and what is truly amazing is that he does it with apparent ease. He has produced a totally credible story in a period that is shrouded in mystery and brings it flawlessly to life. ... Each time I read a new Wilbur Smith I say it is the best book I have ever read--until the next one.- --Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)

-Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adve...

About this edition

• Publisher: Pan Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1447267125
• ISBN 13: 9781447267126
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 704