Warlock: A Novel of Ancient Egypt [Hardcover]

Wilbur Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 2001

One of the world's most acclaimed adventure writers returns to the world of ancient Egypt with the stunning sequel to the New York Times bestselling River God.

Hidden away in the vast and forbidding deserts of North Africa, Taita has passed the years since the death of his beloved Queen Lostris in prayer and study. He has become the Warlock, wise in the lore of the ancient Gods, and adept of magic and the supernatural. Now Taita answers the summons from the beyond. He leaves the desert vastness and returns to the world of men, to find himself plunged into a terrible conflict against the forces of evil which threaten to overwhelm the throne and the realm of Egypt, and to destroy the young prince Nefer, who is the grandson of Queen Lostris. With vivid depictions of battle and intrigue, of love and passion, with fascinating characters both good and evil, Wilbur Smith brings to life in colorful detail the world of ancient Egypt. This is a masterful feat of story-telling by one of the world's best-selling authors. It is Wilbur Smith at the peak of his formidable powers.

Editorial Reviews

From 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.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

(The Seventh Scroll) returns us to a land steeped in mystery and magic. Following the death of his queen and lover, Lostris, Taita, introduced in River God, seeks refuge as a hermit in the desert, where he studies magic. Now, over 200 years old, his extraordinary powers undiminished, Taita is the guardian and teacher of Nefer, the grandson of his beloved Lostris. When the Pharaoh is killed, 14-year-old Nefer must defeat his treacherous regent with the help of Taita to reclaim his throne and double crown. Smith's depiction of Egypt is well researched, vivid, and thoroughly believable. This most recent novel by a master storyteller is resplendent with all the power and pageantry of Egypt, the center of civilization of the ancient world. A major marketing campaign is planned. Recommended.
- Jane Baird, Anchorage Municipal Libs.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 1st edition (May 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312278233
• ISBN-13: 978-0312278236
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (120 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933. He was educated at Michaelhouse and Rhodes University. After the successful publication of WHEN THE LION FEEDS in 1964 he became a full-time writer, and has since written 30 novels, all meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His books have been translated into twenty-six different languages

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Warlock's Powers are Waning., April 26, 2001

By 

Garth (Dubai, UAE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Warlock: A Novel of Ancient Egypt (Hardcover)

In 'River God' Wilbur Smith created magic, intrigue and character with Taita - the slave, eunuch, Pharoah's confidant, artist, architect and bombast. Readers could not get enough of him, and salivated at the prospect of his return, finding glimpses of him in 'The Seventh Scroll'.'

In Warlock, Taita returns : ancient, arcane and mystic from his hidden desert cave, where he'd been communing with his beloved mistress Lostris-she's now a Goddess in the pantheon and his protector. She wants him to return to action and save her grandson, Nefer Memnon-the boy pharoah from the turmoil and intrigue that will arise with the assassination of her son and present pharoah Tamose.

It's open season for the slaying of gods as both Tamose and Apepi, the Hyksos pharoah are brutally murdered by rivals who plot to rule both the upper and lower kingdom and rule the world. From this turmoil, Taita extricates Nefer and Mintaka-Apepi's daughter and smoothens their ongoing romance, even as they rebuild their lost kingdoms in the deserted city of Gallala.

In the midst of the battles and the political intrigue, Taita's formidable new weapons of magic and his shadowy presence overlook all the principal characters: he is 'the magus'- the warlock and adversary to his enemies, and 'Tata'- the father figure to his friends.

The 'River God'is by far, the best book that Wilbur Smith has written and you can see him trying hard to replicate his success by building on the character of Taita. But without Tanus and Lostris-Taita's god and goddess, he struggles to find inspiration. Or, did Wilbur Smith make the fatal mistake of forgetting that we liked Taita when he told us his story in a first person narrative, so that we could laugh and cry with his charms and foibles?

Wilbur Smith's fans all over the world will find it strange that 'Warlock'is the first book that is not dedicated to his wife, Danielle. Instead he has a new love in his life, and I suspect that his present romance kept him from fleshing out the characters of Nefer and the villain Naja in better detail. Still, a page-turner for all of us Taita fans and Egyptologists. Let's just appeal to Wilbur Smith and say : 'Make Warlock the second part of your trilogy (ignoring 'The Seventh Scroll'which is set in modern times) and we'll ensure that it is compulsory reading, before he comes out with the concluding book in the Taita series.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Warlock is a page turner, June 12, 2001

By 

Robert Busko (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Warlock: A Novel of Ancient Egypt (Hardcover)

What a great summer read. I took Warlock everywhere I went, including my daughters wedding to be sure that when I had a free minute I could slide off somewhere quiet and read. I found Warlock to be a suspenseful and intriguing read. While I am still somewhat new to Wilbur Smith (I've read Birds of Prey, Monsoon and River God) I feel like I've just watched a Errol Flynn movie when I've finished with his books. All of the books I have read are full of high adventure. Warlock is the best one yet.

The young Nefer orphaned by the underhanded assassin Naha. The old Warlock's work is cut out for him. The book is comprised of one adventure after the other until the new king is victorious and settled in his throne with his young queen.

Great characters. Plot is wonderful and finely spun like a spider web. Scenes are so well described that you can taste the Nile or feel the heat of the desert.

I'll read it again.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Please Wilbur, write the next one already!, May 19, 2001

By 

Levs (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Warlock: A Novel of Ancient Egypt (Hardcover)

It seems I await every new Wilbur Smith novel with an increasing level of expectation, probably since his last few books, starting with 'Birds of Prey' are some of my favourites. In 'Warlock', WS takes us back to Egypt and most importantly to Taita, one of his most beloved characters. Once again, treachery threatens to overthrow Egypt and the House of Tamose, built by Tanus and Queen Lostris of 'River God' fame. Taita is back and ready to serve his long dead Queen, however this time his powers are stronger than ever.

To be in the "presence" of Taita again, as well as the descendants of Lostris and Tanus, was a pleasure, and I relished every second spent imagining the vital, thriving world of ancient Egypt under the strong guidance of WS.

Full of convincing heroes (like always), hissable villains, entertaining plot twists and a swift narrative, 'Warlock' is the epitome of adventure fiction and demonstrates Smith's gift for creating interesting characters and exciting stories. Go buy it and see for yourself.

PS I loved the plot point involving Heseret - it seems there is always a bad egg in Smith's families.