Warlock by Wilbur Smith (Egyptian Series Book 3)

Book Blurb

A RULER DRIVEN BY GREED
THE FUTURE OF EGYPT AT STAKE
ONLY ONE MAN HAS THE POWER TO RESTORE BALANCE

In his long life, Taita has gone from slave to warlock, and now his wisdom and abilities are known throughout the kingdom. But even his immense skills cannot protect those close to him from the evil that lurks at the heart of Egypt in the form of Lord Naja, self-proclaimed Regent until the Prince comes of age.

Taita must summon all of his formidable gifts to protect the true ruler, the young prince Nefer – grandson of Queen Lostris. As enemy forces join together to bring destruction to the whole land, it is no longer a matter of simple magic. To defeat the false Pharaohs, the gods and armies must share their powers with a mortal warlock . . .

My Review
I am really enjoying reading Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian series and today I am reviewing the third instalment Warlock. This book takes us back to ancient Egypt and back to the main character from book one Taita. After the death of Queen Lostris Taita has lived in the deserts of Egypt for fourteen years, but in a dream he is visited by the Queen who asks that he go back to protect her Grandson Prince Nefer. Nefer is in danger from Lord Naja, his regent, and with Taita’s help he prepares for the battle for his life and his right to rule Egypt.

After the second book, The Seventh Scroll, was based in the present it was nice to be back in ancient Egypt and be be back with Taita. Taita has changed over the years, he is less vain, and from his years in the desert he has found a sense of self and new magical powers, that add a whole new dimension to his character.
The one constant is his love for Lostris, and his love for her grandson Nefer whom he protects with his life. Nefer is only fourteen when we meet him, but has to grow up quickly after the death of his father and with a threat on his life. I enjoyed the relationship between Taita and Nefer, like a father and son and mentor and student, Taita gives him the self belief to believe he can be a great leader. There were plenty of other brilliant characters including Nefer’s betrothed Mintaka, and his sister Princess Merykana who are both headstrong and confident.

What I like most about these books is the historical aspect. I am fascinated by this period in history, how in the East cultures were so advanced, their engineering, politics, how they were ruled and their beautiful architecture. Wilbur Smith is brilliant at bringing out these details; how Egypt was ruled, the betrayal and conspirisies at play and the army with it’s chariots, weapons available and the organisation. One of my favourite parts of the book was when Nefer had to run the Red Road, a series of tasks to be taken to cement his role as Pharoh of Egypt. This was edge of my seat, breathtaking reading; wrestling, running though a wall of fire, having to fight other soldiers to the death.

When reading a series you always worry that the books may not be as good as the first, but Wilbur Smith has kept the standards and quality at a high level. I loved the new magical aspect to Taita’s character, it added a new element to the books and especially to the plot of this book. Warlock is full of adventure, betrayal, battles, romance and action that made its such an addictive read. Add to this a the comprehensive historical detail, the attention to detail and wonderful prose and you get a perfect piece of historical fiction. To say I’m excited about the next book, The Quest is an understatement. You can read the reviews of the previous books here; River God (The Egyptian Series Book 1) by Wilbur Smith The Seventh Scroll (The Egyptian Series Book 2) by Wilbur Smith.

I would like to thank Zeus books and Tracy Fenton from Compulsive Readers for my copy of this book in return for my honest review.