Helpful Score: 4
Another good book for Egyptian lovers. This is the tale of ancient Gods. It is about Tanus, a warrior and a beautiful woman, Lady Lustris, who would be queen. Travel with this author into ancient Egypt: the battles, the passion, their worship and everyday lives. Well researched fiction novel-if you like the history of the Valley of the Kings, this book will take you there. Historically accurate. A masterpiece in my opinion! A well written story, full of drama and mystery. I loved it!
One of the most interesting books I have ever read. Wilbur Smith takes you there. Exquisitly written with a true flavor of the time. I would read anything he has written. (I try to). One of my very favorite authors and books.
Helpful Score: 3
Smith does his research - I always learn something from his books. tj
Library Journal
Lostris, a new princess of ancient Egypt, is in love with the dashing army officer Tanus, whom she has known since childhood. But a nobleman who ruined Tanus's father and schemes to do the same to Tanus gets in the way. Determined to win Lostris and win revenge for his father, Tanus sets out with his army to rid the kingdom of the bandit clans that leech the wealth of the kingdom. The story is told from the perspective of Taita, a eunuch slave. Strutting about with all the substance of cardboard, the tale's comic book characters manage to have talents and characteristics that emerge just in the nick of time to move the story along. Narrator Dick Hill does his best to breathe some life into the story line. Quite often, Taita's narrative comes to a dead halt as he explains some fact or ritual that usually has little relevance to the action. Still, it is these compelling details of ancient Egyptian life that are the saving grace of the story.
Library Journal
Lostris, a new princess of ancient Egypt, is in love with the dashing army officer Tanus, whom she has known since childhood. But a nobleman who ruined Tanus's father and schemes to do the same to Tanus gets in the way. Determined to win Lostris and win revenge for his father, Tanus sets out with his army to rid the kingdom of the bandit clans that leech the wealth of the kingdom. The story is told from the perspective of Taita, a eunuch slave. Strutting about with all the substance of cardboard, the tale's comic book characters manage to have talents and characteristics that emerge just in the nick of time to move the story along. Narrator Dick Hill does his best to breathe some life into the story line. Quite often, Taita's narrative comes to a dead halt as he explains some fact or ritual that usually has little relevance to the action. Still, it is these compelling details of ancient Egyptian life that are the saving grace of the story.
Helpful Score: 2
I'll be honest - I'm sort of a skeptic when it comes to reading books written by male authors, but since I was interested in learning about ancient Egypt, I decided to give it a try. It was surprisingly good, and I've read it quite a number of times already. :) Definately one to check out!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was excellent! I highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
The first person protagonist was a little hard to get into, but after that I loved the book. It was a good mixture of history and storytelling, I probably would have preferred a little more emphasis on the history ala Patrick O'Brian's novels. I will definitely read more of Wilbur Smith
An interesting look at fictional ancient Egypt
This is a well written book that is very believable.
Really interesting novel about Egypt around 1700BC, when it was invaded by charioteers from Asia Minor (horses were unknown at the time in Egypt)
Great book you simply can't put down. From the beginning to the end of the book, Wilbur Smith keeps you captivated by the love story as well as description of ancient Egypt. I highly recommend this book.
I really liked this book. I wasn't sure I'd like a book written from a male point of view as this was, but it was a good read.
A novel of ancient egypt,land of the pharaohs
Slow going at first but I quickly got into this book, wonderfully written and fantastic story.
Excellent book, must read!
Ancient Egypt. Land of the Pharaohs. A kingdom built on gold. A legend shattered by greed... A great story about ancient Egypt. It will be very hard to put this book down. You will want the sequel called "The Seventh Scroll". Binding on my copy of River God is a bit torn.
AMAZING! This was definitely one of the best books I've read in awhile! I love Wilbur Smith, and he did NOT disappoint! Excellent!
Interesting look at life in Ancient Egypt as seen thru the eyes of a very intelligent slave.
This book is really interesting! I love historical novels and this one is really good.
For Tanus, the fair-haired young lion of a warrior, the gods have decreed that he will lead Egypt's army in a bold attempt to reunite the Kingdom's shattered halves. But Tanus will have to defy the same gods to attain the reward they have forbidden him, and object more prized than battle's glory: possession of the Lady Lostris, a rare beauty with skin the color of oiled cedar-destined for the adoration of a nation, and the love of one extraordinary man.
International bestselling author Wilbur Smith, creator of two dozen highly acclaimed novels, draws readers into a magnificent, richly imagined saga. Exploding with all the drama, mystery and rage of a bygone time, River God is a masterpiece from a storyteller at the height of his powers.
International bestselling author Wilbur Smith, creator of two dozen highly acclaimed novels, draws readers into a magnificent, richly imagined saga. Exploding with all the drama, mystery and rage of a bygone time, River God is a masterpiece from a storyteller at the height of his powers.
this is one of my old favorite books. the slave Taita narrates this book about egypt and Tanus. the history is a littel skewed but the novel si wonderful story. you can read about Taita who is a wonderfu "doctor" of his time. it is an imagined look into a time of a bygone era that is a wonderful story told by a masterful sroryteller.. my copy (not the one offered here) is old and will be read again sometime.
Novel about ancient Egypt.
Favorite author and a favorite book!
Exciting account of Egyptian life approx. 1,700 yrs. BC. Narrator (Taita) is a castrated slave who is master of many talents (engineering, medicine) and advisor to royalty during period when the Hyksos invaded Egypt with superior military equipment and tactics.
Ancient Egypt. Land of the Pharaohs. A kingdom built on gold. A legend shattered by greed.... Now the Valley of Kings lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood, as weak men inherit the cherished crown. For Tanus, the fair-haired young lion of a warrior, the gods have decreed that he will lead Egypt's army in a bold attempt to reunite the Kingdom's shattered halves. But Tanus will have to defy the same gods to attain the reward they have forbidden him, an object more prized than battle's glory: possession of the Lady Lostris, a rare beauty with skin the color of oiled cedar - destined for the adoration of a nation, and the love of one extraordinary man.
