|
|
Warlock
Ancient Egyptian Novel Series : Book 3
Author: Wilbur Smith
Click on the Google Preview image above to read some pages of this book!
Set in Ancient Egypt and following on from River God and The Seventh Scroll, Warlock marks the return of the world's finest adventure writer. After the death of his beloved Queen Lostris, Taita performs the rites of embalmment and burial for her. Then, stricken with grief, he retreats into the forbidding deserts of North Africa, where he becomes a hermit. Over the years that follow he devotes himself to the study of the mysteries of the occult until, armed with these extraordinary powers, he gradually transforms himself into the Warlock.
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. This is a masterful feat of story-telling by one of the world's best-selling authors.
About the Author
WILBUR SMITH was born in Central Africa. He has written thirty novels, all meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His books are now translated into twenty-six languages and have sold over 110 million copies.
In The Press
Publishers Weekly
Lengthy but seamlessly composed, this epic historical drama by veteran author Smith (The Eye of the Tiger, etc.) 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. The kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt have been at war for 60 years. Upper Egypt is ruled by Tamose, Lower Egypt by Apepi, king of the Hyksos. Treachery and assassination eliminate both rulers, allowing two false pharaohs to unite in an orgy of tyranny and oppression. Tamose's son, Prince Nefer, is his father's rightful heir, but the false pharaoh, Lord Naja, denies Nefer's birthright and plots to kill the young prince. Aided by the royal sorcerer, a warlock named Taita, Nefer escapes Naja's plots. Nefer and Taita outwit assassins, evil magicians, pursuing armies and even the treachery of Nefer's own sister, as they raise their own army in the lost desert city of Gallala. Taita's magic spells and occult powers protect, teach and guide Nefer on his tortuous path to regain the throne and save the woman he loves, Princess Mintaka, daughter of slain King Apepi. However, as Nefer's strength grows, so does that of his enemies, and it will take all of Nefer's courage and Taita's mystical powers to prevail when the chariot armies of evil sweep across the desert wasteland to the gates of Gallala. This is a very bloody and violent yarn, set in an age when merciless combat, torture, rape and sacrifice were common. Though timorous readers may wish to steer clear, those willing to brave the blood and gore will be carried away by the sweep and pace of Smith's tale. National advertising. (May 22) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal
In this sequel to River God, the ancient wizard Taita finds he is called by his deceased queen, since elevated to goddess, Lostris, to use his prodigious magical powers for the protection of Pharaoh-to-be Nepher-Seti, ensuring the continuance of Lostris's dynasty in Egypt. It takes all the magus's skills to give Nepher-Seti any chance at all of survival since two pretenders to the throne of Egypt look to kill him to validate their claims to the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. There is more sex, graphic violence, and gore in this than can be easily imagined, but it's placed in a setting that allows credibility. Life is cheap, power and wealth are everything, immortality is available to all who have the strength and position to proclaim and defend their divinity from other would-be gods. The narrative, brilliantly read by Dick Hill, is a wonderful blend of history and speculation tinged with enough magic and sadism to carry it off magnificently. Smith is at the top of his game in weaving exotic adventures in this work. Very highly recommended, but for adults only. Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Third appearance of Taita, the witty but enigmatic polymath eunuch who narrated River God (1994) and reappeared largely on a 4,000-year-old papyrus scroll in The Seventh Scroll (1995). Smith's bloody actioners most often dwell on Africa's lower regions, but he also has a sweet tooth for Egyptology. While still no stylist (O Norman, O Ancient Evenings!), Smith marches swiftly whenever his action chariot wobbles ("He was riding her like a runaway horse, and she paced him, meeting the thrusting drive of his hips . . ."). This latest installment tells how Taita, following the death of Queen Lostris, turns hermit, studies the occult, and becomes a divinely purposeful warlock. Smith's great snap and liveliness have helped sell over 80 million copies worldwide. Warlock will get a major marketing campaign.
ISBN: 9780312945992 ISBN-10: 031294599X
Number Of Pages: 735
Publisher: ST MARTINS PR
Format:
Paperback
Language:
English
Dimensions (cm): 3.175 x 19.05
x 10.795
Weight (kg): 0.386
This item is categorised by:
|
|