A brand new Courtney Series novel by bestselling author, Wilbur Smith. 1754. Inseparable since birth and growing up in India, Theo and Connie Courtney are torn apart by the tragic death of their parents. Theo, wracked with guilt, strikes a solitary path through life. Haunted by the spirits of lovers and family members, he is determined to atone for his mistakes. He seeks salvation in combat … seeks salvation in combat and conflict, joining the British in the war against the French and Indian army.
Believing herself abandoned by her brother, and abused and brutalised by a series of corrupt guardians, Connie vows never to let any man own her. Instead, she uses her beauty to manipulate her way to France, where she is welcomed into high society. But Connie once again finds herself at the mercy of vicious men, whose appetite for war and glory lead her to the frontlines of the French battlefield in North America.
As the siblings find their destinies converging once more, they realise that the vengeance and redemption they both desperately seek could cost them their lives . . .
An epic story of tragedy, loss, betrayal and courage that brings the reader deep into the seething heart of the French Indian War.
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I have been a fan of Wilbur Smith since the mid 1960s when I read his first Courtney family adventure When the Lion Feeds and I have read every book since. I have to say that I do prefer his historical novels including the Egyptian series rather than his more modern books, so I would pleased to see that Ghost Fire returns to the past.
It is a wonderful adventure with Theo and Constance Courtney living and surviving the conflicts that devastate their family and force them into dire situations in order to survive. This was not a good time for women and whilst Constance does not come across as particularly likeable, she had to be tough to stay alive. Theo is created more in the usual Courtney mold, brave, daring and willing to sacrifice everything for love. From the heat and exotic India to the woods and British and French struggle for dominance in America, this is action packed and fast paced. I enjoyed and thought the collaboration with Tom Harper worked very well.
Wilber Smith’s saga of the Courtney family goes back to the 1700s, dealing with the long-standing series of wars between the English and French. In this case, siblings Theo and Connie are orphaned in India, then separated – Theo heading towards America while Connie heads to France. (Aside: For those who cry “spoiler” – it’s in the blurb on the back cover.) Theo thinks Connie is dead, while Connie thinks Theo abandoned her.
In a novel like this, “incredible coincidences” are commonplace. Most books with the theme of “people separated” find their paths crossing, directly or indirectly, throughout the book – and this is no exception. If a reader cannot deal with such things, they are well advised to pick up another book, indeed another style of book! However, I found this to be a page-turner, tying together historical events to weave an incredible and enjoying tale.
RATING: 4 ½ stars, rounded down to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
Ghost Fire is the 18th book in the Courtney series and all I can say is that this is the first book by Wilbur Smith I have read. That being said, I loved this book so much I have decided to read the whole series!
This book has everything in it; adventure, history, war, and it takes place all over the world. A brother and sister, after a horrible accident takes their parent’s lives, have to go on. Theo is 14, and his sister is 16, and Theo promises to always be there for his sister, Constance. Unfortunately, war separates them for over three years.
Theo winds up going to the colonies in North America, and then lives with an Indian tribe where he marries a young woman. Circumstances happen and he goes into the army to fight the French.
Constance winds up in france, after marrying an officer (to be able to leave India) and when he treats her terribly, she goes to Paris.
Constance and Theo have grown up so differently since they parted, and during a battle between the French, English and Indians Theo is captured. Constance sees him right away in the jail and helps him escape. At that point in time, Connie tells him she will go back to France to live.
This book was so amazing, had beautiful writing, and the descriptions made me believe I was there living in that time.
I gave this book 5 stars and am so glad I received this ARC or I would not have stumbled upon such a great author!
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A Brother’s Love
This story starts out in India, and travels to France, America and Canada. The story is of a brother and a sister who become orphans when the French invade their town in India. Throughout the book Theo searches for and tries to protect his sister Constance.
This is the second of Wilbur Smith’s books I have read. I love the vivid descriptions of the country and the people living there. The characters are vivacious and full of life. The story is told with so much feeling I could almost feel the ground shake as the elephants walked. I could almost smell the gun powder in battle, and hear the cries of the wounded.
As the travels continue and the young people become adults the book continues to keep me interested. There is not a dull moment in this book. There is love, passion, war, tragedy, hope and despair. I think it runs the gauntlet of emotions, but it is built on excitement and adventure, taking me to places I have never been and sights I have never seen.
I will definitely be reading more of Wilbur Smith’s books. I truly recommend this book it has been a wonderful journey.
Thanks to Wilbur Smith, Bonnier Jaffre and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
A brilliant book by Wilbur Smith and Tom Harper. Excellent background and a super page-turning plot that goes from India to North Amarica in the early eighteen century at the time of the Anglo-French wars. I just couldn’t put this one down. As usual, Wilbur Smith never disappoints. Highly recommended.
David Hodges
Every Wilbur Smith book is great. I anxiously await the next one.
He has been my favorite author for many years and again does not let me down. It is Africa and a great adventure and one for all ages.
This author is just great all his novels are grest reads
Very entertaining with unpredictable twist would recommend anyone who want a good book to read