The first book in the epic Egyptian seriesThe first book in the epic Egyptian series. ‘Fame and popularity breed envy in high places, and the adulation of the mob is fickle. they often take as much pleasure in tearing down the idols that they have grown tired of, as they did in elevating them in the first place. It is safer by far to live unseen and unremarked, as I always attempt to do’ An … do’ An ancient kingdom. An incredible destiny. Taita is a humble sale; an expert in art, poetry, medicine, and engineering, as well as keeping important secrets, he is the most treasure possession of Lord Intef. Yet when Intef’s beautiful daughter Lostris is married to the Pharaoh, Taita is commanded to follow her, and swiftly finds himself deeper than he ever could have imagined in a world of deception and treachery. But outside the palace, the great kingdom of Egypt is divided, and in even greater danger. Enemies threaten on all sides, and only Taita holds the power to save them all…
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A favorite of mine.
Loved it. The first wilbur smith I ever read. Great historical novel of Egypt with
great character’s and lots of adventure. I have since read every smith book I can get my hands on. Highly recommended.
Another great book from one of the all time great writers. Reading Wilber Smith is a pleasure & if you chose you will not ever regretted reading this really terrific book set in a time that is,that seems so real for a fictionalstory
Well written… Hard to put down…!!!
interesting, got to be predictable
I have read other Wilbur Smith books, and whatever the subject, they have been, without exception, page turners until the end. An excellent and evocative story of ancient Egypt so immersive, you feel that you are there. I will but Mr. Smith’s books just on the strength of his name on the cover, he is that good.
I love to read both historical and historical fiction and when I choose historical fiction one of the places I LOVE to visit is ancient Egypt. The royals and the common peoples of the day had such interesting lives. From what they wore, what they ate, their religious beliefs, how they made war, how they made love it all fascinates me. The story is told by the most powerful slave, yes, slave in the House of the Royals. He is a eunuch, (common in those days, to preserve the virtue of the royal women), but he is no ordinary slave, he is a physician, surgeon (performs a trepanation….look it up.}….an artist, an alchemist, and nearly single handedly saves his royal charges. Loved this book.
I enjoyed it so much that I read the follow up RIVER GOD. Wilbur Smith is one of my favorite authors. I have never read a book that he has written that I did not enjoy.
I like this author but it just couldn’t get into the story. I very slow beginning for me.
This is one book that I would put on every ones to do list as a book that does it all for anyone who like fantasy/ Egypt/magic and time in the past and the present. This is a wonderful ( in the real meaning of the word ) book and it is a fantastic read.
Could not get enough of it. Couldn’t read it fast enough. Brilliant. Perfect. One of the best books of Wilbur Smith.
Totally awful.
One of the most entertaining and enthralling novels I’ve ever read, vast in scope, but excellent on the small details of character and life in ancient Egypt. (Which is not to say accurate; I wouldn’t know, but this is pleasure, not history.) I’ve only read five or six of Smith’s novels, and this was the best. They have all been exciting, filled with action and well written, not great literature but fun to read. (These were not his more recent novels.) Note that the violence is often very graphic, and the romantic relationship is sensual (though not as, uh, specific as some current “romances”.) A sweeping, adventure-filled, colorful story that also introduces an unforgettable character, Taita, a eunuch slave who narrates the story and has influence in everything. Tatia continues in the sequel “Warlock”, which is even more vast in scope and almost as entertaining. I listened to much of the book on audio, read well by Dick Hill, and it made my long commute much more pleasant.
Another winner for fans of Wilber Smith.
Another great read by Wilbur Smith. Throughly enjoyed.