Overview
These audiobooks from Macmillan UK offer abridged readings of some of the world¹s most popular authors. Handsomely packaged, they feature readings by eminent actors of the stage and screen, including James Fox, Martin Shaw, Tim Pigott-Smith, and David Rintoul.Synopsis
After the death of his beloved Queen Lostris, Taita retreats into the forbidding deserts of North Africa to become a hermit. He devotes himself to the study of the occult, and armed with these extraordinary powers, he gradually transforms into a warlock. After many years, he finally discovers the divine purpose in his bereavement when he is called upon to save the dynasty of Lostris from the clouds of evil that loom over Egypt. Exploding with all the drama and mystery of a bygone time, Warlock is a masterpiece from a storyteller at the height of his powers.
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.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
Like all of Wilbur Smith's more than two dozen novels, this saga of ancient Egypt is meticulously researched and unfolds as seamlessly as a grandmaster's chess game — one move at a time. Classic adventure fiction.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.From the Publisher
"Action is Wilbur Smith's game, and he is a master."—The Washington Post Book World"Fascinating...[a] magical sequel to River God."—Tulsa World
"Brilliant...irresistible and impossible to put down."—Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX)