I've only read a couple of Wilbur A Smith's book, but have enjoyed them. I realize he will use violence and heartbreak to help the story to fit within the historical period and regional area he's writing about. However this book went way over the top. I could only imagine he must have been in a lousy mood when he wrote the ending.

The book starts off quite well introducing us to the characters. Although one of the main characters, O'Flynn, has your typical "Smith" qualities, he is also rather a cad. Brave for one instace cowardly in another. Always looking out only himself no matter who it hurts whether it's his daughter, his partner Sebastian, or his faithful companion Mohammed. The adventure in the book is exciting and does keep you on the edge of your seat. Part II is about rage and revenge, with each character tetering on madness. The pace continues to build to an explosive climax.

Sounds I liked the book, right? Well I did until the end. There is no satisfaction here. Yes I know Smith tends to kill off a hero or two, however usually the book ends with a somewhat happy, or at least normal, ending. Not here. Quite simply: EVERYBODY DIES. The good, the bad, and even the ugly. The villian doesn't even die horribly. He just vanishes. You sit reading the last couple of pages feeling depressed and empty. I bought this book in London to read on a flight back to Los Angeles. I just left it on the plane. Take my advice. Smith has so many better books than this. If you're looking for something along this line, try his book "Cry Wolf". It's just as exciting and also has a clever and satisfying ending.

Unarguably, this book is yet an other one of Mr.Smith's Captivating Best ! If you lack the flair for adventure,this book is definitely not for you.This is in retaliation to 'someone' who openly derogated Mr. Smith and his works.Although,some of his works may reflect ruthless gore and lots of violence, the fact is that one being able to imajine and be involved deeply with the scenes and characters as described by him only proves how vivid and clear his descriptions are.When it comes to 'describing',Wilbur Smith is invincible.It requires deeper imajination and reading in between the lines than just racing through plain text to enjoy Mr.Smith's works.'Thou shalt not blameth,if thou not understandeth. I Would reverse the allegations on Smith and would confidently say that you'll never get bored of any book by Wilbur Smith!

This work is another brilliant action/adventure story from Wilbur Smith. While it did have Mr. Smith's typical assortment of blood and violence, what made it stand out so much to me was O'Flynn's hilarious antics.