Wilbur Smith - River God

Review by Linda Thomas
This was one of my all time favourites of Wilbur Smith. Ancient Egypt, an epic journey, heroic battles and an enduring love.
I had read many of Wilbur Smith starting with the Courtney family (all based in South Africa), but after many Courtney books, I grew a little tired of them so went looking for other authors to read. But eventually, when I was looking for a book to read on holiday, and working at the library, I was drawn back to Wilbur Smith as I always enjoyed his books. I was so glad.
I lived this book, I couldn’t wait to get back to it, to Egypt. He brought this ancient civilization to life in my mind. I loved the loyal eunuch, Taita, who loved his Egyptian queen and would protect her with his life as he would the warrior Tanus
As for blood and violence, yes they are present in this book (they are found and most Wilbur Smith books) but the violence in River God is well integrated with the other ingredients of the story and just depicts life as it was. The attention to detail is incredible and you really get to love and hate the characters
‘Ancient Egypt. Land of the Pharaohs. A kingdom built on gold. A legend shattered by greed... Now the Valley of the Kings lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood, as weak men inherit the cherished crown’.
The story is told by Egyptian slave, Taita. He tells the turbulent story of his mistress, Lostris, and her lover, Tanus.
Lostris, the lover of Tanus became Queen of the upper Kingdom in the rule when she married the former Pharaoh. Later they had a son, Memnon who became the next Pharoah. A voyage to go to the south had to be made on the river Nile, simply an exile from energy forces, the Hyksos. The queen make a promised to the people of Egypt that she will return from the south back to Thebes.

I just can’t do this book enough justice. It is brilliant, I kept re-reading the last pages as I didn’t want it to finish. You must read it.